Persnickety, arrogant and very, very talented?

To be fair, the audience was requesting hits and Dead tunes. Bruce has been very vocal that he’s not a jukebox and requesting Dead tunes at a Bruce show is like requesting “Free Bird” anywhere else.

I think it’s a case of the audience and reviewer not knowing what Bruce is up to since 1990, not liking what he does now, and harping on the only thing they can grasp, which is his snarky sense of humour. That said, Bruce has veered close to Keith Jarrett territory over the past few years (and not playing-wise), which he’d do well to avoid, honestly.

David

On the other hand if Bruce does not like this sort of response from the crowd he may want to stop taking this type of Gig. It is not as though you cannot see this type of response coming at this type of show.

but yet when a hardcore fan shouts out “Freebird” and he abides, it’s OK? 🙄
See the New Concerts (from the Soundboard thread) I mean no disrespect to Miss VA Former but just I am just pointing out an inconsistency here for arguments sake

I am sure he knows that once that train left the station there was no turning back. He called it a curse some time ago as well, but there is no need to alienate those fans either.

I’ve been pondering this thread for a while. Guess this can be filed under: “for what it’s worth”-with apologies to Buffalo Springfield.

Last year I was given the opportunity to attend a corporate show featuring Bruce and the Noise Makers. The show was fantastic!

My observation about the corporate show I attended:
Yes, Bruce exhibited some acerbic wit by poking fun at the pretentious name of the event. However, I didn’t see this as demeaning; I just thought he was trying to grab the attention or make a connection with the audience. The majority of the crowd that evening seemed more interested in “networking” and talking on their cell phones than enjoying the music.

Might Bruce’s comments about the “Go Canes” note he received at the recent corporate show have been a simple attempt to grab the audience’s attention too?

In the “reader comments” section of the corporate show article, some audience members wrote that they walked out during the show. They were surprised when Bruce commented about their behavior. Later in their remarks, they say they knew Bruce would say something if they made an exit. Why were they upset if they knew this was going to happen?

Perhaps the event was just a case of people “expecting one thing and getting another,” as some other concert-goers wrote.

A quote that keeps appearing is: “He doesn’t have to do this kind of event.” Does anyone know if this statement is actually true? Maybe there is a contractual or other obligation of which we are unaware.

Am I being over-sensitive about this topic? Perhaps, but it seems to me that the folks who attended the show and then commented about it are acting in a slightly unreasonable way. They didn’t get the “just-like-the-record” concert they expected and were deeply disappointed. I can empathize with them, but I also feel they should have been a bit more open-minded. Easier said than done.

Jackie

As the comments have run the gamut I’d like to give my view on this without addressing (attacking?) any one in particular.

I really think we should be giving Bruce the benefit of the doubt here. Those of us who follow him know he makes many comments “tongue in cheek” to the audience and is not serious about it. Those in the audience shouldn’t be so thin skinned that they can’t take a ribbing once in awhile (but I guess that is what our society has wrought – we all need to be soooo sensitive about everyone else – but that’s another rant).

Secondly it’s his concert let Bruce set the rules at the start. If he isn’t looking for requests, he’ll let everyone know so people shouldn’t be constantly YELLING out the same song over and over. Believe me I’ve been there and it is disconcerting to say the least to listen to them all concert long. WE all know the routine and there is a better way to requests songs. WRITE IT ON A PIECE OF PAPER AND BRING IT TO THE STAGE. Very simple.

I’ll admit though as of late he has been a bit more testy with audience interuptus and makes a point of mentioning it.(refering to both concerts in NY last year). I think Bruce is “getting more in touch” with his talent as a musician and wants to be taken seriously. One would never think of going to a Keith Jarrett concert and coughing let alone yelling out a song to be played without being hung from the rafters. (just mentioning as a response as Bruce considers Keith as one of those who inspires him and I have heard similarities in their style at times).

Maybe it’s all about respect. No I take that back IT IS about respect. I enjoy the party atmosphere as much as the next one – but the primary reason I took to Bruce and continue to look forward each and every year to seeing him is his playing ability, vocals, and his lyrics. At a time when so much nonsense passes for music (see rap, hip hop, punk, various lip-syncing) it’s refreshing and reassuring to hear and see someone with real talent, and be their own person and play what inspires them and not pandering to the market demands.

When I go to a concert my attitude is that I want to hear Bruce and what he has selected. Maybe I’m the minority – and more passive in my approach. And while I do wish that he plays certain songs my ticket does not give me unlimited latitude to act in certain ways and make flagrant demands during the show. My ticket entitles me to listen to his performance and show appreciation or not at the end of each song and at the end of the concert.
Those of you who think you are entitled to much more during a concert my suggestion is that you see the posting subject in the forum addressing getting a private show together.