Free Access: Portishead at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC

Amazing show...

A lot of people having been complaining about people talking during concerts in New York, especially when the headlining bands are playing.  In the recent shows that  have been attending in the last 2 weeks, I could understand.  At the Roseland, I wasn't even able to hear Four Tet, which opened for Radiohead.  It was a shame.

While I was watching Portishead, there was this couple next to me that was ruining every ones time because we could hear their whole conversation.  I was hoping it was going to end after one song.  People have to understand that there is an etiquette when you go to shows.  Talk loud enough that the person that is with you (which is usually next to you) can hear you.  Talk in their ear, don't have it where a 5 foot radius can hear you.  There is no nice way to tell this couple to lower their voices.  I simply said, "I apologize, I'm sure that your conversation is important, but I can't even hear what I came to this concert for.  You are ruining every one's time by talking and we don't want to have to hear your conversation instead of Portishead."

They immediately got quiet.  You have to speak up when these things happen because no one else is going to do it.  Portishead hasn't played in NYC with a headlining tour in 13 years... I wasn't going to let anyone prevent me from enjoying this.  I don't understand why people go through all these hoops to get into a sold out show and not allow themselves to really take in the experience.  I don't go see live music just to be seen there.  Does that make sense?  Anyways... just a little rant about things.