Concertwreckers

Who are these people that ruin concerts? You know the type: they have an uncontrollable urge to request the band's most popular song at every possible moment (as if the band is going to play it for that reason); they throw objects onto the stage; they flail their arms, knock into you and step on your feet while "dancing;" they hold up flags and signs that block your $75 view; they are unable to control their drunkenness; they clap and cheer after anything spoken by the band; they are constantly whistling in your ear; and naturally, they have no regard for your presence or anyone else's for that matter. They treat the concert as their own private forum to do whatever the hell it is they want to do. Their sense of entitlement sickens me. I hate these people. They are the Concertwreckers.

Have you no shame? Have you no respect? Have you no manners? I've come to realize that these people aren't "fans" at all -- they are selfish, narcissistic attention seekers who make their point by acting like assholes. Ironically, the only [negative] attention they get is from the audience.

This occurrence has happened at virtually every show I've seen -- and I've seen a lot of shows. And the fact that most of the concerts I see are in New York doesn't help. In essence, you have thousands of Tony Soprano wannabes yelling out "Free Bird" at an Eagles concert! Worst yet, they actually think people are clapping with them in approval. Give me a fucking break!!! Have you ever seen concert footage from Japan? The level of respect is outstanding. People actually watch the show. You could hear a pin drop.

One instance that immediately comes to mind is a Neil Young show I saw last year. Not only did some asshole feel the need to yell "Dance Dance Dance" after every song, but some elder floozy insisted on gracing us with her screeching vocal accompaniment during each song. It was like a tone deaf Joni Mitchell on crack. It was so bad that she was justifiably cursed at by several audience members and was ultimately escorted out by the police. Sadly, this event stands out in my head more than the concert itself. Thanks for ruining my experience.

Yesterday, I read a review of one of the Eddie Vedder shows that took place in Boston this past weekend. Apparently, an overzealous audience member insisted (loudly and repeatedly) that Eddie play "Pearl Jam songs." Vedder, in typical fashion responded, "So my answer to you is, yes, I would love an omelet." Why didn't Dylan think of that?!?

Bottom line: Stop annoying us. Stop drinking until your blind drunk. Stop yelling "Free Bird." Stop coming to shows. Keep your fucking mouth shut, and for God's sake, stop wrecking concerts!