Concerts aren't the same
Posted by evility@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 347 comments
Went to see Bruce Springsteen last night. My 8th time. Spent a ton of money. Had a decent spot, nosebleeds, but still a good view of the stage. Bruce & E Street were as powerful as ever. Maybe more so. It was like a tent revival with Tom Morello as a guest guitarist. For 3 hours I was in heaven.
Then came finding the car. The crowd was ridiculous, 20,000 people all trying to find their exit will be that way. Went out the wrong exit. Got hopelessly lost in downtown Cleveland. The drive home was a nightmare. Rain, road construction, and old eyes.
I used to drive 3 states over for a concert. Once I saw Bruce after flying into a town I didn't live in, with a busted rib and 3 hours of sleep. I traveled without GPS, without Mapquest. With a AAA roadmap. Now, I can't even go to the closest mid-sized city and not have a breakdown.
Anyone else have comedy of errors nights out? Or am I just too old for this shit?
curious_investing@reddit
You got lost in a concert in Cleveland? - you're in great company - the same thing happened to Spinal Tap, "Hello, Cleveland, Rock and Roll."
Normal-Philosopher-8@reddit
My husband just saw the show in Pittsburgh. He’d been to other concerts, but he’d grown up in Pittsburgh and wanted to see a show there. Like you said - great show, great music, heartwarming.
On the way out to get to his car, he stumbled on the hillside. Came home with a bruised rib and torn up elbow.
Yeah, we’re old.
Urbanite72@reddit
I jump on the T
HikerAT2022@reddit
Yep, I have had similar experiences. Now I just splurge and get an uber to/from any concerts I go to. A little extra $$ but you avoid having to deal with parking / traffic / unfamiliar streets etc.
CitizenChatt@reddit
Yes, Murtaugh. We're too old.🤣
CaliPam@reddit
My daughter and her friends went to a Taylor Swift concert at San Jose area and they booked a motel/hotel room about a mile and a half away. They just walked to and from the concert.
Marcelfixyouear@reddit
sorry, but its probably age. Years ago I applied a 'hassle factor' to certain shows -- I wouldn't travel too far, nor would I attend a stadium show where I could barely see the band among 65,000 fans.
Thinking back, my favorite shows were when the Grateful Dead started with a late afternoon set, followed by the 2nd set after the sun went down. The "light show" typically consisted of nothing more than a giant tapestry fluttering in the background (and towards the end I'd often opt for JGB shows vs. the full band -- smaller crowds and less hassle).
Iko87iko@reddit
Man those 2:00 -4:00 in the afternoon start times were something. Sunday Greek or some summer tours. Its 7:00 pm and Im high as hell, now what 😁
JustAGreenDreamer@reddit
The last time I pulled an all-nighter to see a weeknight concert in Boston, I also decided that I am too old for this.
JustWow52@reddit
I take public railway to events, even though I live in the Atlanta area and it really isn't known for the scope of the public transportation network.
But I park at the end of the spoke that is closest to my home and clack, clack, clack over, under, and past whatever mayhem is erupting all over the traffic grid.
I wish more people would use it - it could reduce road congestion and toxic emissions - but I'm glad more people don't use it. Lol
poorfolx@reddit
This is really the best way. I do the same thing for Seattle events. Grab the Sounder near Tacoma, and it makes everything so less stressful and easy peasy!
LazySwayze@reddit
I like to wait it out. I've been to a ton of arena shows and instead of playing the sardine game trying to get out, I just chill in my seat and watch them start to break down the set. It's really fascinating to watch. Either way, you're going to have to wait. Might as well hang out with something to look at, than sit in traffic burning gas. If you're not trying to rush home for the babysitter, this is the way.
ChicagoLarry@reddit
Same, when we saw McCartney a few years ago we just chilled till they literally had to kick us out, and then we even took our time. By the time we got to the car half the crowd was gone, much much easier.
gregory92024@reddit
I'm really over arena shows. Huge hassle. But if I go, we take public transport. Luckily, San Diego has light rail service that works to & from the 2 arenas (Petco & Snapdragon).
LisaLisaPrintJam@reddit
The last concert I went to, we took an Uber. I learned my lesson at the previous concert, which was exactly as you described - sheer mayhem getting out of the parking garage, and bumper to bumper all the way home.
MikeisET@reddit
I was a punk rock kid and watched all my favourite bands in tiny clubs
I’ll never understand going to a stadium to watch a band
Da_full_monty@reddit
I did both…not hard to understand. Some bands are popular and worth seeing live even in large venues.
RadioCaroline721@reddit
We saw Bruce in Vancouver BC last year (we drove up from Washington state). Amazing show! Let’s put it this way, I wish it stated two hours earlier. We got there at 4pm to avoid rush hour traffic, had dinner. It stated at 8pm, went until 11 pm, by the time we got out to parking and rerouted 3-4 times around the area to get back on the highway that literally is right next to Rogers Arena, it was almost 1230am. An hours drive to the border crossing and getting home at 2 am. 30 years ago I would have been at work at 8 am the next morning. I had to take 2 days off to reset and couldn’t hear for a week. How does BRUCE AND E STREET do it? They are 20 years older!
erinna_nyc@reddit
I had the same experience at a Dave Matthews concert last weekend!!! Probably my 10th time seeing Dave and almost certainly my last. First of all, tickets cost us $250 to sit in the back of the amphitheater, but that's only because I was forced to buy 3 tickets because the system wouldn't let you leave an empty seat. Absolutely ridiculous for Ticketmaster to force you to eat single seats. Then we go to get drinks. We each ordered an IPA and our jaws dropped when they said it was $50. WHAT DO YOU MEAN TWO BEERS COSTS FIFTY DOLLARS!!! Then same experience trying to find our car. Walked around for about twenty minutes until finally things cleared out a bit. Dave was fine but definitely didn't have the same energy as he did even three years ago. And he didn't play Crash lol
LuckyPepper22@reddit
That’s some bullshit. Fuck Ticketmaster. I hope the meet their demise in my lifetime.
Professional_Use8237@reddit
I saw Bruce earlier on this tour and we ended up parking about 1.5 miles from the venue and walking in. I was glad to get back to my car after, but most of the traffic had subsided by then.
mypen-ismadeofcheese@reddit
Used to try and score some beers to get a nice buzz before a show. Now I don’t drink before concerts because I don’t want to get up constantly to pee…..😔
InsertCleverNickHere@reddit
Thank god for edibles!
dstarpro@reddit
Same!
tacosandtheology@reddit
Man, that's why I only go to underground metal and punk shows.
Mental-Artist-6157@reddit
Same. The Worcester Palladium in MA gets solid bands, the crowd is unreal, face melting metal and you get home just fine.
gconsier@reddit
AirTag in the car
Either-Win-3017@reddit
Great idea. Would have saved me an hour of wandering around the wrong parking garage in New Haven at midnight with a teenager in tow.
Strict_Weather9063@reddit
Go into your map app and in your cars location. Then just navigate back to the pin.
Zeca_77@reddit
I have no interest in going to huge venues, especially since most are in our capital city, which isn't the safest these days and is kind of a long drive for us at night. We're fortunate to have a small arena about 20 km from the house that brings good shows. They bring a mix of local (Chilean), artists, some from elsewhere in the region (Argentina, mostly) and international performers. We saw Andy Bell earlier this year. A lot of shows that pass through Santiago add a night out here too.
MadPiglet42@reddit
Maybe you're old?
Just last year, I went to work (5AM -3PM), went home, went to a show. Went to work the next day, drove to Detroit (3 hours) went to a show (same band, different city), drove home (3 hours again), and still showed up to work at 5AM.
And then I did exactly the same thing for a different band a week later.
I'm GenX. This is what I trained for.
My staff (mostly early 20s) were shocked that I would or could do this.
These modern kids are weak. Don't be like them.
kahllerdady@reddit
We had to live in a lake!
thetituscodex@reddit
They have concerts that end before 9 pm?
tunaman808@reddit
When I was in high school a few bands did all-ages shows at around 7 and a 21+ show at 10. It was actually kind of cool getting out of a show and still basically having all night to do stuff.
I remember seeing Dreams So Real at the Cotton Club with a couple friends and then going out for burritos, then hanging out at someone's house smoking weed for a bit before heading out to the Midnight Movies... good times!
thetituscodex@reddit
Heck yeah, I remember cruising on Friday night, then Taco Bell where $5 was enough for dinner and a pack of smokes. Lol ... fun days.
Fiver43@reddit
I wish there was such a thing as a matinee concert.
trip2it@reddit
A couple of bands I love (Crowbar and EyeHateGod) just did a string of matinee shows. Some shows had two sets. Of course not while in my area. I saw them shortly before they started them.
SlowBurnLopez@reddit
some comedians are starting to do it. sal vulcano, i believe, has been doing 6pm shows. comedian joe list has also expressed interest. bert kreischer used to put on daytime matinee shows at the comedy store but i think that was just an excuse for the day drinking
GeneralPatten@reddit
Dude. Concerts are still amazing. It's you that's changed 🥴
MadPiglet42@reddit
Right? Who are all these old people in this subreddit?
mrsroperscaftan@reddit
You got that right, that’s why parking far away gives us the scaries and we gotta drag that bum knee2 miles to my spot
ItBeMe_For_Real@reddit
This whole post reminds me of this Mark Maron bit. Which I found very relatable.
scrumbud@reddit
I hadn't heard that before. Very funny and completely relatable.
ItBeMe_For_Real@reddit
It’s really one of those little moments of joy, when something you expect to be annoying turns out to be easy.
cygnes9779@reddit
Great to hear again! Thanks!
sandtomyneck@reddit
Grew up going to concerts in Cleveland in the 80s.
My best comedy of errors once was stopping at Denny's at 2am because we were really hungry. While we were waiting for our food, there was a kitchen mishap and they had to evacuate the building. We left and then went to Perkins which was similar to Denny's and while waiting for our meal, a waitress said we were going to have to leave because we were misbehaving and causing trouble. We were confused and other guests told us that there was another group before us that was causing trouble and they are mistaking us for them. Apparently we were all wearing new Iron Maiden shirts. We were all responsible teens at the time in the 80s and then the waitress called the police on us and one of the girls in the group was under 18 as we all were and the police took her and drove her to her parents as they said she was not supposed to be with us. then my car wouldn't start.
In my opinion all concerts are not the same and even high energy DJs now gather audiences that just dance with low energy and it is easy to compare current clips online with 90s audience clips.
HighBiased@reddit
Pro adult tip. Leave when the encore starts. Let those be your exit songs. Get out before the crowds.
beardedweirdoin104@reddit
Will never understand leaving a show that I paid for early just to beat the traffic.
tunaman808@reddit
I know, right? I learned a huge lesson as a kid: I was 8. My father was supposed to take me to an NBA playoff game: the hometown Hawks versus the hated Washington Bullets. But my great-grandma was sick (dying, actually) so my mom's dad was tasked with taking me to the game.
My mom's dad was one of those people who could sit through a 4 hour movie if he wanted to, but couldn't sit still for 10 minutes if he didn't want to. When the Hawks were down by 16 or so points late in the 4th quarter he insisted on leaving. He practically dragged me out of the arena.
The Hawks put up a major rally, nearly tying it late in the game. They ended up losing 94-100, but turned what looked it would be a 110-75 game into a real contest.
I never really forgave my grandpa for that. I mean, I was a kid and it was a basketball game. It wasn't like I was permanently scarred from it. Still, I can't wrap my head around people leaving an event they paid for just because they don't wanna deal with traffic.
Take the damn train if you wanna skip traffic!
hibbityhibbity@reddit
If you leave before the lights come on then you’re not a true fan. Dealing with crowds and traffic is part of the experience.
HighBiased@reddit
You're hearing the last songs as you leave and out before the rush. You don't miss a thing but the crowds
420_basket_0_grass@reddit
This is the way. Missing a song or two and getting out>taking over an hour to leave. 🤷🏽♂️
Throttlechopper@reddit
I regret doing this for Tom Petty in 2017, he passed 4 months later. RIP
OE2KB@reddit
Yes- I left Sunday end of night at his Bonnaroo show to beat the rain & crowds . Still regret it.
ReadyFreddy7352@reddit
Did that with Oasis this summer. Knew Champagne Supernova was the last song. Stayed for the first half and then started making my way out of during the second half. Missed the fireworks right at the end, but was outta there in no time.
SirMellencamp@reddit
I don’t get the Springsteen thing and never will. Not a horrible singer/band but just middle of the road
Obvious_Track_6316@reddit
His concerts are amazing! It is like a revival.
Sorchochka@reddit
He’s from Jersey baby and you’re not.
(I have no idea why I keep laughing at this. Like it’s the Jersey aura that made him popular? 😂)
SirMellencamp@reddit
It’s the New York media ecosystem that made him popular. He’s Bob Seager but Bob Seager didn’t grow up in the same media market where all the major media companies are based.
obi2kanobi@reddit
Jerseyboy here. It's like everyone has a "I met Bruce" story. Always somewhere down the shore. Damn I miss Jersey.
Nevillish@reddit
SoCal girl here, was married to a Jerseyboy. Loved going to Belmar, Asbury pk, Spring Lake in winter 1970s. Friedman's Bakery.
obi2kanobi@reddit
A club in Asbury was my encounter. Early 80's. The "Stray Cats" were playing a gig. The Fast Lane I think it was called, a couple blocks in from the Stone Pony. Not far from where Bruce grew up. Lots of hot spots down the shore. Glory Days.......
shiningonthesea@reddit
I was never a huge fan though I saw him live for the Born in the USA tour, and his show was incredible .
GeoHog713@reddit
Glad the Boss is still bringing it!!!
PartUnable1669@reddit
Definitely. My favourite band is playing two hours away and all I can think about is, concert ends at 11, get to the car by 11:30-12, drive two hours in the dark and middle of the night….yeah, no thank you. Can’t do it.
ItBeMe_For_Real@reddit
I had kinda the opposite experience seeing Bruce in Chicago. Friend texted me ~3p asking if I wanted to go see Bruce that night. He’d just been given free tix. I was tired, told him maybe but to keep asking & give to someone else if he finds a taker.
Got home from work, told my son and he encouraged me to go. So I did. Told friend yes. I got there by L & texted him. He was 5 minutes away. I got in line, he showed up as I was approaching the doors.
Seats were great, in the 100 section.
After the 3 hour show we got out pretty easily, walked a couple blocks to the L and I was at my gf’s place in about 30 minutes.
Side note, I’ve managed to avoid seeing music at the United Center for >30 years. For no particular reason other than I don’t like huge venues. I see 50-75 shows a year, nearly all are 1,000 or fewer capacity. But after such a great experience, I may go again.
I love living in a big city and not having to drive to shows. I do drive to plenty of them, probably more than half. But love when it’s easier to take the L.
attrill@reddit
Same here. I also like that there are plenty of places to grab some food or drinks within walking distance of urban venues if you want to give the L some time to clear out.
ThisIsMyUsername303@reddit
Same-ish, last month. Wanted to see Bruce, but I was returning from out of state that day and was worried about flight delays, so I snagged a ticket when we landed, got home, left an hour later (got dropped off by my spouse, who inexplicably didn't want to go), good seat, great show, spent maybe ten minutes afterward to find my neighbors who were also there, we walked to their car, and got home 15 minutes later.
salchichasconpapas@reddit
Saw The Black Crowes at Bridgestone in Nashville Thursday night
Never seen them play such a large venue before
Had great seats, 4th row floor, great show, plus I live five - ten minutes from the venue, so easy in/out
Still ... I'm too old for this
automator3000@reddit
Your rant isn’t about concerts. It’s about how you can’t find your car in a parking lot or drive at night any more. Aging isn’t always awesome, is it?
Like, I remember being 20 or 21 and driving straight to Red Rocks and back (something like 15 hours each way) for shows. Somehow I’d survive being awake *and on the road* for two straight days … and then go to work the day after getting home (or in some cases going direct from the road to work). Couldn’t pay me to do that again now, but at the time it was amazingly
evility@reddit (OP)
Good point. Maybe I should've said "What's the deal with these parking lots?"
Oddfellow1five1@reddit
For sure, my road trip stamina is like half or a third (6 hours) of what it used to be.
Glass-Nectarine-3282@reddit
No, you're still right. If you could magically teleport into your seat for the show OF COURSE we'd all still love concerts. It's the production and aggravation that goes along with it that is hateful.
So yes, if magically you could remove the travel, parking, cost, crowds, concessions, driving, exhaustion, etc etc etc, yeah, concerts would still be great.
overmonk@reddit
My wife and I are homebodies but we’re on vacation this weekend and we were out driving late and she was complaining about how all these new headlights have stars around them
I tried to break the news gently.
discovery999@reddit
Try Tesla FSD with HW4. It makes the driving part much easier.
RezRising@reddit
"Hopelessly Lost in Downtown Cleveland" was a hit by The Coppers. Made it all the way to number three in '56....
Jk.
LuckyAd2714@reddit
I saw Florence and the machine at the forum in Los Angeles Wednesday. It was incredible. Period.
Adolph_OliverNipples@reddit
I saw ELO last year on a Friday night. Arena show in a major city. At 50, I was probably one of the youngest people there.
They didn’t go on stage until 9 pm.
It was a great show, but people could barely stand up, with me included.
The bands are older than we are. These shows need to start at 4 pm.
manjar@reddit
That was a great show (we probably saw it in different cities, but it was well done)
Chuck-Finley69@reddit
At least that way you'd get the early bird prices on food and drinks
Adolph_OliverNipples@reddit
Right, and I still wouldn’t get home until 9.
Chuck-Finley69@reddit
You chose to stay for the bingo afterwards
ASOM01@reddit
I always leave before the final song just to get the jump on the traffic
shiningonthesea@reddit
I literally fly out of the stadium
hughcifer-106103@reddit
I almost never go to stadium concerts. Almost 100% club circuit and indy stuff which I feel is a better overall music experience. I do sometimes get salty when crowdsurfers kick me in the head, but the easier parking and cheaper beer is worth it.
shiningonthesea@reddit
Only stadium concerts I have seen in the past 10 years have been Paul McCartney. I mean , you can’t say no to him .
mudshark698@reddit
Fuck crowdsurfers
viking12344@reddit
Concerts aren't the same because the same acts you saw 30 plus years ago aren't the same. I realize you listed your reasons but here is mine.
Most artists are at their creative peak in their 20s. I am not paying stupid money to watch a band ......that is a shadow of its former self....play. I can't relate to Bruce because I can't stand him....but let's say Robert plant.
I would trade my left arm to see him sing in 1970.i would pay thousands of dollars to see it. I won't pay inflated prices to listen to him now. I would much rather go watch a hungry,young band at the peak of their powers. Like scarhaven or return to dust or a host of others.
Or pearl.jam. Watching pissed off Eddie in 92 would be worth any sum. Watching complacent Eddie who married a model in 2026 for crazy cash is laughable.
Icy_Ice1635@reddit
Saw Pearl Jam two years ago. They were excellent. Were they the 1992 version? Of course not. That said, Eddie’s voice is still powerful and the band is tight.
viking12344@reddit
How much were tickets?
Icy_Ice1635@reddit
We saw them in Sacramento at the Golden 1 center. First row of second deck. $150.
viking12344@reddit
That's not that bad considering I've seen them far,far higher.
BucketOBits@reddit
I don’t go to events at large venues.
And if I go to one at a smaller venue out of town, I make a night of it. I drive in the day before, stay at a hotel, walk or Uber to/from the venue, then drive home the next day in the daylight.
No hunting for my car, no driving in the dark, and I can be in bed within about an hour of the event ending. 🤣
Chuck-Finley69@reddit
I tried getting Bon Jovi for a private gig in my backyard. Unfortunately, little more than I could afford
_Losing_Generation_@reddit
Been to a few big stadium shows when I was younger, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, GnR..not my thing really. Local punk shows was my jam really. Small clubs or gyms or wherever, 6 bands for $7 type of thing.
Don't really remember the last show I went to, maybe Punk Rock Picnic 2012 or 2013?...anyway, while I generally had a good time and saw a few bands I was into and a couple of friends, I left feeling blah... I remember the days of leaving Fenders Ballroom with a ripped shirt and sweating like a pig and enjoying every second of it. Me and my friends would talk about it all the way home. That feeling is long gone. It's a young man's game.
ImaginarySpaceship9@reddit
Just saw Sun Ra’s Arkestra last night and the majority of people on the stage and in the audience were older than me. It was incredible!!! Smaller venues may be the way to go.
Thatsgonnamakeamark@reddit
Air tag in the car. Even for every day.
CowboyLaw@reddit
If it’s a lot, rather than a ramp, you can also Drop a Pin in the Google Maps app, and then just navigate back to the pin. It’ll work in a ramp too, but you’ll have to figure out the floor.
Out_of_Darkness_mc@reddit
Did this when we went to see Hootie and the Blowfish on their Summer Truck Tour! I was looking cute and I wasn’t hiking all over the damn place trying to find our truck!
My hubby thought I was a genius!🤭
FriendRaven1@reddit
Huh. That's a damn good idea, thanks!
EntertainerNo4509@reddit
We got lost leaving The Cure show couple years ago. We walked for what seemed like forever.
fingernmuzzle@reddit
We post game til it clears out
LadyBlue347@reddit
This is the way. We always pack post-show snacks and a bluetooth speaker and wait that shit out.
afriendincanada@reddit
Turns out the highway really was jammed with broken heroes on a last chance power drive
ItBeMe_For_Real@reddit
I swear, it seemed like everybody was out on the road that night.
grumpvet87@reddit
.
lord_of_the_shants@reddit
2012 Jane's were still putting on a pretty good show at least
grumpvet87@reddit
great show: 4th row at a very small venue (ruth eckard hall) went with 2 other girls and 2 other guys. jo-anne ended on stage drinking some of perry's wine, sarah got kisses from dave who bent down from stage.. was epic
kent_eh@reddit
That's pretty much where I'm at too.
I used to do sound and lights for bar bands, but these days if I go out for live music, it'll be a folk duo at a local brewery or something chill like that.
BodybuilderProof422@reddit
Going to see him Wednesday and already having anxiety about all this
No-Replacement-8048@reddit
Me too!! But taking metro. It will still be crowded I’m sure but better than trying to drive in DC. Bruce & E Street are worth it!
CharleyDawg@reddit
Older than you. Hate crowds and the logistics of large shows are a nightmare these days. But I go through it for Springsteen and another band or two. I grit my teeth at the coming and going so I can just be in the moment at the show. I described Chicago on 4/29 as part tent revival and part Bruce and the fans mind melding for 3 hours.
I usually stick to small venues and smaller bands these days, but some musicians are worth going out of my comfort zone for.
Dr_Dread@reddit
I dread the post concert traffic (mostly trying to get out of the parking lot or garage).
My kids are in school, so getting up the next morning to get them to school is rough after a later night.
RescueRacing@reddit
Most of the bands I enjoy are newer and play in smaller, more intimate venues. Getting in and out is no hassle at all.
Mr_Pink_Eyez@reddit
This is why I love going to smaller shows!
sixteenHandles@reddit
I started leaving big concerts earlier and earlier to beat crowd. Eventually, I left before the big concerts started.
But seriously. At this point, I mostly only see small acts in local venues. Low stakes with occasional big upside.
Occasionally, I’ll go to a midsize venue if I can get a seat. I’m not gonna stand all night and then fight crowds to go home. In this body?!
XScottMorrisseyX@reddit
Yeah I live right outside Philly and only go see club or small theater shows anymore. Including the bridge, parking and tickets, it's less than $100. You can barely get parking at the stadiums for that now.
Kristin2349@reddit
I just paid $110 for reserved parking in Camden. It's out of hand.
DentistRich4699@reddit
$24 for a 24 oz can of beer at Satch/Vai concert 2 weeks ago! Bullshit
jerryatrix27@reddit
Sounds like the concert was the same, but you just couldn’t find your car and then got yourself lost. You’re not too old for concerts; you’ve just got to do a better job planning.
jt2ou@reddit
Your post show game plan was flawed and you got turned around is all. Take your time to pee after the show, stroll to your car and let everyone else battle the exit lines. Get a cool beverage, set your nav and drive home safely. Just because others want to be caught up in post show chaos doesn’t mean you have to.
7eregrine@reddit
This
SecretlyPissed@reddit
Eh that’s just how Cleveland always feels
Competitive_Bet2664@reddit
Concert going has always been one of my favorite activities and I continue to go quite a lot and am still enjoying it.
I’m fortunate to live in a major metro area that is a tour stop for just about everyone. I’m seeing mainly classic rock acts and we are fortunate to have a few venues that always seem to have reasonably priced tickets. This summer I’ll see the Beach Boys (Mike Love/Bruce Johnston) and maybe Al Jardine’s Pet Sounds band in the fall. Herb Alpert. The Guess Who. John Mellencamp. Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight. Blues Traveler. Black Crows and Trucks/Tedeschi Band. Squeeze and Adam Ant. All of these tickets combined will be under $350 per person. Also a few free outdoor music shows around the city. I saw all the bands I wanted to see before they were charging several hundred per ticket. I don’t play that game. We also have some local bands that we like to see.
Also I’m fortunate to be able to use public transportation on concert nights. A nice little walk to and from the venue and little hassle and no battling traffic jams myself.
We also have a healthy theatre scene and with a little planning you can usually score tickets without breaking the bank. These entertainment opportunities make living in a VHCOL area a little better. We’re not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but entertainment has always been a priority for happiness.
Rock on, Gen X!
beachlover77@reddit
I have always hated traffic and getting out of crowded venues.
bubblegoose@reddit
Lyft can really help. Took my 13 y.o. daughter to see Weird Al last summer. Traffic management from the city of Philly was really bad and everything was backed up.
Got a former cab driver as my Lyft driver and he was crazy, but it turned out awesome.
He had a minivan that made a loud ticking noise, took us over grass parking areas almost hitting a few trees, went the wrong way down an empty one way road and got us to our hotel in less time than it took to get to the concert.
iftheygivinitaway@reddit
Philly, yo.
SecretlyPissed@reddit
I saw Bruce 5/19 in Pittsburgh…amazing…of course my son and I sat in front of people having very loud conversations about workout routines. Like why? We spent $400 for our seats so they paid the same. Why are you screaming over Bruce fucking Springsteen to have a conversation about nothing?!?
Anyway…I am very familiar with driving in Pittsburgh and I still made a wrong turn, it rained and I almost hit a deer on the way home. I woke up in the morning and felt hungover all day. I didn’t drink.
CaptainLollygag@reddit
So, your beef isn't with the concert but with you getting yourself home. People change over time, and it seems you are not as patient with crowds and driving as you used to be, which is totally normal. But it's not about the show.
jeexbit@reddit
I mean...traffic sucks regardless of age or any other factors right? and getting lost is part of the experience man.
crashin70@reddit
I called the police once when I was much younger because someone had stolen my car from the parking deck!
Yeah, I was on the wrong parking deck looking.. in my defense I was very stoned!
ratsta@reddit
Dude, I got lost in a shopping mall when I was 22 (though TBF it's a four story spiral with criss-cross passages that go up/down half a level each time).
Concerts haven't changed. I remember that was one of the issues with events held at the SCG/Hordern in Sydney. Several thousand people cramming into or disgorging from a place, several exits, fuck the carpark is on the other side of the block, car is a 2km walk because fuck paying for parking onsite which is still a half-kilometre walk, then spending forever in lines of traffic in/out of the city, etc. They'd put on buses for major events but they were packed like sardines and still subject to the traffic.
Rog... grab the cat! (Lethal Weapon's on Ch9 tonight and starts in 5. Kettle's already hot.)
Open_Trouble_6005@reddit
Bruce was in Cleveland last night because they had a clip of his show on the news! I am about your age and if it was me, I would have gotten a hotel room in downtown and stayed the night. I can imagine the misery after the show and I know it was raining. Maybe consider that in the future because you could have walked to the arena from many hotels downtown.
Sir_midi@reddit
I decided last year that I am no longer going to sit on grass to watch concerts anymore. I have earned the ticket for the seats.
Murky_Possibility_68@reddit
Even worse is GA on a concrete floor. No!
melmsz@reddit
Trying to figure out what Georgia has to do with...
Murky_Possibility_68@reddit
General admission.
melmsz@reddit
I know, just took a minute.
Same with NC no contact. I've lived in both states so maybe it's that.
TheJokersChild@reddit
I was astonished when I saw Beck at Wolf Trap 2 years ago. Not a space on the lawn. So glad I got a real seat. And just as glad I shuttled over from the train station. I couldn't imagine driving there.
overmonk@reddit
I look up setlists from past shows and leave just before the final song of the set, always skip the encore. Because of this shit.
shawncollins512@reddit
Same strategy unless I absolutely love the final song.
overmonk@reddit
We’ve got Noah Kahan tickets and I know my wife wants to hear every song. I’m resigned to it.
imk@reddit
I even did this at the last concert I went to at Madison Square Garden. Forget cars, I didn't want to have to wait in line just to exit the arena.
skinny_pickle22@reddit
Saw Bruce in NJ last month. Fortunately we had no issue getting out of the parking lot. Tom Morello was amazing!
shawncollins512@reddit
Did he play in Newark at the arena? I saw him so many times in Giants Stadium and Brendon Byrne when I lived there years ago.
DifficultCat2000@reddit
It depends...Had to see The Warning even if they were the opening act and I hadn't been to a concert in over 20 yrs and I had to stand in line and in GA glowering at everyone. But I was head bobbing, jumping, fist pumping, head banging while my joints were creaking all through their set. Hadn't been this excited in a long time. I just took an Uber, not gonna deal with parking.
Not my video: https://youtube.com/shorts/Yfl6Cwu8hyE
shawncollins512@reddit
Your getting home experience makes me very happy to be a quick uber from my local arena (Austin) - saw Bruce there last month and walked a couple blocks away and was home in ten minutes.
My night vision is garbage these days. He’ll of a show.
Turbulent-Demand873@reddit
I dislike the crowds too. But my husband and I still like to attend concerts. We are fans of metal so we suffer through the Louder Than Life music festival every year. That one gets us. 4 days of pure exhaustion. We feel our age every minute of it. But we do love live music. 🤘🏻
skinny_pickle22@reddit
I’m with you! Not crazy about the line up this year except for MCR so we might skip it. But last year the crowds were insane.
Turbulent-Demand873@reddit
My husband wouldn’t miss Iron Maiden. lol
Connect_Trainer_7453@reddit
I cannot imagine complaining about anything after seeing that show! It was perfection and no parking garage or traffic could kill my love of last night!! Come on. We’re supposed to be the resilient generation! Get back in the game!
player1dk@reddit
I’ve slept in trains and sports courts, survived on wedding cake and champagne, driven all night, been eager to be in front row, etc.etc.,
…and now I’m looking for seating area, preferably some sort of private lounge, a hotel stay at least the night before and after.
Yea, we’ve gotten old and comfortable.
Next month I’m going to Le Mans race, sleeping in tent, shared restroom facilities. I have no idea how I’m going to survive. :-D
ChalkHorse@reddit
As a few people have said, it's not that concerts aren't the same, because you enjoyed all aspects of the concert itself, it's the parking/leaving the venue problem and difficulties during the drive home that you had a problem with.
I went to see the The Moody Blues at the Irvine Amphitheatre in the 80s. Great concert, no problem with traffic during the hour drive home, but OMG the enormous parking lot was a nightmare after the concert. My ex and I wandered up and down the aisles for at least an hour, but couldn't find our car. Lots of other people decided to sit in their cars and wait until the traffic thinned out, so it didn't get any easier to find ours. We finally sat on a grassy hill overlooking the parking lot until it was down to just a few cars and we finally spotted it. I was in the parking lot longer than the concert lasted.
I have rarely failed to note where I park my vehicle pretty anywhere since then.
ronnie-james-dior@reddit
Sitting in a multi story parking lot for an hour waiting to go home, almost makes it not worth it
SaveDMusician@reddit
I am so disappointed in my GenX brethren, why tf are you all so darn old????
This is getting embarrassing. Maybe I'll hide this sub so I can stop being reminded of how im going to feel in 20-30 years.
I do not yet feel elderly.
And you are all taking this sitting down? So you never exercise?
Vioralarama@reddit
What are you, genZ? Get out.
It comes on overnight btw, that's why we're all stunned by it.
SaveDMusician@reddit
I'm a proud, healthy Gen Xer
Connect_Trainer_7453@reddit
59f and danced and sang the entire concert last night! Some of are still standing out here in GenX land!
OldGoneMild89@reddit
Not all of us 🤙
texasdiver@reddit
Maybe youth isn’t wasted on the young, after all.
entropyparty@reddit
But if we still had youth, this would be no problem
TitsMaGraw@reddit
I would have to wait on the curb of the venue till every car was gone to find my own……I have a hard time at the grocery store now….i love Bruce
imk@reddit
The last concert I saw was The Cure in a stadium in Lima Peru. I had seen them many times before going back to the mid eighties and I was excited to see them in another country. It was a drag.
As much of a concert nut as I have been over the years, I know people who were bigger fanatics than me. Even they have given up on the idea.
malpasplace@reddit
I think a lot of GenX now puts themselves in comfortable cocoon most of the time. Get them out of that cocoon that they built for themselves and yeah, trouble. It isn't age though, it is atrophy of what it takes to deal with people. And yeah, they go "I'm tired. I've dealt with that for years" and well that is both life, and when one doesn't exercise skills using them will be tiring.
And it isn't new. Did you notice how boomers and the WW2 generation started limiting themselves to their local bars and restaurants? To their status quo and routines? That they became a shadow of their former selves? That so many of us made fun of them for that? Part of that is age. Part of that is that most people aren't that into novelty or adventure anyway, and make it a tiny bit harder and they are out.
You aren't too old. Go out. Enjoy the show. Do it more often. And yeah, learn how to work around those limitations. Look at Bruce. 76 years old. That is what engaged older years look like.
Connect_Trainer_7453@reddit
Yes!!! All of this! I was at the concert last night and I loved every single minute! I waited while Bruce celebrated every single person as they passed by him to exit on stage. Stayed for his huge hug with Clarence’s nephew. Stayed until he walked off the stage. I’m not leaving a second before that. I’m 59 and took my 24 year old daughter and we had a ball! We got to the arena super early and parked on the lowest level of the parking garage so we were out by 11:00 and on the way home. I don’t want to be that person that gets into a comfort zone they can’t step out of for the great moments in life. Last night was a party!
CeilingUnlimited@reddit
Went to Austin show. Was enough of a grizzled concert vet to know that we needed to book it right after Dancing in the Dark - 2nd song in the encore. We were in our car and away before most had left the venue.
AKABrokenArrow@reddit
I’m fortunate enough to have a parking permit for the Brazos garage. They don’t allow parking for Moody Center events, so I’m able to zip in and out.
Having said that, I took my daughter to see the Eras tour in Kansas City in 2023 and I vowed to never attend another event at a football stadium. Like the OP, we exited from the wrong exit and we had to walk all the way around the stadium to find the car. Then, it took like an hour to exit. No cell coverage because of 80,000 people using their phones at once so I wasn’t able to check in w the wife back home.
richmds@reddit
At least you made it to the end. I see people leaving half through the concert or trying roll up in those handicap buggys.
Most_Competition4172@reddit
I’m with Murtaugh here. I’m getting too old for this shit as well
darth-vagrant@reddit
Still going to shows, small venues to stadiums. The only ones I avoid are the all day or three day long events with a huge lineup of bands, but I never really liked those even when I was in my twenties.
My wife and I would like to go to EDC sometime, even though we’d probably be wiped out after 1 day. We’ve been watching EDC 2026 on YouTube this week. I’m starting to think that if we trained for it, as if it was a 10K run, we might be able to do it. Training would consist of staying out dancing all night and sleeping all day. Sacrifices must be made.
Low_Astronomer_6669@reddit
What's EDC?
darth-vagrant@reddit
Electric Daisy Carnival, specifically the one in Las Vegas. A multi-day electronic dance music festival/party/carnival/rave. Listening to the sunrise set from Above&Beyond at EDC 2026 right now. Just search YouTube for “EDC 2026” and you’ll find it.
Willietrailblaze@reddit
Electric Daisy carnival. A big EDM festival at las vegas speedway
Lightlytoasted2@reddit
Electric Daisy Carnival - it's an electronic dance music festival in Vegas (and Orlando)
SusannaG1@reddit
Yeah, I hear you on the traffic when trying to get home. The most recent big concert in this area was earlier this spring, when 90,000 showed up at Death Valley to hear George Strait. The getting out was worse than after a Clemson-Carolina game! There was gridlocked traffic for about five hours afterwards. Some people had a hard time getting out of the parking lots.
Oddfellow1five1@reddit
Totally agree. It’s probably a toss up for what’s worse— rain, road construction and old eyes, or no gps, late 60s VW bus on acid.
Which-Inspection735@reddit
I’m smack in the middle between DC and Baltimore so there are several venues within 30 miles. To and back is never an issue, but if you park in the wrong garage, you may be Ubering home and getting your car tomorrow. My problem with bigger concerts is the people. Went to see Billy Strings last year and I was ready to go to jail for assaulting the wook in front of me for continually landing on me while he did his crazy fucking dancing. Then a week later went to see Turnpike Troubadours in DC and WAS physically assaulted by some drunk old lady who didn’t like that I decided to stand my ground instead of continuing to cede ground to avoid her drunken dancing and being bumped into.
Not to be arrogant, but I’m not a small guy, and frequently get mistaken as military or law enforcement. Assaulting someone like that IN DC is incredibly dumb.
In short, I love going to concerts. It’s the people I hate.
amnichols@reddit
I can relate. Went to see Dwight Yoakum in Athens, Georgia at a fairly small venue there. There was this drunk young lady flinging her beer around. The two middle aged ladies in front of her told her to stop dumping her drink on their nice leather purses. They finally got her boyfriend to remove her off the floor. I’ve had crazier things happen at country shows than all the punk shows I’ve been to.
evility@reddit (OP)
The only time I saw Dwight I ended up alone because the group all dispersed to the winds before the show was over. At least one got thrown out, I think the rest followed in solidarity. I wanted to hear Guitars & Cadillacs so I stayed.
Which-Inspection735@reddit
Yeah drunk lady’s man pulled her off and apologized. Thankfully he had a cooler head and just got her out of there.
Admirable-Reveal-412@reddit
The chompers are what drive me crazy! Just STFU, I didn’t pay $$$ to listen to you talk or watch you try to perfect your selfie game.
Rambling-Holiday1998@reddit
Yes, dancing folks, even clumsy ones, do not bother me one bit. But people yapping through the whole thing could drive me to violence.
TheJokersChild@reddit
Just moved from there. Always gotta check the Metro schedules...and proximity to the train from the venue. Birchmere is pretty walky from the Blue Line train, I discovered.
Which-Inspection735@reddit
With red line construction, it’s very unpredictable. And there’s always garage parking near the Anthem.
x-0-y-0@reddit
You lost me at "finding the car" after a concert.
ApplicationUpper9229@reddit
That stinks! We went but parked outside downtown and took the train. But we live here so kinda had that foreknowledge, nor will ever gonna get lost in our hometown!
evility@reddit (OP)
I live 45 miles away. I've gone to so many concerts in Cleveland. How I got so lost is a mystery. I parked at Tower City! Not some random lot.
ApplicationUpper9229@reddit
Ugh that sucks. At least you enjoyed the show.
flannelkimono@reddit
I still go to shows constantly, but arena shows are a hard pass now.
I also work at a large venue seasonally that has terrible parking. My best tips: always turn on your GPS when you’re leaving parking, just in case you end up going out of the wrong exit. And drop a pin before you go in so that you can find your car after the show.
BecauseISaidSo888@reddit
I saw the Rolling Stones at Gillette Stadium a couple years ago. Normally when I go there, I park in a lot on the opposite side so I can just take a right out of the lot.
Well, this time I screwed up going in and parked on the other side. I asked the attendant when I pulled in if I could go left getting out and they said Yes.
Well, that was a lie. Concert let out at 11pm. I live an hour and a half away. I was forced into the wrong direction and with guard rails and jersey barriers, I couldn’t u-turn for a long time. In heavy traffic. It took me an hour and a half to go up, finally turn around and be along side Gillette again going in the correct direction. With an hour and a half trip still ahead of me. Still in heavy traffic. I was angry as hell. I hate that venue.
Glass-Nectarine-3282@reddit
I went to the Stones in 1997 and due to a comedy of errors it took three hours to get out of the lot and THEN hit that ghastly traffic, so we got home at 4am. But it was a funny story - we got pancakes at Denny's, whatever.
If that happened to me today, I'd assume I'd die.
AcademicComparison18@reddit
Just the thought of being up till 4 am makes me want to die lol
wobbsey@reddit
if i had to die at 4am, denny’s would be the place
wobbsey@reddit
parking there is the absolute worst
BecauseISaidSo888@reddit
Usually going in, coming up rte 1, I park in the first Gillette lot on the left and getting out sometimes isn’t too bad, then just the grind to get back into 495.
The venue is Mansfield that used to be called Great Woods might be the worst in the area though. NEVER easy getting out. On Van Halen’s last tour, I was stuck in the PARKING SPOT for over an hour. And still had to spend along time getting out of the lot once we started moving.
Suspicious_Glove_158@reddit
You bring beer, drink before you head in, the after the house lights come on slowly make you way to vehicle, have another beer or 3, while everyone else is leaving
Purist1975@reddit
Hey little girl is your daddy home... eh
Shelby-Stylo@reddit
Welcome to middle age.
retroafric@reddit
Just bought my first set of Season Tickets to anything ever: NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy FC women’s pro soccer team.
Been to every home match so far. Yeah, there’s traffic. Yeah, it’s a drive. Yeah, the concessions are stupidly expensive. Yeah, did I kinda want to bail on the Wednesday night 8 pm match…?
But… it’s great competition, atmosphere is fun and positive and the seat sizes (relatively) generous. Plus, it’s something I’ve never had before. And I can share it with my soccer-obsessed daughters. And from a value-proposition standpoint, women’s sports are the best bargain around right now. And it gets my old ass off the couch.
Glass-Nectarine-3282@reddit
But you're taking your kids - this isn't "nostalgia" it's "parenting." You're creating the nostalgia for your kids, not for you. So no judgement, but it's different than the OP.
retroafric@reddit
My take was more about the additional effort it seems to take to get out to large “events” be it concerts, shows or sports once age 50 is in the rear view mirror.
I’m in sympathy with OP on that…
Glass-Nectarine-3282@reddit
Oh totally right, of course. But you have a valid reason to push a little bit more.
goetzecc@reddit
The David Byrne concert “Who Is The Sky” is not to be missed.
Plastic-Sentence9429@reddit
Yeah, it was amazing!
Current_Nebula8172@reddit
I’ll third this 1
Owlthirtynow@reddit
Good to know. I saw talking heads in Binghamton in 1985 or there about and every person in that auditorium was on their door dancing the whole time.
PhilosophyLow7217@reddit
I still go to concerts- big venues and smaller ones. My advice is leave before the end and take (and pre-book to leave) a Lyft. Never drive yourself
Some-Tear3499@reddit
Last big venue show was Eric Clapton in 2002? Denver, the Pepsi center. The last 23 yrs in northern Michigan. We get some name acts at Interlochen, nice covered outdoor venue, seats just under 4000 people. Taj Mahal-Keb Mo’, Gary Clark jr. Last year. Joe Bonamassa is the big show this yr. But I am out of town for that. We have a college in town that has a strong history of bringing in good blues players and bands, some Latin Jazz too. Another local place that seats under 200 that gets some killer talent both touring and local. They do a ton of Jazz there! We saw Don Was a couple of months ago. Yesterday I drove 3 hours to drive to Lansing for a middle eastern ensemble, dinner and a show! The lead percussionist is my former instructor in ME percussion. With gas, the dog in the kennel for the weekend, hotel room, gas, close to $300. Very small venue! But, we aren’t going to get this music, nor the caliber of musicians anywhere near where I live. I went last Dec. same situation but last nights show was much better. Yeah, unless I win some serious tickets I ain’t doing a huge show in Grand Rapids or the Detroit area.
When I lived in the Denver area Red Rocks was a 20 min drive away. Saw some great show there 70’s-2003.
tigers692@reddit
Huh, I remember going to ozzfest ind Devore California, 2005, couldn’t find the car forever, then found it and couldn’t leave. Me and the girlfriend at the time slept and did things in the parking lot that probably should have gotten us arrested. Next morning, some security guy knocked on the window and asked us to leave. You have GPS on your phone now, it’s free, use it to get around all that stuff, we had a Thomasguide. :-)
PangolinSubject3487@reddit
Saw Steve Vai and Joe Satriani last week, not my thing but partner plays guitar. When the venue is a sit throughout the show kinda place it just doesn't hit the same for me. I need the excitement of standing on my chair, falling off my chair, having people telling me to sit the fuck down! This is 71, it's the new 21...but with punctuation
FreeElleGee@reddit
I think people in general are more rude, and that happens at concerts too. Like more and more people try to sit in the wrong seat and feign ignorance when caught. More people are rude AF after the show is over and they’re trying to get out - both out of the venue itself, and then the parking lot. Add apathetic venue workers, and it’s a shitshow.
fatdrunkandstupid123@reddit
and they are holding their phones up to record.
FreeElleGee@reddit
Yes! The last concert I went to, the lady next to me kept holding her phone in front of my face so she could record, while still seeing it unobstructed. People are absolutely ridiculous.
Ok-Knowledge-4098@reddit
Ha! I’m in Philly about to travel to AC tonight for Journey. It’s pouring out and I’m nervous about the drive.
Under_the_Milky_Way@reddit
At my age, nosebleeds and decent seats don't compute. I don't spend money on retail therapy anymore, but experiences? I spend a bit more these days then when I was younger, no regrets ever.
But as far as leaving the venue, I've been to hundreds of shows, check setlist.fm, leave when the last song starts, you can a watch a bit from the back and enjoy a good tune as you are making your way out the venue crowd free.
Recent-Sail-7836@reddit
I wasn't crazy about arena/stadium shows when I was young, and now they are downright unbearable.
cramothmasterson@reddit
It just sounds like you’re getting too old for this s. This is all pretty standard for large events and has been for a while. Sounds like a good show!
howthefocaccia@reddit
Went to see Belle & Sebastian with my daughter who loves them cause they’re “retro”…. It was awesome…. Right up until they came back for a second encore. It was already so far past my usual bedtime. I was fucking DYING.
Acrobatic_Quote4988@reddit
I've always enjoyed live music but have written off big arena shows. Just not worth the tremendous hassle, expense, and dealing with all those PEOPLE lol. For me anyway. I've seen a ton of big shows over the years and have had my fill.
But Ido still enjoy much smaller venues. I recently went to a show at the Edmonds Arts Center (Edmonds WA)and it was fantastic - maximum capacity 700, every seat with a perfect view.
Speech-Language@reddit
I have never enjoyed stadium shows. I need to feel some sense of intimacy. Saw Pink Floyd in a stadium. Love their music, but it didn’t do much for me. Although when I see how audiences in Latin America are so animated, I’d love to see a big show there. AC/DC at River Plate on YouTube looks like such fun.
Kimber80@reddit
Concerts are very corporate and choreographed and antiseptic these days compared to the pot smoke filled arenas of the 1970s where a band might decide to jam for a half an hour in the middle of a hit.
On the other hand the performances are generally a whole lot better.
johninfla52@reddit
That's true. I don't miss the tobacco smoke at all though.
johninfla52@reddit
We went to see Laura Pausini last Thursday in Orlando. Drove to the hotel and ubered in and out of the Kia Center. I have probably ubered ten times in my life but this was worth it. That and staying the night.
Driving home sucks after a concert. Plus we could get drinks after and not worry about driving.
MouldyBobs@reddit
65 and my last big stadium concert is coming up Wednesday with Bruce at Nationals Park in DC. I promised my oldest Son I would take him to his third Bruce show. He uses a power wheelchair. It is difficult to get HC seats and parking for any show - and doubly so for certain historic venues which often are not built for barrier-free access. Sigh.
Rambling-Holiday1998@reddit
I find forcing an adult kid to go with me helps. I'm 60 and did not get to attend concerts when I was young, so I am doing it now. We saw F&TM in Nashville, and God bless my daughter, who kept me going in the right direction, or I might still be wandering around looking for the shuttle pickup spot
When we go to concerts, we get a hotel and make a whole thing of it. Super expensive, but I don't need a 2-hour drive home from Nashville when I'm already tired and might have had a drink or two
Rambling-Holiday1998@reddit
The vibe is different at old-timer concerts as well. I mean I always have fun at Boomer concerts with my husband. But seeing more current bands with one of my kids is the experience I am looking for. Maybe those who are not enjoying concerts need to try out some new artists who might have more high energy shows.
F&TM and CMAT put on a hella good show.
BraveEbb7077@reddit
I agree. I haven’t sworn off all legacy acts but I’m more going to newer bands in smaller venues these days. I also like to find local artists. I’m just south of Chicago so it isn’t hard to find something most weekends.
Low_Astronomer_6669@reddit
What's with people using initials for bands with no context? I have no idea who either of those are.
Rambling-Holiday1998@reddit
F&TM is shorthand for Florence and The Machine. You may or may not have heard of her, but she has been famous for quite a while. If you want to get to know her, all of her albums are magical but my personal favorite will always be How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. If you are interested in an introduction to her work, that album is just so gorgeous. But they all so beautiful and emotional.
CMAT is not shorthand; it is her literal stage name. Her name is Cierra Mary-Alice Thompson but she always performs as CMAT. She is quite well known in Ireland and England and just really becoming well-known here. I recommend you start with Euro-Country if you want a good introduction to CMAT. Her lyrics often describe my difficult 20s, so I listen to her music LOUDLY on my way to therapy appointments!! LOL. The song Euro-Country is a heartbreaking look at Ireland's more recent history and how it affects her generation.
Hope that helps! I love talking about great music!!!
Low_Astronomer_6669@reddit
Thanks for the reply, I'll check them out!
Rambling-Holiday1998@reddit
And by forcing my adult kids, I simply buy the tickets I want and then evaluate which of my kids is the best fit for that concert, and pay their way and buy them a shirt. That's how I force them.
If it's a boomer concert, then my husband is my date.
jodiarch@reddit
Yeah, I recently went to a sold out show, Banana ball, at the Superdome. 70,000 people all leaving at once. Best extra money spend was Ubering there and finding a Cab on the way home.
Canaduck1@reddit
I saw Sarah McLachlan a few months ago at a casino on a Central Ontario first nations reservation. I'm 52 and I felt young there. It was refreshing.
PangolinSubject3487@reddit
Another Springsteen story. I won tickets in 1980 to see him in Buffalo (I'm in T.O). Got on the bus with a friend and all the other winners. Get to the border and few =>/&% idiots decide to travel with drugs. Delay delay and I'm losing my shit.. quietly. Finally get through and to the Aud and my friend has brought his super duper Nikon camera. We are stopped at the gate and security says ' nope'. Another heart stopping delay for me. He had to go find the bus and leave it there and was so pissed and afraid in would get stolen. At that point I screamed 'I'll buy you another effing camera!" Long story even longer, heard the opening notes of Born to Run and just ran to get inside to my seat and left him in my wake. Great show but crazy stressful for me at 25. Now at 71 I think I'm more chill...maybe
LouSevens@reddit
For me sadly there are less concerts as many of my favorites don't tour as much if at all. What sadly gets me is replacement members in the band
I went to Cleveland for the Rolling Stones, but it was a trip to see Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and I saw from my hotel how much traffic there was . Certain venues I attend by train so I don't have parking at the venue which makes it more manageable.
Going to a Bruce show that is close by for me and I will leave a song or two early if I am driving to the venue.
beccabebe@reddit
Saw Joe Jackson last night. I was ready for a shit show of parking and ppl. Venue in a busy downtown area.
Turned out everything went off perfectly except gps took us home via side streets instead of faster fwy. Not sure why.
LouSevens@reddit
Saw him in a smaller venue a few years ago- he brought the actual drum machine and synth he used to record Stepping Out and did Breaking us in two as well
Willietrailblaze@reddit
Bro i would LOVE to hear steppin out live
PangolinSubject3487@reddit
Me too! Also Breaking Us in Two...who am I kidding I wanna hear everything
yowza_wowza@reddit
I'm on my way home from a 3 day trip to Chicago for fun and I while I have memories that I will cherish, it was incredibly hard to travel and walk and figure out transportation, etc. I'm just old and tired. I'm not sure want to handle this level of work for "fun" anymore. Concerts and shows out of town are fun, but I'm not sure they are worth it at my age now.
Auntie_Venom@reddit
We haven’t gone much since the pandemic, before that concerts at big venues and small venues it didn’t matter were a bulk of our expendable budget (DINKS), we’ve seen three shows since then, small venues for Seether and twice for Myles Kennedy. Life has been extra complicated lately, and I miss my live music. We’re going out of town to see AC/DC later this summer. But it doesn’t really count as traveling because it’s in our hometown 4 hours away. We drive there often to see family… Which reminds me, I need to book the hotel… There’s a lot of 4 star hotels in walking distance from the venue, so no hassles with parking or coming in late bothering family.
LeopardMinimum7917@reddit
The problem with a lot of legacy acts is they really get you in ticket fees since they know they can charge more than, say, Tate McRae can because they know their fans have more money. Then again, so can Taylor Swift... oof that was expensive but loads of fun
vanhamm3rsly@reddit
I’m about to do 4 nights of BTS in Vegas and the AMAs with after-parties 3 of those nights. I’ll sleep when I’m dead. (I’m also not planning on drinking alcohol and will be taking alleve every day and wearing compression socks to survive this so…😆)
madogvelkor@reddit
To be honest, I hated leaving concerts at big stadiums and arenas even when I was 20. I usually duck out during the last song.
rubbish_heap@reddit
I remember leaving Lollapalooza '94 early and it was still a nightmare. That was the last festival style concert I went too.
socgrandinq@reddit
I’m with you. It’s an age thing for sure in many ways. My body doesn’t want to deal with all that anymore. Cost is another huge factor as concert prices are not commisserate with inflation. The bands themselves are older too so it’s not like I am seeing Queensryche premier Operation Mindcrime. The excitement is not the same also because we have so much access to watch concert clips of our favorite bands both from back in the day to now. When I saw Iron Maiden play Rime of the Ancient Mariner in its entirety that was an event, a rare thing as opposed to a YouTube clip I could pull up anytime.
krissym99@reddit
I don't think any of this is new. The crowds, the parking, the exit traffic. It's been like this for at least 25 years. But my current lack of patience to deal with that stuff AND the prices of the tickets have made me loath to go to big venues nowadays.
Th1088@reddit
Definitely feels like a heavier lift to see stadium shows now. I've had better luck with smaller clubs -- more intimate and easier in/out. But for someone as big as Springsteen, unless you get lucky in Asbury Park, you're pretty much going to have to brave the stadium parking lots.
jsgraphitti@reddit
Sounds like taking transit or getting a room nearby would have been more pleasant.
Cerfer@reddit
i did this for the KISS End of the Road Tour in Detroit. My daughter and I got rooms within walking nce of the venue, easy in, easy out.
But I won't go to SRO shows b/c I realky am too old for this shit. Iron Maiden in Chicago (on the lawn) may be the last one for me.
Bad-job-dad@reddit
It's not just concert, everything is harder. Less fun because of it
2_krazykats@reddit
Yup. Staying home beats most things nowadays
Bad-job-dad@reddit
You're not wrong but personaly I can't let myself get like that.
Anonymo123@reddit
I agree, things definitely changed. It takes a lot to get me to a concert anymore. I will usually leave a little early to avoid the traffic or stay at a hotel close by to totally avoid it if possible. My time is more important to me than wasting hours in traffic for a few hours of music. I honestly can't think of any bands I haven't seen that I want to, that I'd go through it for.
asoupo77@reddit
I feel this way about sports now. I used to attend sports at all times, pay all prices, travel all distances, sit outside for hours in all kinds of horrible weather. Now people offer to give me decent tickets to local sports, and I'm like, "Thanks, but I've got a nice TV in a comfortable living room. I'm good."
Ready-Arrival@reddit
The worst part about sports is doing all that and then your team loses and the misery of the drive home is compounded by the misery of sulking about the game.
Serious_Lettuce6716@reddit
We missed Springsteen at Bonnaroo in ‘09. We were fully trashed and exhausted by the time the headliners came on but we were mainly there for the smaller name acts anyway. My older coworker gave me hell for missing Springsteen so now I’ve always had a little Springsteen FOMO. But Bruce was never really my bag back in the day either. I did finally get to see the Beastie Boys and Nine Inch Nails there, and I later learned that that was the Beasties’ last ever live show.
Away_Amoeba5554@reddit
Small venues are the best experiences. You feel so much more connected to the music and the crowd
amnichols@reddit
We go to lots of rockabilly and roots rock shows. Always inexpensive. Heck the 4 day festival I went to in Spain was less than $250 and we saw scores of bands including Los Lobos who rocked the joint.
OldGoneMild89@reddit
Sounds like a you issue. I'm gonna be 55 next week and have no problems going to shows even in the middle of the week. Yeah, it's not optimal since I have to work the next day, but suck it up, Buttercup! I live for live music, I won't be denied until my body decidedly denies it. But like mentioned, smaller bands and venues are the best, the huge acts aren't nearly as enjoyable anymore, they seem impersonal.
GeekSumsMe@reddit
56 here and completely with you.
I went to a music festival last weekend. On my feet for ~12 hours/day, 20K steps.
We saw about 25 bands. Totally worth it!
We do leave before the last couple of song.
We are fortunate to be able to pay for VIP, which is one of the perks of being a old fart at these events. It provides some of the perks of smaller venues.
worlds_okayest_user@reddit
As an adult, I never went to go see a show in the middle of the week. I thought I'd be too tired the next day at work. One day a friend said she had an extra ticket for a show and asked if I wanted go. I ended up going. Everything turned out fine. I wasn't tired at work as I thought I would be. That's what coffee is for right? Looking forward to my next mid week show when it comes my way.
leeeezer@reddit
Okay sick. This what I wanted to see. I know this will be me until my body just gives out on me.
rfriend73@reddit
I'm definitely a smaller venue and leave before the last song kind of guy. #53
ShartlesAndJames@reddit
I realized somewhere after seeing my favorite band at the LA Forum in 2014 - that I was DUNZO with big ass concerts. I never really was a fan to begin with, always preferred small venues - but now you couldn't get me to go to a stadium concert for any amount of money. #55
Key_Contribution1547@reddit
Roger waters , SLC and had to park miles away colder than ever . After traffic and lines at the arena. Missed the first song . He opened with comfortly numb .
LylaDee@reddit
I only do sit down and or smaller ' intimate and interactive ' type stuff. I can't handle it BS anymore. I use to be the outdoor festival queen! Those port a potty things can just fuck right off. I won't even entertain the idea anyway.
melmsz@reddit
Haven't done the huge concernts for a long time, small venues like old theaters or bars. My complaint is that the kids are assholes. Absolute shitheads. Who tf do you think built the scene? This wouldn't exist without all the others that came before them. Maybe because I worked in bars and clubs but it pisses me off so much.
FzzyCatz@reddit
I will say that having a seat is definitely preferred. I have stood for a couple of general admission concerts in recent times but I much prefer to have a seat. I usually attend classical music concerts nowadays. Attending the opera can be miserable at times since they can end way past my bedtime.
NativeNashville@reddit
I feel like I’ve seen everybody I wanted to see when they and I were in our prime. I’m old and most of them are even older and I feel like you can’t revisit the past with the same magic. For those reasons I mostly see live music that’s a relatively unknown act in a small indoor venue, where I can relax and enjoy.
Bladrak01@reddit
I had almost exactly the same thing happened to me seeing U2 in Charlotte. This was 2001, so we didn't have smartphones. We had to stop at a gas station and by a map.
DadofJM@reddit
U2 2OO1 tour was epic. Saw them in Pittsburgh at Mellon Arena. In fact, the concert was so great I stopped attending any shows because I didn't think it could be topped
Fortunately, I later had a son who I wanted to introduce to live music so resumed. Great bonding activity. Always get a hotel near the venue. Arrive at show early and leave late. That avoids most of the traffic hassles which make my old self grumpy
fridayimatwork@reddit
I only go to small venues anymore and then, rarely
RickLeeTaker@reddit
Covid gave me permanent severe reactive tinnitus. The louder my surroundings, the louder my tinnitus goes to compete with it. Sadly, my concert days came to a very abrupt end three years ago.
OldGoneMild89@reddit
Find some good concert ear plugs. Yes, they muffle things a little bit, but they make the volume tolerable. I have pretty bad tinnitus and find that they help a lot and protect from any more damage. Why deprive yourself of things you used to enjoy?
TXtogo@reddit
Oh you see I’d have gotten an Airbnb next to the venue and just stayed over night
heliskinki@reddit
This. I do less concerts per year to make sure the ones I do out of town are as stress free as possible. Too many times has the shine from a good time been dulled by logistics.
TXtogo@reddit
Exactly, sometimes staying nearby lets me drink and have fun and just uber back and forth. Sometimes I do this even if it’s local, just get a hotel downtown and walk to the thing and go out before/after for dinner drinks etc
moza_jf@reddit
Yup, if we're anything over an hour for a gig, we'll stay over, even if it's someplace we'd otherwise happily drive there and back in a day.
Not us trying to go the wrong way down a one way street leaving the city one night.
Electric-Sheepskin@reddit
I've lost patience for stadium-sized crowds, but even at smaller venues, we almost always leave early. We speed walk to the car and try to beat the masses. I'm OK missing an encore or two if it means I don't have to sit in traffic for 30 minutes.
hdhdhgfyfhfhrb@reddit
I really wish they’d add a pay per view aspect for concert tours. Not for every night but one of the more meaningful venues for an artist, first or last night, or when an artist plays a show at their home. Hi-def, great sound, multiple cameras, etc.
Same as sports, the viewing level at home is infinitely better. Cheaper food and drink, no traveling, parking, lines, etc. People who still want to go can enjoy that and the rest can enjoy too
flagal31@reddit
remember when the radio stations would live simulcast concerts in town? That was awesome....as a kid, I felt I was there, just hearing the crowds and music in real time.
sa123xxx@reddit
Not even close to the same. Why bother?
Technical_Unit_9770@reddit
Phish couch tour
Bzzzzzzz4791@reddit
Nugs.net
Mustbe7@reddit
Leave before the encore.
Get a pair of yellow tinted night driving glasses.
Persistent_Dreams@reddit
Second this recommendation. I have astigmatism and driving at night is a literal nightmare. I bought a cheap pair of the yellow-tinted lenses at the pharmacy and they are a game changer.
Mustbe7@reddit
Just got me a prescription pair off Zenni.. total game changer. Should've done it years ago!
Mycatreallyhatesyou@reddit
This is why I stopped going anywhere.
Jgibbjr@reddit
Frankly, we're too old for this shit. My partner and I went to a Brit Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute; they tour internationally) concert. A good percentage of the audience was in wheelchairs or using assistive devices to get around. No one under 50, except adult children who came with their parents to see what the buzz was all about.
It was about 50 miles north of us on the other side of Chicago, and we got a room, napped and had dinner before the show (which is the only way I would have made it through the whole show).
I remarked, "what does it mean when we're all going to shows to see music performed by bands where none of the original members are alive/touring anymore? Has our rock gone from Classic to Classical?!".
grateful_john@reddit
Some of you are too old to go to concerts. I saw plenty of GenX (and older) at the NOLA Jazz Festival a few weeks ago, I was there with a dozen of my GenX college friends. We also went to after hours shows as well.
Legitimate_Ocelot491@reddit
I can't go to concerts anymore. So many of the singers have trashed their voices and can't hit the notes and sound like crap. I watched the Smashing Pumpkins livestream last Sunday and Billy sounded like shit. Not sure if he had a cold or what but I'd rather remember all the awesome shows from the '90s.
Thirty_Helens_Agree@reddit
I saw him for $20 in 2008, in walking distance from my office’s parking ramp. I’ll never top that and I’m not gonna try.
tunaman808@reddit
Not really.
On April 30th my wife dropped me off at the airport to pick up a rental car. I drove from Charlotte to Washington DC, parked the car in a garage with a prepaid reservation, checked-in to a hotel, had lunch, then showered and went to see my favorite band. The next morning I checked out of the hotel, took the Metro to the International Spy Museum, then stopped for lunch at a Jollibee in Alexandria on the way home. No issues.
4 days later I drove to Greensboro to see my second favorite band. I stopped at a legendary BBQ joint for lunch and didn't have to pay for parking because the gate was just letting everyone out. Again, no issues.
It also helps that I go to indie shows, where tickets are usually $30-$40 and you can be on the front row (if you want) just by getting there an hour before doors.
Hell, I saw Lala Lala in Asheville in March. The opener went on at 8:01PM, was done by 8:40PM, Lala Lala went on at 8:56 and I was in my car before 10. I drove all the way back to Charlotte and was home a few minutes before midnight. I was able to eat some leftover pizza for dinner and watch the new episode of Outlander before going to bed!
Having said all that, I have ZERO interest in festivals and most outdoor shows. I am too old for that shit.
Huge-Ad7382@reddit
"Or am I just too old for this shit?"
As a fellow GenXer myself, I have to tell you, this is almost certainly the answer.
I'm 51, and went to a ton of concerts in the 80s and 90s, and when I read the part in your post about leaving and finding the car, my first thought was "Hmmmm, sounds like literally every arena concert I went to."
I even remember the first rock concert I ever went to, with my dad, in the summer of 1986. And I specifically remember leaving before the encore, and the reason my dad gave was "As soon as this ends every one of these people are going to be running out of here like idiots, and we'll be stuck in the parking lot for an hour or more trying to get out."
Concerts haven't really changed that much. We just don't have the energy we used to.
flagal31@reddit
my parents HATED crowds and avoided many events because of that. I never could understand it - young me loved the energy of a crowd, the anticipation of events. Old me totally gets it now.
FluxusFlotsam@reddit
sorry but you just sound old
it’s ok
thewatchwinder@reddit
ive been to a ton of concerts over my adult life. i dont think its any worse now than it was 35 years ago.i agree, this post sounds like old people kvetching.
its too far. its too dark. its too this or that.
bruce springsteen im sure still can put on a show, but just the acts are old.
out of curiousity, how many people here go to shows that the younger generations listen to? i mean...and i hate to say it but springsteen is oldies music. sadly...so are the gen x era bands. its gonna draw an older crowd. ticket prices being stupid isnt gonna help cause the gen z kids cant afford them. when i was 30, i got dragged to a bobby vinton concert for my friends moms birthday. the comments in this thread sound like her and her husband and the q-tips (big white hair...small thin bodies) around us for that show...in 2002.
Jgibbjr@reddit
We ARE old people Kvetching
thewatchwinder@reddit
ORF1Live@reddit
I have to wear ear protection now or it sounds like Daleks
Fun-Panic-9348@reddit
In my case it sounds like an oscillating waterfall when it gets real quiet.
MartyFunkhoosier@reddit
I go to an average of 1-2 shows per month. None are stadiums, they’re all small clubs. I spend $20-$30 for tickets. I always remember where I park. Almost always home by 11:30 or so. 🤭
DaftPump@reddit
In your story it's you.
I find this to be true.
PrestoChango0804@reddit
I went to the Tibetan Freedom Concert when I was 16 in Golden Gate Park. Stood all day. Zero issues. Moshed, scream sang the whole bit. Multiple Coachellas in my 20s and early 30s. You could not pay me to do a multi-day festival at this point would require SO MUCH for me to even consider that includes premium ticketing and a rental home like steps from venue. Last concert we went to was NIN and it was dope but I looked at the mosh pit fondly like OH THAT USED TO BE US. Time is crazy.
ladymoffatofpembroke@reddit
My friend, this happens to the best of us. I felt this deep in core. This is where we (husband and I) apply the math. You actually gave a lot of info.
How would you rate your personal satisfaction in this situation. How much is worth 3 hours of bliss - 100%. Make a pro and cons list, apply a score.
You have 3 hours at 100%, but how many hours of mild, mod, or high irritation. 100% pure happiness without a care in the world other than doing something you clearly love… how much is that work into your overall life balance.
Concerts these days have changed and they are pretty epic. We have tickets for the GNR tour this year - it involves some travel and to be honest, my ability to tolerate irritations can be “challenged” at times.
You may be thinking “fuck! This lady is nuts, I’m not going to do a math worksheet.” Before you write me off as a nut, please know, I’m married and as such, sometimes you just have to find a fucking answer that will put it to bed.” 😂
daytonavol@reddit
Took my dad to a Tn game at Neyland Stadium in his late sixties and he told me next day it would probably be his last, and I couldn’t comprehend feeling that way…..twenty years later I sure as hell can
Glass-Nectarine-3282@reddit
Back in 2003, Bruce played back to back nights at Gillette Stadium outside Boston, which is notorious for bad traffic. I went both nights, two hour drive each way (call it three with traffic), and never considered anything else. I was never NOT going to both shows.
Now, he's in Boston on Sunday, and there would be 0.0 chance of me driving into Boston on a Sunday night, to sit in an average seat, fight the crowd, listen to the same songs I've heard 50 times before, and then white-knuckle home on the way home because I can't see and I'm driving 65 and people want to murder me.
Those days are gone forever, you can't look back.
Hib3rnian@reddit
We go to see shows in casinos... then we stay in the casinos
platypusandpibble@reddit
Same! Some of my fave artists will only do small venues. (George Thorogood, Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls come to mind.) The crowds are there but are mellower, and we stay overnight in the casino’s hotel. Love it! Arrive early, gamble a little, get to shower and change before the show. All-in-all a great experience.
I wanted to go see Billy Idol and Joan Jett on this recent tour, but tickets were insanely expensive. I was surprised and disappointed they weren’t playing the casino.
sa123xxx@reddit
JFC. Yes YOU are too old for this shit. You have a great time at a show and then bitch about the parking and then got hopelessly lost? No excuse for that with navigation in your hand dude. You should hang it up.
SubatomicGoblin@reddit
I don't know if you're too old for it if you're still doing it. I pretty much gave up on concerts years ago. Tickets are an arm and a leg. Long lines getting in and out. Traffic nightmares. All for a couple hours of entertainment that won't change my life. Fuck it, I'm staying home with a book.
WildUnderstanding919@reddit
Psychologically I’m still there…. Concerts, NFL games, ‘parties’ with friends. The reality is it’s just not fun for me anymore. I have bought numerous tickets with excitement only to bail on myself day of…. From John Digweed (dj/club) to the waste management open (pga/golf), if it’s busy/hectic/crowded I’m not gonna be able to relax. I’m not sure if it’s me that changed or the experience.
SubatomicGoblin@reddit
I get where you're coming from, totally. Crowds, and anything fast-paced, is something I didn't mention in my earlier post, but they're also huge turn offs for me. If I want to get out of the house and do something, I've become fairly adept at finding things to do that don't have any of these things. Parks and nature trails. Used bookstores, thrift stores, and consignment shops. Taking long drives throughout the city late at night, with heavily curated musical selections playing. All the "big" stuff that used to be exciting just seems to be a hassle now from so many angles. I'm going to see the Cardinals and the Reds in St. Louis next month, and one of the best things about that is that we can park in Fairview Hts, IL and take the train into the city. Getting back to the train station after the game is a huge pain in the ass, though.
WildUnderstanding919@reddit
Ahhhh I hope you have a blast, it sounds like you’ve got a good plan. You’re so right about adapting… I’ve learned my concert limit is more around the venue, amphitheater or casino (here in az) have gone pretty well as of lately.
No-Temperature-5944@reddit
Just stay at home and stream.
ggibby@reddit
I lived in New Orleans for 15 years, and on top of all the other reasons I miss it, we were never more than a ten minute drive from any show, including the Superdome.
If we skipped the encore, our butts were in the pool at home before the last note was played.
No_Process2443@reddit
I was a music promoter from the late 90s-2012 or so... I was at huge metal and hip hop concerts 2-4 times a week.
Now, I get near large crowds, and just want to run. Just seeing them all makes me tired. And the speakers are too fucking loud. /s
I used to tell my mother "if it's too loud, you're too old." - I think I've reached that point.
kerosenehat63@reddit
I avoid the big shows now. I’ve seen all the big acts years ago when prices were reasonable. I still go to many concerts but I now go to the smaller venues. The shows are better because you get up close to the bands and there are many great singers and bands out there. Just because they don’t play the big arenas doesn’t mean that they are not top notch performers.
Rays_LiquorSauce@reddit
After Dead&Co died I gave up on shows. Went to the Wu reunion but that’s a one-off. I’ve seen everybody I’ve wanted to see eg Floyd Waters Wu West Jay Elton Paul Jerry Bobby Phil Allmans Buffet (meh) Dave (meh) Beasties and assorted smaller acts. Only one I missed was Amy and she ain’t coming back. There’s nothing new I care enough to pay those prices and subject myself to those crowds. Passed it. I’ll just sit home and reminisce with some party favors and call it a night
Chinacat-Badger@reddit
I pay for a nugs subscription and stream concerts from my couch. With my restroom, refrigerator, and bedroom a few steps away.
Rays_LiquorSauce@reddit
Yeah I did a few couch tours but I still liked getting in the mix. Now I’m way past it
Reasonable_Bid3311@reddit
You’re feeling too old for this shit. Think about what you might do to improve your health so that these experiences stay possible for you. If Bruce and his band can get out there and perform then you should be able to handle the other side of spectating.
BODO1016@reddit
That’s why you get a hotel room
UnderwhelmingAF@reddit
I’ve never really enjoyed going to concerts, mainly because I always inevitably get stuck behind the dickhead that wants to stand up and dance the whole time.
Bossmangng@reddit
Concerts are the same, you changed and are less tolerant
TexasRN1@reddit
I always leave before the last song. Otherwise you spend an hour trying to leave the parking lot.
Imaginary_Office1749@reddit
I’ve only been to two shows in recent history and just stayed at a nearby hotel. Much better to just walk back.
happiestwhenwhining@reddit
Had my choice of Springsteen Dropkick Murphys or Andrea Bocelli. Bought a new Lexus ultra luxury instead...61 yr old widow. They all sound great on that sound sytem.
Lcky22@reddit
Tom Morello was awesome at the Paradise in Boston! Nice, small venue filled with fellow old heads ♥️
HeinousWalrus@reddit
I hate large venue shows. The hordes of people all being ushered the same way out. Gross.
MaximumJones@reddit
I cannot fathom being stuck in a concert venue with 20 people, much less 20,000. 😳
LayerNo3634@reddit
I would love a concert if it was during the day! Husband and daughter went to The Eagles and said it was great. All age Gen X or older (and our 34 yo daughter), so they must have turned the volume down - which Husband appreciated. Out by 9:30, which wasn't bad.
Reebatnaw@reddit
Seems like every drive home after seeing a band my wife and I have the same conversation. It normally starts out with “That was fun but why tf can’t shows start at 3:00 instead of 8:00?”. We’d pay extra for an afternoon show. Getting old sucks
shmoobel@reddit
I'm seeing Little Steven in concert soon and the show starts at 4pm!
evility@reddit (OP)
At least the show started early-ish. He's still putting on 3 hour shows, but they're over before 11.
AfterDay4620@reddit
Its not the concert, love.
SamWhittemore75@reddit
damutecebu@reddit
I have no desire to see these old guys in concert anymore.
Rays_LiquorSauce@reddit
You mean being you ain’t the same, not concerts.
electronraven@reddit
A switch went off in me with concerts. They got boring. One moment in 1999 I was at the Cramps Halloween show and it was cool, then I was suddenly ready to go home. They’d performed Human Fly, after all. Time for bed.
One-Pepper-2654@reddit
Yep, same. Saw Joan Osborne. Paid 150 for two tickets. 500 seat arena. She played 47 minutes, I timed it. Left angry. Recently saw a young lady playing covers in a bar, just her and a guitar and she tore it up for 3 hours. Monster player and singer, I gave her 40 bucks.
chdude3@reddit
Man North America needs better mass transit.
Beneficial_Pea_520@reddit
We've traveled to see Bruce several times. Most recently Portland on the current tour. I am a notorious cheapskate but I will pay for a hotel or Airbnb and have a better experience walking to the event and not dealing with traffic. Everyone's idea of value is different, but that's mine.
Wacko_Banana_Pants@reddit
I always chuckle when I see people like Bruce and Morello participating in capitalism.
Suspicious_Time7239@reddit
Glad to hear the show was good as a homegirl. I definitely don't do night driving anymore if I don't have to... especially in the rain. I'm not above using an uber.
More_Pineapple3585@reddit
I saw Scorpions in Vegas during their residency last summer and that was perfect. Stay at the hotel in question, elevator downstairs to the show, back to the room afterwards for a shower, snack, and bed.