Beacon Whining

I spent today reviewing posts on this final Allman run at the Beacon, and anywhere else from what it looks like. I went to Red Rocks this morning to remember moments spent there marveling at the magic the Allman Bothers Band created there. And yeah, I remember the infamous oxygen tent surrounding Gregg, and Warren and Derek warming there hands by stage lights.
But mostly I remember the time i spent watching Butch and Jaimoe set a pace that never varied, and the lightning created with the intense mastery of Warren and Derek playing off one another. I remember running up the stairs to catch the opening notes of Soulshine, and feeling the excitement rise as I hoped that i would here Elizabeth Reed one more time.
And man, all of us there together, reveling in the family this music created, sharing stories of listening to Beginnings at the age of 12, to talking about that fuckin great solo we heard at the Beacon during the 35th Anniversary Tour.
And then I read y'all bitchin about Gregg forgetting words, less than stellar shows, expensive tickets, blah blah.
You are there, you get the chance to celebrate the passing of a musical force in our time, and you get to see those folks you have shared those moments with so many times in the past. It's not a TV show where every take is well orchestrated. It's a live show put on by folks that have given you some great pieces of their craft,and it ain't always pretty.
SO quit rippin' on Dicky or whether he is there or not, and embrace the music he created at the Fillmore when he was without a doubt a formidable foil to Duane.
Quit the hate talk on Gregg, and listen for that soulful Leslie that is part of his gift to us all, and sing past the words he may have forgotten in 45 years of knockin out some of the music you will never forget.
Take a look at Butch and Jaimoe, and listen to the rhythms they weave on what will likely be the last we see of these two on a stage together, they are the unsung back bone of this band.
And be kind to this special place your in, it wont happen again. Whether it's the best show you see, some fabulous end and the "One Way Out" you had imagined, it just doesn't matter.
The Brothers and Sisters that make up this group, both band and followers, should take the time to embrace this moment. Your at the Beacon folks, and the band is playin'!

Amen. Was there on Tues. Took in every minute and didn't want to leave the theater. As you said all the years kind of came together. Felt nothing but gratitude for having this band for so many years.

Really. Why should someone bitch about paying more than stellar prices...for a less than stellar show?!
Damn consumers....

I have seen virtually no whining but I have seen some honest reviews and there is a difference.
Speaking as someone who is not there, I'd like a candid report of how they played. I can look at the setlist and tell myself "they killed it." I'd rather know how these shows actually were. None of is would be here if we didn't like and respect the band.

Anyone that posts a negative review of the Friday or Saturday shows, were not there, or don't get it. Phenomenal!!!

I believe there is more whining about perceived whining than there is actual whining.

Anyone that posts a negative review of the Friday or Saturday shows, were not there, or don't get it. Phenomenal!!!
Exactly
I admit to being underwhelmed Wednesday and from what I heard of Tuesday. Good shows but nothing stellar to the seasoned ABB show attendees. Friday night from the get go the air was thick with anticipation and the band played like they were on the same wavelength. Tonight a continuation with the tribute songs making a much deserved mention. If these shows get any better...whew...

Agree..there is a huge difference between whining and an honest review...it's nice to remember all the great shows, great times, great solos, great venues, etc.. Everyone SHOULD celebrate them as well as the best damn band around....HOWEVER, when the band really doesn't deliver, (like on Tues. night..I was there) it is not whining or sacreligious to state the obvious. Anyone who can state that it was a great show is merely remembering how great they CAN be as witnessed by the reviews of the Friday and Saturday shows...

I believe there is more whining about perceived whining than there is actual whining.
Hahahaha!!!
So true

Agree..there is a huge difference between whining and an honest review...it's nice to remember all the great shows, great times, great solos, great venues, etc.. Everyone SHOULD celebrate them as well as the best damn band around....HOWEVER, when the band really doesn't deliver, (like on Tues. night..I was there) it is not whining or sacreligious to state the obvious. Anyone who can state that it was a great show is merely remembering how great they CAN be as witnessed by the reviews of the Friday and Saturday shows...
I believe we have a responsibility to other fans to be honest. Wednesday - and Tuesday from what I heard from friends - was lackluster. Friday and last night smoked. Very simple - night and day. Based on the last two I can only imagine what the last two are going to be. And that's how I want to remember this band

Anyone that posts a negative review of the Friday or Saturday shows, were not there, or don't get it. Phenomenal!!!
So if someone who has been watching the ABB since Duane Allman was in the band, and thought a particular show was not that good....it can't be because they felt the show wasn't very good, it has to be they "don't get it"?
You would think after 45 years a person would know if they get it or not...
Tonight a continuation with the tribute songs making a much deserved mention
Who was Into The Mystic a tribute for?

Tonight a continuation with the tribute songs making a much deserved mention
Who was Into The Mystic a tribute for?
Bill Graham.

On their worst night - the Allman Brother's Band is one of THE greatest live bands in the world!
But like everybody in the world, quality can and does vary from night to night. Certain components of the band can be firing on all pistons while others might be a little flat. It happens.
I've seen them nearly 100 times. I've been to shows where folks post fantastic reviews when I thought the band was just going through the motions. Again - still a great show, but the standards that have been set are very high.
Nothing wrong with an honest, yet non-mean-spirited review of a show. The guys in the band know when they're hot and when they're not. They hear it before you do.
If you are fortunate enough to be at these show - enjoy and celebrate them!

quote:Anyone that posts a negative review of the Friday or Saturday shows, were not there, or don't get it. Phenomenal!!!
So if someone who has been watching the ABB since Duane Allman was in the band, and thought a particular show was not that good....it can't be because they felt the show wasn't very good, it has to be they "don't get it"?
You would think after 45 years a person would know if they get it or not...
I was specifically speaking of the Friday and Saturday shows, as I stated. I have not seen a negative review for either yet, but if there was one, IMO that person truly does not belong there, and does not get it...

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all! Why would you feel the need to criticize a band that has survived 45 years, on their final go round? Think about it!

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all! Why would you feel the need to criticize a band that has survived 45 years, on their final go round? Think about it!
Prerogative for one thing. What are chat boards for?
People voice opinions on everything from religion to politics to football. And you KNOW what they say about opinions, don't you? 😉
Enjoy the shows if you're fortunate enough to attend!

I think it's particularly obnoxious for someone who registered on this site yesterday to come on and tell those who have been here for years how to behave.
That said, I very much appreciate the sentiment you expressed up to that point. As I did Wednesday and will do again Tuesday, before the show I walked around the Beacon neighborhood and recalled the people, the good times and all the experiences that this band has brought me.
It has truly been a great ride.

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all!
This should be the motto of all website chatboards! 😉

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all! Why would you feel the need to criticize a band that has survived 45 years, on their final go round? Think about it!
I'm sorry but I completely disagree. Honest debate - as long as it's kept civil - is fine. And as stated by others long time fans (I've been one from virtually the start) who've seen hundreds of shows are certainly entitled to their opinion. Especially when the band charges $150 and $200 (without fees) for a decent seat. I honestly feel the band mailed it in Wedneaday and from what I heard Ttuesday as well.

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all!
This should be the motto of all website chatboards! 😉
Not at all. Honest civil debate is fine among fans.

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all!
This should be the motto of all website chatboards! 😉
Not at all. Honest civil debate is fine among fans.
Total agreement here.

Why would you feel the need to criticize a band that has survived 45 years, on their final go round? Think about it!
You've been going to your favorite restaurant for years, and have always enjoyed their meals. You go one day and read a sign that says we will be closing for good on so & so date, and on that date the food will cost more, but be delicious.
You decide to spend the money because you've been going there forever, and the food has always been good.
On that last day you arrived pumped up ready to spend your hard earned money because you know the food is great from all the years you've eaten there, and it will be your last time to experience it.
When they bring your favorite dish out and it's not only not worth the inflated price you're paying, but not really even as good as what you've had in the past for the price you were paying before....you don't feel you would have the right to criticize that fact?
It's your money...

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all!
This should be the motto of all website chatboards! 😉
Not at all. Honest civil debate is fine among fans.
My tongue was firmly in cheek! Unfortunately, the smiley choice here is limited...
Message boards would be empty if only positive comments were allowed.
[Edited on 10/26/2014 by Shavian]

If you don't have nothin' nice to say, don't say anything at all!
This should be the motto of all website chatboards! 😉
Not at all. Honest civil debate is fine among fans.
My tongue was firmly in cheek! Unfortunately, the smiley choice here is limited...
Message boards would be empty if only positive comments were allowed.
[Edited on 10/26/2014 by Shavian]
You Limeys are just so subtle

With all due respect, fan from 71's use of a restaurant analogy is flawed on so many levels, I wouldn't know where to begin.
Phew !

With all due respect, fan from 71's use of a restaurant analogy is flawed on so many levels, I wouldn't know where to begin.
Phew !
Gotta' be somewhere to begin...
If my favorite eatery (band) is charging x amount of money for my food (music), and I have to pay more x's for less quality food (music) from the eatery (band)...I'm bitchin' to somebody!

Couldn't agree more that the analogy is flawed. Music, is such a personal thing on so many levels. Some love it on every level just because they do. Many musicians in the audience look at it from a different angle and at the end of the day there is no right or wrong perspective, even financially. Obviously, demand and supply rule. Things cost more today than they did, 10, 20, 30, and 40 years ago including music, and while it is unfortunate many can't afford to go it is reality. I thought both nights were epic, my opinion only and I am sure there were many that thought the same of Tuesday and Wed. The fact I will not be there Mon and Tues while I would like to be, will not change my view on the weekend shows. They were my closure and the fact I spent a bunch of money to be there does not faze me at all. It will not change my life in the longer run, but the Brothers have and that is worth every penny spent. Oh and at a restaurant, you can keep sending it back until they do it right which would be cool if you could do that with Liz Reed if ya didn;t think it was up to par,,,,,,,,,,,,,just saying

I am sure there were many that thought the same of Tuesday and Wed.
And if the guy next to me paid the same money and DIDN'T think so, I certainly would not consider his opinion to be any less than mine.
Oh and at a restaurant, you can keep sending it back until they do it right which would be cool if you could do that with Liz Reed if ya didn;t think it was up to par,,,,,,,,,,,,,just saying
Really. Try telling a major act you didn't think their show was worth the money you spent and see where that gets you. 😛

fan from 71.
I was there this weekend for both shows. I knew what was on the menu before going into the restaurant. I knew the restaurant, and the staff. In short, I knew what to expect before going in. Personally I expect more from a professional kitchen than any given performance from a highly skilled and professional band on any given night.
I don't think the restaurant analogy was a good analogy, or even a proper one. If anything the analogy highlights how much an individual's expectations create more than one kitchen or band is able to deliver for any reason, on any given night, to any particular diner, or listener for that matter. That said, I could almost predict that Friday night's show and Saturdays will be the highlight of the final run.
I could be wrong, but experience tells me that anyone lucky to attend the last two nights shows might be setting the bar to high as to to having their expectations met, and that for some, probably, will not be met. Not though any fault of ABB performances over the next two shows, but again, that the bar of expectation from the (fan ) listener, is set to high, as if the last shows where the last musical supper to end in some sort of musical transcendent existential experience.
It's not a Death Row musical last meal of waffles, lobster and whatever else a long time listener would like it to hear. It's a concert, on a Monday, and Tuesday night for cryin out loud. It's been said many times; They call it Stormy Monday, and Tuesday's twice as bad, Wednesday's Worst, and Thursday's oh so sad. The Eagle flew on Friday and Saturday, they went out to play.
Go figure. Hey if I'm wrong, and I hope I am, cool. If I'm right, it is what it is, a good meal on a good night, at the beginning of a slow work week for everyone, and I mean everyone, players and listeners alike. Some accuse bands of phoning it in and sometimes they do. Don't we all, and at all levels at times ? My response to that is Order ! Pick Up ! And get the hell out of the kitchen.
Peace out

Hey if I'm wrong, and I hope I am, cool.
I expect you are.
Go back and listen to Tuesday night shows from the Beacon past. The blue plate specials are pretty damn delicious.
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