Rock and roll all night

I think I’m in love with the word “tricenarian”.

I long ago gave up on Enormodome shows for similar reasons—why pay a fortune to be treated like an asshole.

On top of that I could never hear a damned thing between the ousy amplification and the rules that require the audience to scream all the time.

As for the small venues I got tired of sweating like a pig and dealing with the same sound problems (usually minus the screaming).

Fortunately I am also a classical and jazz fan so I can still see live stuff.

Hail fellow Houston resident. I’d agree with Mark on this one. The only show I’ve gotten to seen in Houston is Annie Lin, but back home I saw a lot of jazz, classical, mariachi, pretty much anything in town other than rock. They were usually much more enjoyable, especially in a group, because in those environs it’s actually plausible to sit together and, god forbid, actually be able to hear the music or each other (not to mention being able to hear at all afterwards).

I’ve been going to a lot of gigs recently — just got back from one an hour ago, actually (Jimmy Cliff, who was amazing). While each act obviously has a certain core constituency, I’ve been really impressed with the diversity at all of them. Bands like The Von Bondies and The Datsuns seem to have plenty of middle-aged and older fans, while Buddy Guy and Jimmy Cliff certainly have lots of young admirers.

I strongly disagree with the idea that gigs are expensive, at least compared with other live entertainment. Sure, big stadium shows might be over-priced and joyless, and frankly you couldn’t pay me to see Kid Rock, but I had a great time seeing the Chillis play Hyde Park and have seen a couple of good gigs at Wembley. Medium sized venues are good if you are prepared to get there 15-30 minutes early and queue for a place at the front. Tonght I was front row centre stage at the Shepherds Bush Empire, watching an amazing musician play an incredible show, all for £18. There is nothing like being a metre away from a band playing an intense gig. The standing around can be a bummer, but there are usually cool people to chat to. At the very least it is always amusing checking out the fashion amongst the younger crowd.

Live music is a wonderful thing. Find yourself a good intimate venue, preferably local, then watch the listings. Talk to the people who work there and get recommendations. Look up the acts you’ve never heard of on the ‘net. Of course it really helps if you live in a place like London.

The sex and drugs are great but I could do without the rock and roll.

I have never understood why people go to see shows at the big arenas in Houston when they can go see great stuff at the Duck. Not only is it cheaper, but the music is good, and the venue is fantastic (top 10 national folk venue). For $100, you’ve eaten, seen good music, and had drinks. Maybe you’ve bought a CD.

And we’ve been to the Knitting Factory and the Bowery Ballroom since we moved to NYC, and we’re older and crankier and tireder than you, so I’m not sure it’s an age thing. I hated getting ripped off before I turned 30.

I strongly disagree with the idea that gigs are expensive, at least compared with other live entertainment.

I’m uncertain about British usage, but on this side a gig is a job for a musician, not a show to see. So the musician can say that he went to a gig, but the audience can’t say they went to a gig.

In British usage the audience “goes to a gig”, however “gigging” (sp?) is something only musicians do.

Ginger says:

“For $100, you’ve eaten, seen good music, and had drinks. Maybe you’ve bought a CD.”

That C-note easily covers at least two people, in my experience. Hands down, the Duck is the best place to see live music in Houston.

I actually like the Woodlands Pavilion, but I liked it a lot better when lawn seats were $15. At $28 a head, I want a covered seat. And since when were blankets forbidden? If that’s a new rule, they’ll never see my money again.