Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge
No, it wasn't a Meat Loaf show. I had to witness that at a Bruce Springsteen concert. It were predominantly older people who were leaving  while a large number of young people (who probably couldn't afford a ticket) were sitting outside the venue, hoping to hear some of the music. Fans and people who aren't well-off usually spend their money on artists / shows they are really interested in and they only walk out early if the performance is very bad. People who just go to a concert because of the artists' famous name or a handful of hits they know are more likely to complain or leave early if they don't like it.
If music is an essential part of your life, you perceive and judge things differently than a casual listener. Many people seem to have restricted preferences and fixed expectations and aren't that open-minded anymore when it comes to music. I also think it's much harder to get people interested in music these days. |
I just want to backup everything that Sarge has been saying here. I have seen a big change in attitude amongst concertgoers as well. [Rant on] It's fine if someone is not a diehard fan of the band, but if they're playing a song people don't know or don't like, I wish they would STFU and don't ruin it for others who are enjoying it. I've gone to concerts where I don't know every song, but I feel that I've paid my money, so I'm going to LISTEN, and not text on my phone or chat with my neighbors, or go on my umteenth bathroom or beer run. And speaking of phones, I cannot believe the number of people who watch the
entire show through the view finder on their phone or camera. Hello, there are
live people on the stage!
And besides, your arms are in my way. (I have no problems with people taking a pic here and there) I'm going to agree with Steve6 and say, yes, it is their loss, but it's also rude to others who have paid their money as well.[Rant off]
Speaking of Springsteen specifically, he has never been one to play a "Greatest Hits" show, and that's one of the reasons I love going to see him. I do think he does a good job of mixing it up, but for some people, ALL they want to hear are the hits, and they're not going to get that from him. Personally, I wish he would have played more slow songs the last couple of tours, but there would have been a mass exodus to the bathrooms if he did that. (And he knows it, I'm sure) I didn't see any shows on the
Devils & Dust Tour, which was solo acoustic. But, from what I hear, there were often obnoxious people who would be calling for "Rosalita" or some such, to the point where Bruce had to ask people to STFU. Did they buy a ticket without knowing what type of show it was?
I think people's attention spans are just too short now days, and they have no patience to hear new things. It takes a lot more to excite/ interest people.
I also agree with what Sarge has said regarding people going to shows just because they can afford it- they surely don't appreciate it. That's why I think it's disgusting that bands like Bon Jovi charge $1300 for a front-row seat (granted, you get some swag, but it ain't all that). I'm sure there are tons of true fans who would love to be there and can't afford to. I would imagine the artist would prefer enthusiastic fans up front, but what do I know.
OK, rant off
now.
