Concerts thread: Best/Worst/Next/Last one you attended?

For the last 10 tears or so, I haven't been to a show that has drawn more than a few hundred people. Part of the reason is that I enjoy a particular historic venue in a nearby cowtown that books pretty good Americana acts. It has a capacity of 475. When I'm in my seat, I don't need opera glasses to see the performers. I like the intimacy.

I've also found that people who perform before a crowd of 300 or even 30 can be just as talented and have just as much to say as those who fill an arena. And I admire a lot of those musicians who trudge from town to town, year after year, accepting that that's their lot. But they love what they're doing, and it shows.

The best part is coming out of a concert feeling like you've discovered someone you hadn't known about before. Like Mary Gauthier.

 

Got tickets for Paul McCartney on May 13 at SoFi Stadium. It was $160 with fees for the nosebleeds. It’s the most I’ve ever paid for a ticket.
It will be the fifth time I’ve seen him.

 

I’m excited to see this thread become relevant again.

 

Hell yeah man. Can't wait to have my face melted off for three straight nights by The Hold Steady starting Friday. Just hoping Killer Parties don't kill me.

 

Little Feat is out on tour. They're shooting video at the Ryman. Here at the Alabama in a couple of weeks.

 

Picked up a ticket for Drive By Truckers in April. 1000 person venue, GA, and on a Saturday night which is always nice.

 

Off to a great start. Transit trike shut down the Underground today. If their point was to cripple London, they achieved it. Thankfully several pubs within walking distance so I’ll explore close to the hotel tonight.

 

Presale tickets for Lady Gaga's fall U.S. tour went on sale this morning. I moved up the 2,000-plus que pretty fast and finally got in. Cheapest mid-level seat was $119, which somehow increased to $133 after I added them to my cart. Total for four tickets was $630. I couldn't pull the trigger. I'll wait until balcony seats go on sale next week and see what happens then.

 

Mrs. Flip and I saw Lyle Lovett and his acoustic group with the local symphony orchestra last night, and it was a wonderful show. Right after we walked outside, wife said it may have been the best show she’s ever seen. I can’t disagree.

 

Saw the Drive By Truckers for the first time, finally. Solid effort for a crowd of about 600 or so.

 

I’ve gotten sticker shock on prices. I was ready for increases, but not $150 for bands I paid $30 to watch three years ago. Like, mid-tier bands that play half their shows at clubs, not arenas or theaters.

 

Saw Garth Brooks last night in the Arkansas football stadium. It was my second show. The first was in 1991 when he played a free concert at the state fair.

In the intervening years, he has become the greatest entertainer I’ve ever seen. The man oozes joy. He walked the circular stage and pointed and waved at dang near every single section in the stadium. He was the most appreciative singer I’ve ever seen. I still have a lot of acts ahead of him on my favorites list - but hot damn last night might be the best time at I’ve ever had at a concert.