The Waiting Game

Oh, I have been here before my friends. After a record setting 17 concerts in one year in 2008 I have not seen a single show this year, and only have two concerts on the horizon. Patterson Hood in July and Elvis Perkins in September. The situation would be hopeless if I wasn’t waiting on my three favorite artists tour summer and fall tour schedules. Yes, its up to the legendary Bruce Springsteen, the incendiary Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and the most important band in my life: Pearl Jam to save this year from mediocrity - musically speaking of course. Interesting how these bands can be categorized as well, the legend, the fairly large band and the indie artist. All important components of my sonic diet.

This is nothing new to me. I’ve been eagerly anticipating shows since the whole year leading up to my first Pearl Jam show in 2002. Checking the bands websites, the fan forums, ticketmaster, pollstar and even booking companies multiple times in a day. One might think this process would get easier with age but I’ve found myself being more anxious. With a “real” job I find myself needing these shows even more. The catharsis that only live music can bring is priceless. Thats not even mentioning the issue that my work schedule may present if I don’t have enough notice, and in some cases I may get stuck working even if I do have notice. All part of the real world I suppose.

So I play the waiting game with these three questions. Will Ted Leo, currently scheduled to play 5 shows in California in 5 nights make a trip up to play Portland in mid-August? Will Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band play Portland on the 3rd leg of their 2009 tour? The stakes are especially high here because with Bruce the shows just get better the longer a tour goes on. And with such an old band thats reportedly taking a break after this tour this might be the last opportunity, at least for the Pacific Northwest. And lastly, will Pearl Jam play Seattle or Portland to celebrate the release of their new record? All of these things are rumored, all seem possible, some seem likely – but none are guaranteed. Its been awhile since I’ve been at such a crossroads as a music fan.