From: "Barbara Rockwell" <p00220@psilink.com>
Subject: Re: Seats Behind the Stage
Organization: Horton Brasses Inc.
Date: Sat, 21 Nov 1992 13:52:05 GMT
X-Mailer: PSILink-DOS (3.3)

>DATE:   Thu, 19 Nov 1992 21:15:05 GMT
>FROM:   Con_Falvey <con@mcigate.apdev.mci.com>
>
>Hi, 
> I've never had seats behind
>the stage before (the scene wasn't as crowded then).
>
>First of all, how is the sound?

IMHO, the sound is poor, and it's hard for me to get by that.
   
>how do they get it there and mix it properly?  

At the rear of the venue, or at least where I have had seats in the 
rear, there are speakers, both right and left, in order better direct 
the sound.  In Boston, I believe there were even 4 speakers, 2+2.  

>Also, what can I expect to see from this vantage point?  

Every seat and venue are so different, I hate to generalize.  The 
following commentary only reflects my limited experiences
(primarily NE shows).

The best thing about sitting rear, and also side rear is the visuals.  
Rear is an excellent place to experience drums and space.  Depending on 
the venue, you can see lots of stage rear activity.  If the stage is 
large, you will see the comings and goings of support people, children, 
and various communications between the band and others.  If you are in a 
place where you are rear/side-rear and UP a tier or two, you will be 
able to see into the open roof black tents they use for various 
activities stage rear.  Phil is especially active during the break and 
often wanders stage rear.  
  

>Does anyone out there have any good stories about sitting
>behind the stage?

I have only sat stage rear, once, at Boston Gardens in 1991, but have 
wandered stage rear at other venues.  During Mickey's portion of drums, 
I saw a person spend much time crawling on the floor under the beam 
doing various manipulations--what specifically, I cannot tell you.  It 
was wonderful to watch, and also wonderful to watch Mickey and Billy 
interact up close.  You know from hearing drums that they are like 2 
halves of the same body, but when you can see them full size, you can 
witness this intimacy, especially if it is an inspired drums.  Many 
people support the drums and space part of the show, and are invisible 
to the audience stage front, but are fully visible to those in the rear. 
Throughout one drums, and continuing into the space section, there was a 
person sitting playing synth on a special platform below the beam.  I'm 
sure you will enjoy the visual experience.  
I don't usually wander much at shows, but if my seats are stage rear, 
and usually rear/side, I have to wander during the main show, as the sound 
distortion affects my enjoyment too much to stick around.  
Also at the rear, the back of their heads just isn't enough.

Continuing in the stage rear vein, is the rear side position.  This in 
some ways is superior to rear, as depending on which side you get, and 
misc. other factors. Usually security monitoring is low is those areas. Full 
face views and profiles of Bobby and Phil are visible from the Jerry 
side, with Jerry's view being rear of head and side profile on occaision 
and only Vinnies head top (that balding area :-) and head rear to be seen.
From the Phil zone, the reverse would be true.  Facial expressions, 
sweat, laughter, etc is all cleary visible.  The sound IMHO, if anything 
is worse at the side, and sometimes complicated by a speaker placed 
squarely in your viewing area.  Little can be seen of Billy and Mickey 
from the side, although it would be unfair to generalize.  I'm sure some 
locations have better side views than others.  
Albany '91 shows had enormous speakers in front of everyone stuck at 
stage side, all net heads who got tix thru GD MO, and everyone had to 
roam.  Albany '92, where I once again got side tix, there were no visual 
obstacles and it was one of the best views I have ever had, except for 
the early days of small venues.  But the sound was AWFUL, and I was 
grateful for excellent center seats the following night.  On the first 
night, though, it is important to know, the view was SO good, I 
tolerated the crappy sound and remained parked.  I saw interactions I 
had never seen before, and they were working with the new FM mikes, so 
it was worth it.   


I hope you enjoy the shows where you got these seats.  Just remember 
it's all an experience, so if the sound bothers you, focus in on other 
great things you are seeing.  :->, :->

Barb

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