I'm Sticking to Smaller Concert Venues. U2?

A few years ago, I saw U2 in Baltimore, and I had great seats; I felt like I could reach out and touch Bono. At times, I could have sworn he was looking straight at me, serenading me as if I were the only one there, even amidst thousands of people. It was a really good venue.

Well...the 3D glasses that came with the IMAX probably helped too. Still, I prefer optical illusions at the Science Center to M & T Bank Stadium.

Now I'm not hating on M & T Bank Stadium. It's a good place to watch a football game. I'm just saying that I have no desire to go to a concert where you would need binoculars in order to confirm that there are actual human beings on the stage.

I've purchased tickets to one arena/stadium concert in my life, and I will never do it again. I couldn't see a thing, I felt removed from the music, and the sloppy attendees behind me who kept singing the wrong lyrics kind of iced the cake as far as mood-killers go.

North Baltimore is practically littered with wonderful (and cheap!) venues whose worth outweighs any stadium, as far as I'm concerned. Granted, U2 will never ever play a set at The Ottobar, 2640 Space, or Golden West, just to name a few. However, the experience of standing in a small venue with other people who are not yelling about their tailgates, but simply soaking in...let's say, the haunting melodies of Beach House...is just plain better.

Or maybe I'm just bitter that the bar owner I met a few weeks ago, who offered to take me to see U2 with an extra ticket he had, never followed through. I mean, I wouldn't pay to see an ant-sized Florence Welch open for one of the most popular bands of my lifetime while surrounded by a ton of people I know who will share this memory forever, but I'd certainly go for free.

Life lessons learned:
1. Listen locally.
2. Never trust anyone who offers you a shot before asking your name.