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In recent European concert reports, there have been several mentions of disruptive drunks loudly singing off-tune, shouting and misbehaving. Apparently alcohol (and food) is served during the concerts and can be brought to the seats with people moving to and fro throughout the entire concert.

I'm looking forward to my first Leonard Cohen concert in Austin. After reading reports of concert-goers in Europe, I'm concerned about what to expect.

GC

GraceC wrote:there have been several mentions of disruptive drunks loudly singing off-tune, shouting and misbehaving. Apparently alcohol is served during the concerts

it's shocking, isn't it, my dear

Nobody yet jumped onto stage and embraced Leonard, as that woman in the US did in 2010.

What can we say, the craziness has reach the LC fandom... It's time to stay at home...

I think it's just the luck of the draw. In my experience, American audiences are way less respectful than those in Europe (at least here in Houston anyway). But having said that, we saw Leonard in Austin in 2009 and it was a very sober affair - definitely no revelry. So I shouldn't worry..... just enjoy! And really, when you think about it, Leonard's been there and got the t-shirt, hey?

Joy

tomsakic wrote:Nobody yet jumped onto stage and embraced Leonard, as that woman in the US did in 2010.

Someone did try in Ghent - but the stage was about 10 foot high and security got to them before they succeeded!

tomsakic wrote:What can we say, the craziness has reach the LC fandom... It's time to stay at home...

Wendy

GraceC wrote:Apparently alcohol (and food) is served during the concerts and can be brought to the seats

Have mercy on me baby
After all I did confess
Even though you have to hate me
Could you hate me less?

Roman has a good idea. Maybe we need a wall of shame. Post pictures of people behaving badly. Post your recording of people singing along badly.

The Lissadell concerts in Sligo were 2 of the best concerts I have been to but I was shocked at the amount of people drunk. The 2nd night I had my first front row ever. In the 2nd act the couple next to me left and 2 very drunk women came to sit next to me. They both wanted to talk to me non stop and one was leaning in to me wanting me to dance. One of them was on her phone and then singing off key. I finally told them both in a very strict voice that I had come all the way from the Pacific west coast in America to see Leonard and to Shut up. They were really nice the whole time but so out of it that they just smiled and kept singing. Finally one of the security guards ushered them away as others had complained so the night was saved.

I have also heard of a couple people recently who were not drunk but who were singing off tune and annoying the people around them.

I do not understand this. We pay to hear Leonard sing. I sing to So Long Marianne and a couple others but this singing to most of the songs is
so annoying.
Don't get me wrong I love the wild energy and I for one am very exuberant singing and dancing..but only when its appropriate....and this singing along to all the songs could happen anywhere in any country.
So lets hope there is more respect in the future for those in the audience...ha ha
Cheers!
Leslie PY

Dear Grace, I am sure it will be different here in the States. I do not like outdoor concerts at all, and in Europe it is much more relaxed. Everybody can drink over there. I am going to be in doors and I think it will be very civilized.

MarieM wrote:Roman has a good idea. Maybe we need a wall of shame. Post pictures of people behaving badly. Post your recording of people singing along badly.

I love this idea!

It is a good idea to photograph the nuisances, but not for a "wall of shame" because these jerks would probably see it as a "badge of honour". However, if pictures of the nuisances are printed here, then they can be more quickly identified (and reported) if they cause disturbance at later concerts. Personally I suggest asking nuisances politely to be quiet as soon as they start bothering you. If they don't - report them, promptly!

but 'ow can you tell between the good guys and us 'ooligans?

Oops.

This is all very interesting. I guess I am just old.
Grace

Totally agree with your thoughts and suggestions, John E.
If it happens with me, that's what I'll be doing.