Last Wednesday, we went to Shea Stadium where Billy Joel performed what he was calling the last play at Shea. It was supposed to be a one of a kind event, but he added one that Friday as well which really didn't make it as unique. But, don't get me started on the scam that are concerts of late.
I was going to write this blog about the really fun time I had at the concert, but I was researching the shows, and while we had Tony Bennett, John Mayer (am I the only person who doesn't care he lives?), John Cougar Mellancamp and Don Henley as guest stars. Friday's show had Paul McCartney. Friggin' Paul McCartney. Also, Steven Tyler Aerosmith, Roger Daltrey (of the Who) and Garth Brooks. So, now I kinda feel ripped off by Mr. Joel. Friday's show had a friggin' Beatle. We got John Mayer. Mr. Joel did announce during the show that our show was supposed to be the last one, but because the show sold out so quickly because of scalpers they had added the next one. Yeah, that made me feel better. How is it in 2008, we can defeat every form of crime but as a society, we are completely unable to control ticket sales to concerts? Are concerts the most complicated thing ever in existence that even Einstein would not be able to figure out how to throw a concert and ensure that normal humans can buy tix?
Just pondering that point.
I'm not one for scalpers, I've never bought tix from a scalper, or overpaid past the face value of a ticket for a concert. There's a thin line between having the "experience" of a concert and realizing you spent a few hundred bucks for 2-3 hours of entertainment.
I tend to go to smaller venues if I can. The Count Basie theater in Red Bank, NJ is a great example. They get decent shows there, parking is cheap and I don't have to haul 45 miles to NYC to see a show. I saw Kevin Smith there last year (see blog post way below) and I'm seeing him again in November.
Anyway, back to the main topic. Mr. Joel's show was good, they always are, but still, one can't help but feel a little jaded by that whole "the last play at shea, oh wait, not really, FRIDAY'S show is really the last play at shea" thing...
Next post, Muppets!
