encore! encore!!

From dictionary.com:
en·core (nkôr, -kr) n.
A demand by an audience for an additional performance, usually expressed by applause.
An additional performance in response to the demand of an audience.

One night in a smoky bar in Michigan, I don't remember which because I've been to too many bars on too many nights, the Atomic Numbers played an amazing set in front of an enthusiastic and loving crowd. When they finished playing, they left the stage, probably to find cocktails. The crowd was not ready to accept the end of the rock and roll. They screamed and cheered and clapped for minutes. Finally, the band realized they needed to play an encore and got their skinny asses back on the stage. They had sheepish grins as they picked up their instruments and admitted they had never played an encore before, let alone had a crowd that demanded one. Since they had already played their set list, they had to take a minute to figure out what songs they would play next. They continued to rock out until the bar told them they had to stop because it was closing time. An amazing night to be had by all. Encores are such fun!

Last night Jesse, Joel, Amanda, Julie and I went to Michigan Theater to see Elvis Costello and The Imposters. It was the 5th time I had seen Elvis Costello in concert. I thought it was the 6th, but Joel said nope, it was the 5th. And he would know because we've always gone together. The performance last night was too wonderful to describe. The best part is that they played for about 2 hours straight. And when they were done, they were done. No encores. Encores suck!

Encores seemed to have evolved into demeaning begging sessions. I believe artists/musicians plan to play shorter sets because they assume when they leave the stage, the crowd will go wild and will scream and cheer and clap for their return and then when the artist/musician returns to the stage, the crowd will scream and cheer and clap even louder. I, however, do not wish to pay $50 for a ticket (not including the Ticketmaster-whore fee) and then have to beg, by screaming, cheering and clapping, for my money's worth.

So thank you Elvis, for making me feel like you gave me everything you had and not making me feed your ego by making me beg for it. Let's go back to the old days of Atomic Numbers shows. There's nothing more exhilerating than a band that plays their asses off (anyone seen Zach's anywhere?) and then is humbled (real humbled, not fake "Oh thank you so much you guys are so great now let me continue on my encore itinerary I will play two more songs and exit the stage at which time you will throw yourselves at my feet when I return and play again right on schedule oh thank you thank you thank you I have the best fans in the world" humbled) by the crowd wanting more.

That's just what I think.