Fans are resorting to wearing diapers and extreme queuing tactics to secure front-row spots at concerts, driven by social media clout and intense fandom culture. Olivia Rodrigo recently revealed she had smelled evidence of this practice at her shows, saying: “People wear diapers so that they can be front row … That’s been an experience as a performer that I have smelled.”
Widespread incidents
Similar incidents have occurred at concerts by Noah Kahan, Morgan Wallen, and Sabrina Carpenter. At a Noah Kahan gig, video of a worker cleaning up human excrement went viral, prompting Kahan to post on X: “If you have to poop at a show please dear god just go to the bathroom lmao.” A fan of Morgan Wallen complained that he, his brother, and his niece were urinated on by another concertgoer, and police are investigating. In 2024, someone urinated on the floor at a Sabrina Carpenter concert, leading to a run on so-called “pit diapers.”
Root causes
Since the pandemic, front-row spots have become more coveted due to the cost of VIP pit tickets, the growth of stan culture, and the social media value of clear gig footage. Surprise cameos and interactive moments built into pop shows have increased the premium on barrier positions. Fans now adhere to strict fan-run queue conventions, cross-venue sprints, and specialist hydration systems.
Some fans interviewed at a Harry Styles concert expressed horror at the idea of wearing a nappy. Eloise, 23, who once queued 10 hours for the barrier, said: “I think that’s a bit ridiculous.” Keeley, 19, who started queuing at 11am, said she wouldn’t wear a nappy: “That’s not for me. Especially in this heat. It’d feel really unnatural to wee just in front of everyone.”
Hydration strategies
Seasoned fans like Katie, a Swiftie, developed hydration strategies to avoid needing the toilet. She drank water the day before and cut off liquids by midday. Energy gels and glucose tablets helped her stay conscious. “No point in getting barricade if you faint during the first era!” she said.
History and risks
Urination at concerts has a long history, dating back to Frank Sinatra and the Beatles. One fan, Fiona, attempted to use a sanitary towel at an Arctic Monkeys concert in 2014 but it overflowed, forcing her to leave her spot. She later reflected: “It was worth it … And I’m glad I have the story too.”
Queuing systems
Fan-run queue systems, often involving numbers written on hands, aim to ensure fairness but have flaws. Some artists, like Bring Me the Horizon and Louis Tomlinson, have implemented randomized entry to reduce the incentive to queue for hours. Venues like Wembley Stadium have banned camping to make the process fairer.
