Rush is one of the greatest bands in the history of rock. I am not sure how many times I have seen them live, but I would estimate it to be somewhere between 15 and 20. I have not missed a Rush tour that I can remember, going back to middle school days. If they played two shows I went to both, and every time that I have seen them they have been spectacular. Just three really brilliant musicians kicking ass and taking names, every time. I am even a member of their fan club, which I have to admit is kind of gay. But it gives you first crack at concert tickets, so what the f**k. When the 2008 leg of their Snakes and Arrows tour was recently announced, I was right there at the front of the line just like always, even though I saw this tour last summer. As I go to purchase my tickets, I discover that they are $99.50 each, plus another $11.50 Ticket Scammer charge. That’s $111 per ticket. Bring a date and that’s now $222; another $20 for parking makes $242, ten bucks a beer time four or five… we are definitely pushing $300 to go to a concert. And I just said f**k that, I’m not going. Strange thing is - the ten bucks it cost me for a ticket when I was 15 was more of a hardship than the $300 is today. It has become about principle now - I could have Bill Gates money and I still wouldn’t pay that much.I don’t fault Rush though, and I still worship at the Geddy, Alex and Neil altar. I am a firm believer in the capitalist system and a market based economy. You are worth whatever you can get, and if you can charge that price and still fill the house, you should. If I could get $500 for a Deathpool Dave show I'd be asking the promoters if $550 was possible. Smithian economics dictates that the invisible hand of market forces moves the prices to the correct intersection of supply and demand, so more power to them if they can get top dollar.
But I don’t want to hear any whining if the place is half empty. I began the day with a friendly voice, but this warrior has exited stage left.
5 comments:
Check your local paper! If you live in a remotely large town, there are loads of good up-n-coming bands playing in the larger local venues (for < $20) that you’ll get just as much more enjoyment from. Granted, it won’t be nostalgic, but now-days, who can afford nostalgia? The establishment expects us to cough up major $$ for that. Don’t be a cow lead to the slaughter. Screw ‘em! It’s just not worth it, and by deneying them the $$ you support new music
I agree with Radiohead - it is hard for small local bands to make it and they need the support of people in their area. Save your $300 of Rush money and go see some bands in your area. Help support the local music scene.
Wow... saw Rush twice in the 80's... you know, when I'm in my dyin' bed, and the angels are calling -- I'll look back and say, "there's 5 and a half hours I could have used painting the basement floor".
God will not look kindly at the time wasted at a Rush concert.
I cannot argue with the gist of your account as one of the truly beautiful things about music is that it is inherently subjective. There is no right or wrong, only what one enjoys or doesn't, and that of course varies tremendously between individuals. I do however have one follow up question:
If the first concert sucked, why did you go to a second?
Just want to say what a great blog you got here!
I've been around for quite a lot of time, but finally decided to show my appreciation of your work!
Thumbs up, and keep it going!
Cheers
Christian, iwspo.net
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