Question: I have seen some rockabilly gigs where people actually **stand on the double bass**.

For instance:

![enter image description here](https://i.stack.imgur.com/Ankj5.jpg)

and

How is this possible? I haven't tried it myself, but if I try to stand on my double bass, I'm pretty sure it's going to be wrecked.

Answer: 
Effectively, the image and video prove that a double bass is stronger than you imagine.

There are angles at which you wouldn't want to step on a double bass, but at the positions shown, it will safely hold an average weight person.

You wouldn't want to try this with an expensive instrument, but a rockabilly bassist is unlikely to be using a high-end bass. Subtleties of tone are not important in this kind of music, and there's a certain thrift-shop glamour to having a beaten-up instrument.
I have been told that "Reinforced upright basses" are the kind that are strong enough to be stood on, and for rock gigs are better because they have less feedback than a nonreinforced upright bass. However, to get a nice reinforced one I have been told is around 4,000, although I know you can get them for cheaper if you aren't worried about the quality. I have no experience with upright basses, but I am an electric bassist and asked someone I know who plays upright basses and that is what he told me.