I have a controversial question, which I'm aware may lead to shunning:
Is anyone *not* a fan of live shows, in general? Any venue -- coffeehouse, huge arena, 300-seat theatre.
Because the time has come. I have to stop pretending. Live shows do very very little for me. The one exception, of course, is jazz, because so much of it -- at least, the shows I go to -- is very loose and improvisational.
But for pretty much all other musicians -- even ones I am apeshit crazy about -- live shows don't really thrill me.
I realize I'm posting this on a thread with actual musicians who play actual live gigs, and I mean no offense to y'all.
So. Anyone else feel that way, or am I the lone insane infidel?
The one exception, of course, is jazz, because so much of it -- at least, the shows I go to -- is very loose and improvisational.
I think I see where you're coming from. You want something from the music that you can't get by listening to the CDs? I've been to plenty of rock shows that give me that, though obviously the more a band utilizes improvisation, the more that need is satisfied. But, for me, there's also an immediacy I get at live shows that can't be replicated in a recording studio -- it's that connection between artist and audience. The live bands I like the best are the ones where 1) you never know what you're gonna get and/or 2) the live versions of the songs have an emotional presence lacking on the CD. Bands that don't have either of those things? I'll see 'em occasionally, but won't go out of my way for them.
I have to add that the smoking ban in Boston/Cambridge has added
immeasurably
to my enjoyment of going out to clubs.
I think I see where you're coming from. You want something from the music that you can't get by listening to the CDs?
Yes, that! Exactly.
But, for me, there's also an immediacy I get at live shows that can't be replicated in a recording studio -- it's that connection between artist and audience.
And see, I totally understand that immediacy, and why it's important to a lot of people, but for some reason it's not, for me.
I have to add that the smoking ban in Boston/Cambridge has added immeasurably to my enjoyment of going out to clubs.
While I certainly don't enjoy it, I can't imagine going to my favorite jazz club without there being a thick haze of smoke covering the room by the end of the night.
Is anyone *not* a fan of live shows, in general? Any venue -- coffeehouse, huge arena, 300-seat theatre.
Me.
It's a rare act that can overcome my dislike of shows.
One more reason I love Plei.
I can't imagine going to my favorite jazz club without there being a thick haze of smoke covering the room by the end of the night.
I thought I might miss it too -- the ban has only been in effect for a year or two. But the part where you leave the club and don't stink? More than makes up for loss of "atmosphere".
I think I see where you're coming from. You want something from the music that you can't get by listening to the CDs? I've been to plenty of rock shows that give me that, though obviously the more a band utilizes improvisation, the more that need is satisfied.
Tom Waits live is so amazing - the songs are very different from the CDs. Also, the musicians he tours with tend to be very good. If you ever get a chace to see Mr. Waits live, kill everyone who stands in your way of tickets.
I have to add that the smoking ban in Boston/Cambridge has added immeasurably to my enjoyment of going out to clubs.
It's only a partial ban here, you're sooo lucky.
I love live shows. I love rock shows in bars, coffeehouses, folk festivals. I am not impressed with arena/stadium concerts. Too big and cold. Maybe if I was in the front row...but I don't think they are for me.
But then again, I don't go to many live shows these days. Mostly because the clubs where bands I like play start the show at midnight at the earliest, and I am becoming an old fart. I have to know it's going to be good to come home tired and smoky.
If you ever get a chace to see Mr. Waits live, kill everyone who stands in your way of tickets.
That's a given ;>
