work + rock - sleep

I've been in denial. I've known for months. Maybe even over a year. But tonight I could no longer ignore the truth. Mid-major indie rock shows are being ruined. I try not to be a snob about these things. I try to ignore it and enjoy the show. I try not to fault the band for having some commercial success. But there's no mistaking it...the shows are not nearly as fun.  So what's killing my buzz?

- Dudes in backward baseball caps drinking too much and high-fiving each other (Modest Mouse)
- Attempted moshing. During a moody post-punk song. (Bloc Party)
- Text messaging during entire sets. (The Shins)
- The absolute worst dancing/falling/swaying/kissing I have ever seen in my life. (Ted Leo)

Tonight's offense?  Ill-advised, out-of-rhythm fist pumping while smoking cigarettes and chatting like schoolgirls

I had been to The Fillmore once before. Though that night is a bit hazy, I do remember loving the place. My repeat trip only confirmed this.  After a 3:30am wakeup call, 10 hours sitting in a conference, and a great $16 Thai dinner, we skipped the openers and showed up late.

Though IMHO their sophomore album isn't nearly as solid as The Back Room, the Editors still delivered a loud, energetic, engaging show. And you could tell they loved being at the Fillmore.

I tried to ignore the crowd around me, but still felt annoyed. Note to self: Stay far away from the bar at the Fillmore. I'm all for eclectic audiences, but this appeared to be a very strange (and incredibly drunk) bunch of concert virgins.

Thankfully it wasn't enough to ruin a great show. But it did snap me out of denial.