Presented without much comment, this letter sent to Scene this morning expressing eloquent and perturbed thoughts directed at the fans at the George Thorogood concert last night. Does Cleveland rock? Let our concerned reader answer that question.
I wanted to contact you to inform you about a tremendous injustice happening in Cleveland. I wouldn’t believe it had I not only witnessed it, but I was also accosted by these perpetrators of complacency.
Last night, my wife and I attended the George Thorogood and the Destroyers Rock concert at the Hard Rock Racino and this is where the trouble began.
Let me give you some background on this just in case you guys are from Pittsburgh or Sacramento or Albuquerque. You see, growing up in Cleveland, we take our Rock N’ Roll seriously. Its not just some fashion statement to us. Its our culture and religion and the reason we get out of bed some days. Its the soundtrack to our lives.
We had visionaries like Alan Freed lead the universe to the drinking hole of Rock N’ Roll. We petitioned and won the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. We are the Home of the Buzzard. Now, I know that doesn’t mean much to kids these days, but growing up in Cleveland in 70’s and 80’s, it means everything. And anyone who attends a George Thorogood concert should understand this without question.
So when you listen to classic rock in Cleveland, you will here Mr. George Thorogood and his Destroyers at least once every 2 hours. Cleveland supports George…until last night.
As I said, my wife and I went to what we thought was going to be the Classic Rock party of the summer. Unfortunately, our hopes were dashed moments into the first song.
Some rotten bastard had the stones tell us to “Sit down”.
Sit down?
Sit down for George Thorogood? Sit down for Rock N’ Roll? Sit down while George tore into a blistering opening opus. This somehow did not compute in my thinking machine.
Mind you, this wasn’t some security thug. In fact, it was a (gulp)…fan? I turned and looked and everyone was sitting. The entire place was sitting.
“Well, they must be tired? Perhaps they have been rocking with George for 40 years and they are tuckered out?” I figured. No mind, we shall stand for them and show Mr. Thorogood that Cleveland still appreciates his brand of Rock N’ Roll.
Then another person tapped my shoulder. This time it was younger gal. Clearly she had not been rocking with George for 40 years and therefore, could not be that tired. “We’re trying to watch the show. You guys need to SIT DOWN!”
“Sweatheart, why don’t you stand up and let that electric guitar flow through your soul?” I replied. And that’s when they ganged up on me.
This gang of sleepy golf shirted target demographics for Viagra all pestered us to “Sit down”.
Oh dear friends and neighbors, I’m here to testify that this really happened in Cleveland. Dear friends and neighbors, they were serious about sitting through this show. They wanted dinner theater.
I texted my friend and brother in Rock to ask for advice. Do we sit and be respectful to the crowd behind us or do we stand? He texted back and said that Rock N’ Roll has become complacent and that we needed to do what was right.
Well, this thing was bigger than the moment.
At that point I was so disappointed with the Cleveland Classic Rock fans, that I walked away from the thing and looked for someone from security to move us someplace that we could stand and be out of the way of the lethargic beer bellies.
Hard Rock staff was very understanding but would not move us. They said, we can stand in front of our seat. And they told the people behind us the same.
Of course that didn’t stop the complaining. They spent more energy and focus on us than the thunder from the Destroyers. They wanted to sit and rest their tavern tumors. As my brother in Rock said, “You can’t be a Rocker wearing Dockers”. And he was prophetic about this.
At this point, we just tuned them out and hoped that by the time George tore into “Who do you love”, these slumberous fans would press there Florsheims to the floor. No soap. They just sat there like grumpy curmudgeons from the balcony of the Muppet Show.
Look it, I just wanted to make you guys aware and perhaps through your power and influence on Clevelanders through Scene Magazine, we lift this listing ship of complacency.
Anyways, we have several more shows this summer. I will keep you abreast of this unsettling trend.
Respect the Rock,
Dale Baker
This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2014.
I have been noticing a lot of judgement attitudes toward our friends who come to play for us here in Cleveland on tours. A lot of bands don’t even want to play here because there are times where Cleveland Rockers have the attitude “you gotta prove to me you are good” –for example-Dokken played here for a Ribfest and people were total assholes about it. It’s my opinion that if you love a band, you are in for life, not a rainy day fan! Come On Cleveland! Let’s make our Concerts a love fest for the band and stop with the “you gotta prove it to me” attitude—lighten the :F: up and let’s have some FUN!
Dude I was there. People were standing and sitting cheering on and rocking out with George for the whole performance. Which happened to be one of the best concerts at The Rocksino ( love that place) Anyhow if you were that couple that stood up all by your lonesome blocking about three hundred people of all ages from seeing center stage. Next time get with the crowd.
Hmmm…well, this seems to happen at most events, including Browns games. My take: it isn’t up to any one person to suggest how another person should experience music or sports.
If people are older, or lazy, or not into standing at concerts, that’s just as legitimate as those who do want to stand. The question is: are a majority of people standing and “rocking out” or sitting? If the majority are standing – then I think it’s appropriate to stand and defend that. But, if you’re the only one standing, then that’s just the way it is. You’re blocking their view – and they are not obligated to stand just because you are.
If having to sit at a concert ruins your idea of Cleveland music fans – or the concert you came to see – that’s on YOU.
I empathize, Dale. I saw George bring down Music Hall years ago, and NObody was sitting down! In cases like yours, or when I’m surrounded by loud, incessant, irrelevant chatter, I usually just try to move to a more conducive location. I just want to dance in my 2′ square & listen to the music. Then again, there have been times when a simple “f*ck you” is in order. Choose your battles wisely!
This
We saw you Dale, and we stood the whole show. A lady came up to us after the show and told us “we ruined the whole concert for her” I told her she should buy the DVD and watch it on her couch. I don’t think we’ll be attending any more shows at the Hard Rock Live.
I totally agree! It’s a disgrace to Cleveland & true Rockers. I was appalled when I saw the Golden God Joan Jett last December at HR. We stood the whole time singing & rockin! That’s what I live for…feeling the energy of live music in my soul!! If you want to sit stay home in your lazy boy.
Valerie Holbrook
Rubber City Rocker
That is horrible!! Its not the Cleveland orchestra!!! Get ur ass up Cleveland!! I hope the old people read this post.just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re old. I tell older people this all the time, ” quit acting old because soon enough you will actually be old and you won’t be able to stand up and listen to a good rock concert!”
First of all, Dale….did you ever think that some people who are in their 50’s, or 60’s or even 70’s who enjoy a rock concert might not be able to stand up…or might have a hard time standing up and sitting down according to whatever the person in front of them is doing, ie. up, down, up, down.
I find your attitude revolting and self-serving. Don’t think you are defending Cleveland and the rock n roll presence here, because you are not. You can get off that bandwagon that you are defending how serious Clevelanders are about their ‘rock’. At Rocksino, you were simply being obnoxious and a bad neighbor to other concert goers. And probably drunk or high. How rude to spoil it for everyone. You can’t stay seated and enjoy a concert? What’s wrong with you! Respect others and you will have a better time and not spoil everyone’s time, including your own. What a waste of several thousands of dollars spent by the 20-30 people you annoyed. I feel sorry for them, and I feel sorry for you.
Oh and another thing. you paid just as much for your ticket as everybody else which entitles you to stand if you want to. In my opinion if they don’t want people standing in front of them dancing and singing, then they should have stayed home.
I recently went to the Ringo & All Star show at Jacobs Nautica. The two men in front of us stood the whole time, ignoring people asking them to sit down…and I noticed several people (who could not stand –older, or recently had knee surgery) did not get to even see the concert. One of the standing men was not really “at this concert”, because he was on his phone the whole time. He stood, and did not watch the stage…..HE WAS LOOKING AND USING HIS CELLPHONE THE WHOLE TIME…..STANDING, TEXTING, WORKING HIS APS, WHATEVER THEY WERE. JUST A PURE IDIOT.
Rock and Roll isnt at the Rocksino. Rock and Roll is a young mans game played in bars. Look for places like that if you actually want to rock out, and not go to the ribfest or any of that other stuff.
IF you honestly expected anything different you are truly naive and need to re-evaluate what you think is “rock and roll”. Because this thing called Clear Channel happened and you are fattening up their checks…….
How about the way the city and the HOB ,Rocksino and Gund Arena (the Q) want to run out smaller venues around town? How about touring modern rock bands skipping cleveland, and all we can do is gentrify our neighborhoods and discredit all the new music coming out of it.
And people wonder why all young people don’t stick around here…. ridiculous.
its so insane to me. Its a concert. I will never understand someone asking me to sit down at a concert. If your going to sit, then sit home or buy a front row ticket.
I think its incredibly rude to ask someone to sit down!
Don’t tell me I’m rude for standing at a rock show. Shame!
I stand and dance because I feel the music, I dance because I’m happy and that is self expression. If you want to express on your ass then go ahead. But don’t tell me how to enjoy myself and I wont tell you how to enjoy yours.
Wow sounds like Cleveland is becoming “Gods Waiting Room” Rock On!
Dale Baker, I applaud you. If you wanna pay money to sit down somewhere, go to a movie or baseball game. Nobody sits at a Rock Show. Its the total opposite of what you do. You’re never to old to Rock n’ Roll, but if you happen to be, stay home! Being from the true home of Rock, Detroit, I love your belief system.
First off. let me establish my bona fides – Graduated HS in73 – lived in Cleveland all my life. I have a Very Thick scrapbook of concert ticket stubs.
I’ll Start by saying if you are into rock & roll, you DO NOT LISTEN TO CLASSIC ROCK EXCLUSIVELY!!
Fer GAWDS SAKE MAN Broaden yer horizions. Go to the Beachland, go to the Grog, hit the fucking bars man! Do you have any Idea how much great music is being created today? It sure as hell isn’t being played on 98.5! Are you aware that Radiohead is saving the world from yet another gawd-awful Pink Floyd reunion Tour?? Have any Idea how badly Trent Reznor kicks Ozzy’s ass? How Wilco and Iron & Wine have taken the country rock mantel and made an entire genre of music out of it while corporate country keeps recycling the Eagles?
And you spend time bitching about people trying to get you to behave at concerts – Spare me.
End of Rant
The audience at the Alice In Chains show at the Nautica was similarly disappointing. Great show, sleepy crowd. No wonder no one bothers to play the area any more.
What a great article! Good for you for standing up and enjoying a concert.
Dale I think you are a jerk. And that guy who said Detroit is the home of Rock ‘N’ Roll is an even bigger jerk.
Massive whinny suck.
Seen Zepp..And a multitude of bands live..stones…P Floyd….etc…a bad fan sucks…we are all there for the experience….live and let live to enjoy…..quite being an I mE ASSSHOLE!!!!! SIMPLE…
You’ve got to know how to build the venue floor plan just right to accommodate fans of all persuasions. Don’t blame other ticket holders for their personal choices in seating (or standing). They ALL surely wanted to be there for the Thorogood performance. Complain to the proper entity that has the power to change what annoyed you so much, the lack of a proper “standing only” area. But then, don’t complain at intermission that you don’t have a place to sit! Don Ladanyi
Dear Dale, I am so sorry this is something you and your wife had to endure. I speak from experience when I say my father is that grumpy son of a fun who has nothing better to do than rain on a perfectly good parade! I tried to keep him in check, but he was out of control. I apologize that you were tormented to sit down when we all should be encouraged to stand up! Stand up to bullies. And if someone is u able to stand then please sit in the designated areas, leaving everyone else free to rock at whatever interval they want.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Daughter
If you actually believe that the badge of honor for an authentic rock fan is standing through a whole show and blocking the view of others who are all sitting, you have some real problems, my friend. I can’t understand why you can’t enjoy the concert in the sitting position. Ever wonder why they went to the expense of putting chairs there? In the words of that old codger Springsteen, use it, that’s what it’s there for. You might reconsider your statement that those who asked you to stop standing denigrated Cleveland’s reputation as a rock and roll city. Maybe, just maybe, you added to the impression that its concertgoers are self-indulgent, inconsiderate boors. Think about it the next time you’re capable of doing so. Whipping Post!
I attended a Springsteen show a few years back and experienced the same. We were not in floor seating. Guy behind me, “are you going to stand the whole show?” Me, “probably”! As a 48 year old suburban white male all I can say is, if you don’t want to stand, shake your ass and rock-n-roll then stay the fuck home.
Through my concert experiences (in Cleveland and elsewhere) my input is “there’s a time and a place”. I have not been to the Rocksino yet, but I have been to other Casino venues (I saw G. Thorogood and the Destroyers at Turning Stone Casino in NY a few years back). While I am all for standing up, dancing, and showing my enthusiasm for a great musician and band (especially b/c i’m only 24) I usually take into consideration the type of venue I am at, and the crowd demographic in attendance. In this situation at this venue, with a Thorogood aged crowd, I would expect to be seated for the majority of the show (much to my dismay). With that being said, I would also expect to get up, cheer and show Thorogood my appreciation for coming out and playing a great show, but typically towards the beginning of a song and/or towards the end of the song. Unfortunately, this was the case for many shows that I’ve attended, including Eric Clapton at the Consol center in Pittsburgh, Neil Young and Crazy Horse at the Wolstein Center, Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band shows, and George Thorogood and the Destroyers in NY (Just to name a few).
Although sitting down is not my ideal setting for a show, I have come to learn that not everyone in the audience that attends these types of shows, is as young and energetic as I am. I have figured out how to enjoy the show, have a great time, and “dance in my seat” so that I am not bothering the elder crowd around me. It’s unfortunate, but I guess when you attend a concert of a band that’s been around for 20-30+ years it’s something you have to come to expect and accept. I definitely think though, at the very least, EVERYONE should stand, cheer, and show their appreciation at the end of and beginnings of songs…b/c i do believe ALL musicians feed off that enthusiasm and adjust their performances accordingly.
FINALLY, to the person sitting/standing next to me — STOP SINGING EVERY LYRIC, WORD-FOR-WORD. WE GET IT, YOU KNOW THE SONG. I DON’T WANT TO HEAR YOUR CRAPPY VOICE!
So let’s all find that common ground so we can all have a great time and ENJOY THE MUSIC!
ROCK-ON CLEVELAND
Sitting at concerts is lame. If you wanna sit, stay home and watch a DVD.
Dale, you need to get your rear up to Moondance Jam in northern Minnesota in two weeks. It is a rock ‘n’ roll heaven where fans will stand all day at the fence in the front of stage to hold their front row spot for a late show. Come up an redo your George Thororgood experience plus catch REO, Foreigner, Styx and many more.
Some people have disabilities that prevent them from standing for 2+ hours. Especially for a show whose target demographic is in their 50s and up There should be designated “no standing” sections set aside for them.
By the way when you’re insensitive to those sitting around you, you’re not the rock god you think when everybody else views you as an a-hole.
If I’m an artist looking out at center stage and everybody is sitting…I’m not playing that town again. Why the hell do you think the singer is always telling people to get off their asses?! If you are unable to stand for the show, you can get seats along the side areas where you are looking down at the stage. Like DIO said…”Stand up and shout!”
CLASSIC ROCKERS ARE NOW OLD FARTS….plain and simple.
It is shared experience have consideration for others and get along.Don’t get stressed out about it try to relax.
I saw Neil Young awhile back and somebody nearby continued to pass gas.
Now that is a problem.
Dale, first of all, I applaud you for having the stones to speak out about this. It was a well-written, witty, and to-the-point letter (which is more than I can say for some of the comments left by knuckle-dragging, mouth-breathers here).
Secondly, I can’t help but wonder how many of these twice-dead, plucked up by the roots, non-rockin’ people who say it’s OK to sit at a rock show are actual musicians; specifically, musicians who have jammed with bands, played shows, toured, etc. Because if you’re like me, a musician who HAS done all those things, you’d know how terribly awful it feels to be on stage, playing your heart out, and looking out at a bunch of folks who’d be better served camping out at the nearest funeral home.
Musicians on stage and fans in the crowd feed off each other. The energy, when everything is right, is palpable. When the message from the music is properly related to the fans, the fans relate an energy back to the musicians. The musicians feed off of this, and the energy builds and builds until it becomes something beautiful in indescribable. It’s like the feeling a person gets from a particular song that gives them chills….times 100! (I’m getting chills now just thinking about it)
THAT is what makes a rock show a rock show…not having to look down from the stage and see a bunch of lazy people who look like they’d be much happier elsewhere. As a musician (and a fan) I will always remember the aforementioned feeling, and I will do my dead-level best to relate it whether I’m on stage or on the floor.
People mentioned “what about the people who can’t stand”…blah, blah, blah. Look. I was recovering from knee surgery (just a couple days post-op) when we got a call from a popular club in town wanting us to play in two days. Our band had 2 guitarists, and the other guitarist said it was cool if I didn’t feel like I could make it. Do you think for a second that I even entertained the thought of NOT playing? Hell no! It’s Rock ‘n Roll (or in our case, Metal)!!
So we played the show. I played with the entire 45 minute set with one crutch under one arm to lean on once in a while, and we rocked that f*&$er OUT!!! How nuts do you think the crowd was when they say I wasn’t gonna let a little post-op pain keep me from relating my part of the message? Uh-huh…you guessed it. Best show we ever played!
Dig it. Classical is classical. Jazz is Jazz. Country is Country. And Rap is Crap. But Rock ‘n Roll? It’s F*&$ING ROCK ‘N ROLL!!! Act like it!
What a douchebaggery letter. If everyone’s sitting down, then sit down and quit being a dick. I’m sure the crowd was standing during better parts of the show. Now go call your “brother in rock” and whine. Toolbox
If people care about seeing a show they will order tickets early enough to get closer to the stage and rock out with everyone else who feels the same.
Rock’n’roll is the new jazz.
I agree with the people…sit the “F” down ya goof…when I started going to concerts “EVERYBODY” sat down…ELP at the stadium, Ted Nugent at the Allen Theater, Frank Zappa at Public Hall (no seats, everyone sat on the floor), Robin Trower at the Coliseum…it wasn’t until the sardine can mentality came in …NO SEATS, everybody stand…if you have seats F***ing use ’em…if you want to stand, stand by the wall and get out of everyone’s way.
happened to me at a Hall and Oats show at the old tower amphitheater.. and we were pretty much in the back too.. completely ridiculous ..we just mosied on back to the standing area and danced.. total buzz kill
It ain’t just the CLE! Me and my Lady Sara got kicked out of The Chicago Theater for rocking too hard. I rock against a nation of former humans on anti-depressants, as well! That was the last time we see Nora Jones in Chicago!
PS: Tall people should really rock out on the side. Like, seriously, if you over 6’2″, you shouldn’t rock in the center of a show.
I would like to say as someone who was there and had a person in front of me that was very tall. I could’t see a thing even if I stood. I think its bull to say that you can only be a true rocker if you stand. We all stood with Bad To The Bone. Sounded great but I couldn’t even see the stage. So I agree there should be a special seating arrangements for people that is over 5’2″. When I go to the movies I do not look for the tallest, biggest drunk person to sit behind. If I did not want to see the show I would of stayed home and listen to the CD
We have been to 4 shows at this venue and each time I cannot wait for the show to be over. I blame the venue design. I was surprised that a new venue would get so many things wrong. First the seats are folding chairs that are bound together. You have one large person in your aisle then everyone is uncomfortable. My husband had to literally sit sideways at one show. There are no cup holders and the rows are long so if one person has to get up all 30 people have to get up . Next they did a poor job in the slope.. Typically the floor at a music venue or theater starts low and rises up allowing people in back being able to see better. Not here if you look closely seats further back go down- unreal. Then there is no place to stand. People like to stand, like to dance, don’t want to feel squashed in their seats- have a place designated for them. We were at the Jimi Hendrix experience and the artists kept saying everyone up – but when a few people did a fist fight about broke out cause some people yelled at the people dancing. I think some of those “sitters” are more interested in getting their iPhone recording of the show than enjoying the experience.
I would rather stand and get into the show than sit on my hands. When and artist sees the fans reacting to the music they get into it more. I agree with the post with regard to other venues- we go to Beachland Grog and Kent Stage too- and Jocob pavilion rocked with widespread there!
Dokken blows
Somebody call a Waambulance!
A rock show at the racino get real… Corporate sellouts is what plays there, it’s not the Stafium and World Series of Rock… That’s why I wouldn’t waste my money at a place like that and expect to see a ROCK show….
I was at the Todd Rundgren concert and bought wheelchair seats in the second row so I could see the show, I new people would stand in front of us but they changed my seats telling me those weren’t wheelchair seats so of course people from the back ran the stage and all I got to see were the rear ends of every person in front and listen to the muffled sound of the band through all the cloths in front of me. I wouldn’t have minded if there were fine young butts in front of my face but no girl there looled younger than 50 .
WHAT THE HELL! You are suppose to rock it out at a rock concert. If you want to listen to music and sit, stay home and turn on your record player you old fart.
We are talking about Cleveland, Ohio. The armpit of America. Where bottom feeders reside. It’s a joke that the rock and roll hall of fame is there and that DJ you speak of took money for airplay. The best thing to do is move the rock ‘n roll Hall of Fame out of Cleveland, put a dome over the entire city, and let God sort the rest out.
I don’t mind giving the band a standing ovation, or standing when appropriate. Bit nothing I hate worse than some dumb ass couple, drunk, standing in front of me the whole time ruining my view of the show. Why don’t this supposed spokesman for Cleveland buy the DVD and stand in their living room and dance and party alone and not ruin it for the rest of us. As for bands not coming to Cleveland , the fact is that we are a b city at best and hardly the rock and roll capital of anything. Seat sales is what determines whether a band comes here or not and your actions probably dissuaded many from attending another live show. Shame on you selfish bastards. Mark a. Williams
Maybe if he had something new to offer in the last 40 years, people might get a little more excited for (another) George Thorogood concert.
Anyone Who Complains About Not Standing, if I’m Paying Good Money For My seats I’ll Do What I Want, Don’t Like It Then Move. If Its The orchestra Ill Sit, But If Its Rock I’mStanding, Why I Love HoB
What do you expect?! It’s George Thorogood at the Rocksino in 2014, not the Agora in 1979!
Classic rockers are getting older. Some of can no longer stand for a whole show sometimes for a medical reason. Sitting or standing, be polite – take a look around and don’t block other’s view. The performers on on the stage….not in the seats.
You guys should go to Detroit, no one ever sits down. You know why, because Detroit is the home of Rock n’ Roll.
After playing music in NE Ohio nearly all my life, i feel somewhat qualified to say that people have become sheep. I blame it on the anti-depressants and the fluoride pipe. People just don’t care about shows anymore, and the music market here in Cleveland is depressing itself. There is so much good music out there—and so many great bands, yet no one takes the time to go support them anymore. GET UP OFF OF THAT THING!!! To me, its similar in all aspects of society—people are complacent about the events that go on around them the same as they are about a good rock n roll show. Throw those pill bottles away and LIVE, people!!! Show your support for your hometown musicians as well as the great performers who pass through our town.
venue fix. have half the venue stand (left side) and have the venue sit (right side) and pick your poison when you buy your ticket. win-win. has no venue considered such a fix?
Have to laugh ..went to see Journey in Camden, ..we were up dancing while the snoozing golf shirts sat while looking like they were taking their pulse ..smh …
Several years ago at a George concert, he was upset that everyone was sitting down. He stopped the show, walked offstage and brought out a chair. He then sat down, folded his arms, and looked at everyone, until the crowd got the hint to stand up.
Some schlub tells me to to sit at a rock show, Imma tell them to go pound sand. If they get all salty about it, I’ll buy them a beer to show IM not the asshat. If they still have a beef, Imma gonna pour said beer on their idiot head.
I was in the 2nd row. What i saw at this concert was a group of drunk morons in the front row, and their “girlfriends” (who had seats in the back!), who would come from the back and sit on their lap in the front row, and then dance in the front, while security let them get away with it. The front row was a JOKE, and made cleveland look like a bunch of drunk hooligans!!
Btw, being in the second row, I did stand many times, but i did not block the shorter people behind me, out of courtesy!
Two people buy a ticket to a concert. Each of them has a right to sit, or a right to stand, whatever they want. If someone can’t see, then the venue has to step in and mediate. Either tell the person to sit down, or relocate one or both people. It’s not hard, get creative to make your customers happy.
I have been told to sit down and several concerts including Fleetwood Mac’s reunion tour at Riverbend Ohio, Bob Dylan at Riverbend Ohio and more. Now I realize that Cincinnati is not Cleveland and Rod Stewart is not George Thorogood and the Destroyers but the time I was told to sit down while Rod Stewart was singing “Hot Legs” was just too much. I let the culprit(s) have it with all the venom I could muster. I paid as much for my tickets and square footage as everyone else and more than some. You are not suppose to sit down at a rock/pop concert. It’s about dancing and having a good time not watching the ballet. For Christ sake I got on blue jeans and boots not an evening gown. I fully expect some fat penny loafer wearing parrot head will tell me to sit down at a Jimmy Buffet concert someday. Of course I’ll probably be drunk and punch him/her right in the mouth.
May I just remind you all that you were at a ROCK concert. Standing, dancing, and jamming are usually what happens there. If this were a symphony performance, yes, standing would have been inappropriate. But again, this was a ROCK concert. If you really need to sit and watch quietly, then stay at home with your walker and watch TV. I paid for my seat too and I will stand if I want.
I agree with sugarMag, it’s the venue at the Rocksino. It just isn’t a good venue for concerts. Been there 3x, the crowds are always subdued, the seating really sucks. I paid for 2 front row seats. The grown woman next to me kept hitting me all night, acting like a tween at a Justin Bieber concert, on the other side there was a 300 lb man taking up two seats (his and ours) which left my husband and I basically sharing one seat. Place just gives off a bad vibe. Go to Blossom for a rock concert, far better.
George should do a live album of just Johnny Cash stuff. Have any of you heard that bootleg album Live at the PALIMINO CLUB? man great raw stuff, Cocaine Blues, and a great version of Wanted Man
Personally I don’t think standing and sitting has anything to do with age. I have been to many a show where plenty of young people sit and never get up even to show appreciation.
The number of misspellings in Dale’s letter and these comments is so….. so so Cleveland. 🙂
George thorogood rock man you need to came to Cincinnati Ohio the next time he came to town
I am an old rocker also, and I am still standing . And when I am in my death bed, I will say to the nurse ….sweetypie…can u please play some guns and roses and at least my toes will be moving back and forth.
This is sad to hear. I, too, attended a George concert at a casino in Washington this summer. I was alone, but had a 2nd row seat. I looked behind me to make sure I wasn’t bothering anyone, and was happy to see the entire crowd was on their feet.
If a paying customer asks you to sit down, you should oblige that person, be considerate, and sit down. If the entire audience is standing, that’s a different story. But, a paying customer, like you, paid to SEE the show. If they wanted to listen, they’d stay home and play the CDs.
Just be considerate of others around you so they can have a good time, too.
YEAH, ITS ALWAYS NICE WHEN SOME ASSHOLE STANDS AND BLOCKS OTHER PEOPLES VIEW OF THE SHOW. I PAID MONEY TO SEE THE SHOW AND DONT FEEL LIKE STANDING TO SEE THE SHOW. BE CONSIDERATE TO OTHER PEOPLE. YOUR NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO PAID MONEY TO SEE THE SHOW.
This is the kind of crap that’s killing rock and roll. I’ve seen this too at venues for other groups. People bringing their 12 year olds to Slipknot and Metallica concerts. Skynard, Deep Purple, and Nugent was depressing. I saw more salmon colored polos, khakis, and cellphone clips than I should’ve seen. The whole world has become commercialized. Bands, and musicians are nothing more than brands. Something that you use to “identify” yourself.
Man you did the right thing on speaking up about this. I’m on your side totally, and for you losers who want to complain about the drunk couple in front of you disrupting your show. What the hell are you doing in that venue anyway? That’s the atmosphere. Don’t like it? Sit in your basement with your $9000 audiophile stereo, and listen to it at a sensible volume.
If it’s too loud, your too old. Give me the smoky old bar, with a live band cranking out some good tunes, and no one cares how you enjoy it. Just that you are. Because that’s what it’s all about! Music isn’t a product, it’s something that lives in your soul.
Problem lies with the artist playing small venues (where most people are there too watch) and not playing arenas (which bring it’s own energy in itself) I just seen him last night great show by the way.But there was A drunken girl who was up/down who had a pair of lungs on her which was annoying in it self.Several people behind her were complaining and you know what finally she moved 3 feet and danced in the isle where no one was blocked she was happy and the people behind her were happy.. it’s a win win situation.
And being an older rocker with even an older rocker husband, let me tell you this. Sometimes we can stand snd sometimes we can’t. But unless it happens to be that a song or so is one if those Special Songs, those who want to stand and dance, please move to a less obstructive place.i am s true Long Time Ricker! Went to Woodstock in 69. Went to lots if festivals and still do.
Please don’t block my view throughout the concert. I want to enjoy the show, listen and GROVE in every way. But I don’t need you jumping,yelling,blocking and distracting me or others because of your childish attitude and your obvious predujice to us senior people. You are enjoying basically from Our generation and the music,concerts and festivals etc. be nice, be respectful and a bit more aware
I just left George and the Destroyers show earlier this evening at the Keswick Theater in PA. I mostly sat through the performance rather than rock my face off due to a similar experience with the crowd. I know Thorogood has been rockin’ it for nearly 40 years and both he and his fans are getting older. But as I in my 50’s looked around with my 23 year old son, we both commented that the better part of the crowd looked like they needed walkers, were content to sit motionless through the show, and when leaving looked like they were struggling to stay awake. I must further add that sadly this has been becoming more of a trend in the recent concerts I’ve attended. Of the 10 concerts I have seen this season Dave Mathews has been the exception. His devout fans are on their feet dancing their asses off the entire show. The last artist I have seen perform with comparible results was Springsteen through the 80’s and 90’s. The only reason those fans ever sat down as to rest briefly. Let’s face it, Bruce and the E Street Band constantly ignited the stage longer than 3 hour concerts. We all got tired after a while! Dale I’m with you! Rock n Roll is a lifestyle. I don’t understand the fans today? Tom
Get real…about buying tickets/seats at a certain time or area for sitting or standing. It costs way more for closer seating. At any price point, would I pick the side over the center (view)?
If you can’t “relax” while at a concert take your Ritalin beforehand.
Wow, sorry to hear yoyve experienced that..Im from PA and just saw George thorogood and the Destroyers for the first time tonight at an outside venue, and I can tell you we were Not sitting!! AWESOME concert!!!!
You sit for Yanni…U stand and Boogie for George…watch any lie video of the Destroyers and no-one, I mean no-one is sitting….If u want to sit, don’t go see Mr Thorogood, go see the opera
Sitting down is what old people do at retirement centers when entertainers come to play for them. If Cleveland is now a giant Retirement Center the whole damn city is on life support. Having the likes of my brother come and revitalize the city is what they need. Who in their right frame of mind sits down when rock-in-roll music is played. Hell as a kid growing up in Delaware we would get out of the car and dance in the street. You sit and listen to Mozart, BUT not rock-in-roll.
John Thorogood (Bad to the Bone senior)