Experiencing Annoying Concert Fans at Venues I've Seen Live Music
Ever worked at a concert venue and felt like the fans you're dealing with are the ones who know the artist best? I can relate. There have been a few concerts where the most disruptive attendees were the ones who attended the shows I was part of back in the day. Let's dive into some of my most memorable experiences attending concerts and their accompanying chaotic fan behaviors.
Concerts I've Attended and Observed
One of the most notable instances was a Beatles concert I attended in 1966 at the Olympia arena in Toronto, a venue that's also notorious for hosting the Red Wings hockey games. My parents had managed to secure tickets for my brother, sister, and I, and we were seated in the 32nd row of the lower bowl. I was thrilled because, prior to this, I had only attended a show by the Glenn Miller Band. While Glenn Miller was a great artist, I couldn't help but feel that something was missing.
During the concert, all I could hear was a girl crying out, "Paul, Paul! I love you, Paul!" for about an hour. It was quite a struggle to focus on the performance with such enthusiasm being directed at the wrong person. This was overwhelming and disruptive, especially considering that I was trying to enjoy the music. Despite my excitement, the non-stop screams were certainly not to my liking.
Louder and Clearer Sound Systems
Fast forward nine years to a later concert at the same venue, this time involving Alice Cooper. The sound systems had significantly improved, which made for a much better sound experience. During this performance, half the women in the arena were transfixed by the frontman, creating a different kind of disturbance. Every time Cooper turned around to look at those behind him, a sea of flashbulbs would go off, blinding me and likely obscuring Cooper's intentions. This was distracting, not to mention annoying, as it took away from the music and performance.
The Elvis Experience
On the other hand, there have been concerts where the fan behavior was less disruptive and even enjoyable. For instance, seeing Elvis perform was quite an experience. Although half the women in the arena were dazzled by the frontman and his attention-seekers, the music was still audible and the show itself was fantastic. Elvis's drumming convinced me to switch from trombone to drums, and it was hands down one of the best shows I've ever experienced.
More Concerts to Remember
Another concert that comes to mind is Raffi's show in Rochester, New York. While there were hundreds of kids there, who were boisterously singing along to "Baby Beluga," I was left feeling like the annoying one. Despite the chaos, it was a joyful experience. Even amidst the noise and excitement, I couldn't help but sing along with the kids, making it a memorable night.
Conclusion and Reflection
Attending and working at concerts can be a mixed bag. While some shows are chaotic and disruptive, especially when you're a fan who's trying to focus on the performance, there are moments when the energy and passion of the crowd enhance the overall experience. It’s a reminder that the best concerts are those that bring fans and artists together in a unique and enjoyable atmosphere. As for the venues, they definitely have room for improvement in managing their fan base, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the music without feeling overwhelmed.