Seeing that it’s 2012 there is a multitude of ways to listen to music. But none better than hearing it live. And luckily there seems to be an EXPLOSION of live shows in the Maritimes, we no longer have to rely on our car stereos to hear our favourite bands. We can now witness the skill of a musician at work, and not just a perfected studio produced piece with effects (looking at you Akon).
To me, I feel that at a live show there’s a bond created between you and the performer. Recorded music can’t give me the feeling and atmosphere that live shows can. Sure, CD’s (live or not) are cheaper and provide hours of entertainment at your leisure, but they don’t capture or recreate the experience of being there in person, hearing the music straight from the instrument into your ears. “Live At Slane Castle” is a DVD released by Red Hot Chili Peppers of their 2003 concert at County Meath, Ireland. It’s a concert DVD that I own and watch often but it doesn’t compare to being there to see it in person, feeding off the vibe all the acts gave off. There was PJ Harvey, Queens Of The Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and Chili Peppers. An epic line-up, and that was a moment of rock n’ roll history that I was able to be part of.
And recently the great trend is not just single artists on the bill, but co-headliners, multiple acts and festivals. And bands like The Monkees (the surviving ones at least) and Fleetwood Mac are reuniting to go on tour! It’s not just about pushing their album sales anymore, it’s about witnessing their passion, seeing their magic when they’re in the moment. I think it’s making people fall in love with music all over again.
Live shows can create warm memories (like becoming engaged at a Paul McCartney concert) and fun memories to look back on. I understand that going to a live show takes a little more effort to attend than simply turning on your iPod. At the show U2 in Moncton last year we all had to walk kilometers up to our knees in mud, but getting to see one of your favourite bands play some of your favourite songs? I still speak of that night as a religious experience.
I enjoy smaller shows just as much as the huge outdoor extravaganzas, sometimes even more! Acoustics in a small venue can be incredible. They’re more intimate and interactive and the artist can respond to you.
Sure a CD can offer you a perfect auto-tuned production, but it can’t give me the feeling of the drums booming in your chest, the ringing of your ears after the show from the amps, and just the opportunity to see a real magic show.
What’s YOUR opinion?
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