Does This Even Count as a "Concert"?

Sept. 1- Denver, Colo- I'm not even sure that seeing a band play at some public street fair qualifies as a "concert". To me, "concert" usually means you've gone out, purchased tickets and then had to wait for about six weeks for the show. On Friday night, I noticed in the paper, that Blue Oyster Cult was playing on "The Colorado Lotto Main Stage" at the Taste of Colorado. So, I called up my brother and we went downtown. It's typical for State Fairs, Monster Truck rallies and dog shows to have old "classic rock" acts. Bands that nobody would admit to paying money for.. but bands you'd like to see, just out of curiousity. Even if all the members are 75 years old. Although, it does remind me of the famous "PUPPET SHOW... and Spinal Tap" marquee.

For the record, Blue Oyster Cult is NOT a gay band. You've been watching too many "Police Academy" movies, ya weenie!

So, not expecting much, we get to the Civic Center and hear them play "Joan Crawford", "Harvester of Eyes", "Burnin for You", "Golden Age of Leather", "Cities on Flame" and other BOC fare. They saved their two biggest songs for last, "Godzilla" and "Don't Fear the Reaper". Godzilla featured the obligatory Annoying Bass and Drum Solos. During which, lead guitar Buck Dharma could be seen on the side of the stage, tuning his guitar and downing some beers.

Somehwere in there, they said "here's a song off of our new album". Which got me thinking about a new rule: Whenever an old band sez "new album", that means something that SUCKS is about to happen. That would also be a good time to scope out the restroom, get a beer, or stare at your toes. But, Iron Maiden should take note: BOC was aware that nobody gives a shit about their "new album"... so they only played ONE song from it.

we were also standing nex to a 30-something mullet with a leather vest and his bimbo. He kept yelling "woooo", "kick out the jams!" and, my personal favorite, "yeeee-haw!". I mean, "yeee-haw"?? Dude had a Rush shirt on, by the way.. so that might explain it.

I was never big on BOC, but "Burnin for You" was a favorite of mine around second grade. I'm not sure if any of the guys we saw up there were original members, but I could tell the guitarist/vocalist was Buck Dharma. The other vocalist was probably an original, too. I can't remember his name, but I think he's the Dude With Shiny Glasses and Silver Cape you see on the old BOC albums. Eric - something?

People tend to give me shit over my affinity for old heavy metal acts. Big deal, like they'll wanna see their Limp Bizkit and Pearl Jam in ten years?? I did feel a little old fashioned, but I heard a new song by Cypress Hill on the way home that rocked some buttocks... so I don't feel like such an old white boy.

Decent fare, but nothing I will remember after next Tuesday. It's really not too bad to see a band on the Stae Fair/Carnival cicuit. As long as you're not driving 100 miles or going to said fair for the express purpose of seeing that band. I knew a guy who drove 100 miles to Pueblo to see Twisted Sister at the Colorado State Fair. That is scary. If nothing else, I can add this to my series of goofy concerts I ended up at. A list which inlcudes the Village People, RUN DMC, Suicidal Tendencies and Rod Stewart. So, if a cheesy band you haven't seen in years comes to your town.. go see it. It's free and won't cost you anything but time. Just don't expect to be blown away...and do NOT camp out for tickets.