Sorry if this is a bit of a throw away article. I’m still reeling a little bit from the NHL trade deadline today. It’s always tough when your team trades its heart and soul for a couple prospects. Instead of the well thought out article outlining the intricacies of old-school emo-core, I’m going to bring you my checklist to a great concert.
1) The Hits – This should be obvious. 95% of people are there to hear what they know and what they know are the hits. I know that the artist may have over-exposure issues and even insecurities about resorting to a cheezy three chord song that they wrote five years ago, but that’s what most people want to hear. It can be left until the encore but it should be represented.
2) Change it up a bit – I don’t want to hear the songs exactly as they sound on the album. I want to hear that the band has a little bit of improvisational talent. I’m not asking for a 2 hour jam (I can’t stand the Dave Matthews Band), just an alternate intro or bridge. Even a medley would placate me.
3) The Obligatory Cover or Two – Who doesn’t enjoy a good cover? There are rules to choosing a song. The audience has to recognize it, it can’t be over-exposed, unless you’re changing genres or doing it comically and it should be at least slightly re-imagined.
4) Audience Participation – The show is so much more enjoyable when there’s some interaction. We’re going to sing-a-long anyways. Make it look like you care. It’s not that hard.
5) The Rarity – There are the 5% or so of the attendees that follow your music religiously. These guys have paid $200 on Ebay for your pre-band demoes and know the lyrics to your new songs before you’ve even written them. Throw them a bone. Play something that they’re going to appreciate. You don’t have to use the ultra-rare B-side from your Japanese only release, but play a song from a couple albums back that wasn’t a big hit. And change it up from time to time. Some people will see three or four shows on your tour. Give them something new each night.
6) The Pit – This pertains only to certain types on concerts. If you’re at the punk show, we’re in the mosh pit. This means no 12 year-old girls. You’re going to get hurt and I don’t want to spend half the show picking you up and protecting you from the mob. If you’re five rows back from the stage in the middle, you’re going to be right in the middle of it. Oh yeah, to the 15 year-old guy, keep your shirt on. That’s just gross. If you’re at the hardcore show, the same applies but make way for the circle pit. Just stay out of their way if you don’t want to join in. Everyone enjoys it more that way. Oh yeah, make sure you tie your shoes tightly, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.
