Congratulations Lisa, you are growing up. I made the same resolve as you back in the 80's. Who wants to sit or stand amidst 1000's when all you can see of the band are the pyrotechnics.

If I go to see a live show I want to see the musicians and watch them play their instruments.

Warpengi, Colin:
Glad I'm not alone!

I couldn't agree more, with the exception of outdoor festivals, because the sound is almost always very good and you can work your way to the front. U2 was fabulous at the 1983 US festival, as was David Bowie, yet when Bowie brought the same tour that year to BC Place it was abominable; atrocious sound was muffled and echoed everywhere. Also saw U2 a few years later at BC Place, and it was diabolical, even though the band was able to walk on a stage well into the audience. The best Tragically Hip concert I ever saw was also outdoors. Stadium shows aren't worth the money; they always leave me flat.

Right on, as they used to say when I attended my last big stadium concert: Jimi Hendrix. Welcome to the sensible club, Lisa.

This fine article should have included everything that ever happens at BC Place is not worth going to. From gardens shows that are more about paving stones than plants to abominable sports events I cannot figure out how BC Place makes money. I had not gone to see a BC Lions game for years (after years of having to take Gray Cup photos for magazines until some 8 years ago. I had never ever seen an aplause-o-meter and I was truly shocked to find out that the goal posts exploded after touchdowns. When I noticed that the BC Lions cheerleaders had shiny panty hose and saw a man running around dressed as a chicken (or wsa it a lion?) I decided that was it. I have not returned to BC Place since.

Hmm. I don't like U2 as a musical group.

Since English is not my mother tongue I have come to appreciate its exactness. So MaryJane when you say that you don't like U2 as a musical group I get the impression that you like them as people or that you may like them for their "global charity" work.

As a member of an "older set", I quite agree.
However, on reading the comment of the person who mentioned the "outdoor" concerts, I would like to recomend "unreservedly" The Comox Valley Music Fest.
Last year's "Draw" band was Dr. Hook.
The price of the tqts. was MORE than repaid by the quality of the experience. They are "right in your face" in this venue and dancing is "derigueur"
Since this is a three day event one can "pig out" on magic for the eyes as well as the ears.
The lack of sleep however is not good.
I have my "weekend pass" already for this years event which will head line "The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band"
(Ok, it's not U2 but to "oldies like me ) "THEY"R GREAT".

Al

I would agree that the sound at BC Place for rock concerts is lousy. But keep in mind that U2 played at GM Place, and rehearsed there for a few weeks, fine-tuning their sound. I attended the April 29 concert and thought it was excellent. Speaking of U2, for those who wish to explore the connection between U2's lyrics and their Christian worldview, check out:

U2 quiz: 30 questions for those who have ears to hear
by Sol O. Mann

(http://www.canadianchristianity.com/cgi-bin/bc.cgi?bc/bccn/0405/u2)

I would agree with not seeing large stadium shows, I prefer small venues. Last night I saw The Weakerthans and the Constantines at Richards on Richards instead, and it was an amazing show.

Though I would consider going to a few large stadium shows if I really wanted to see the band.

Somehow the sound of the electric guitar (which is what rock is all about) has been lost by these super groups. A recent (April 28) article in the NY Times explains how many radio stations have been switching from rock to hip hop. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/28/arts/music/28rock.html

I can see why. When I play Vancouver bands like the Young Canadians (guitar, base and drums) or DOA (two guitars, base and drums) the sound is crisp and clear and exciting. For me U2 is an Irish SUV. And as for promoting political awareness and fighting lost causes, DOA has been doing it since the late 70s. And all from here, BC.

I've been pleasantly surprised by the sound quality at the GM Place arena as compared to the BC Place stadium (for Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan) but I had good seats. If all I had was perches at the back of the arena I wouldn't bother going even if the seats were free. And I'd still rather have seen these artists outdoors. There is an ambience to outdoor concerts and festivals that makes the risk of inclement weather a negligible factor when considering buying tickets for a special show.

It also works for theatre. London is famous for its grand theatres, but my most memorable experience is the Globe; an open air theatre recreating Shakespeare's era, where you stand on the ground. Europe has renowned opera houses, but a friend said he'll never forget seeing Aida inside the ruins of a Roman colisseum; a grand spectacle complete with horse cavalry -- and wonderful acoustics. The British are rebuilding historic Wembley Stadium, and adding an indoor arena to the site, but are leaving the stadium open air (I've sat in my backyard two miles away and listened in amazement to the clarity of each instrument and note played inside Wembley, and it's also very good sound inside Wembley). The Whitecaps and Lions are trying to build an open air stadium to replace BC Place, and if they don't succeed they should simply remove the dutch cap atop BC Place -- open it to the elements.

And while I've always said I preferred seeing a no-name band at a small venue over a big-name act at a stadium, I've been disappointed at times. I saw Jonathan Richman and his drummer at a London Camden Town bar last fall, and didn't mind the crush of people inside but hated the idiots who insisted on smoking in such tight quarters. The air was foul, my eyes stung and I had to constantly dodge lit ends for fear of getting burned (and I'm a smoker -- can't imagine how Richman & co. felt up on smoke-filled stage). Not much better luck last time I went to the Commodore -- a belligerent drunk deliberately attacked me for no reason while I was sitting in a chair. I had to bust his nose before a bouncer ousted him and apologized to me for not getting him out the door sooner. Perhaps society is becoming more boorish, and bars tend to bring out worst in certain personality types, but I have no patience left for bad manners.

I've never had a bad experience at an outdoor show, and organizers also tend to offer more interesting fare than the beer, pretzels and hotdogs at the stadium or arena.

I'll see you at Jack Johnson's concert this summer at Deer Lake Park. That's as perfect as it gets.

Wow. I couldn't agree more. Every stadium show I have been to in the last five years has been a disappointment. Contrast this with some absolutely amazing small club shows (usually $20 or less) and I'm never going back to big.

Just last week, I went to see an American band, Crooked Fingers, at Richard's on Richards. For their encore, the entire band grabbed acoustic instruments and came down off the stage and played on the dance floor with the audience standing around them in a circle. In between songs, the musicians joked and gabbed with individual people in the crowd. It was amazing. Everyone in the audience was stunned into silence. It was an experience I'll never forget. And it would simply never happen in a stadium show.

Excellent point Lisa. Couldn't have said it better myself. Although, yes, free tickets to front-row centre may have altered my opinion slighlty:). By the way, I was also blown away by a Panurge show recently too. They seem to be really nice guys actually. My gf used some of their songs in her student video which they happily obliged too and also chatted us up. so yea, definitely check em out!

Japan is a great place to see big name acts in small venues. They usually have a smaller following there than in North America. I've seen some pretty great shows at the Blue Note or other little bars and clubs. If you were thinking of planning a vacation there, you might throw a concert into the mix.