Although there are many great things about loving all types of music, one negative side is having to choose which shows to go to. As an example, if you just love country music than you usually just go see country bands and you are happy. But for me, I love all types of music (except country usually) so I want to see pretty much every show that comes through town. On my budget, this is not possible.

I’ll also admit that the best part of being a music snob is being able to say, “I saw them back before they were big.” Usually these shows are at smaller, less publicized venues for dirt cheap prices. There are no fancy light shows or giant video screens to distract you -  you are able to focus on the music. And most of the time, there are only a few hundred other people who get to share in the experience.

This week the Low Anthem came through Kansas City, and based off the reviews the next day, I should have gone. I knew about it, I thought seriously about going, but didn’t go. The last time I had this feeling it was with a little band called Mumford & Sons. They played the Record Bar in Kansas City for a sold-out crowd – maybe a couple hundred. The day after the show, I already regretting having not gone; I knew I missed an opportunity. The next time they came through, it was in a much larger and less music-friendly venue for four times as much per ticket.

(Mumford and Sons at the Record Bar – taken by someone who actually went to the show)

This probably won’t be the last time I have this feeling. But it is worth it for those few times you follow your gut and get to see the next-big-thing while they are still just another band.

***********

Some of the bands I have seen before they were famous:
The Frames (the lead singer, Glen Hansard became half of The Swell Season), Josh Ritter, Grace Potter & the Nocturals, John Mayer, POD, and Beyoncé. That’s right, Mrs. Jay-Z.

Advertisement