The First Rule of Audience Behavior

I went to see K.T. Tunstall's concert Saturday night.  She's one of those artists that likes to have a little chat with the audience in between songs.  I was reminded of this rule:

When the singer talks, laugh.  Even if what they say isn't funny.

There are only two exceptions:

Exception one:  If the singer mentions a place that is nearby or that you have been to (Pascagoula, MS, say, or, in Saturday's case, Port Townsend, WA), don't laugh.  Scream.  Hey! She just mentioned somewhere you've been! Whoooooooooooooooo!!!

Exception two:  If the singer mentions his or her disapproval of the war in Iraq, cheer/boo based on the concert's location (Portland, OR:  cheer; Tulsa, OK: boo).

Audiences routinely laugh at even the stupidest things performers say.  It's unreal.  Maybe it's why Eddie Murphy tried to switch from comedy to music.  The audiences are such suckers.