The venue did not disappoint - the stage's backdrop is the Guadalupe river, the grounds are beautifully landscaped with native Texas plants, and we were quite literally tucked in between some hills. Another plus to the place was that their food was reasonably priced. I got two tasty vegetarian (rice, black beans, veggies, pico) tacos for $5, and the drink prices were pretty much standard for a music venue.
Since I turned 25 I realized that I've seen more Bob shows in the form of his solo act or with The SCABS than I have of any other musician. The SCABS were my first Austin show - it was my 15th birthday (we lied and said I was 16 just so I could get in to the venue), I know all his songs, even worked for his PA for a little bit once upon a time when I wanted to be a music business maven, yet I can't say that I'm a big fan of his. There really used to be nothing like a live SCABS or Bob Schneider show. I remember when they would all dress up in marching band uniforms or their sharp black suits, and miscellaneous undergarments would get thrown on the stage, and every show was new, exciting, different. About 5 or so years ago, the shows became canned - everything the same, every time, with the variety being only in "It Ain't Good" (where members of the band can improvise) or his encore song (and even then only sometimes).
I appreciate his music and the lyrics and the scathing cleverness behind a lot of what he does, but this show...I don't know. Maybe because I was exhausted from a big day of being on the river, but I think lackluster is a good word to describe it. I found myself wishing that the last Bob show I went to at Lakeway last summer was the last show of his I'd ever seen, because it was amazing, lighthearted, and a heck of a party (plus, free!). Candace even said that she felt like everyone else was in on something that we were totally missing. There were so many things about the show that turned us off (from the T-shirts, the whole FAYM concept, and the first four really low-energy songs) I described it to her as a whole new generation of college kids who thinks the sun shines out of his behind, and we just happen to know better, or have grown up. We now know way too much about him and how he treats people to like him as a person, but still have to admit that his songs are quality. He is indeed a talented songwriter, and from what I hear, an inspiration to many in the singer/songwriter world. If you listen to Bob's ramblings on his website, you can tell - something is different. Things just ain't what they used be.
At any rate, after 11 years of enjoying his music live, though I will probably still use his songs in my lyric analysis for music therapy, I don't need to see him live ever again.
4 comments:
I've never really followed him but your post made me sad.
I worry that I'll come to this with some of my favorite bands... I hope not, but everytime I buy a ticket, I worry.
I feel the same way about the Bob phenomenon. He used to satisfy that "just need to dance to the funk and sing at the top of my lungs" craving. But now he chants through old songs like he's sprinting to get through them. I can still see the resemblance, but Bob has moved on. Sadness.
this makes me sad too because i just started to listening to him again and was thinking of buying some more of his music. i know you're talking about his live shows, but still...
Yup, totally agree. I'm kinda glad now that I couldn't make it to the Whitewater show. I did see him at Auditorium Shores in March. I was so excited to see him, but like you mentioned, his shows are cookie cutter now.
Some part of me still wants to go see him once more at the Saxon Pub on a Monday night. He was a total a-hole to me the one and only other time I went and this time (if I happen to go again) I won't give him the chance to do that to me!
Post a Comment