Worst Concerts You Have Attended ??

I was so glad to hear goodlistening64 response regarding the 1990s Neil Young's solo performance. I also saw that show and felt ripped off. I remember yelling “PLAY A SONG WE KNOW”. I’ve told people over the years how bad that show was. Feels good to express my displeasure even after all these years

ssobel - The "acoustic" tours that artists were taking up during the 90's was a financial windfall for everyone involved but the audience. Those concerts should have been held in small venues where intimacy is palpable and the music (usually one instrument and one voice) can be at it's fullest. Had it not been for the rousing music of James (the lead singers body shaking was impressive and a crowd favorite!) that preceded it, I would have felt completely ripped off. Surely Neil knew better. There are scant few artists who can command attention from an audience of 20K while sitting on a stool with flat vocals with just an harmonica and guitar. Feels good to have commiserated with another on bad things that have happened in concert life!

Thank you everyone for the responses as they are revealing. Let's just say that Bob Dylan and Aerosmith concerts should be attended only after receiving free tickets and an early escape plan.

I have seen Springsteen three times with the last time being for free because my neighbor could not get anyone to go with him and was desperate. Held at that time in Philly's new Eagles stadium, we were as far away from the stage as possible on the upper tier - on the south side. The music came and went with the breeze. A fair amount of it was not audible. We trekked down to stage level and the sound was great. Stadiums and arenas do not always make for a good concert; where you sit matters. As some have stated, there are venues that are made for sound and to a fair extent will ensure a good sounding concert - barring that the artist can stand up and see straight. It is interesting that perhaps the venue should be the first choice, with the artist you are going to hear not being the priority. Fly to Toronto first, then get to whomever is playing that night. :)

Thank's for participating. I have read all of the posts and hopefully more people will post bad concert memories. Lol. 

Well since you mentioned Van Morrison, 6/10/2005 at Red Rocks. He had no energy, was arrogant, never said a word or looked at the audience. Phoned in the whole thing. I had the same experience some of you had with Aerosmith in 1978. Just terrible. Messed up. Way too loud. Couldn't understand a word Tyler said. David Byrne was a real treat! Engaging, funny, very original and a great time. One last thing. Saw BB King at Red Rocks in 1990. He played well. He stood the whole time and had good energy. Saw him about 10 yrs later and it was the 30 second riff and all talk. Total let down.

Wow great thread! Thanks all for sharing. Worst for me was Pearl Jam at Red Rocks in 95 I believe. I thought Vedder sounded terrible. Not sure if altitude had anything to do with it but between the heat and having all our alcohol confiscated entering the venue, we were all disappointed. I have to agree with above comments regarding King Crimson. I have seen many shows from the early 80’s to most recently a few years ago with a multitude of line ups and they never disappoint. Robert Fripp is indeed a gentleman and one of my favorite musicians. Pier in NYC in 84 and Paramount theatre in Denver in 95 with California Guitar trio are two of my favorites.

Yanni at the Gorge in eastern Washington. It rained the entire concert, and we had no umbrellas because it’s always warm there. The music however was great!

Pink Floyd, Oakland Colusium, 1994

Had to cup my ears to hear, 2 rows from the top. But the visuals WERE astounding