The Disappointing Rock Concerts That Left Us Feeling Regretful
Rock concerts are supposed to be thrilling, memorable moments of music and camaraderie, but sometimes, things don’t go as planned. This article delves into some of the most disappointing concerts we've experienced, where the initial excitement turned into regret and early departures.
Beach Boys Firecracker at Cow Palace, July 4, 1965
The Beach Boys Firecracker concert at the Cow Palace in San Francisco on July 4, 1965, was among the most disappointing rock concerts in history. I had been eagerly anticipating the performances of the Kinks and Sonny and Cher, two acts that added anticipation to the lineup. However, the night had a different story to tell.
Before the show even began, there was a dispute that derailed the Kinks' performance. The Kinks were unable to play, and my excitement waned. Unfortunately, Sonny and Cher, who were supposed to take the stage next, didn't show up either. The story went that Cher had a premonition that led her to skip the flight from LA. Despite the unexpected cancellations, I stayed for the Beach Boys' performance and other bands, but the absence of the artists I was looking forward to made for a less enjoyable evening.
Henry Lee Summer in Greenwood, Indiana
One disappointing concert experience took place on New Year’s Eve in Greenwood, Indiana. Our hopes were high for a legendary rock artist, Henry Lee Summer, who was playing at a club we frequented. We bought tickets for dinner, drinks, and a great show. However, the reality was quite different.
Henry Lee Summer arrived 45 minutes late and showed no remorse for the delay. The concert area was not conducive to a pleasant experience; the noise levels were exceptionally loud, and he barely interacted with the audience. We decided to stay for about seven or eight songs but ultimately left early due to the lack of enjoyment. Instead, we chose to celebrate the New Year at home, sans ear plugs, and without the concert disappointments.
Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush at the Uptown Theater, Kansas City
The experience at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, was both loud and unforgettable, but for all the wrong reasons. We went to see Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush, musicians whom we admired for their guitar solos and flashy performances. However, the venue, which holds about 1700 people, was not equipped for the high volume that the band was producing.
The PA system was so powerful that it was akin to a small to mid-sized arena's sound system pushed to its limits. The result was a concert so loud that we felt the need to move to the back of the hall and cover our ears to protect our hearing. The sound man, despite the deafening volume, must have had a tolerance for sound beyond comprehension. Nevertheless, the loudness of the concert was a significant issue. Our ears were still ringing the next day, and the experience left a strong sense of regret and disappointment.
Attending a live rock concert should be an exhilarating experience, but these three concerts remind us of the importance of planning and managing expectations. While music and live performances are integral to the rock concert experience, it's critical to consider the venue's capacity, the band's performance style, and the overall audience experience.