Is Live Music Dying?

[shreddermon]

Do you remember when it was popular and cool to go to a live concert?

Man, these were basically social events for the people at my school. Everyone camped out for tickets ahead of time, went to them on the weekends, and talked all about what was cool, what wasn't, how awesome so-and-so's playing was and how weak the other guy's was, how blotto'd you got, etc from Monday through the rest of the following week. It was the high school version of happy hour, keg party, and pineapple express rolled into one.

And people used to love listenting to live music. Not just the concerts themselves, but the live recordings, too. Heck, there used to be active trades of live bootlegs.

Contrast that with what many (most?) live shows have become now. These are becoming mere theatre, with people "pretending" to play live more than actually doing it.

- Even when it's "live", a good deal of it isn't live. Pre-recorded rhythm tracks, backing vocals, and the ever increasing evil that is lip-synching. Even some of our favorite metal acts from the 80s are doing this s**t now.

- When's the last time you heard of a popular and successful live album from a band? Contrast that with the hugely successful live albums (yes, I said albums! :P ) of the 70s and early 80s - Cheap Trick Live at the Budokan, Frampton Live, et al.

I suspect, slowly and slowly over time, real "live" concerts will become a thing of the past. Or, at least, an extremely rare thing to witness. And the talent that it takes to do great live shows will eventually also become a thing of the past. When that happens, it'll be a sad ending to a once-great social happening event.

[Spivonious]

Do you remember when it was popular and cool to go to a live concert?

No, and I'm 27.

Man, these were basically social events for the people at my school. Everyone camped out for tickets ahead of time, went to them on the weekends, and talked all about what was cool, what wasn't, how awesome so-and-so's playing was and how weak the other guy's was, how blotto'd you got, etc from Monday through the rest of the following week. It was the high school version of happy hour, keg party, and pineapple express rolled into one.

No one I know has ever camped out for tickets because you can buy them online as soon as they go on sale.

And people used to love listenting to live music. Not just the concerts themselves, but the live recordings, too. Heck, there used to be active trades of live bootlegs.

The web killed this practice. Want to see your favorite band live? www.youtube.com

Contrast that with what many (most?) live shows have become now. These are becoming mere theatre, with people "pretending" to play live more than actually doing it.

The shows I go to, the musicians are definitely playing everything, with the exception being the ocassional intro tape.

- Even when it's "live", a good deal of it isn't live. Pre-recorded rhythm tracks, backing vocals, and the ever increasing evil that is lip-synching. Even some of our favorite metal acts from the 80s are doing this s**t now.

I can totally understand if Halford or Dickinson need to lip-sync. Let's face it: a 50 year-old can't sing like they did when they were 20. The fans would rather hear what they want to hear than hear reality.

- When's the last time you heard of a popular and successful live album from a band? Contrast that with the hugely successful live albums (yes, I said albums! :P ) of the 70s and early 80s - Cheap Trick Live at the Budokan, Frampton Live, et al.

Do you mean mainstream popular? I don't think albums are popular in the mainstream any more. You just need one or two singles.

If you mean by any band, then Iced Earth's Alive in Athens is probably the most popular one in my circles.

I suspect, slowly and slowly over time, real "live" concerts will become a thing of the past. Or, at least, an extremely rare thing to witness. And the talent that it takes to do great live shows will eventually also become a thing of the past. When that happens, it'll be a sad ending to a once-great social happening event.

I don't know if I'll be sad or not. Lots of times shows just degenerate into bands playing too loud with bad mixes and getting pushed around by the mosh pit that opened up just behind you. Depending on the venue rules, I might even get kicked in the face a few times from idiot crowdsurfers.

[shreddermon]

Then I guess you're just too young to remember the "good old days", and don't know what you've been missing.

[SEEGERMANY]

I don't attend arena shows like I used to, however, I go watch "live" music every weekend. You know, times are kind of tough right now and it's hard for people to spend extra cash to go out, but here in Shrevport/Bossier City, the casinos have fantastic bands and admittance is free. Yes, drink prices are a little steep, but not unbearable!

Matter of fact, I'm attending a killer show this Friday night and then on Saturday, I've been asked to "tech" for Bushrod Jenkins who is opening for Danny Johnson/Rick Derringer/Wolf Tribe. I worked this event last year and I'm even more pumped to be involved again!

As guitarists/musicians, get up off the couch and support "live" music! Trust me, there's not a fucking thing on the boob tube that can remotely compare to a "live" gig!

[Spivonious]

Then I guess you're just too young to remember the "good old days", and don't know what you've been missing.

That's what I figured. By the time I was old enough to go to a concert, manufactured pop had taken over.

[Jason1212]

I remember skipping school to wait in line for tickets. One time there were kids in front of me that got picked up for truancy. When I saw the cops I started to talking to the lady in front of me and I guess they thought she was my mom because they didnt say anything to me. Now there are a lot of bands that would be considered national acts and have record deals but they tour clubs or very small venues. Tickets are generally sold online or at the venue. There are still bands that have big tours and play big stadiums, but that type of tour isnt as popular as it used to be.

[skintaster]

I understand where you're coming from, but I think that while things have changed over the years, live music will always be with us. While more "manufactured" pop may be popular in the mainstream now, that will probably eventually change

I used to go to shows all the time, both arena type bands and smaller ones too.

Right now with the recession, I think some people are just watching how they spend their $$$, and let's face it, big shows can cost a lot these days! I'm going to see Judas Priest next month, and the tickets start at $60. (They're playing a smaller venue than they normally do,so I think it'll be worth it.)

Also, I think people have so many more options in regards to how they "see" music played these days. While nothing beats watching a band you love play live, it's pretty cool to be able to hop on youtube to watch them anytime you want.

I don't see nearly as many live shows as I used to (I'm 39 and have a day job), but I still go check out bands I like from time to time... My 18 year old nephew recently drove to Dallas to see Lamb of God, so there's probably hope for the live music scene!

[joelayres]

Part of the problem is the outrageous prices being charged for concert tickets. Late 70's - early 80's were 7.50 - 9.50. Now, nosebleed seats are often 50 bucks or more, with average seats in the hundred dollar range. 35.00 would be reasonable and in line with inflation, but not 100 bucks or more.

Then, when you do splurge and go to a show, often you get a band who you saw 30 years ago for 10 bucks or less, who just charged you 100 bucks, and are but a shadow of what they once were and are just going through the motions. Example: the VH I saw on the reunion tour for 144.50 didn't even compare to the VH I saw in '78 for 7.50. Why bother? 300+ dollars for tickets (with service fees), 10 bucks for parking, deal with idiots that haven't yet grown up and learned how to conduct themselves in public spilling beer all over anyone within range, for what - a bunch of washed up has-beens raping their fans on a cash grab.

[nsubulysses]

As far as BIG bands maybe live music doesn't matter anymore because it's all about their image and music videos and all that, but for smaller more punk/DIY bands live music will never die because it's the only way you will be heard. Also in that scene live music is more important than the record or your image.

If you are missing out on all the concerts you used to love it's probably because you only listen to bands that are massive and detached from their fan base. There are billions of hard working bands that play live every chance they get.

[skintaster]

As far as BIG bands maybe live music doesn't matter anymore because it's all about their image and music videos and all that, but for smaller more punk/DIY bands live music will never die because it's the only way you will be heard. Also in that scene live music is more important than the record or your image.

If you are missing out on all the concerts you used to love it's probably because you only listen to bands that are massive and detached from their fan base. There are billions of hard working bands that play live every chance they get.

+1.

[Jack Napalm]

Part of the problem is the outrageous prices being charged for concert tickets. Late 70's - early 80's were 7.50 - 9.50. Now, nosebleed seats are often 50 bucks or more, with average seats in the hundred dollar range. 35.00 would be reasonable and in line with inflation, but not 100 bucks or more.

Bingo. The prices are getting crazy for what you get. I go to more club shows than anything and pay a fraction of the cost and get a better experience.

I have camped out for tickets before. Great times. Those days are long gone.

[SEEGERMANY]

When I saw KISS in 1976, I ditched school and was at the ticket office at 10:30 A.M. The lines started forming at 3:00 P.M. and when the doors opened, my happy ass was right against the stage between Paul and Ace!

[nsubulysses]

And also in the 70s there weren't any bands. There were like, 100 bands that EVERYONE listened to. So yeah, arena concerts.

[jacksoncsplayer]

When I saw KISS in 1976, I ditched school and was at the ticket office at 10:30 A.M. The lines started forming at 3:00 P.M. and when the doors opened, my happy ass was right against the stage between Paul and Ace!

If that was the Destroyer tour, it was one of the best memories of my life!

Good Live music is nowhere in MB, the House of Blues has a couple cool shows a year, but the local acts just suck! I don't think the level of talent or imagination is the same either. Camping out for Preist, Maiden, AC/DC. Monsters of rock tickets are some of best memories ever from what I can remember

[Axewielder]

I actually thought that the internet file-sharing phenomenon would bring back live music. The record companies have been all about stamping out tapes and CD's for the past few decades. Make a zillion copies, keep shaving costs, and sell them for a premium over and over and over. Well, consumers figured out how to shave costs even more: by file sharing! So, how do you make money in this environment? Put on kick ass concerts! I'm talking fire breathing dragons, light shows, killer sound, the works!

Well, it doesn't seem to have turned out that way.