The Poop Deck

21st Century

Last night I finally had the chance to see a live show (Foo Fighters and Weezer), something I hadn't done since we left for Japan. I was reminded how much I love listening to live music (regardless of how loud it can get) and it's something I've really missed while being away.

Aside from all the fun and deafness though, I noticed some drastic changes last night... strange occurences that might very well indicate the future of live shows.

Now, I always thought it crazy that people would even consider bringing a cell phone into a concert, especially one that involves so much yelling and loudness. However, phones these days do a lot more than just call people...

"Really Jed, like what?"

Well my friends, let me explain. Phones are slowly transforming into an all-in-one media power house, with the capability to play music, take pictures, and most importanly... record video. Video recording is strictly prohibited, and the very thought of smuggling a camera into a venue is ridiculous, as beefy teeange security guards will refuse entry if you so much as whisper the phrase "I will record this concert with the video camera I am smuggling in". Refusal to carry a cell phone, however, is a right that no one would even consider taking away, as the teeny bopper youth of today would choose a phone over a concert without even giving it a second thought.

I have a point, just stick with me here.

So there we were, listening to some music, having a good time. People were recording the show, bits and pieces that they could later watch... on their phone... and remember for years to come. But then it happened...

**IMPORTANT FACT REGARDING THIS STORY**
Now, as an avid concert goer, I'm well aware that no matter who the artist, when the slow, emotional ballad starts, lighters go up in the air (as it began with Melanie Safka, walking through the rain as she nervously walked on stage... thanks google) to show the audience is there, reminding the performer just how much they rock.
**END FACT**

Now, I'm not sure if it's the new no smoking rule, or the unwillingness to part with technology, but last night, rather than lift a lighter, the crowds of people on the floor raised their cell phone to represent the sacred glow of the slow-song-lighter-tribute. It looked kinda neat and all, but how can you replace such a sacred ritual like the raising of the lighter, with a raising of the cell phone? That's not rock and roll, people, that's just plain old silly.

Ah yes, times they are a changin', and I guess that's my only point. But I can promise one thing... no matter how things change, no matter what traditions are manipulated, I will always enjoy live music... especially when it's as good as Weezer was last night.

Godspeed!