Waiting For the Band, Part 2

Recently I posted some reflections on going to concerts and how between-set entertainment just isn't up to its full potential most of the time these days. In junior high school I saw Huey Lewis and the News, just about to mount the wild ride of their mega-fame with Sports, play the Rocky Glen Amusement Park (and old time Western theme park near Scranton, PA that almost got bought by the Moonies), and they had a comedian between sets, the same guy who turned out to be the stuffed animal-dispensing carney in the "If This Is It" video. Huey at least had the right idea about how to treat an audience (and his opening acts. Does that guy get royalties everytime VH1 runs that video?) But for the most part, NYC venues throw on a random CD at the soundboard between sets, not even a thought on whether the audience there wanted to hear the new New York Dolls album or not as part of their $40 evening. I say: more marginal comedians. Slip N' Slides (thank you McCarren Pool). Interviews with Neil Young roadies. Listener Ted Jacobs, however, wrote in depicting a scenario where you wait for the band, band then decides the venue is too shitty to play in, and just pack up and leave. Apparently, this is what Motorhead decided upon their arrival at Trenton's City Gardens. (MP3). May you or I never have to make this announcement in front of a bunch of paying, angry people, especially when they don't have the option of going to L'Amours. Taken from Randynow.com.

Comments

[Listener Paul]

Don't go to too many shows these days, but this summer went to the Bowery Ballroom and among the many pleasant aspects of that place was how quickly the main act (Matthew Sweet/Susannah Hoffs followed the opening act. (Tra La Las)

[Phil]

Maybe 6-7 years ago I saw Phil Lesh open for Bob Dylan in Chicago. In between sets Steven Wright did stand-up. It was pretty great.

[Jude]

I can understand Motorhead pulling off the rockstar-thing by canceling. But, whoa!...Fates Warning TOO? Seriously??

[randy "now" ellis]

The worst part was trying to convince the throng of metal heads to come back the next week to see Anthrax ! - Randy