One band that were ALWAYS on the cutting edge of live sound and had a sound crew that pioneered many things that became industry standards, was the Grateful Dead. Im a lifelong fan(of the JERRY GARCIA Grateful Dead) and man, seeing them in say, MSG, on the floor, 20 rows back, and you were in for an audiophile's wet dream. To say nothing about the playing, when they were "on". Their 1974 "Wall of Sound" rig was a sight-and sound- to behold. They were basically the 1st to use stage monitors, they invented a pickup system for piano (rather than just mic'ing it) and were one of the 1st acts to use in-ears, in 1992.

In the 90s i worked for the sound company that did all the shows at the Blaisdell arena in Honolulu. It's about 8500 seats. We had 32 Clair Brothers S4 cabinets. It was so loud. I miss those days.

Dude, PREACH. I’ve been saying this for a few years now. This era of amp simulators and in ear monitors, no amps on stage, volume that you can carry on a conversation over by barely raising your voice… it’s totally killed rock concerts. There’s no more energy or rawness. No vibe.

U are 100 percent correct.

Back then, bands left a trail of wreckage in every city because it was a huge event inside and out; before, during, and after. People partied, HARD, and at the time it was the pinnacle of live performance in the analog age.

I will never use a click track or in ears on stage, improvisation is a big part of live rock that is missing right now imo.

I agree totally. The younger generation have nothing to compare it to. They think what they're hearing sounds good.

I was just at the GNR show in Jersey. I agree. It’s all very sterile. No real energy from the crowd either.

The raw stage volume isn't there anymore either, for most. I remember going to 70s and 80s shows and my ears would be ringing for a half hour after the show ended. General admission, the crowd pushed up hanging on the edge of the stage. How much the bands meant to the fans. If you weren't there you really can't understand how lame concerts are today.

I started going to rock and metal shows in the late 80’s as a teenager. I find today’s concerts somewhat boring. The crowds are dead, hardly any partying. It’s not dangerous anymore and I don’t get the thrill I got when I was a kid. Love the book btw

If it ain't loud it ain't rokkin

Ciao!

Gaps between the stage and front row wider than my double park driveway and backing tracks have killed the (brunt of) the live experience for me. (Along with the legacy of bands playing past their prime). There are good shows, and good bands, but they are outnumbered by the “mostly live” entertainment that’s being sold (and bought) these days.

the new digital audio is imho not as good as the old mid 70s PAs..the bass and highs were much better to me.. the massive subs and the high treble is imho not as good....