Shoegaze is actually called that because the bands all have a ton of effects pedals, and they’re constantly changing settings and moving from pedal to pedal. So it looks like they’re staring at their shoes. I’ve never heard of it referring to spectators, though in hindsight I’ve done that a couple of times at shows, so...maybe?

Remember kids: you can buy musicians ear-plugs that mean you can keep listening to it your whole life without crippling phantom noise all the time.

Wow that’s a new one to me, never really noticed people doing that at a show. I guess I’m not really paying much attention to the crowd anyway though. Thanks for the explanation!