I don't actually enjoy concerts. I never really have. I do sometimes enjoy going to concerts though. Which is different.
Going to a show is almost always like a little adventure. Especially house shows. I used to love house shows. I like the whole driving around looking for a place in some area you've never been but seems sketchy, and eating with your friends before the show. Checking out the venue. Checking out the people at the show. I really don't enjoy the show itself. Too loud. This was true even when I was younger and went to lots of shows. I like the ritual more than the thing itself.
I'm okay at tiny shows. I can enjoy those. Anything bigger at some point I usually end up walking around the venue or stepping outside or trying to zone out for part of it. I guess my limit is basically if you cannot talk to the band for a few minutes while they are selling their stuff at the merch table, the show is too big.
But like I can't really go to shows because I like the band anymore. Like theoretically I'd love to see Beck. I like his stuff, I think he's an interesting guy. He's stature is such that you know I feel kind of like I should go just for the educational experience. I like Spoon a lot. They were great the two times I saw them.
But there's now way I would see that show. If they came to Richmond I'd be like "Wow, what a great bill. I really should see that show." Then I won't. It's just too much.... loud, too much stress, too much tiring, just too much.
But if on the same day that Beck and Spoon played, one of my friends suddenly called me up and was like "Hey, Seals and Croft are playing Innsbrook after hours" "Really?" "Naw, it's actually their daughters got together and do like a Seals and Crofts tribute." "Do you think they'll do Summer Breeze?" "I mean, they have to, right?" "God that song sucks. I fucking hate Seals and Crofts. Who even listens to Seals and Crofts anymore? Alright yeah, I'm in."
The idea of hanging with one of my friends that I don't see much anymore at a weirdo show that neither of us has much interest in seems like a fun adventure. Going to see Beck and Spoon feels like work.