What's the Rush?

[greatbear]

Yesterday evening Jeff and I headed down to Nissan Pavilion Jiffy Lube Live to see my boys, Rush. We had the tickets for several months, and now was finally the time to see my favorite band perform their "Time Machine Tour" which, among other older songs, the entirety of Moving Pictures album was the highlight. I had purposely avoided reading the setlist on fan pages, blogs and the like. Doing so kept the songs a complete surprise as each one opened. And damn what a setlist! I swear this band has only gotten better over the years.



As I said previously, we had these tickets for quite a while and that was before I started having serious issues with my lower spine. As this day approached I was worried and sometimes downright upset that I might not be able to make it to the show, since there's more than a fair amount of standing and walking involved. Still, I made it my mission to ignore all that, after all, this is my band we're talking about. But make it I did. After finding my way to the seats, the band was spot-on, they played most of my favorites, with lots of surprises to boot.

When we finally got to our seats, we were surprised to learn that we were at the front of that particular section, with lots of room between us and the section ahead of us which had tables and chairs. Bonus! We were off to the left, but still had a great sight-line despite the distance to the stage, as seen below:


Before

Our last visit to this venue to see Rush was a lot of fun as well, but we had issues with so many people standing during the entire length of the concert in the seats right ahead of us. We hoped that this time, with the extra room and space between our seats and the ones ahead of us that we'd be golden. Here again, that was not to be. If I sat down, this would be my view:


And After

I knew we were in trouble when the folks in the section in front of us stacked all their chairs into one pile, knowing they'd be standing the entire time. And that they did. Three guys next to me who had come all the way from Wyoming for this show were pretty cool, at least at the start. Once the music started, they were up on their feet, thrashing and screaming and having the time of their lives. One of them is the guy in orange above. Granted, once I told the guys they were spreading out too far and ending up directly in front of me, they would make sure that I was not being bothered by them. Hey, the guys were obviously having the time of their lives, and I would not want to interfere there. However, their antics were just a drop in the bucket. Being stuck beneath, between and behind an entire stadium full of screaming, jumping, dancing fans who were having more than one or two overpriced alcoholic beverages made having an uninterrupted sight line impossible. So, for the entire show, I had to stand up to see what was going on down on the stage. This took it's toll on me big time, but I stuck it out. A lot of my better photos were ruined by the show of hands in the camera eye. But all this did not really bother me as much as seeing the expression on Jeff's face. After the amusing intro and the first couple songs Jeff sat back down, he also had hurt his leg somehow during the week. He sat there with an angry look on his face for the better part of the show's remainder, upset that the big money spent on this concert was not intended to have us staring at the backs of some drunken yahoos. He mentioned wanting to go back and sit in the car, but he did stick it out for the entire concert. I was heartbroken at seeing this. It was all I could to to resist losing it with everyone in front of us. It would have been pointless anyway. The design of the seating in the venue ensured that once the people in the front row stood up, the people behind them had to stand as well. Repeat until it you're past the back seat in the pavilion and onto the lawn.

In the end Jeff did enjoy the music, but was very angry with the crowd. I guess we have to be selective as to the venue and the acts these days. I guess we're just getting old. I'm no longer in the mood for fighting crowds and tolerating nonsense. Yeah, people are entitled to their fun, but no one seems to consider the people around or behind them. Lessons learned. But seeing Jeff so upset put a huge damper on my enjoyment too. I hope the next time Rush is in town the circumstances will be different.

A few more photos from the concert are in this Flickr set.

We have tix for Cirque du Soliel next Saturday. I think I'll try the best I can to get to that show too. After that, I'll have to wait and see. We gave up tickets for a Penn State football game we had for a while, since there was no way in hell I could do that amount of walking, even if I were to be dropped off right at the stadium doors. We do have tickets for the final game at the end of November. With luck I'll be healed up enough. If not, maybe he can take a friend. I don't want him to miss out on his guys.

Comments

It's quite difficult, Phil.

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

It's good to know that you were able to see your favorite band in concert, I have only seen them twice (once during the RTB tour and once during the Vapor Trail's tour). Rush was my first rock concert and I was 30 years old at the time. The behavior of some of the attendees was obnoxious, but nonetheless still respectful. None of the major venues in Arizona will feature any Rush concerts this time around. If I am fortunate, I will be able to see them next year, or in 2012.

I am terribly sorry to hear that the attendees of your concert were behaving in such an immature manner. Were they from the younger generation, perhaps? I hope that your next concert will be much better! ((((HUGS))))

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry that the people who stood in front of you
& Jeff messed up the Rush concert for you two.

That sucks! I'm sorry it was like that. It must have been young people who were that rude; they look young in the pic - I am old enough to be their father!

Here's hoping things will improve after surgery; Phil, they just have too!

Rush fan here since 1977!

Here's a song by Rush for you - Enjoy!



and:



Part 2:

Wow, that's quite some time. ;-)

[bonkishnurtaz.livejournal.com]

I had heard Rush for the first time in February, 1979; the album was "Hemispheres." I really didn't embrace their music fully, until 1980, when I was an freshman majoring in Architecture at the U of A. I have been an aficionado since then! ;-)

Re: Wow, that's quite some time. ;-)

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Ah, I had the pleasure of hearing "Working Man" and some other tracks from the first album waaay back when it was released. I bought it after that, and still have it. Every album since has been one I've looked forward to, and automatically bought. And I wondered when the fountain would run dry. Not many bands keep it up like this!

Re: Wow, that's quite some time. ;-)

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I've been there since the beginning. I had no idea I'd still be getting new material and seeing them perform 36 years later!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

They played the Overture and Temples from 2112 this time. Except for a couple songs from the upcoming CD and a couple from the other newest albums, most of what they did was OLD, just how I like it. And they nailed it all.

[maxauburn.livejournal.com]

Here is part 3:

[rcfozzie.livejournal.com]

Sorry it was a bad situation because of the crowds.. I'm with ya on that one... I get very irritated with inconsiderate people.
I'm a huge fan of RUSH - nice to see others still are as well.

Like what you did with some song titles, there as well.... :-P

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I was wondering if anyone would notice, I did make a couple of them kinda obvious. But to a fan, they all should be obvious. ;)

[thetarnishedowl.livejournal.com]

For future shows, what about handicap seating? Get a card or whatever from your doctor - I think you qualify. If the HC spots have seated people in mind, maybe they have better sight lines.

[furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com]

My understanding is they bought these tickets before realizing how badly his back problem was going to worsen - and with the surgery coming up, with any luck it won't be an issue after he heals.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

As for that last phrase, let's hope so. I plan on flattening some mosh pits as revenge. :-D

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I was not expecting to be in such bad shape at the time the tix were bought, besides, the only real accommodations for handicapped were at the back of some of the sections, on either side near the aisles. These were open areas with some seats geared towards people in wheelchairs and folk helping them or together with them. They dont appear to be much higher than the seats to the sides. It's elevated, but if someone was standing in the row ahead, they'd block the view of the wheelchair-bound.

I do have a parking placard, and that got us awesome parking, but that was it. The seats would have been just fine if it were not for a stadium full of standees.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I saw the handicapped seating, it was geared toward wheelchairs mostly, and it was at the rear of some sections on the ends of the rows, but not really removed from the rows ahead. I have a parking placard, so parking was not an issue, hell, it was basically rock star parking. It was still quite a walk to the seats themselves, but luckily no stairs. There were a few folks in wheelchairs, a couple of which looked in rather bad shape! But there they were, for the show. I'm sure they had to endure the antics of the neighboring fans too, unfortunately.

My seats were awesome, there was a good six feet from the chair to the railing in front, and the row ahead was dropped by a foot or so. It was not enough, though. About the only thing that would have made it any better is if it were and end seat. Or front rows.

These "pavilion" venues seem to be built around the hopes that it would be a pastoral setting with smiling people dutifully minding their surroundings and enjoying the performance. Sorry, that's so 70s. I could see the kind of mob behaviour I endured at, say, a Linkin Park, Murderdolls or Metallica show, but not this. It's a mixed crowd, and it pisses off people, regardless of their age. The young couple sitting next to Jeff were trying to enjoy the show, but both of them, especially the guy, were quite short. I doubt standing helped them much anyway.

[rob-nickel.livejournal.com]

Arrgh, you're still a lucky analog kid to get to attend this show. I'm losing it because they're not coming to Vancouver (yet) and even though they're playing just south of Seattle at the White River amphitheatre, I just don't have the big money to make that trip.
And boy do I know about people and their malignant narcissism ruining your concert experience. It can really upset the chemistry of the evening. I wish I could just cut to the chase and ask people to settle down, but it usually results in them getting all cranky AT ME! I had it for both Roger Waters/Dark Side Of The Moon shows I went to, a recent Tom Petty show was sullied by a neighboring screamer, Sounds like you put on your bravest face and enjoyed the music, but not being able to see the show is upsetting. I just hope there's a ghost of a chance they'll play up here.

Now where's my thing?

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Song titles are like Pokemon. Gotta catch 'em all!

[rob-nickel.livejournal.com]

By the way, that's a sweet looking steampunk set they've got! The camera eye really caught some quality images. Damn I wish they were coming up here! In the end I'll stick it out and keep workin' them angels - maybe next year they'll come on up.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

The stage set was awesome. Ironically the last show we went to earlier in the summer was Sugarland, and their new album is to be called The Incredible Machine. They had a full-on steampunk theme going as well. Sugarland is a great band to see live, they have tons of fun on that stage, and it's not your usual country music show either. No moshing either! XD

oh and,

[rob-nickel.livejournal.com]

Which Cirque Du Soleil show are you seeing? At least you won't have to worry about "standees" there! I just saw their show Kooza here, and it was fantastic!

Re: oh and,

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Ovo at the DC National Harbor. We love CdS, and I know I wont have to put up with blocked views from people standing, or other nonsense there. X-D

This will be our fourth show. We've seen La Nouba, Varakai, Koozå and now Ovo. I just wish they were not so expensive.

[cpj.livejournal.com]

Jiffy Lube has the naming rights to a stadium?

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately. It was bad enough calling it Nissan Pavilion, which I still do.

[budmassey.livejournal.com]

Only saw Rush once, and that was back in the 1980's. But WOW what a concert. I do hate it, though, when people behave like a mob at concerts, unless it's "that sort" of concert, you know, which Rush isn't. Sorry the mob ruined it for you.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Rush is definitely not your typical band. They have very enthusiastic fans that span generations. Watching the variety of people in the line of humanity filing into the place prevents making wholesale generalizations as to what the "typical fan" would be. Hell, sometimes it looks like a line at Disney World. A woman behind me tapped my shoulder as I was sitting and said "you have far more patience than me." Believe me, I wish I had a water cannon to mow down all the people in front of me, but trying to get people to sit was just about pointless. Indeed it was a mob, and I just wish that the band would tell everyone to sit the hell down to everyone can enjoy the music and visuals to the fullest.

[b-a-n-d-i-t.livejournal.com]

My husband and I were at the show as well, and had a blast. Amazing set, terrific performance. It's my 2nd time seeing them and I hope we get the chance again.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Well, shewt. I did not post my concert trip prior (except when the tour was announced way back) for fear it would jinx me, and I didnt think about anyone on LJ going to this particular show. It woulda been great to find you there. Maybe next time. =D

[b-a-n-d-i-t.livejournal.com]

most definitely!! are you on Facebook?

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

We would take in a lot more shows and movies were it not for that crap, not to mention how damn expensive it is. Best thing to do is find small venues and see the lesser known artists. Club settings are wonderful.

I put in a nice home theater with awesome surround sound to enjoy movies and concerts as well as music at its finest, since I much rather watch/listen at home, away from self-centered fools. Tix are far too expensive.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Me too!

[wooferstl.livejournal.com]

i'm also feeling like i'm too old for concerts. i don't wanna jump around for 2+ hours anymore and am sick of these assholes. Were we that bad when we were young?

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Hell, I remember back then being seated for most shows, unless the band got us on our feet or it was applause time or wanting a standing O. Maybe it was the weed that mellowed us out. =}

Remember all those Black Sabbath and Led Zep performances from the BBC? The song would end completely, then a proper British applause would arise, then fall silent as the next song begins. The screaming, whistling and such may happen at the end. But that was the 70s. Now everything has to be ExTrEeM. I wonder if they mosh at Celine Dion's shows?

[bearlover.livejournal.com]

I brought Jason 2 to see Rush at the Red Rocks Ampitheatre. Absolutely beautiful venue in a very secluded place in the moutains. Geddy said it was their favorite place to play in North America. Not sure if it's true or not, but they played here two nights, the only venue to get such an honor (we only made the first night). It was an excellent setlist. Totally enjoyed it.

We too had a standing crowd the entire concert. Jason was not a fan of this. There was a kid directly to the left of us that got wasted and passed out, breaking his nose in the process and bleeding all over the place. Kinda scared Jason. Didn't phase me. I've played for years in bars and been to a few rowdy concerts as well.

Unfortunately, Jason was not as enthusiastic about the show as me, you, and even Jeff was. 3 hours of Rush was just too much for him. He promised me he'd never drag me to another one of his concerts again, but to be honest, I actually enjoyed Lady Gaga.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I'd love to see a show at Red Rocks. Many bands/artists love the place for those reasons.

I can imagine you playing bars like the one in The Blues Brothers. You know, the one with the chicken wire in front of the stage. LOL

Jeff wants to see Lady Gaga in the worst way. Those tix are insane! I'd see her too. She's quite the smart cookie and a decent musician. The record label prefers she stay a dumb blond tho. :)

[bearlover.livejournal.com]

I was also going to mention that it's too bad American fans aren't as "sophisticated" as Japanese audiences. Apparently, they're dead silent and stay seated. They're there for the music not to get drunk and mosh.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Now that I think of it, I shoulda chest-bumped the guy next to me. I would have taken down the whole bunch like dominoes. X-D

three degrees of separation

[rob-nickel.livejournal.com]

A guy I work with showed me the video his friend edited...which is the opening sequence to the Rush concert! Apparently the guy um...just works with Rush. So... I've asked him to share it with me on Facebook, If I get access to it, I'll let ya know. Hilarious video by the way! She's a nice girl that Kugel! Of course it's on Youtube, but just shot off the screen.