Tag: concerts

Bands On Tour

I’m grateful for music and regularly seize every opportunity to attend as many live music performances as my budget/schedule allows. That said, in light of actions perpetrated by ICE, Etc that are happening within the borders of the USA I’m surprised that any musical acts from overseas are set to visit the US.

I have tickets for several upcoming concerts featuring bands from Europe and elsewhere, and while watching the skies metaphorically speaking, I’m currently hedging my bets that these concerts will actually occur. As these bands enter our borders, will they make it to any/all of their scheduled dates without harassment from various government agencies? Time will tell.

These are scary, dark times. As I walk the streets in my city, I see national guard troops patrolling with sidearms at their hip. Several months ago, two of them were shot, one fatally near The White House National Guard Member Dies, Other in Critical Condition After Shooting | TIME Moreover, as reported via The Hill news came today that National Guard troops will remain deployed in DC through 2029 Pentagon plans to keep National Guard in DC into 2029

Neither myself, nor many of my fellow DC residents with whom I come in regular contact with consider the presence of armed soldiers roaming our streets and mass transit facilities to be a welcoming presence. Regardless of whether or not I was in a touring band from overseas I would think long and hard about entering the US at this time.

Hell, anytime I leave my house I think long and hard about where I’m going and I’m watchful of my surroundings. Additionally, I’ve grown increasingly apprehensive whenever I see SUV ‘s driving/parked on my city’s streets. Particularly if they have tinted windows. Are they driven by civilians, or are they used by any number of acronymed government agencies who have been violently snatching both citizens and non-citizens throughout the USA (some of whom are elementary school students)?

Back to my initial point- in these times, music is a balm that soothes the soul, and listening to it in a communal setting such as a concert is among the best things one can do. If there’s an upcoming concert near you by a band whose output you enjoy, please do attend and buy their merch.

Musicality and Money

I find it interesting the amount of time I expend on avoiding housework, and it seems like there’s an equal number of tasks I have to do as those that distract me from doing what needs to be done. Primarily, I find seeking out new music to be my biggest distraction, closely followed by watching movies, and playing Words With Friends games to be a close third distracting activity.

I have built and maintain a strong connection with various people on bluesky all of whom share an equal interest in sharing music with others and discussing various artists/songs and their importance to them.

I find it incredibly sad, disappointing and infuriating how many artists musical and otherwise increasingly struggle with earning a livable wage from their creativity. Barrett Strong recorded the well-known song, Money (That’s What I Want) in 1959- listen here: https://youtu.be/oU_ixZv9N-E?si=X7dkFsya5tFhgtzj which was covered by groups ranging from The Doors to The Beatles and The Flying Lizards whose version i’m particularly fond of which can be heard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-P2qL3qkzk.

I’ve long enjoyed attending concerts, and I understand the economics of scale of why ticket prices have increased. Like many other hopeful concert attendees, I am finding myself priced out of shows by bands/performers I’ve long wanted to see. I like to further my support of them through buying merchandise at their shows. My most recently attended concert was Lords Of Acid at Washington DC’s 9:30. I was quite surprised to see that a hoodie was priced at $60 only $7 dollars more than a 2-sided tour shirt. Did I buy something at the show? Yes. Did I spend more than I expected to? Also, yes.

All people, regardless of their work deserve a living wage, and the costs attributed to attending concerts shows the degree to which performers are struggling to make a living.