RANT- Two Grumpy Old Guys Going to Concerts: Time to Complain! (w/Martin Popoff)

[@Mattsdmf]

I’m one of the rare people in the rock/metal community who actually doesn’t care too much for concerts at all. Now I’ve been to a few and enjoyed myself for the most part but that’s because I was invited to come along. I find them to be very expensive, crowds make me nervous and honestly, I sometimes have a hard time making out what’s being played by the band. I’m more comfortable being at home listening to a live album or watching a show then being at one.

[@godetonter4764]

Concerts suck . Albums Last , and sound better.

[@docdeens4030]

People have gotten so annoying, I'm starting to feel the same way

[@philipibaugh2925]

I'm the same way

[@jimmycampbell78]

You are not alone my friend. Not by a long chalk. I dislike concerts. Last large scale concert attended was in the 2000s.I do appreciate a gig in a small venue occasionally, but generally I despise crowds. I loathe festivals and have not attended any since the 1990s when I was in my teens. Never again.

[@ambikawolf664]

Same here. I saw the Stones in 1969 age 13... And The Who a decade later. That's it. I was young then and didn't have tinnitus.

[@justamops]

I really miss having a printed ticket to save. I have four envelopes full of old concert tickets, and it’s great that I can go back through them and reminisce - and now, to go online and find the setlists for those shows.

[@johankarlsson4357]

Same. I use a physical calendar to mark the concerts I go to now. So at least I can go through that and see which bands I saw at what venue on what date. Its not the same but the best I have come up with as a replacement.

[@legalfreedom]

I have saved every major stub (approaching 400) and one trick I've found lately is to use Will Call. They usually give physical tickets.

[@PaullyPorkchopsVids]

Starting back in the 80's, I made/make my own ticket stub for all shows where I didn't/don't get a physical ticket. Back then you didn't get a ticket stub at most places if you paid at the door and/or if you were on the guest list, so I'd just make my own for my collection. \m/

[@danzemacabre8899]

YES no doubt, I want me stoob

[@andrewdunn49ers]

Martin = Jack Lemmon Pete = Walter Matthau

[@kever8789]

Yep... allow rock and live music to keep us young, not age us! It's about finding that balance. And choosing venues and logistics that work for you and your friends. If someone in front of you is standing and rocking out, take it as a positive and stand up yourself and dance, that's just the luck (or bad luck) of the draw.

[@davidpousho4828]

When I saw Bowie I was on the edge of my seat for Suffragette City. It comes to the huge climax ("Awwww, Wham, Bam Thank You, Maam!") ........aaaaand he doesn't sing it. He just holds out the mic to the audience so they can sing it for him. BUT THAT'S WHY I BOUGHT A TICKET TO SEE YOU SING THAT VERY LINE! Years ago, still mad.

[@iluvpepi]

Arrrgh I agree!

[@SteveAuger2021]

You know this will be said at these concerts: Bruce Dickenson-Scream for me(city or venue) David Coverdale-Here's a song for ya Ozzy Osbourne-Let me see your fucking hands

[@johnpeniell9709]

Scream for me Long beach!

[@gregoryg3256]

Scream 4 me Pete & Martin ! ha ha ha

[@victormihai3929]

Light the lighters!

[@mattirealm]

James Hetfield-Yeahhhhhh ahhhhhhhh, allrightttttt, oh yeah......... (mf sucks and thinks he has stage presence of Freddie Mercury IMO) "Name any modern country artist"-Blah blah blah, trucks, blah blah blah, chicks, blah blah blah

[@jimave]

@@johnpeniell9709 I was actually at that concert!

[@mgerometta]

You guys touched on most of my complaints. I'm through with the area shows. I'll settle with small venues and clubs. Great show guys!

[@ronbartkowiak3459]

One of the most enjoyable shows in your series with Martin. I am 72 years old and still love going to concerts, especially metal and classic rock, some prog too. The concert experience has certainly changed for me over the years. Being retired certainly has it's advantages, and also being a non drinker and rather tall. I do enjoy seated shows but smaller standing shows have the advantage of being able to move away from crowd singers and assholes. I am not a fan of acoustic sets but on the rare occurrences that I see them, I am driven to rage by the ignorance of the constant yammering of morons that have no respect for the performer. If you want to talk, go the fuck home or go outside. Anyway, love your shows and am very appreciative of your efforts. Martin is a savant, and his books are epic. Thanks!

[@thomasbeck2934]

Old guys rule!

[@stevewhiteside4525]

@@thomasbeck2934 They do, but please don't wear the t-shirt saying that.

[@Rockerlady]

Every band should be forced to watch this episode and read all comments! Learn how to put on a proper concert. 😏

[@dannybursace9151]

Ha! I agree with everything you guys said! It should be common knowledge but most people need concert 101 classes

[@bgmchrisc]

A singer/band has every right to reprimand a crowd throwing shit at the stage. It isn't 'rock and roll', it's dangerous, and no one should have to put up with that kind of abuse while they're trying to do their job. Buying a ticket doesn't give you license to harass the band.

[@ScottBerry-yn8rw]

Absolutely agree that they shouldn't have to put up with that, but I think Martin's point was that the band shouldn't take it out on the entire audience by threatening to storm out. That's where security needs to remove the offending assholes that threw the thing in the first place.

[@guessundheit6494]

@@ScottBerry-yn8rw I have no love for nickelback, but when they walked off the stage as the crowd threw rocks at a show, they were in the right and I would defend their decision.

[@rick063092]

Pete’s parking lot pre-show music is spot on!! Drives me nuts hearing a greatest hits being played.. songs you’ve heard a thousand times and have paid for 1001, no need to add to the number ..

[@zebeda2160]

So true for the songs, venues should put tracks of unknown bands, that could really help them.

[@harperhellems3648]

Oh yeah! He's ranted about this before. Why o why would you listen to Freebird or Stairway in the parking lot? Oh, that's right, they're idiots.

[@ChromeDestiny]

The last time I saw The Who the pre concert music was Eric Clapton's Old Sock. I wondered a bit if The Who or the venue chose it and I wonder if whoever chose it was going for "Ha ha, check out how much better The Who are than this!"

[@pdfortune]

He is talking about tailgating not the venue. I’ve never heard the venue play music of the bands that are playing that night before the show or at the intermissions.

[@davidrogers3875]

My theory is that many people go to concerts for reasons other than the music. A million years ago when I was a student, Nico (backed by Blue Orchids) came to play at my university. To see the concert, I had to arrange to spend the night on a friends couch. Nico was.... Blue Orchids were.… It does not matter. I spent my time looking at Nico in awe thinking, “This woman played on one of the greatest albums of all times.” Her solo albums had such an impact on me. How she looked, how she sounded (she was not bad) was not important. I was in the presence of someone who, to me, was a legend. The magic of that night was truly in my head. This was over 40 years ago and I still remember how she ran out of cigarettes while she was seated playing her harmonium. Someone from the audience threw her a cigarette and it got caught in her hair. She thought at first someone was throwing a missile at her. Then she got it out of her hair, lit it and started to smoke and thanked the person who gave it to her. 40 years later and I can still remember that. It is more than the music.

[@TocadaLeitura]

That's powerful, thank you for sharing!

[@jimeverett8607]

Such a great episode. Saw ELP eon's ago. A young energetic band, called Journey, opened. Those days are gone.

[@wmeisel]

I have never said "Yes! Yes!" to myself as much while listening to one of these videos as I did while listening to this one.

[@b2tall239]

80 here in S. Florida. No wind chill. My main concert complaint at the ripe old age of (almost) 59 is actually getting off my ass and going to the venue. The drive, the parking, the crowd, shuffling through the aisle to your seat. 30 or 40 yrs ago it was all just a big party......now I just want to be teleported to my seat so I can enjoy the show! Thanks, Pete. Thanks, Martin.

[@harperhellems3648]

Hahaha. 59 here. I used to drive 3 hours to hear Reggae concerts in downtown Baltimore in the late 70s or all the way to NYC New Year's to hear live jazz in my "youth". Good luck getting me to leave 5 beagles, 2 wood stoves, and 1 wife to hear live music. I love SOT.

[@donaldcady3839]

56 here. Going to Detroit to see Mercyful Fate was great but the drive sucked. Anvil is coming around in May but it's only a half hour drive.

[@mick5137]

The wife and I just drove our 50-something bodies 20 hours roundtrip from Saint Augustine to Charlottesville to see Sam Bush, Mike Marshall and Edgar & George Meyer perform their 1999 album, A Short Trip Home. It was worth it. Virtuosic playing, beautiful sound quality and the guys hung around to chat and sign our CD after the show.

[@eric_in_florida]

Preach. Springsteen has been around the last few days, there are 3 shows I could have gone to. You know what though, I'd rather just watch the clips on here the next day or so. A lot of them are 1080p and decent sound and filming. All for free!

[@MrMvidz]

I saw Depeche Mode the last tour they did a few years back, and they had the sound levels spot on - no need for plugs and you could hear every nuance in each song. It was marvellous!

[@Rockerlady]

Always get your money's worth with D'Mode!

[@MrMvidz]

@@Rockerlady The secret love for Depeche from metal heads, not so secret these days perhaps, could be a new episode. "Non-metal bands that metal fans should hate, but secretely love" :D

[@Dagger-Deep]

Yep, every DM show I've seen has been top-notch.

[@takodabostwick8507]

@@MrMvidz I was an idiot for not putting Depeche Mode on my 100 Greatest Bands of All Time List. But they're up there now. 28 of all time. I put them below Megadeth and above Sepultura, Death, Opeth and Slayer. Yes I put them over a bunch of other bands I'm talking about some specific metal bands I put Depeche Mode above. Between Megadeth and Depeche Mode, it's Megadeth. I think that Dave Mustaine is a genius. Great lyricist and guitarist. He's phenomenal. 90s Megadeth is at their peak. I do get annoyed with the lineup changes, but despite that, Megadeth are an awesome band. I do love Slayer, but there are 12 other bands I would put above Slayer. Either way awesome band.

[@seanswinton6242]

Very true. Pet Shop Boys, New Order, and many electronic bands have some of the best sounds. The only time their sound wasn't perfect, was their big stadium gig in California. That 101 concert. For a hard rock band with perfect sound, was an Areosmith show. The Get A Grip tour!

[@joeh7630]

I can’t deal with the people who go, pay absolutely no attention to the show, and talk amongst themselves loudly. Why the F are you there?!

[@scottcampbell1888]

Strange to hear that club gigs in North America still have late finishes. In Western Europe it's virtually disappeared. Promoters are putting on shows early then using the venue for club nights for "the kids" late at night. I've got one gig next month with an advertised finish of 9:45, great stuff.

[@MartinPopoff]

That's super interesting. I've not noticed any change over here.

[@ericporter344]

This was great, and so true. I love concerts, definitely into more intimate venues, but always hope that it goes smooth. So many variables can come up and put a damper on what should be a great night out. I’m all for headliner only shows these days!

[@jerryattwooll4864]

Great fun discussion guys. It really comes under the "I thought I was the only one who thought this" banner. It was so good to hear I'm not the only one who thinks this. Thanks for the show, hugely enjoyable.

[@briannusser8924]

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!! HALLELUJAH!!, TELLING IT LIKE IT IS, MY BROTHERS!! THIS IS QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST SHOW SO FAR, IN MY OPINION!! Now, at 60 years old, and having attended many, many concerts over the years, of various genres and subgenres, in venues of various styles and capacities, I believe that you two gentlemen hit on every single gripe that I now profess!! Give me a smaller club or venue, a smaller, yet more attentive and appreciative audience, a seat/chair, ( with a table, in some circumstances, for good food and libations), and a earlier "quittin' time" any day at this stage in the game!! Great show, indeed!!!

[@1963catman]

I saw Cheap Trick/ ZZ Top last year in a 15,000 seat arena and they only had TWO merchandise tables. The lineups were so long that people were still lining up when then the show started. I gave up and thought I'd catch them after the show but they had closed down. The infant in the front row is incredible, I can't believe people would be so ignorant. My biggest complaints are 1: cell phones. Take a photo and put the damn phone down. Trying to see the stage through a see of phones. 2: fans in the front rows always yelling out to play certain songs, usually their biggest hits. Have they never been to a show before. The band will get to them later, they have a set list for f**ks sake. If all you want to hear is the hits, stay home and play the album. 3: crappy sound. I pay good money for tickets, fuel, parking merch etc, only to listen to worse sound than my home stereo. Heart and Joan Jett a few years ago, Joan Jett was crystal clear, but Heart was so murky you couldn't figure out what song they were playing. 4: I agree with you about bands talking too much. Saw John Cougar years ago and he played his whole new album which sucked, but he didn't shut up between songs. I don't want to hear his political rants, I came to hear the songs. If he had shut up he could have played ten more songs. Turned me right off of him and I haven't listened to him since. Sorry about the length of this. Great subject. PS I agree, the acoustic sets and extended solos suck.

[@MackeyWilliams]

Martin's smile when Pete is ranting - priceless!

[@custom55]

I'm a grumpy old guy too. I now love when there is no opening act and the band comes on at 8PM SHARP !

[@marvinbattlejr.9365]

Me too, I got spoiled from jazz shows, no opening act, and they go on on time.

[@andyambrose4517]

Steve Hackett...👍

[@strunzgracie]

My biggest complaint is the cliche contrived encore. I can't stand it when a band purposely doesn't play one of their signature songs, walk off the stage as if the concert has ended but the house lights don't come on which is a signal to the audience that there is a possibility of an encore. Then some knucklehead roadie comes out and yells out at the audience, "if you want them to come back out you need to yell louder, they can't hear you,, make some noise". And predictably, the band comes out and plays their signature song making the audience feel like they've succeeded in getting the band back out to play. Stupid, absolutely stupid!

[@richardjones4466]

Totally agree!

[@mikek8553]

Yeah Pete, great explanation about the different audience reaction/behavior based on genre of music.

[@michaelcoogan268]

Pete and Martin - THAT was entertaining!!!! I am 61yrs old, have attended over 100 concerts, everywhere from clubs/bars, theatres, small arenas, large arenas, outdoor festivals and a couple of stadium shows. I've always preferred a seat over standing room, unless sneaking my camera in and wanting to be as close to stage as possible. The reality now is I can no longer stand for 90-120 minutes. lol. I couldn't agree more on purchasing tickets these days. So frustrating not knowing what site you are on. It is impossible to call most venues and get any help as far as purchasing tickets. Love the "leaving early strategy". People talking throughout the show has to be the worst. Last show I attended was Bachman/Cummings at The Kemptville Music Festival (just outside Ottawa) last summer. I set up my chair, well back from the stage, then walked around checking out merch tables and food trucks. I return to my chair to find a guy has set up his chair that couldn't be any closer to mine without touching it. After giving him the Pete Pardo "glare" I just picked up my chair and moved to another area. Having said all this, there is still nothing better than seeing a great band live, performing a great setlist, in a venue (usually a theatre) with amazing sound. One of my favourite double-bills to this day - Tom Petty's Hard Promises tour in 1981, with Split Enz opening. Petty was onstage well over 2 hours and Split Enz, who were popular here in Canada, played an hour. Ticket price $10.00

[@jpdmanchester3226]

Well thank god its not just me. 57 years I've clocked up so in your age bracket and agree with everything. I just can't be bothered with concerts now. It's way too expensive from the ticket, the fees that go with the ticket, parking etc. The irritation of trying to watch the shows without being distracted by people filming on mobiles - why not just pool it all and have just one guy (and it's always guys!) filming it on behalf of the others. My other irritation is that you find a decent place, catch the support act, be happy with your place when the room fills for the headliners then there's the two guys who show up just as the lights go down appearing from nowhere and stand right in front of you. Where the fuck where they all night. Happened at the last gig I went to BOC in Manchester a cpl years ago and vowed that was it, I just cant be bothered with the live concert experience anymore. Seen most of the bands I want to see, would like to see Kiss again later this year but wont be losing sleep if I dont. Of the new bands around might make an effort for Greta Van Fleet, Rival Sons. Really should let Steven and Simon from the UK Connection loose on this topic.

[@Rockerlady]

Three things that annoy me about concerts (post 2020) are that some people can't behave, security makes a fuss about handbags, and bands cut down encores. Since the end of the lockdown, there seems to be a lot of folks at shows who don't know the bands. They are just there to get drunk and bother other people. I see more inappropriate behavior than ever before. In one case, I was involved in the matter. I have been going to concerts since the eighties. I have never seen so many weird people at shows as now. Also, security wants women bringing in tiny purses or they have to be clear. They still search and touch all contents! Are they checking men's wallets? They open women's wallets now. Lastly, why are old bands with dozens of songs only playing 90 min sets with one encore? Bands used to play two encores and didn't rely on cover tunes. Strange times.

[@sadboi7537]

Try living here in Nashville where every concert is an excuse for scenesters to “dress up” like it’s Los Angeles in the 1980’s. I saw the Bay Strikes Back tour a few months back and half the people there had no clue where they were or who the bands were. Really frightening being a metal head for 35 years.

[@Rockerlady]

@@sadboi7537 Wow, I had a similar experience with particular concert IN LOS ANGELES! Chuck Billy even commented on the bad dancing in the balcony. Guy was making sexual moves. Chuck tried not to laugh as he questioned the guy. He was reminding him this is a Testament show. My friend said, "What is with this crowd?" Haha

[@josephdefilippis07]

I saw Billy Joel last April, the concert was 2 hr and 15 and he played 4 encores

[@timothywills7709]

A great episode with some great points. The older I get (62) - the more I enjoy smaller venues. There are a lot of great tribute bands that come around now and just play great versions and respond to the crowd. I also like to see bands I know- I can appreciate the hits and the deep cuts!

[@tamiellis4342]

How about concerts where the opening act is TERRIBLE!!!! I’ve been to three concerts that were like that and we still complain about even today.

[@MackeyWilliams]

I love how you guys make going to a concert like going to the dentist. You want to be in and out, painless, not too long, just get it done and let me leave.

[@MartinPopoff]

And hopefully still have all your teeth.

[@MackeyWilliams]

@@MartinPopoff and not get stuck in traffic on your way home.

[@wolftracks9010]

Part of the reason for a sound check, regardless of how long a bands been together, is that the acoustics are different with every venue. But for me the biggest issue is the price of a ticket these days. I guess I got spoiled having to pay hardly anything for tickets. And if you're not used to the low price of a ticket, then you probably can't relate to what I'm saying. But when I compare the two, I see is a massive difference in the dollar amount.

[@seanswinton6242]

1980's were truly the glory days. Small indie and college band tickets were at movie prices or less. Arena bands were priced at $15-30 on average. The bands were more accessible and generally down to earth. Back then, I saw literally 100's or artists live because of the prices, especially the new British, Australian, and many of the new MTV bands. Back when they showed music videos.

[@jason-budney7624]

Great topic Martin and Pete. Having gone to a bunch of concerts last year you two hit a lot of valid points. Dream Theater was so loud that I started feeling sick and the light show started to get to me too because of the sound. Priest and Quensryche were too loud, glad I remembered ear plugs. The Opeth/Mastodon show everyone decided to stand up in the large seated theater. I have stenosis and standing is very hard most times, so I got to hear the show.

[@jeffrose8632]

Kudos guys. I think you covered it today. Pretty much agree with all your comments regarding the concert experience. One thing I thought of that might be a topic for a different show (if you haven’t already) is when the opening act was better then the headliner.

[@ericherndon-b4z]

queensryche opening for motley crue 1986

[@Cowcodude]

Back in 2018 I went to a show in Toronto to see an experimental electronic musician from Montreal. The two surprise openers meant there were four local opening acts, who all decided to do 40 minute long sets. Even though she did a good set, you could tell even the headliner wasn't all too pleased to be starting at 1 AM. It really felt like the opening acts were trying to impress the headliner, when some tight 20 minute sets probably would have come off as more professional.

[@alexkozik3796]

Hit the nail right on the head. If Siskel and Ebert were still alive they would give Two Grumpy Old Guys two thumbs up!

[@mgourley1234]

Getting out of the venue is my main complaint. A few months ago I went to see Stevie Nicks at the Mid-Florida Amphitheater in Tampa. It took almost a freaking hour to get out of the parking lot. instead of orderly letting people go, then you go, everybody thinks that edging other people out of the line somehow speeds things up.

[@matthewesberger3691]

Any concert at Blossom Amphitheater in Cleveland takes close to 2 hours to get out. Terrible ingress/egress and no traffic cops after the shows.

[@IllumeEltanin]

This is timely for me. As an immunocompromised leukemia patient, I have not done any indoor shows, including movies, since lockdown. But, I've decided to see Riverside at their Seattle venue. I reached out to the venue and after several emails back and forth have submitted an ADA request (even though I'm not mobility affected) requesting social distancing accommodations at a venue which is not enforcing masking or social distancing. I've heard back from a marketing rep who says they can probably rope off a socially distanced area in their balcony for me. Yeah, I'll be quite a distance from the stage, but I'm looking forward to my first indoor show in several years.

[@vinnieoskokie]

I hope you’re doing well, and I hope you enjoy the show.

[@IllumeEltanin]

@@vinnieoskokie Thank you. Probably TMI, but so you can determine if your concern is misplaced. My leukemia is a chronic condition, meaning while it is controlled via a daily chemotherapy pill, rather than intense infusion treatment at a hospital such as acute leukemia patients go through, mine does not go completely away. So, while it may reach a level where it is undetectable via blood work, if I stop taking the walking chemo therapy it definitely comes back. Whereas for many acute leukemia patients, their intense infusion chemotherapy puts them into complete remission and many stay in remission without further treatment. So, while my day to day life is not really hindered, due to the lifelong walking chemotherapy, I will remain immunocompromised for the rest of my life, and will have to take masking and social distancing into consideration for any event I hope to attend going forward. I thank you for your well wishes!

[@phillipwilson6205]

I just loved this, I have experienced a lot of the stuff in this rant! Brilliant!

[@Rockerlady]

Blue Oyster Cult is on my list of bands to see that haven't seen yet. I want to see the entire set, hahaha!

[@NotData]

I have two more. 1. Squatters who sit in your reserved seat and you have to find an usher to get them to move. 2. Lead singers who use the concert to lecture about some political or social issue they support. I am talking about a regular concert. Not a fundraiser like Bangla Desh or Live Aid.

[@flazjsg]

Even Bono has realized the futility of his lecturing audience in the 1980s and 90s about politics. Gotta love when the most hedonistic, exorbitant, wealthiest, self-centered, narcissistic, privileged members of society decide to lecture all the commoners. Some guy finally gets his head away from his coke-spoon and now he's some sort of expert in the political/environmental realm.

[@Rockerlady]

That squatter problem has really increased at large venues the last three years. I don't know what they are thinking.

[@davidl570]

REALLY surprised that neither Pete or Martin brought up the lecturing thing! I HATE that!

[@stevewhiteside4525]

Great show, hilarious. Concerts have always been absolutely awful, but when you're young enough you live with it for what in many cases is the wonderful experience of the music. I'm a bit older than you guys (66) and although it feels a bit sad it was such a relief to finally decide I can't be bothered with the hassle side of it any more, I'll just listen to the album or watch the DVD at home. I still love watching live stuff on DVD or YT. The last concert I went to was King Crimson at the Bournemouth Pavilion, a 1500 seater old style theatre, just them, great show, sound level just right. One of the best concerts I've ever seen.

[@ScottBerry-yn8rw]

I agreed with most of your complaints, being in my late 50’s as well. I will power through most of it if I want to see a band badly enough. But the biggest problem by far is Ticketmaster and their unlimited, unregulated price gouging. I shouldn’t have to sell a kidney to attend a concert. It’s out of control and seems to be getting steadily worse.

[@horstbaur7797]

This was wonderful. Love listening to your rant coz you make good points and you know what you're talking about. Thanx guys.

[@kcewing1]

I got stories, man, like we all do. My favorite is me driving a car full of buddies to an Aerosmith show at Pine Knob in Clarkston, MI, in the early 90s that had Guns & Roses opening. One of the few times we arrived a bit late so we got caught in traffic at the entrance, bumper to bumper standstill. A giant bus pulls up to the left of us, and my buddies are yacking away and sipping Yukon Jack and I see out of the corner of my eye a stringy haired blonde dude jump out of the bus and then do a butt roll across the hood of my car, leaving a hand print on my windshield, then jumps in a waiting golf cart and off he went. It was Axel Rose at the height of his delusional diva behavior - he was late to his own show. I turn to my buddies, "hey, that was f***ing Axel Rose, man! They were all so drunk not a one of them had noticed, even my brother in the passenger seat. To this day they all deny it ever happened, and yet I remember it like it was yesterday. Axel actually gave a wave.

[@geraldhugley3618]

Great Episode. I’ve also seen a lot of club shows where the artist will hang around after the show and spend time with the fans. Dick Dale, Tommy Stinson, Dale Watson, The Aristocrats, Wayne Hankock, Flipper, James McMurtry.

[@blaisebarshaw2534]

The best and never will happen at an arena show.

[@Darrylizer1]

Both Dweezil Zappa and Jello Biafra made it a point to talk to the audience before or after a show. Billy Zoom from X too.

[@michaeleaster1815]

Super-fun episode! I agree with 95% ... my rare disagreements: solos are OK at live shows. There's a long history (e.g. cadenza in classical music) and the show should be different than just playing the albums; anyone who plays a given instrument will totally want to see their heroes show off. On people who just like one song: that's fine if they don't bother anyone else. Sitting there, unimpressed, with arms crossed isn't bothering me at all.

[@richardjones4466]

As a 60 year old wheelchair user my gripe is small venues with no access. I love going to gigs but feel I'm being discriminated against.

[@catdeli]

Oh wow everything you guys mentioned is so true, I’ve lived every one again and again. Great!

[@catdeli]

🤣Blasting the band’s albums in the parking lot just before the show DRIVES ME NUTS,always has!! So funny..

[@brianpirie5490]

Totally agree about self indulgent solos...just rubbish and waste a good concert.. Back in the day I saw the ace of spades tour...it was so loud I was off school the next day!! Loved it..I was 13 .what's not to love about that

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Popoff and Pardo are at it again and this time, they sound just like me though I'm ten years ahead of Pete and about 7 ahead of Martin. Just a highly enjoyable episode with some great tales and common complaints - at least among some. Just bought tickets to see Kansas next January so was happy to hear Pete's positive comments about an experience with them. But also interested in a doom band that SoT brought to my attention that is out on tour but the closest stop is a bar or very small venue about 2 hours drive away through crazy Florida interstate traffic and you have to stand the whole time. Debating that just for that reason but time's about up. Pete and Martin just about swayed me to just listen to the CD. Used to go to every concert I could and had a great time, but the years are teaching me a bit. Enough rambing. Thanks again, gents. A great show and very timely.

[@28451104]

You guys are still blessed with lots of chances to see concerts, because the bands artists to come close to your town. I lived in the States between 2012-2020 and came back to this small hometown in Japan, where hardly any bands come to put on a show. I wish I could relate all the concert gripes I had in the States to my music life in Japan. Basically no concert experience here to compare to the one in the States.

[@RonTalksRock]

Great episode…I’m 57 and other than shows my 27 yr old Son invites me too, my concert days are over. I just don’t have the patience and interest in the expense and stress for shows. Well that and the fact that I have seen so many of my favourite Bands Live that I really don’t have a long list of ‘must see’ left. Most Live shows are imperfect anyway, mostly because of the people and crowd behaviour, but I’ve also ruined plenty of shows too, by being too excited, partying too much or just being too stressed about the whole event to really just have fun. Not worth it anymore. But, there are still the odd one my Son and I will attend. We’re seeing Beck this September @ Bud stage in T.O. Again.

[@matthewkieswetter4376]

I remember a few years ago going to two back-to-back shows of Michael Gira (Swans) in Toronto. The first night was a Thursday, I think, and parking was right across from the venue for something like $5 (a few coins in the meter). Then the next night we were into weekend life, and the same tiny lot had a dude in an orange vest, and parking was all of a sudden $20 or more...

[@stewartmccracken3189]

My main pet hate is all the twonks, recording the gig with their mobile phones. Switch off the phone and enjoy the gig

[@Jermeister12]

Mr.McCracken my good man 😀You're the winner😀.Other than not having the money to go to shows . I'd be sent to jail , because my old crusty 59 y/o ass would kill some body.😀😀

[@969thewhip]

I was at Ozzfest 2000. At that show, Disturbed was only on 2nd stage. Godsmack was on main stage and just getting ready to release their 2nd album. I remember them playing a track from that upcoming album to promote it. And most of all, Pantera was right before Ozzy. This was just after their last album dropped and before Dimebag got shot.

[@ChrisNorwood3]

When a band ignores huge chunks of their discography. 12 albums or more but only the "big three" get represented.

[@motleyfan7558]

Great show Pete and Martin. Right on about everything

[@davidgeorgemorin]

Yes! Recently, I waited through three hours of unadvertised support bands

[@alexposilkin9683]

“I don’t wanna clap because it hurts my hands!” Martin is the perfect curmudgeon.

[@garygennaro6029]

Excellent episode!! You are thinking what we are thinking at these shows. Also, buying tickets online. I almost missed the Sytx, Reo, Loverboy concert last year. Bought from third party from live nation. Could not download and went to venue and they told me get refund with company on phone. I bought new tickets at box office venue and got refund for online tickets that couldn't be download. Very frustrating.

[@joegrinvalsky7222]

Great job gents! This was a continuous laugh fest.

[@BackwoodsFilms]

On the subject of venues, I can't believe you didn't mention how everything now revolves around being "VIP," where the fans who are willing and able to fork out the most money are the ones who get to enjoy the best concert experience. In the old days, if you got up early the day tickets went on sale and waited in line at the box office, you could count on getting a good seat for your effort. Now, all of the good seats for every show are immediately scooped up by internet bots to be scalped for five times face value, or the best tickets are set aside for corporations who have bought them exclusively for their employees... not to mention the insane number of "pre-sales" before the average fan even has a chance to buy their ticket -- fan club pre-sale, CitBank card holder pre-sale, venue pre-sale, etc.... and the club shows where you used to be able to get in line early to get a good seat or a place up front -- not any more. All seating is now on a VIP basis, where you have to pay an extra $100-$200 to sit at a table, or pay for early entry into the venue for a good spot. I know some clubs who used to have free parking but are now charging and additional $10-$20 if you want to park in their lot. In the old days, it wasn't uncommon to see band members hanging out by the merch table to sign autographs and take photos -- now all of that costs extra for the "meet and greet experience," which typically costs another $100 or more. It's an obvious sign of how venues (and bands) are looking for any way they can to extract as much money as possible from people who attend their shows, and it really makes it clear that they're only doing it for the money now, and not to provide a memorable concert experience for the fan. So glad I grew up in the 1970s and 80s, when concert tickets cost less than $10, and it was about the music instead of the money.

[@goremacchannel7615]

Everything you said is right on! It’s getting to the point where I don’t even want to go to shows anymore.

[@ndmich88]

Always a great show - and I needed a boost today since I was sluggish. Thanks for getting me going guys! I'm probably the odd ball out here but only a few of the things brought up bother me. I know I'm younger (34) and maybe have more tolerance at this point in my life, but none of these annoyances outweighs LIVE MUSIC for me. We'll see as time goes on, but I'm hoping it doesn't become a drag for me...I love it too damn much.

[@dano1962]

Agree with 90% of your complaints and reasons. I'm 60 and I think I am done going to concerts. Last concert I saw was Paul McCartney in a big stadium & BOC with UFO at a club, both enjoyable memories to go out on. Had to many bad experiences to think about going to any more concert other than maybe a small theater or club to see the band up close.

[@neugey]

My gripes, in addition to Pete and Martin's: - too much AC/cold - can't see the drummer/keyboardist - having to go alone (friends bail or don't like the music) - clubs in sketchy areas of town at night - insufficient touring members (this happens a lot with the blues - where an artist records with a 5 or 6 piece band, then you go to the show and it's just a trio 🙄)

[@BackwoodsFilms]

As far as temperatures go, I almost always find it to be too HOT inside a club show than too cold.

[@tball5677]

I can relate to all of this, NOW GET OFF MY LAWN!!!

[@johankarlsson4357]

Solutions to some troubles: 1. Go alone. You can sit, stand, leave and arrive whenever and however you want. 2. You always go to the ticket page via the bands or venues homepage. 3. You use custom-made earplugs. Biggest complaints: 1. Snake pit tickets, golden circle tickets, Ultra VIP including half a sweater tickets. 2. Not enough variety in merch. I have 1 billion t-shirts already. I'd rather buy pins, patches or music. 3. Ticket prices over 100 dollars are a no go. 4. Screaming 14 year olds. Very rare at the shows I go to but extremely painful with or without earplugs. 5. People that talk throughout the whole show. 6. Claiming its your *actual* farewell tour this time to increase hype and inflate ticket prices.

[@28451104]

This is a great episode. It would have been even greater had the topic been brought up among the Hudson Valley Square members. Plus I wanted you guys to disclose the bands you were implicitly referring to.

[@ИванИванов-у8л9г]

How did I miss / not watch this video back then when it was released? 🙂 I don't know 🙂 One of the best of your episodes overall imo 👍🏻🙂 Thank you.

[@kernowchris]

2016 December Manchester UK. The Red Hot Chilli Peppers were more like cold out of date cucumbers, they were going through the motions. 2023 July RHCP playing Tottenham Stadium and asking for £190 for a cheap seat ticket at the back of the stadium. Just like Sabbath, Eagles, U2 and many other Bands, It's greed, plain and simple. All RHCP Cds are now off the shelf and in a bag on their way to a charity shop.

[@scottricci5063]

A big pet pev for me is the one dude that whistles real loud next to your ear all concert long. He's the same idiot yelling "Freebird!" at every show. And then you're all standing there crushed against the stage and somebody comes out onstage and tells everybody that the band isn't going to come out and play unless everyone takes 3 huge steps back. Haha

[@donaldanderson6604]

Totally agree about King Crimson. Also, no phones or photos at KC. What a difference! Just listen to the music!

[@michaelweinman9051]

Cool vid. Ha ha we get a good laugh out of this vid. Ha ha Cheers!

[@jasongaylor2232]

The price of tickets is outrageous. I've never seen anything like it. Would it hurt to bring back some regulation to prevent these thieves from ripping us off? I'm sure there are older folks in this comment section who remember a time when ticket prices were actually affordable for working class people. Man, they want to nickel and dime us at every turn!

[@glennsmusicchannel]

Martin - you can get custom molded earplugs that allow the concert to sound good while doing a good job of protecting your ears. I highly recommend getting a pair.

[@nellgwenn]

There are a few earbud companies that have that too. They are the expensive audiophile brands though. There is one brand that turns the earbud case into a transmitter.

[@scottlame6724]

1. Unsafe parking/not enough parking 2. Seat jumpers. So annoying going to your seat and having to run people out. 3. Venue running out of water. Have been to outdoor festivals that were woefully unprepared. 4. Venue having insufficient/filthy restrooms. 5. Drunken/Drugged out fans ruining the show for everyone in their area. 6. Price gouging for parking. 7. Well known bands opening and having 20 minute sets. Great topic, fellas!

[@michaelfitzgibbon1430]

This was a great show. Being a grumpy late-50’s guy myself, I agreed with all these observations.👍😂

[@johnbreheny4374]

For me the biggest annoyance of concerts now is buying the tickets. All the best tickets go immediately and are then put on a second hand site for double the money within seconds and the original selling site and the second hand site are often the SAME company. Second hand sites should be banned and if people can’t go to the concert the original seller should provide a refund and put the tickets back on sale for the original face value.

[@AEPowerHouseTV]

Cool topic! I found myself nodding and smiling a lot. But when you mentioned preferred venues, Casinos weren't even brought up. When my favorite classic bands started playing casinos, I was disturbed. Casinos were for Tony Bennet and Dean Martin, not rock bands. But as I have aged, I've found that I like casinos. They've got table service for crissakes!

[@richjohnson3126]

Wow, this episode sure hits close to home

[@david10006]

Last week I saw clips on here of the first shows of the new Pantera line up and it was one of the saddest things I've ever seen, the entire audience standing still just holding their phones up like they were in a trance. A band that had once of the most explosive live shows and pits I've ever experienced and now they were like tranquilized sheep. For bands that feed of live energy from fans that has to be crushing. Reason # 1673 why I'm thankful I grew up in the 90's.

[@TMINE100]

kzbin.infoOaP6__gjSKc No standing still here.

[@russellgentile4719]

Classic! Pete, even Tala was groaning throughout to voice her grumpy displeasure of the BS of concert going today! Ha! I laughed my butt off here.

[@threepistols7]

Yes, I hate when people bring someone who are obviously not fans and they're talking, complaining etc. Why even bother spending the extra money for the ticket?

[@ericdinse5047]

I saw Kansas a month or so before Leftoverture came out. They opened w/Carry on Wayward Child - an awesome beginning to the show even though (at that point) no one knew the song !

[@magnu75]

I also hate the idea of festivals sometimes when an artist you really want to see only has a short setlist while others you dislike are on stage for a full show! Also the festivals where they put more than one band of a similar genre at the same time so you have to skip one of them? In this case I can't think of anything specific regarding music, however I went to a ComicCon in the UK a few years back and found that they organised a major Doctor Who panel at the exact same time that you had THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY for a meet and great with Tom Baker? If people are paying for a VIP experience, they shouldn't have to miss out! I went to another music festival in the UK and paid for both a Rick Wakeman & Alice Cooper Experience, but the organisers didn't actually publicise when the meet & greats were on and I missed the opportunity to hear those artists doing their talks before doing autographs and photos.

[@joedredd6153]

Rapidly approaching 60 and still going to gigs regularly and loving it..Pet peeve is stacking gigs with 2-3 local bands - main band doesn't start until 10pm, I dont get home mid-week until after midnight. Understand that bands need a chance to play, get exposure etc but why not start at gig at 6.30. On the other hand I saw Geoff Tate and band last week, band in excellent form started 9pm and played until 11.45 with a rousing encore of Queen of the Reich. Late but very happy. A word to venues that think 'oh we have a metal band on tonight, we should play Paranoid or Run to the Hills between bands', there are literally a million other metal tunes folks !

[@bradjackson4595]

Pete when you talked about the people standing in front of you I started laughing because that is probably my biggest pet peeve. You are also right about the waiting for that one hit and the other thing is when they spend all night walking to and from the bar why bother being there ? I agree with everything else you both have said but I bet you agree we will keep going to the shows won’t we. Great fun guys thank you!

[@blayne2070]

Went to see The Allman Betts Band twice. Both times nobody really payed much attention unless they were playing Allman Brothers Band songs. Some talked during their own songs. Their encore song was the awesome Pale Horse Rider and people were heading for the exits 😖 They put on a fantastic show though!

[@DrJimmy88]

Great band with terrific original songs. I had a similar experience at one of their shows.

[@josephdefilippis07]

I saw Sting a number of years ago and he played the entirety of his new album that he was supporting. He played 2 Police songs and 3 solo hits.

[@belindamorley9382]

I believe the reason that we complain nowadays, is due to the fact that we used to have a much better concert experience years ago. When we first went to gigs in the 70s, the ticket prices were basically just above the price of a record, arena gigs didn't exist & the crowd sat down to watch & listen to the bands - even in non seated halls. However, the over-riding issue that finally made my husband & myself decide to stop going to concerts altogether, was the crowd. Too many people just seem to go have a conversation! The fact that a band is playing just seems to be purely coincidental! Like you Pete, we once attended a John Schofield gig in Chicago - a young woman talked all of the way through it! My husband told her afterwards not to attend any more concerts, to stay at home! In addition, sometimes the general atmosphere never seems peaceful - there always seems an under-current of violence that could break out at any time. One item that may not be an issue in the US, but is in the UK, is the systematic closure of roads at night due to "maintenance". This causes long diversions - great when you're tired anyway. I'm glad we are not alone with the issue - great video!

[@davek6949]

Great show...Great topic and very interesting discussion. Do more shows like this if you can.

[@thomasbonnett4800]

22:44 - Amen. I’ve missed so many good shows learning that bands I love played small clubs a month ago. I make it a point now to check venues’ calendars monthly. Not that I go half the time, cuz I’m old…but it’s nice to have the option.

[@thomasbonnett4800]

Correction: 25:35

[@chriscock6584]

Death metal shows are odd because from my experience, half of the audience headbangs and even fewer mosh, while the other half stands there attentive to details. People expect death metal shows to be violent, but attendees are polite and stick to themselves. I agree with all the other points, especially acoustic sets.

[@Jermeister12]

Hey Chris 😀 I was at a club show here in Atlanta .Wasn't paying attention to where I was going almost got slammed into by a big dude .I threw up my hands he stopped just in time😀

[@stevecrescini2081]

I haven’t been to a live show since the last millennium and even in my youth, my concert gripe were shows with multiple acts and the time it took between acts to set up the stage for them. I saw Pat Travers and Cheap Trick in 1979 at the Oakland Coliseum and it was almost 90 minutes between PT and CT because of the stage change. And to make it worse, when CT finally did come out, they screamed through the first three songs and I was done. That’s the only show I have ever left early and don’t regret it. Yeah, I’m old.

[@johnforan2973]

I have not seen as many concerts as you all have but do remember seeing the "Black Crowes" at the Ballpark in Old Orchard Beach back in the mid 1990's. They took a minute to come out as they were obviously late coming on stage. I was close enough to recognize that they were stoned/drunk out of their minds. It took a few songs for that to wear off and became a really good show but man were they so stoned. Almost mushroomed stoned if I remember. They looked confused coming out on stage during that particular show. The whole crowd were doing the same so it was not a bad vibe but man o man. You could see how Red their Eyes were if you were in the front 10 rows for sure. Love SOT! Keep it coming

[@l.scottnielsen2482]

A buddy of mine got ahold of some concert tickets at a venue about 2 hours away in late June main act is supposed to begin at 9pm with a local supporting act, it's hot out, there is no re-entry into the club, no chairs....and the main act will be playing at 11 pm so two local cover bands can take the stage. We could barely hear anything when the headliner finally played, we left before the encores and we missed our next day at work because we couldn't hear anything.

[@yamishogun6501]

When I saw Kansas in a Wisconsin bar in 1996, they were two hours late (maybe because of snow) and the music was so loud that it started to hurt my ears to the extent I left after four songs. It was disappointing because I was a big fan and haven't seen them since. The songs I heard at 100 db were Carry On My Wayward son, Dust In the Wind, Point of Now Return, and Song For America. A good EP length concert.

[@vangoghsear8657]

I can't be bothered for huge concerts now. There's no community in them and they're way too bloody expensive. The small venue is such a better atmosphere.