Here I am, another Rustie from the past out from lurkdom. I won't be here long,
which will probably cause no small amount of joy. Some of what I'm writing I
shared with Ian Rosen, one of the classy, decent folk here, when he emailed to
touch base with me.
I have always been graciously received here, even when I have posted critical
comments. I have only the best regards to my fellow Rusties, many of whom are
engaging, witty writers. I don't know Jim McQuaid, but congrats on what I hope
is a great new job.
I won't be attending Neil's concert here in LA for a few simple reasons.
To begin with, the pricing doesn't sit well with me. Neil is certainly in the
top tier of classic rock folks, but we'd be talking about $250 x 2. He deserves
to charge whatever the market will accept, but the guy has a beautiful ranch,
hopefully royalties coming and and what seems to be a decent income stream, and
that's alot of money to spend for one night for me. This follows his last arena
tour with CSNY. He's become greedy.
His new CD has some songs that are several years old. This kind of makes me sad.
I happen to really like OP, but it shows me he may be reaching to come up with
new music.
Finally, if I were to pop for the money, I'd hope that for that amount I'd at
least get an opening act, as well as Neil. No such luck. That's the salt in the
wound. Pegi. I'll avoid the all too easy temptation to Pegi bash and just write
that I find it insulting as a long time fan to have her presented as someone
that you'd pay money to see. She and Neil must obviously have huge blinders on
to be unaware of this.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to get this off my chest. As in a
relationship, I know I must have tremendous love for the man as an artist or
this wouldn't bother me to the extent that it does.
Best wishes to all here and I hope you each enjoy the shows you choose to
attend.
Mark
"looking thru a travelers glass"

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