The big Jeff Lynne announcement yesterday at 10AM was about embarking on the final ELO tour, which is being called "Over & Out." Personally, I was hoping for a new album, which is cheaper and lasts longer. I love all things Jeff, but let's face it, the 90 minute set list isn't going to include deep tracks from "On The Third Day." And, it won't include more than one track off of his last two excellent albums. It's going to be the exact same set list as the last two comeback tours.
Aside from one single 41 years ago, Daryl Hall and Elvis Costello have nothing in common these days, except maybe being unable to sing as well as they used to. I would have preferred new music from these guys, not a $500 night where there just might be a duet on "Alison" and "She's Gone." Forgive my cynicism, but the fact is, both have become very hard to listen to live and the most baffling and frustrating part of it all is that no one will admit it. I have eight shows from the historic ten night Gramercy Theatre run last year and it hurts to both hear Elvis singing flat for most of it, and to read rave reviews without one mention of it. Hey, he's a rock and roll hero of mine, and I thought his last record was one of his best. But isn't anyone listening? If I had the $1400 to spend on one of those Gramercy shows and heard Elvis caterwauling through "Jack Of All Parades" and "Toledo," there would have been a lawsuit.
Todd Rundgren continues his never-ending tour, this time it is called The "ME/WE" Tour. That could be interesting if "ME/WE" means a solo set and a Utopia set. I'll be there, but again, I would have preferred a new album. Rundgren has said numerous times that it is pointless these days, to make a record. There is no money and no airplay, so from a financial point of view, I can see why he needs to tour.
For a minute (by minute...heh) I was considering buying tickets to The Doobie Brothers with opener Steve Winwood. I have never seen the Doobies and they've got four original members. Plus, Stevie can still sing and play. Two mediocre tickets- $600. That's not including a $17 Madison Square Garden Coors Light.
Maybe all of these warhorses need to play live to feel revelant, or worse, to stay alive. Paul McCartney at 81 doesn't need the money and certainly didn't need to play a dozen 3 hours shows in Brazil, or wherever he was last year. He's been threatening a new album with hot shot Andrew Watt for some time now. I'll take it.
But what about the other warhorses? The fans my age and older, who either can't afford $500 for a concert, or just don't have the desire to make a three hour, roundtrip trek to the nearest venue so we can hear "Pump It Up" and ""Maneater" yet again.
Now before you offer up alternatives, hear me out.
Going to see and hear young bands, or tribute shows, or friends bands play live is fine, and fun occasionally. But I just don't need to hear live music the way I once did. I don't want the night out just for the night out. It's not the same. 40 years ago, after I finished work, I'd continue and go right to a bar, tank up, and head over to CBGBs or The Continental and just walk in. Usually it was free, or maybe it was $3 if Johnny Thunders or The Devil Dogs were playing. It was a no brainer. But have you seen the City Winery schedule these days? It makes Branson look like the Isle Of Wight festival! And it's still $65 just for a barstool.
It might be time to realize, this is how it's going to be. I am going to have to settle on the same four indie bands at the same four venues, if I want an affordable night out. Actually, I'd forego any live show for a few drinks and a burger with my friends. That's a lot more fun than standing in a club for four hours. Plus, don't knock staying home with a few cocktails, a homecooked meal, the Knicks on the tube, and 3000 records to play. No Uber needed.
My friend asked me, "If you only had $20 to spend, would it be on a live show or a record?" I didn't think twice. I said a record because it lasts longer and is more satisfying. I also added, even those lightning in a bottle moments we've all experienced at concerts over the years---surprise special guests, the first time hearing "Marquee Moon" live in 1977, Jeff Beck playing "Pork Pie Hat" in a small club, Allen Toussaint covering "El Paso"---all fade. And if you asked me now if I'd rather hear that live performance of "Marquee Moon" from 1977 or the entire album, I'd choose the latter.