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It was Chris Cornell (Temple of the Dog, Soundgarden, Audio Slave) performing at The Depot Saturday night. He was great, and the venue always rocks. This night rocked a little too hard, though.
I'm not sure where to start. Maybe it was the gal standing next to us who dropped her top. She also grabbed my friend in a way that's not family friendly. He wasn't a willing participant. He actually gave his front row spot up because of it.
Maybe it was the two guys to the right of me who constantly were pushing against me. It was crowded up front, but these guys had room. It kinda felt like basketball. I was posting them up ala Charles Barkley for more than half the concert. Probably didn't help their persistence that they were drunk and/or high.
And then there was the simple unease of discord around me. A guy near-by kept holding up his Seattle Mariners hat so Cornell could see it. It didn't bother me too badly, but it probably did irritate the guy who tapped me on the shoulder. Told me to rip his ******* hat off. Yeah, I'm sure that would help the karma.
All in all, cool concert ... but it could have been smoother. So, here's a list of things you can do at the next rock concert to keep that peaceful, easy, head-banging feeling without all the drama.
Note to self:
-Don't annoy people by holding up benign-looking hats and obstructing their views.
-For the couple people that may want to see what your mama gave ya, there are dozens that don't. Avoid the temptation to remove clothing.
-If you are drooling and sweating abnormally, you are high and probably should stay home.
-It's probably not a good idea to leap a barrier and jump on stage when bouncers are waiting to whisk you away, even if you are marginally cute.
-Wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you when you're jockeying for position against the drunk and/or high people who come to the concert anyway.
-Be ready to defend your ground. Everybody will try to take it from you -- high guys, average people, and girls with no tops.
-The sound is often mixed better in the back of the room.
-When the power goes off and back on, and when the main act plays for two-and-a-half hours ... realize you just witnessed a classic concert, even if it did come with a few bumps and bruises.
