My concert-going buddy and I went to see guitar legend Albert Lee at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley a few years back. We had been on a kick to get out to see as many shows as we could, as long as anyone of interest was coming around and playing at a club or small venue – no more huge concerts for us. Saw many greats that year, including several who have since passed away (Johnny Winter, Leon Russell, Merle Haggard).
The Sweetwater usually has small tables with chairs on the floor. For this gig, they cleared the floor for standing-room only. Before the show, an annoying security dude took the mic and barked out orders of behavior – move in to make space, don’t lean on the handrails, no sitting on the steps, etc. The average age of the crowd was 50+, but it felt like we were being prepped for a junior high assembly.
Albert Lee was great, but it was just too crowded and unpleasant. I only made it through about halfway before my feet started killing me. I told my buddy that I was heading outside, but he’d had enough, too. That was the only gig I’d ever walked out on. Sorry, Albert!
