As you may know from the previous post, I was in Boston to see Radiohead at Bank of America Pavilion. I must call out the owners/promoters for this and other similar venues. I was weaned on seeing shows at either large arenas, small college arenas, and theaters (nice ones and decrepit ones). But these "tent" venues have to be the awfulest venues of all.
I'm not a resident of Boston so some of my claims may be false. I don't mind being corrected because I love to be right. The venue is located in South Boston, near a facility known as the World Trade Center, which is probably some large international commerce and convention center. The venue seems to be a converted parking lot. In fact, it seems to be just some pavement with a tent set up. Not a cheap tent, it's posts are obviously steel and secured to the ground. It seems nice and seems very post industrially cool. But the first thing you realize when taking your seats is that the seats are folding chair, not permanent (very cheap ass) and it is flat as a parking lot (ok, I noticed a gentle slope but much weaker than even the oldest movie theater you've ever attended). So it is really hard to see at times and there is very little space to move. Many shows I attend, like Radiohead, people tend to stand and "rock out". Rock and roll is often meant to be felt, not to be enjoyed while just sitting there. But either standing or sitting, it is extremely inconvenient for fellow audience members to move in and out of rows. People either kick over cups or step on your jackets that are on the seat. They obviously use the same rule as Airtran Airways: put rows as close and tight as possible to fit in 5 more rows of seats. None of this adds to the enjoyment of a show (or flight). It makes it all the more inconvenient. When you go to an amphitheater with a nice slope with padded or at least molded seats which (here's the great innovation) fold up when you stand up to free up dance space, you enjoy the event so much more. The newer venues tend to have beverage holders which sometimes are awkward and people can still knock them out when passing by, but it keeps it off the floor. (I understand we will never eliminate the kicking over of a beverage.)
The venue does not seem to have very many food and drink establishments nearby. I saw some sign about Yankee Lobster or something like that, but that's about it. Colin mentioned Harpoon Brewery was nearby. Maybe next show we'll take that in. But in general the neighborhood was pretty ho hum.
The other thing about the venue is the obvious temporary structures of the concessions and restrooms. I was reminded of M.A.S.H. in that it seems like the venue could be taken down and moved in a matter of hours. Keith pointed out it wouldn't be that easy, but I will hold that it would be much easier to turn that area back into a parking lot as "demolition" is minimal. As an economist I see this as taking measures to have freedom of exit. But that just cheapens the commercial activity. No civic pride in this type of structure. No aesthetic redemption. I feel like it is a WalMart product. "Hey, this is cheap. Quality is irrelevant." But I appreciate good architecture, even if its just a show. I even enjoyed seeing a show (Radiohead, 2001) at Suffolk Downs, a horse track. I would prefer an open field and a stage set up outdoors than a tent on a parking lot.
Exceptions that would be cool: Radiohead's very limited Kid A tour was entirely set up under their own movable tents. But those were set up in picturesque parks. I can't say "this is cool and this is not cool" with certainty as a concert even must be considered the sum of many characteristics: band related as well as venue related. I had a great time at Radiohead but I will say in spite of BoA Pavilion, not because of.
Other "cheap ass" venues: Tower City Amphitheater in Cleveland, Chevrolet (or whatever it is called now) Amphitheater at Station Square in Pittsburgh. Tents. Good god, let's let this die with the multipurpose stadium of the 1970s (Three Rivers, Vets, Riverfront, etc.): architectural and cultural mistakes.
Disclaimer: I don't proofread my posts very well. Point out typos and editing errors if you want. I won't take it personally. It's just that I don't get paid for this and will likely not help get me tenure (unless maybe Paul Krugman chimes in and makes some comments).
Rock on my rock and roll friends.
"I'm just a rock and roll heart looking for a good time."--Lou Reed
Cya again Boston when Madonna hits town.
P.S. I also feel I don't have to do as much hyperlinking anymore because the cool browsers tend to allow you to merely highlight text and do an instant search. I'll continue to link when I think I can direct you better than a google search.
