5 Things To Know Before You Attend A Travis Scott Show
Written by Mandie Meier
Photo courtesy of Christopher Polk and Getty Images
As Austin City Limits Festival approaches, there are some things you should know in order to survive rapper Travis Scott’s set on Sunday.
In June 2015, I had the privilege of going to my first music festival ever, JMBLYA. Travis Scott was a headliner. I knew a couple of his songs, such as “Mamacita,” “Drugs You Should Try It” and “3500”. After all, this was pre-”Antidote.” He actually played the hit track for the JMBLYA audience before it was even released. However, it didn’t feel like I was seeing someone who had yet to gain complete mainstream stardom.
The sets leading up to Scott’s like G-Eazy, Vic Mensa, and Flatbush Zombies were intense, but I had no idea what was coming. A few minutes before the show started, a guy friend asked me if I had seen Travis before. I said no. He turned to me with a shocked look and told me good luck. Out of all the rap performers who have crazy shows, Travis Scott tops them all.
I was nervous. I’m 4’11, under 100 pounds, and I was right next to the stage. This situation wasn’t ideal for me. I watched people punching each other, multiple girls getting carried out, and people getting bloody noses.
It was the best musical experience of my life.
When preparing to see the riot-inciting rapper, there are some things to know:
1. There is a 100 percent chance he will start a mosh pit.
I’ve never heard of a Travis Scott show lacking a mosh pit. This is exciting for most people. However, when you’re a tiny human like me, it can be kind of scary. You most likely will get elbowed in the face.
Advice: First of all, if you’re under 5’5, it’s best to stay away from the pit. It’s very risky. Start at the back and work your way up to the front. If you start at the front and don’t know what’s about to hit you, it’s very hard to leave the mosh. If you do get caught in the mosh and don’t want to be in it, go with the flow and try to work your way to an open space.
To the people who do love to mosh, get ready for the best experience of your life.
2. He may ask audience members to join him on stage.
At JMBLYA, Travis asked the audience to jump the fences, fight their way past security and join him on stage. He often asks individual audience members to sing his lyrics and stage dive. This behavior incited a riot at Lollapalooza Chicago in 2015. The incident caused the rapper to get charged with disorderly conduct.
Advice: Although it’s a once in a lifetime chance, be cautious of what the consequences may be. Stage diving may be fun, but is it worth getting the show shut down?
3. You might get seriously injured.
A fan was paralyzed in 2017 after he was pushed off the balcony at Scott’s Birds Eye View New York City show. After he hit the floor, the rapper urged security to bring him to the stage. He was not put in a neck brace and wasn’t given a backboard. Scott ended up giving the fan one his most expensive rings to make up for the traumatic event. However, the fan will still be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life after being paralyzed on his left side. He sued Scott.
Advice: Be careful. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay away from the mosh if you know you can’t handle it. Go to the sides or the back. It’s still a great experience even if you’re not right up in the chaos!
4. Your clothes will get messed up in some way.
Even if you’re at the back of the crowd, there’s a high possibility that your clothes will go through hell. People are ruthless, and they don’t care about your Jordan shoes or your Louis Vuitton backpack.
Advice: Do not wear something you’re not willing to get messed up. No expensive shoes. No Supreme shirts. If you care about it, leave it at home. Wear something that’s moveable, comfortable, and light.
Also, leave the backpacks at home. When you’re trying to jump and enjoy the concert, they can get annoying. No one wants to be smacked in the face by a backpack when they’ve already been hit by 10 elbows.
Sunglasses and jewelry are probably a bad idea as well.
5. It will be the greatest rap show of your life.
Regardless of all the heat Travis Scott gets for causing trouble at his shows, it really is one of the best rap performances you can experience today.
Advice: Overall, be prepared for the worst. But, don’t let the craziness stop you from seeing and embracing this once-in-a-lifetime artist.