The Beatles performed Toronto thrice (1964, 1965, and 1966), all at Maple Leaf Gardens. Demand for tickets was big and the band was on a decent touring schedule. They wanted to get in and get out whereas performing for as many individuals as doable. Including a second night time wasn’t within the playing cards so the one factor they may do is play two reveals on the identical day: the same old night gig preceded by a matinee efficiency. In between, they grabbed a chew to eat and held a press convention.
Matinees (often as a part of a doubleheader) have been widespread again then. All of the early rock pioneers — Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, The Rolling Stones, The Who et al — did them. It was exhausting for the act however the effort made good enterprise sense. Not solely did the scheduling of a matinee double a fan’s possibilities of having the ability to see a present, however in case you have been too younger to exit at night time, there was an opportunity your dad and mom would allow you to attend a day present.
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Matinee live shows continued for years. I recall within the Nineties when some bands insisted on enjoying an early all-ages present adopted by a licensed occasion within the night. Punk bands have been particularly good at serving their youthful demo with early units. It was a good way to fulfill each the adults (who may avail themselves of the bar) and the children (and the venue didn’t have to fret about underage consuming as a result of the bar was closed to alcohol gross sales).
However because the rock enterprise matured, afternoon performances slowly disappeared. At this time, they’re all however gone. Until you’re at a competition, it’s extraordinarily uncommon to search out an artist who’s keen to play a day slot.
That is unlucky as a result of today, it’s not simply underage children who need reveals at the moment of the day but additionally a rising variety of adults.
Look, simply since you’re on the lee aspect of 30 doesn’t imply you’ve given up on the reside music expertise. You’d like to see extra reveals however life at all times appears to get in the way in which. There are the children, getting up for work the following morning, and the big scheduling conflicts.
And let’s be sincere: After a sure age, you’re kinda bored with ready till 10:30 pm on a Tuesday night time for a band to hit the stage. Heck, I’m in mattress most nights lengthy earlier than that.
By not catering to the demo that doesn’t need/can’t afford to be out late, artists and promoters are leaving some huge cash on the desk. And let’s not overlook that the older demos are those with extra money to spend at reveals.
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There are two options. First, gigs may begin earlier. Moderately than heading dwelling or killing time earlier than a present, individuals may go straight from work. If the lights have been to go down at, say, 7 pm, the whole lot may very well be achieved by 9:30. Everybody who has to rise up within the morning can get to mattress at an affordable hour whereas those that wish to proceed the night time nonetheless have hours earlier than them. I do know I’d see much more membership reveals in the event that they began and completed earlier.
The second answer is to re-introduce matinees. Clearly, this isn’t sensible on weekdays, however what about weekends? Hey, theatre productions have provided matinee performances for many years. An enormous, massive chunk {of professional} sports activities are held within the afternoon. Casinos supply matinee performances. So why not big-name live shows? I’d be extra inclined to see acts like Bruce Springsteen. Does the Boss wish to play a five-hour present? Incredible! Simply begin at 3 p.m. so I could be dwelling to wind down earlier than mattress.
Jamie Lee Curtis lately ranted concerning the lack of matinees. Showing on NBC’s At this time present lately, she vented “Why are there no matinees? For example, I really like Coldplay. I might like to go see Coldplay. The issue is, I’m not going to go see Coldplay if they begin their present at 9 o’clock and there’s a gap act. I wish to hear Coldplay at 1 p.m. I feel if we crammed a stadium with individuals who wish to see a matinee of Coldplay, I feel we’d begin a pattern.”
Like it. As an alternative of dinner and a present, it’s a present and dinner. Then it’s again dwelling to dismiss the babysitter, play with the children, take care of the canine, and get to mattress at an affordable hour. Not very rock’n’roll in a standard sense, however I’m OK with that.
Positive, load-in/load-out procedures and touring schedules must be adjusted, however that’s not an insurmountable barrier. The place there’s cash, there’s a manner. And I’m certain many heritage acts — and there’s a rising variety of them — wish to wrap up their day earlier, too.
I repeat: This has nothing to do with being previous, infirm, crotchety, and never loving reside music. It has the whole lot to do with being sensible and inclusive. The inhabitants is getting older and society wants to regulate.
Who’s with me?
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Alan Cross is a broadcaster with Q107 and 102.1 the Edge and a commentator for World Information.
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