Standing in the Way of a Good Time

For a triple-bill so seemingly delicious, last night’s show couldn’t have been a bigger bummer. You know you’re in trouble when a crowd is standing practically motionless while James Murphy is banging out a double-time (or faster? dude, take a breath) version of “Daft Punk Is Playing at My House.”

 Actually, I knew I was in trouble simply because LCD Soundsystem was already in the middle of their set, and it was only 8 pm. Apparently they shoved the Gossip on the stage 15 minutes before the 7:30 start time listed on the tickets. Even if I hadn’t been stuck in line waiting to pay an $11 parking fee, I would have missed the magnificent Beth Ditto. This alone was enough to sour me on the whole experience (the predictable collegian factors of thin sound and zero alcohol sales were to be expected), but when we finally found seats, we were only there for 2 minutes before a bellowing security guard shouted at us to move elsewhere, refusing to be specific about where he wanted us to go.  Sticking around for Arcade Fire after that sounded abysmal, and that’s saying a great deal, considering they remain one of the best live bands touring today.

Dear “Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmuson Pavillion”: Fuck you.

Dear Art Brut and Hold Steady: God help you.  

The only consolations: At least Renee McMahon was kind enough to take some pretty pictures. And on the way home, my friend Steve Q told me a great story about waiting 10 hours to see My Bloody Valentine on their tour for Loveless in San Francisco. Dude, I'm still totally jealous.

Update: I'm definitely not the only one who was unhappy.