Last night I went to the Alter Ego '24 show in Anaheim. The sets were kept short to help minimize boredom. Years ago, I heard Beck said something true when describing the seeming indifferent vibe from the crowd at these events, "Everyone is there to see someone else." I can confirm that was the case last night. LA area crowds are tough because we see all of the bands, so someone really has to be special to get our attention.
The Black Keys were my reason for going. I don't miss them when they play in Southern California. They just kept it to the hits and played their new song.
I didn't know Sum 41 was still an active band. It was a late 90's and early 00's flashback. I guess they are calling it quits this year. Lot's of energy still.
The ladies swooned for The 1975. I know a few of their songs, so I get it, but they didn't really keep my interest. The smoky and boozy thing the lead singer is going for didn't come off for me.
I think the crowd warmed up to Bush the longer they played. It started as a bunch of old guys, but by the end the crowd was singing along to Glycerine. Going into the crowd helped.
Jared Leto did the usual with Thirty Seconds To Mars. I still don't get the band at all. He started in the crowd by me and then hit the stage full of smoke and mirrors to mask limited musical ability. The band is just about vibes when I have seen them.
Fall Out Boy also played. Even though they aren't my favorite band, they gave a good performance. The crowd was tired by the time they hit the stage at about 11:00 at night.
I will see Tool next month, and they are on the list of bands I have wanted to see for a long time.