Soph took me to the Oxford 02 last night; part of my birthday present, bless her.
And as if that’s not enough, I was taken to see the uber-talented Imogen Heap.
She was, frankly, outstanding; it was a masterclass in how to balance talent and technology in front of a live audience.
My problem was with the live audience.
Tell me something.
Why would anyone go to see and listen to a live musical experience…
AND THEN SHOUT AT YOUR MATES ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE SHOW.
Why?
The five teenagers who clustered in front of us did this.
So we moved to a quieter spot.
Except the four adults in their mid-30s who we were standing behind started a conversation.
And when I say ‘started a conversation’, I obviously mean…
THEY SHOUTED OVER THE MUSIC AND DROWNED OUT THE SINGING.
Why?
Why would anyone pay the best part of £50 per person to stand in front of a world class musical talent, just to have a VERY LOUD conversation with their mates?
And spoil the listening experience for everyone within an 8-metre radius?
Why?
What is it with these people that they are so ignorant of everyone else at the gig?
And so ignorant of – and rude towards – the artists onstage?
Why?
This is one of my pet hates, it is rude and inconsiderate for starters.
Makes me angry just thinking about the couple of gigs I’ve been to where people did the same.
I think performers tend to zone this kind of behaviour out, especially ones who have some experience, as I understand Ms Heap has.That said, Timothy West the actor famously fulminated at someone in the audience who hadn’t turned off their mobile – bravo Sir. But it’s still bloody ignorant. Why don’t they just stay at home and watch the DVD…and shout all over that? Twats.
Mya x
Yep, have to agree. If they did the equivalent at the cinema (which is comparable), people would be complaining all over the place. Rude bastards!
Thinking about it, at the black tie dinner we were at on Saturday, people carried on their conversations during the speech and awards ceremony. I found that extremely rude.
Mind you the same people also started to eat the moment they were served, without waiting for the rest of the table. That also wound me up a lot.
Perp: I can only assume that a large amount of people have gradually been transformed in to knobs.
Mya: What you said
Annie: What you said too.
Solipsistic narcissists.
This is precisely why I am very careful about which concerts I attend. Beyond that, as much as the talkers, I abhor the idiots who feel compelled to sing along with world-class musical talent. Paying $50.00 to stand in the center of an amateur chorus is not my idea of entertainment.
Annie, talking in the cinema all through the film has become almost de rigueur in the States. Fortunately, most of the better theaters still have an usher or security officer to shut the miscreants up.