F-ing Right.  It seems like you just can't go to a concert without being surrounded by 6 people with no respect for other's personal space.  I was especially peeved at the folks who rushed down to the front, which in itself doesn't bother me, but as soon as you start ruining the experience for the folks who actually paid to be there, we have a problem.  I don't understand how so many people feel entitled to just do whatever they want, regardless who they infringe upon.

And yet, like a sucker, I keep buying tickets, thinking "maybe this time will be different", but evidently the population is too saturated with assholes to make that a possibility.

See you at the next show, pricks.

I'm with you. A whole section away, I could hear the conversations which only got louder! as the band played louder. (Worse, it was during Ashes)But, a vet of 8 shows, this one did have an experimental tone to it in the middle (which I liked, they usually blow through their sets of faves, etc.)which created a bit of a lull for fans who are only a few albums deep with them. I am always amazed by the spectrum of fans. People in their 60s around us, kids, little kids, and then the wheelhouse Xers. You got a bad draw, we all do at some point, at some concert. Best bet for Wilco? See them outdoors. If not Bayfront, then Bonaroo or 10K Lakes (unbelievable sound). And Tweedy with the funniest line I've heard him utter, and he probably doesn't know it, after he held up the "Duluth Band" proclamation from Mayor Ness: "Yeah, a teenage boy came up and handed it to me. I hope it's legit."

Agree if lucky enough to be up front, you have to be there.  If we were any closer to the stage, we would of had to imagine the audience in their underwear. Danced like fools: stopped short of endangering others, but not our pride. Great show, Wilco!  Califone was a treat too... my how that name was imprinted at a young age. Not the finest, but perhaps the sturdiest record player ever built. Also anticipating a resurgent interest in macrame owls.

Jeff Tweedy: Hey, guys, band meeting.

Rest of Wilco: Yeah, boss?

JT: I was on the Internet, today, and something really disturbed me.

RoW: Was it meatspin.com?

JT: No, I love that site. This was something else. It was a Duluth-based site called "Perfect Duluth Day."

RoW: Oh, that was that great town with the boats and the teenage mayor, right?

JT: Yep. but this site, they were discussing our recent gig on it. and ... I'm really troubled. You see, someone was talking about how great the show was, but had some issues with how some of the fans were acting like jerks and farting and being generally annoying.

RoW: What?!? 

JT: Yeah, I know. Apparently, I've got nothing better to do, so I'm going to take this really personally, for some reason. I'm thinking that maybe we should send our "honorary Duluth band" plaque back. I mean, if they can't appreciate that some of our fans like to fart during our shows, yell cliched phrases, and leave over and over while we're playing our music, and that inconsiderate fans spoiling the concert for others is part of the whole experience, then fuck 'em.

RoW: Yeah! if they don't like it, they can just say goodbye to ol' Wilco.

JT: Then it's decided. Onward, to Madison! a town where our fans can be free to fart with impunity! Good riddance, Duluth!

QQ some more.

Parts of this thread read like an Onion article.  "30-Something Hipster Annoyed by Concert Noise, People."  

Seriously, not once in your complaint did you mention asking them to stop being assholes.  What were you doing?  Planning your scathing blog entry?  The indie part of this scene has always been very aloof and high strung, open and inviting if you fit a certain mold.  It's a concert in a public area, people will be people.  And not everyone will think like you or act like you, even if you think they should.

I can't believe how nuts this town gets for Wilco.  I think Ness is a good guy, but when re-election comes around, this is the type of publicity stunt that I would use to rally some good old fashioned non-issue based conservative support.

"I just wish that others would take into account how their actions effect others more often."

Get in line.

Dear iedesign, if you would like a concert experience where everyone stays where they are supposed to be, says (or doesn't say) what you want them to, doesn't have to pee, and cheers appropriately, then my suggestion is to sit at your house and stream a concert over the internet.  Concerts are not about a highly controlled environment - part of the experience is all the "other stuff" going on during the show.  I'm not trying to defend people who act stupid or talk a lot during the show but you just have to expect that.  If you don't want that experience you could go see "A Prairie Home Companion".  I should say that this is my 9th Wilco show, I am a member of their fan club, and I was located in row "B".  Yes there were people in the aisles during parts of the show who were rocking out, but they looked like they were having a great time and not causing any problems.  Hope you have fun watching the next show from your climate controlled, noiseproof pod.

I wasn't there so I don't know if people were overreacting or not, (and I do find the The Onion reference kinda funny) but I will say that basic manners have declined to a very shabby state in this country.  I'm not saying that people should act all formal all the time, especially not at a concert.  But it is still appropriate to have some respect for the performers on stage and for the people who have shelled out some real cash to be there and enjoy it.  Even more importantly, have some respect for the people who REALLY love the band and the music and are attempting to have a soulful connection with the performers.  

When I was in college I road tripped down to Milwaukee to see James Taylor (I know, not exactly edgy stuff, in 1993, but that's what I was into and I was really into it).  Nearby, there were some people behaving similar to what you mentioned and I was getting really upset. I mean, I had planned for this trip, saved money gotten the time off of work and looked forward to it for months, and here was someone who didn't seem to care that there was a band on stage playing a concert.  Young, long-haired peace lovin' dude that I was (with a Minnesota twist) I wasn't going to say anything.  But finally, I broke down and told the people politely that I had traveled a long way to be there and the it meant a lot to me and they quieted down and were very nice.  Still, it was awkward.  

--

Less awkward, but also annoying, asking someone to put away their cell phone and quit texting or twittering while you're trying to have a conversation with them, or at a show with them or during a movie.  Most awkward of all? Being that dude who's the one who's being told to knock it off.  Yep.  Like many things, I can see both sides of that one.