I bought a couple of tickets to see Winger/Kansas tonight 3rd row. My son can't make it so I invited everyone I knew (all 6 of them) and they all passed.
 
The world is going to hell.
 
:) 

Yanno, those guys aren't really my thing but I'd go see them anyway because I love watching skilled musicians play...
 
BUT big shows, man (or even medium sized shows) are such a pain in the damned balls these days.
 
Between security and yahoos and overpriced beers (if there is a bar at all) and bad sound and not actually being able to see the band play up close (usually because of the aforementioned yahoos in front of the stage) it can be a rather exhausting and disappointing exercise.
 
It's sad to say but I've realized over the years that I get more enjoyment of simply tossing on a recording and/or watching live footage online than going through that.
 
And that was BEFORE I had the extra burden of being strapped into a behemoth of an electric wheelchair whenever I want to go somewhere. Cripes... I couldn't even imagine going through that these days.
 
That said... have fun, dood.
 
Cheers.

He said Winger, HEEHEE

Hi,
 
I had a 2nd ticket for MAGMA the first time they passed through Portland ... and my friend could not make it and I even offered it to a couple of folks here in the Coffee House ... no takers ... after I got in, I just tore up the ticket ... 
 
I loved the show, but had tears in my eyes, just like I did when I saw them in 1999 in San Francisco ... the whole thing felt like a dream, and still does ... 
 
I'm really sorry ssf that folks passed, but I have to admit, that I would pass on KANSAS as well ... though I'm getting an itch to go see King Crimson again, but I think the Seattle shows will already be sold out by the time I resolve to make it! One show is already sold out, out of three.

Roger Waters is coming to Portland next month.  Tickets are $125-$150.  My friend wants to go so I may, but I can buy a LOT of albums for that much dosh!

I'm not a fan of either Winger or Kansas, but I don't think I'd ever turn down free tickets to a concert.
You never quite know what you're going to discover when you see someone play live.  You may not like the music, but there might be a musical "trick" to take away from the show.  Or you may actually discover that you like them after all.
 
In 1988, I HATED Bryan Ferry ("lame synth crap"...).  I was offered a free ticket and had nothing to do that night, so I went.  I was in awe, and by the end of the show I was a huge fan.  He's now one of my biggest influences.  If I'd turned down the ticket, I'd have missed out on one of my favourite bands.
 

My son is taking my X to a fancy smancy restaurant with a private chef. He's going to see Paul McCartney tonite. I don't want to be let down for Father's day but....

Did I mention my X gave my car away 
 

bayoubill
Did I mention my X gave my car away 
 

She's trying to keep you barefoot and pregnant to be a stay at home mom.

Well guys, I think Winger is probably the most under-rated band I have ever seen; they knocked my socks off! I didn't realize I was such a closet fan but I knew every word of every song save two of the newer ones. Underneath that poppy-metal sound of the 80s is the heart of a prog-rock band! Kip plays bass and still sings so well. Reb Beach is a legend on lead guitar, but they have a second dedicated guitarist (Donnie Wayne Smith) and the keyboard player alternates between guitar and keys, and when all three played the prog stuff together on guitar it was so freaking amazing - they are all FANTASTIC players. Of course, Kip just was nominated for a Grammy in best contemporary classical album! To top it off Rod Morgenstein on drums - awarded Modern Drummer 's "Best Progressive Rock Drummer" five years (1986-'90). Their live version of Rainbow in the Rose was freaking STUNNING.
 
And the guys were having FUN. They were laughing and joking and you could just tell they had a chemistry and were grateful to be playing. During Reb's first solo the spotlight guy missed it and Reb was playing in the dark while the light was on Kip. Kip pointed to Rep and walked behind him to get the light on him. You could see Kip and Web comment on it, but they just shrugged their shoulders and smiled - no tantrums or pissy-ness... very classy.
 
I enjoyed it so much I wanted to nothing to do with seeing Kansas; it would have been a let down. As I was leaving through the back of the arena I saw a guy I am doing some business with his wife. They were pretty much the last seats on the side of arena and watching the show sideways from way back. I wish I could have captured their smile when I gave them my third row tickets and sent them up front! :)
 
Roger waters is next Friday in Kansas City. My wife and I are going to it - it's the opening show for this tour. Pink Floyd is my favorite band, so I snagged 3rd row for that one too. Man I can't wait!
 
If I could go back in time, I would have spent all of my money on seeing more bands. :)