One of my biggest fears about the world as it evolves through this pandemic reality and what comes after is that the misanthropes will win. I mean this in a lot of senses - the angry misanthropy of those prolonging the pandemic, and the quiet misanthropy of "everything should be virtual forever, I hate people and don't want to talk to anyone." Seeing REASONABLE people gathering together in safe, smart ways - such as outdoor music festivals - gives me hope that those people won't win.
regarding superscript 2, sounds like they are finally listening to their pre-napster fans. Things are so much better when you realize Metallica quit cutting albums after making the mainstream with "...And Justice for All".
Being WFH for two months now I've realized I have spent nearly all of those workdays watching video documentaries or old concert footage of bands I've loved for years. The bug is under my skin, and sadly I'm in a place that is devoid of a music scene. I got spoiled growing up in Cleveland, where every weekend there were at least 3 venues worth hitting to see a great live gig.
Yeah. I go back with them; my very first cassette was Ride The Lightning, but I enjoy the Black Album and--having never had the chance to see them live before--I would've liked to hear some of it, too.
That said, they tailored it nicely for people who were going to both Friday and Sunday's shows, because they played the black album in its entirety on Sunday. I just didn't have another day in me. (I'd originally bought tickets just to see NIN, and when they pulled out I was comped an extra day, so I went Friday and Saturday.)
Two weekends ago I flew out to Chicago for Riot Fest. I felt safe, and it was absolutely joyful to be part of that sort of event again. My first indoor show is in a couple weeks. I'm a bit more apprehensive about that, but can always leave if it seems dicey.
In a fit of late-spring optimism, I got tickets for two upcoming shows (St. Vincent and CHVRCHES). Still trying to figure out if we'll be comfortable going to either.
This being an outdoor show certainly made the decision easier. I'm a long way off from knowing whether or not I'll be comfortable at the small-club show (Drive-By Truckers at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA) that I have tickets to in January.
I had planned on seeing Isbell in Detroit last week, when the tickets were announced and there was the brief window of optimism in the summer. But I'm just not ready to go to an inside show, not yet, despite him taking all the precautions.
We went to an indoor vaccine-required show in August and it was amazing. We also double-masked (KN95 + cloth), which helped me feel much more confident about the whole thing. I'll see just about anyone outside with space to spread out, but inside shows will depend heavily on location and artist. We're going to the Isbell Ryman run next month, for example, and I will double-mask and be joyful.
we're going to the 1 day festival at Merryweather that includes St Vincent & HAIM. Outdoors, masks / vaccines or tests required... and my wife still tried to forbid me & the girls from going. She's welcome to stay home.
Doing late reads this week, but this perfectly encapsulates and assuages how I feel about going to my first show in a couple weeks. It's been 20 months and I don't think I've ever gone that long without a show since I started going to concerts as a teenager.
Ahhh jealous. I have a group of friends ticketed for his indoor shows in Nashville next month and many are having second thoughts. I'd love to see him again, the last time I did was... 2014??
I am now three for three (airshow at Oshkosh, MN State Fair, football game) in going to a safe-feeling crowded outdoor thing as a twice-vaccinated individual and having a weird, delightful, almost restorative experience.
Looking for more, because 2020-brain can go eat a bag of dog poop.
I probably averaged 15 concerts a year for the last decade. One of my favorite things to do. Last show I saw was Sturgill in early 2020 right before everything slammed shut. I've since had tickets to two shows that cancelled because NC's numbers were too bad. I'm really glad you got to do this! Any pleasant surprises from this festival?
It does feel like being alive again. Seeing that “first” concert since the pandemic hit was far more impactful than just seeing a concert. It was hope embodied. And it moved many of us to tears. (Yes, it was The Strokes and seeing Casablancas sober was it’s one emotional
high) Had the same reaction to a small free outdoor event at Lincoln Center in late spring. And though the theme related to coming through the worst of the pandemic in NYC the tears of those around me seemed to be a mix of relief and joy and sadness.
One of my biggest fears about the world as it evolves through this pandemic reality and what comes after is that the misanthropes will win. I mean this in a lot of senses - the angry misanthropy of those prolonging the pandemic, and the quiet misanthropy of "everything should be virtual forever, I hate people and don't want to talk to anyone." Seeing REASONABLE people gathering together in safe, smart ways - such as outdoor music festivals - gives me hope that those people won't win.
I don't view my misanthropy as unreasonable. You all are free to associate with one another as you see fit ;)
never forget that every band is someone's favorite band.
and to that end, never forget: [extremely Piebald voice] hey! you're part of it.
i would love to see piebald.
regarding superscript 2, sounds like they are finally listening to their pre-napster fans. Things are so much better when you realize Metallica quit cutting albums after making the mainstream with "...And Justice for All".
Being WFH for two months now I've realized I have spent nearly all of those workdays watching video documentaries or old concert footage of bands I've loved for years. The bug is under my skin, and sadly I'm in a place that is devoid of a music scene. I got spoiled growing up in Cleveland, where every weekend there were at least 3 venues worth hitting to see a great live gig.
Yeah. I go back with them; my very first cassette was Ride The Lightning, but I enjoy the Black Album and--having never had the chance to see them live before--I would've liked to hear some of it, too.
That said, they tailored it nicely for people who were going to both Friday and Sunday's shows, because they played the black album in its entirety on Sunday. I just didn't have another day in me. (I'd originally bought tickets just to see NIN, and when they pulled out I was comped an extra day, so I went Friday and Saturday.)
Two weekends ago I flew out to Chicago for Riot Fest. I felt safe, and it was absolutely joyful to be part of that sort of event again. My first indoor show is in a couple weeks. I'm a bit more apprehensive about that, but can always leave if it seems dicey.
In a fit of late-spring optimism, I got tickets for two upcoming shows (St. Vincent and CHVRCHES). Still trying to figure out if we'll be comfortable going to either.
This being an outdoor show certainly made the decision easier. I'm a long way off from knowing whether or not I'll be comfortable at the small-club show (Drive-By Truckers at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, GA) that I have tickets to in January.
I had planned on seeing Isbell in Detroit last week, when the tickets were announced and there was the brief window of optimism in the summer. But I'm just not ready to go to an inside show, not yet, despite him taking all the precautions.
We went to an indoor vaccine-required show in August and it was amazing. We also double-masked (KN95 + cloth), which helped me feel much more confident about the whole thing. I'll see just about anyone outside with space to spread out, but inside shows will depend heavily on location and artist. We're going to the Isbell Ryman run next month, for example, and I will double-mask and be joyful.
we're going to the 1 day festival at Merryweather that includes St Vincent & HAIM. Outdoors, masks / vaccines or tests required... and my wife still tried to forbid me & the girls from going. She's welcome to stay home.
Doing late reads this week, but this perfectly encapsulates and assuages how I feel about going to my first show in a couple weeks. It's been 20 months and I don't think I've ever gone that long without a show since I started going to concerts as a teenager.
That paragraph about the nearby hotel sent chills down my spine. Glad you were able ro enjoy this. It sounds wonderful. Metal is cathartic by nature.
Yeah, I didn't dwell on it, but it was one of those "ugh, remember that" moments that we have far too many of in this country.
I saw Jason Isbell at Riverfront Park in Harrisburg about a month ago and it felt *so good* to be in a big clump of happy people again.
Ahhh jealous. I have a group of friends ticketed for his indoor shows in Nashville next month and many are having second thoughts. I'd love to see him again, the last time I did was... 2014??
I am now three for three (airshow at Oshkosh, MN State Fair, football game) in going to a safe-feeling crowded outdoor thing as a twice-vaccinated individual and having a weird, delightful, almost restorative experience.
Looking for more, because 2020-brain can go eat a bag of dog poop.
I probably averaged 15 concerts a year for the last decade. One of my favorite things to do. Last show I saw was Sturgill in early 2020 right before everything slammed shut. I've since had tickets to two shows that cancelled because NC's numbers were too bad. I'm really glad you got to do this! Any pleasant surprises from this festival?
I really enjoyed Atreyu, Gojira and Unitytx, as far as bands I wasn't familiar with going in.
Never seen Gojira either but really want to. I've heard they go pretty hard live
It does feel like being alive again. Seeing that “first” concert since the pandemic hit was far more impactful than just seeing a concert. It was hope embodied. And it moved many of us to tears. (Yes, it was The Strokes and seeing Casablancas sober was it’s one emotional
high) Had the same reaction to a small free outdoor event at Lincoln Center in late spring. And though the theme related to coming through the worst of the pandemic in NYC the tears of those around me seemed to be a mix of relief and joy and sadness.