For my birthday in 2020, we had tickets to see an old favorite, Todd Rundgren. You might remember some of his hits from the 1970's, such as 'Hello, It's Me,' 'Love Is the Answer,' 'I Saw the Light,' and 'We Gotta Get You a Woman.' I was super pumped about the concert, but then Covid hit and the event kept being postponed until it was finally canceled. I mentioned it to my neighbor, who goes to a lot of concerts, and he told me that I didn't miss anything because Todd doesn't play his hits anymore.
What?? I googled it, and sure enough, concert goers were saying that not only does he not play his old stuff, but he spends an awful lot of time talking politics. Well, the last thing I want to do is pay to listen to that form of nonsense. So, when my husband noticed that Rundgren was playing this summer at our favorite venue, I had to do a hard pass. I even asked on a Live Nation Facebook page about it and someone kindly posted the most recent set list, which confirmed that he no longer plays his hits. Just a short medley of three songs in the encore. BOO!
Just a few weeks ago, I became uber-excited to see that one of my bucket list performers would be in Cleveland: Howard Jones, Icon of the 80's. And the cherry on the top was that he was being joined by ABC and Haircut One Hundred, more great bands from the 1980's. Except that I had never heard of the venue . . . hmmmm. I could see on google maps that it was east of the city, which is generally not where you want to be at night. When my husband got home, he did a little more research and pulled up this google street view of the venue:
.png)
I'd see DMB with you. Just sayin'!
ReplyDeleteHaircut 100's "Love Plus One" is an underappreciated gem. Too bad the venue is undesirable. That would definitely have a bearing on me. As for an anti-bucket list, I do not feel that Sublime lives up to their name. I just can't get into their music. I also mostly dislike Cake (with the exception of "Rock 'n Roll Lifestyle," which is brilliant). And while I like some Modest Mouse songs, Tara is a much bigger fan than me.
DMB! You're on!!! Yes, that is a great song by Haircut 100. Not that I know many of their songs. I know; such a bummer on that venue. Hubby says, "I like Howard Jones, but not enough to die for." LOL! And he claims I'm melodramatic. I only like one Sublime song, but I do love a few Cake songs from the early 2000's. (And I will likely mention them in a future post.) Modest Mouse, I feel as though I only know 'Float On.'
DeleteI can't really wrap my head around why someone would refuse to play their old hits. That seems like career suicide to me. Then to add politics to the mix. That's a hard no for me. The venue would also be a deciding factor on whether I would go or not. I have to agree with you on Elvis Costello. I just never could get into his music.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of that before, where an artist will not play former hits. I mean, I understand getting tired of them, but when you don't have any current hits, come on! Glad to hear someone else doesn't like Elvis Costello. I feel as though people only liked him for his 'cool factor.'
DeleteI can't understand not liking DMB!
ReplyDeleteI don't enjoy concerts in general. I don't like the noise or listening to people sing along, which I know is part of the whole concert experience. I'd much rather listen to the music I like in the comfort and relative quiet of home. I know, I sound boring. Maybe I am. :-)
I think you made the right call to skip that venue. I do love going to musicals/shows. Cats! is my all-time favorite. We live kind of between two larger cities; one did a lot to defund the police and the downtown area has become increasingly unsafe (we rarely go during the day and won't go at night) and one has worked hard to keep the downtown area safe and well-policed. I wouldn't go to the first one even to see Cats! again.
And I totally agree with you not wanting to pay to go to hear someone's political opinions instead of performing. That just seems weird that they'd do that.
I know! How can one not like DMB? None of my kids like them either. They used to make fun of all of their songs when I listened to the CD's in the car. I totally understand not wanting to go into a city at night when there is no police presence. That's how my husband feels about downtown Cleveland when there are no events going on. People are shot all the time, and it's usually just random. I don't like any celebrity spouting their political beliefs. Why should I care?
DeleteUMM, I think you need to come to East Troy, Wisconsin, and see DMB with Mark and me....
ReplyDeleteThat Howard Jones concert tour sounds AMAZING! But, I went on the website and found that he is touring in random locations. Chicago isn't even on the tour, but Sandy, Utah? Interesting...I hope he adds some more dates. If he does and it isn't too sketchy, you can always come out...
Also, I didn't realize that Todd Rundgren did the original of Love is the Answer! Love learning new stuff like that. ❤️
Isn’t that tour trio of bands awesome?I love that these 80’s bands are doubling or tripling up. But the weird thing is that the Ohio venues are Masonic Temples. What’s up with that? Thank you for the offer🤓 Ok, who else sings Love Is the Answer?
DeleteI certain do remember Todd Rundgren - FLASHBACK to the 70s! I loved the song "Love is the Answer!"
ReplyDeleteBummer that he's no longer playing his hits in concert. And also that he spends most of the time talking politics. BOO, is right! It seems that a lot of celebs, musicians, actors, are doing the same thing. The audience goes to concerts for enjoyment, not to listen to someone's political views. I can't tell you how many actors/actresses I used to follow on Instagram, but no longer do because the majority of their posts are politics. And aggressively so.
Howard Jones, ABC, and Haircut One Hundred - YES to all of those! Hearing their songs instantly transports me back to the 80s. I never realized how awesome the 80s were, until afterwards. Such a fabulous decade for so many things!
You and I have VERY similar tastes in music. Not a fan of Elvis Castello either. But I do love the Dave Matthews Band!
Yes, I would give up seeing my favorite artists due to the venue.
I don't care for acid rock or country. So, that would be on my anti-bucket list. One group I would've LOVED to seen in concert would be "Queen." I miss Freddie. Queen had such a distinct sound.
FUN post, my friend! Now you got me wanting to listen to 80s music!
Have a superb week! X
Rundgren had soooo many great songs, but I NEVER hear him played on the radio. Weird! I do agree with you, Ron. I cannot stand when celebrities post or talk about politics. Nobody cares! Even if I agree, I’m still not interested! If they want to use their platform to promote something, then talk about a charity that’s important to them. Do some good for the world!
DeleteI also appreciate ‘80’s music even more so now. It’s was a unique era in music. I’m not a country music fan, either. Or metal. Queen was great and a classic! Thanks for your wonderful comment, Ron!
What do you think of singers who refuse to play their old hits? Not there for it.
ReplyDeleteWould you give up seeing a favorite artist due to the venue? Heck yes.
Who's on your anti-bucket list of performers? I haven't been to a live concert in over 10 years so I don't really have an answer. Maybe Clapton who I adored... but now don't.
You used to love Clapton and now don’t? Hmmmm…..could this be a future post?
DeleteBoo Todd! I'm not impressed!
ReplyDeleteLol, don't hate me but I'm kind of on the side of your husband when it comes to DMB. Well, I don't hate him, but I would never go out of my way to listen to them, let alone see them in concert.
I have found that people either love or hate DMB. I do think they have a unique sound, with a lot of extended instrument playing, which is not for everyone.
DeleteThat really stinks about not playing hits and ranting about politics. That, plus the sketchy venue--hard no's. What a bummer. Hilarious that you mention DMB. I went to DMB w/o Hubby because he's also not a fan, but we were only just about to start dating then. Also, DMB is whom I quoted in my last post title! ~Betsy
ReplyDeleteI noted the DMB reference, Betsy! Speaking of not going to concerts with someone . . . when I was in college, I believe someone broke up with me because I wouldn’t go to a Stevie Nicks concert with him. Nothing against Stevie, I just didn’t feel like it 🤷♀️
DeleteWow! That's a hardcore fan to break up with someone over a concert!
DeleteMaybe he just wasn’t that into me? I don’t know, but I had other sticks in the fire, so all was good🤣
DeleteDang! You go, girl!
DeleteJenny and I haven't been to a (rock) concert for a very long time, mainly because the performers tend to drift in way beyond the advertised time and also because tickets are so expensive. I would certainly be disappointed if they didn't do their big hits. And there are definitely venues I wouldn't want to go to because they were too seedy. There would be an awful lot of bands/singers on my anti-bucket list, and no "tribute bands" for sure. I prefer the real thing.
ReplyDeleteI have heard about the delayed starts. Fortunately, that’s never happened to us. My husband absolutely refuses to pay money to see a tribute band. That’s really become a thing these days.
DeleteI've (we've) seen DMB so many times and I do love them. For some reason, the last few years, we've not even tried to get tix. Maybe I saw them too many times? (At least 11?) But, hey, I'd go with YOU!
ReplyDeleteI totally get it on the bad venue; I too would skip it. I can't believe there was a homeless person on the google pic!
Why wouldn't an artist play the songs that brought them the fame and recognition? It's weird and don't get me started on people who love to share their politics. NO THANKS.
Um, who would I not want to see? J LO. Oops, she cancelled her tour anyway....🤣
Wow! That is a LOT of love for DMB! I’ve never seen a band more than twice. I feel as though it would lose some magic. Yeah, wasn’t it crazy that google street view included that? But I guess the google car guy isn’t going to come back the next day! Ugh, I’d never see J Lo either. A few friends went to see Mariah Carey at Christmas and were not impressed. Too much diva energy.
DeletePeople do come go to concerts to hear them talking politics. They want to hear them sing the songs they liked.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Mary!
DeleteSorry, but I would take a pass on Todd Rundgren no matter what and certainly not if he wanted to simply want and not play favorites. And, that goes for any performer. We haven't seen very many in concert, but in April went to see a concert by Josh Turner and he DID sing most of his hits, appropriately his tour was called The Hits Tour, so he really had no choice. Admittedly, I grew up listening to music of the 60s and even 30-402 thanks for my parents, so I had no idea about the music of Howard Jones, ABC and Haircut One Hundred until reading this post.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would pass up a venuie that looked sketchy unless someone I knew and trusted the opinion of told me it was OK.
REPLY
Aww, Todd sang the songs of my youth. And Bread. I’m afraid I don’t know Josh Turner, but I’m glad he played his hits.
DeleteI'm not a big concert goer. Funny enough, I once saw the Dave Matthew's Band in Wisconsin when we were about a month away from our wedding. It poured rain and Coach got turned around when he drove home (separately from me - he was living with his folks and I had my own condo). Or maybe they wouldn't let him go the way he wanted. This was before GPS. He was so late getting home that his mom got worried. She called my condo a few hours after I'd gone to sleep asking if he was at my condo. Um, NO, and now - I was freaking out. I thought he'd been killed in a car accident. I was on the phone with hospitals when my other line clicked and it was him saying that he was fine. That experience right there - between the rain and my missing fiance, really killed concert going for me.
ReplyDeleteI like Elvis Costello. I dislike Ed Sheerin's music. Overplayed. Plus my sister is nuts about him. Boo hiss. I guess I'd skip a concert if the venue was not ideal, but since I'm not big on attending concerts - it wouldn't be a huge sacrifice. I've seen U2 in concert a handful of times and I do like them.
I had a horrific first concert experience because my ‘date’ (a co-worker) was high as a kite. I didn’t go to another concert for 15 years. I’m over it now!
DeleteI can’t stand Ed Sheeran or really most solo artists. I find it boring if there’s no band. I’ve seen U2 twice. For a long time, I didn’t think any other concert could top their Elevation tour, but I’ve changed my mind on that. I still like them, but I think I just got tired of their songs.
I missed a chance to see Simon and Garfunkel at a venue I could have walked to from my house. Just waited a bit too long to buy tickets, and they were sold out when I got to it. Similarly, the Rolling Stones played a stadium venue I could have walked to, but I was less gung-ho about that (why yes, I grew up in the 60s; why do you ask?)
ReplyDeleteI've seen Paul McCartney four times. He puts on a great show, 2.5-3 hours, heavy on the Beatles and Wings stuff. The first time I saw him, he played half a dozen of his new (at the time) songs, and people just got up to use the bathroom whenever he did, which I thought was a little rude. . .
That is a bummer about Simon and Garfunkel, but pretty cool that you have been within walking distance to some concerts. I’m fine if an artist plays new songs, as long as they also play the hits.
DeleteWhat do you think of singers who refuse to play their old hits? Not cool. I would really angry if I went to see Motley Crue for example and all they played were songs from their most recent albums. It would be awful
ReplyDeleteWould you give up seeing a favorite artist due to the venue? At my current age, yes. But when I was a much younger man, we would go almost anywhere to see a show.
Who's on your anti-bucket list of performers? Aerosmith
My son and his friends have gone to see concerts at places I’d never go, but they’ve also flown to California to see their favorite band, which I would never do. Kids! I like 1970’s Aerosmith, but could skip every song since!
DeleteI would be livid if I paid to hear music and got political opinions instead. Glad you dodged a bullet with that one.
ReplyDeleteI'd go to most concerts because I love live music, but Jason wants to go see Jack Johnson because he has such a happy vibe, but unfortunately, he's just not my cuppa. I'd go with hubs because it would make him happy, but I wouldn't be excited about it.
I’ve never even heard of Jack Johnson, but I’m not a solo singer fan. I’d see John Mayer, but that’s about the only soloist I’d pay to see.
DeleteI don't go to concerts these days, but I'd certainly want to hear what made me like a band/musician in the first place. Though in my sixties, I'd give me left ___ to go back in time to see STP, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Temple of the Dog, Alice in Chains and the like live. Seems I'm stuck in those days in my head. But then, on the other hand, I've loved and have seen Air Supply, Chicago, Til Tuesday, Moody Blues and, best of all, Elton John. Ahh, to reminisce-
ReplyDeleteWow! You are a big fan of the ‘90’s! Sounds like you’ve seen some great acts. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI remember reading once that Barbra Streisand said she doesn't like to do concerts anymore because all anyone wants to hear is her hit songs! Well those are the songs that made you so why wouldn't they want to hear them. As for the political opinions that would tick me off right away if I spent good money on a concert and had to listen to that!
ReplyDeleteThat’s ridiculous about Streisand. Diva talk! I just can’t tolerate political talk at all anymore. Life’s too short!
DeleteOh, man that blows about Howard Jones! I was just thinking about him the other day and I how much enjoyed his music. But not enough to risk life and limb.
ReplyDeleteVery shortsighted of Todd Rundgren to blow off his hits and talk politics. "Strangers in the Night" was one of Frank Sinatra's greatest hits, but he reportedly hated that song with a passion. (I'm not too fond of it either, btw)
Nevertheless, he sang the damn song because he knew his fans wanted to hear it.
I'm not a big concert-goer to be honest, and most of my favorite singers have something in common with Sinatra in that they are no longer alive.
And your husband should bite the bullet and take to you see Dave Mathews!
Yeah, it’s disappointing to miss what will likely be a great show, but I’ve been reading other comments online of people who won’t go to that venue, either. I’m sure most bands have songs they are sick of or just never liked that much. Hopefully, they give the audience what they want.
DeleteThat is a shame he does not do his hits. And hard pass with having to listen to politics when going to a concert to enjoy oneself. I am tired of celebrities among others who think their opinion is SO important. You know what they say: opinions are like a certain part ones anatomy, we all have one...
ReplyDeleteLOL I am not a fan of DM Band either.
Allie of
www.allienyc.com
Oh man, another DMB hater🤣🤣🤣 You wither love him or you hate him. I’m over celebrities endorsing anyone or anything.
DeleteOh what a lot of let downs. I hope you get to a concert that lives up to expectations soon :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope so too!
DeleteWhat a bummer on your concerts, and that venue? Yeah, that's a no from me. You know who sings his old hits? Bob Seger! He's almost 80 man. I can't believe it. I wonder if he's got one more tour left in him because I'd fly back to D-Town for that. And, of course, you know my fiance' Marshall sings all of his hits. Old and new. Lol
ReplyDeleteI am not a Bob Seeger or Silver Bullet Band fan 🤣 but I’m glad he still plays his hits. Speaking of old dudes, the people I know who went to see The Rolling Stones last week were SO impressed by the show. ALL the oldies but goodies were played.
DeleteAnd yeah, your fiancé knows how to do it!🥳