Going to see Night Ranger on Friday and I agree with all your points. They put on a great show, are still good at what they do and everyone at the shows are diehard fans. I've seen quite a few 80's/90's acts over the past couple of years and this is always the case.
I loved your section on going to see live shows! There are so many small shows (under $20/ticket) in local venues, and it's SO worth going to see shows there. I've watched a small, local band in a tiny venue go to opening for the Rolling Stones (Canadian band The Beaches, who I've now seen 4 times, and have tickets for their next show). I agree with going to see the "old" bands - they won't be around forever! I'm so glad I got to see Judas Priest (2008), Alice Cooper (2008 and 2018), Iron Maiden (2019) before they stop touring for good. I also got to see Rush on the Snakes & Arrows tour. But I also saw Corey Hart, Glass Tiger and am going to see Sarah MacLaughlin soon.
Going to see bands live can be stressful - I recommend getting there early (I deal with crowd anxiety) and waiting a bit to leave - but so worth it. I've met a bunch of artists after shows and gotten pictures with them, and plenty of acts are best experienced live. My final advice is (if you can afford it), buy merch! That's where 90% of the revenue is for most smaller artists.
I am not very interested in going to live shows but I do agree with you that it is worth it, especially when things like cost / venue and crowd size are all something you're comfortable with. I went to see a Led Zeppelin cover band two summers ago and had a really great time. I also checked out the Weatherstar 4000, that's really awesome.
Someone had commented that its all worth it once the band starts, which I really agree with. I am grumpy and tend to think its a terrible idea that I went to see a band. I contemplate just going home and getting out of the crowd. Then the band starts and by the end of it all, I am sad it has to end.
I have quite a few bands I wish would start touring or would head to this corner of the world. My selection has been limited, but I am trying to keep an eye out, especially at smaller and more affordable venues.
I saw The Alan Parsons Project recently and had a great time. Small venue and incredibly reasonable tickets. I'd enjoy OMD if they ever swing by this part of the country.
Going to see Night Ranger on Friday and I agree with all your points. They put on a great show, are still good at what they do and everyone at the shows are diehard fans. I've seen quite a few 80's/90's acts over the past couple of years and this is always the case.
Just the presence of those die-hard fans can turn a show into an experience.
True story.
Of course the best and most important pop-tart flavor is an original flavor!!! Brown Sugar Cinnamon gang unite.
Have you ever buttered an unfrosted brown sugar cinnamon one after heating it up? Its amazing. I haven't been able to find them for a while now.
OMG, the Mr. Potato Head Beholder is amazing!
I loved your section on going to see live shows! There are so many small shows (under $20/ticket) in local venues, and it's SO worth going to see shows there. I've watched a small, local band in a tiny venue go to opening for the Rolling Stones (Canadian band The Beaches, who I've now seen 4 times, and have tickets for their next show). I agree with going to see the "old" bands - they won't be around forever! I'm so glad I got to see Judas Priest (2008), Alice Cooper (2008 and 2018), Iron Maiden (2019) before they stop touring for good. I also got to see Rush on the Snakes & Arrows tour. But I also saw Corey Hart, Glass Tiger and am going to see Sarah MacLaughlin soon.
Going to see bands live can be stressful - I recommend getting there early (I deal with crowd anxiety) and waiting a bit to leave - but so worth it. I've met a bunch of artists after shows and gotten pictures with them, and plenty of acts are best experienced live. My final advice is (if you can afford it), buy merch! That's where 90% of the revenue is for most smaller artists.
Awesome article, thank you!!
I am not very interested in going to live shows but I do agree with you that it is worth it, especially when things like cost / venue and crowd size are all something you're comfortable with. I went to see a Led Zeppelin cover band two summers ago and had a really great time. I also checked out the Weatherstar 4000, that's really awesome.
Someone had commented that its all worth it once the band starts, which I really agree with. I am grumpy and tend to think its a terrible idea that I went to see a band. I contemplate just going home and getting out of the crowd. Then the band starts and by the end of it all, I am sad it has to end.
I saw Yngwie Malmsteen last fall. He was amazing.
Unfortunately, most of the bands I like are currently inactive as performers, or performing somewhere I can't get to and/or can't afford.
I have quite a few bands I wish would start touring or would head to this corner of the world. My selection has been limited, but I am trying to keep an eye out, especially at smaller and more affordable venues.
I saw The Alan Parsons Project recently and had a great time. Small venue and incredibly reasonable tickets. I'd enjoy OMD if they ever swing by this part of the country.
I hope they head your way. I was sad I couldn't see the second show they played here I enjoyed it so much.