Concert Chaos: Harry Styles Takes a Hit, the Latest in Troubling Trend

-The incident is part of a growing pattern of concert misbehavior, as more artists face onstage disruptions and fans chase viral moments at live shows.

During his Saturday night show in Vienna, Austria, Harry Styles found himself in the line of fire when struck in the eye by a thrown object, becoming the latest victim of a troubling trend where concertgoers aim for viral moments on social media. Fan’s videos capture the singer, hit while traversing the stage, doubled over in pain, shielding his eyes with his hands.

This isn't the first time Styles has been subjected; previously, he was hit in the crotch with sunglasses and in the eye with Skittles candy during performances. At a concert in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, he faced another threat when a fan threw flower stems at him. Reports indicate that Styles has been targeted at least nine times, including during the Vienna incident.

Other Artists Have Also Fallen Victim to a Trend That Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

Unfortunately, Styles isn't alone in facing such incidents. Artists like Bebe Rexha, Pink, Drake, Kid Cudi, Steve Lacy, Kelsea Ballerini and Ava Max have also fallen victim to similar attacks. Adele, during a recent performance in Las Vegas, even issued a warning from the stage, threatening to confront anyone who throws objects at her.

Among the victims, Bebe Rexha suffered the most serious injury when a thrown phone struck her near the eye, causing her to collapse on stage. Subsequently, a 27-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

Concertgoers Are Reacting Strongly and Developing Concert Etiquette Codes on Their Social Media Platforms

“This object throwing culture is about to kill how we experience concerts & festivals moving forward. They’re about to get more expensive and more exclusive,” a person wrote on Twitter.

Ginger Sherry, another concertgoer, took to TikTok to offer advice on concert etiquette, setting forth some best practices. "Crowd energy is very contagious ... People can get out of hand and people also act differently when they’re with other people," she reported to NBC News.

See 13 Useful And Potentially Life-Saving Safety Tips For Concerts Shared By This TikToker.

But, Why Can't People Behave at Concerts Anymore?

Blame is placed on the pandemic pause and the allure of TikTok, steering concertgoers toward chasing viral moments rather than fostering respectful vibes.

Professor David Thomas from Florida Gulf Coast University, sharing insights with NBC, highlights how concert venues, akin to social media platforms, foster anonymity, encouraging impulsive behavior, intensified by the quest for ideal social media content and the presence of intoxicants.

Dr. Kirsty Sedgman, an expert in cultural studies and human behavior, discussing with Sky News, goes beyond the pandemic, suggesting ongoing trends influenced by what she terms the "disconnection economy," which prioritize individualism over community values.

As the talk about the rise in concert misbehavior keeps going, what twists could be in store? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, pandas.

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