In answer to the question : “What was the last live performance you saw?”
As I write it would be ‘You Me @ Six’ or YMAS. For those in the know they are an English band who by next year will celebrate 20 years in the music business.
In my view they are an awesome band & whilst I am sad they have announced their retirement. I completely understand & respect why they have taken this decision.
I would go as far as say that they are setting an example that many older musicians could follow. It’s a tad controversial POV but it’s evolved from standing in the crowd listening to some big names churning out ‘same old same old’.
The need for New Narratives
The danger with hanging on to old music is that it comes with a message that may no longer be appropriate. There have been a number of ‘iconic’ bands whose music I liked when younger whose performances recently left me cringing.
Some music is written at a particular time & doesn’t age well. I went to watch the sets of some of these older bands at the festivals I attended & ended up walking away. Really wishing that I hadn’t gone as it spoilt my memories of the tunes.
It’s not saying they are bad musicians indeed many were exceptionally talented. However if they have not creatively moved with the times then maybe their moment in the sun should come to a graceful end.
By moving over they can let the younger newer musicians come to the for & take their place in the spotlight. My contemporaries may roll their eyes when I mention I’m off to a gig involving a band they have never heard of & wonder why.
Music & Memories
The answer is simple. For me music & memories are intrinsically linked & listening to new music at gigs from modern bands helps create new ones.
I have had some amazing experiences at recent gigs with my daughter & complete strangers alike. For me not all music memories from the past are good ones.
The genre is pretty much the same as I have always loved. I just choose to listen to the newer bands that write & perform in this category.
No To Covers
Enjoy your music for sure just don’t expect to find me sat in a corner reminiscing or even worse paying good money for ‘look a likely bands’.
To me if you are talented enough to mimic a well known band why aren’t you writing your own songs? Controversial perhaps but that’s just how I see it.
I can count on one hand the number of song covers that I actually like & would listen to. I don’t really count bands that play at weddings or special occasions in this. Mainly because they are usually playing a variety of tunes to entertain.
They aren’t pretending to be a band they are not. My problem is with the tribute acts which are really just cashing in as it were on someone else’s talent.
Don’t expect anyone to agree particularly. If you don’t well that’s all good too because I respect your opinion & we agree to differ. Happy listening what ever it might be too.
Use this link to visit YouTube & listen to Take on the World by YMAS