The next best thing to being in the band is being with the band.  The other night I was at a concert and I was in the front row.  The front row. Close enough to be with the band.

At one point or another, we've all wanted to be in the front row. If the concert means something to me, I need to be in the front row.  I want to be able to see the interaction between the band members; to see the "nods" when someone calls out for the song to end or a chord change; to see the emotion with that they are playing with (or disinterest which unfortunately is sometimes the case); the reaction to the crowd; to be part of those first few feet of "response".

That is my role in the band when I am in the font row...to respond and give them something to feed off of.  It is my way of giving back to the band and giving to the performance.  That is what you do as a fan, you respond to what is being played.  This plays out best in a small club or theatre where there is arms-length distance. But, not all front row'ers are like minded.  For instance, if this is a big legacy act like Bruce or the Stones, the front row could be filled with "suits" or "one-timers" or "gift-ers" (i.e., they got the tix as comps).  You are not going to get the same reaction from the front row with these types.  If it is a club show and it is general admission, you can bet that the front row crowd is filled with true believers ready to give back to the band.

My point is that the front row exists and not just at concerts. Anyone can make their way to the front row if it means that much to them. If you don't care that much, fall back into the crowd, don't hold a spot that someone else may desperately being trying to get to.  If you aren't passionate about it, why do it?  Your time and energy could be best used elsewhere.

If you aren't in the front row, and you want to be, get there.  The front row is where it all happens. If you care, you're there. And those on the other side will know it.
_____

I left that show feeling great; I felt a sense of accomplishment. I went to see Booker T. Jones, a true legend of American music and one of my favourites. This was no oldies act.  He is on top of his game.  He said he just recently "found his sound".  Just recently?!?  This is Booker T of Booker T & The MGs...the guys responsible for one of the most recognisable sounds in American music...they were the Stax house band!  They did "Green Onions" and "Time is Tight". They played on all of Otis Redding's cuts, too (!).  And now Booker T says he has found his sound? 

He was still trying to make it to his own front row. You should have seen him...leading the band, playing those sweeping Hammond B3 licks...he was on top of it all.  He was down deep in the groove and loving it. I was giving it right back to him. The calls of "Boooker Tee!".  The approving glances. Yep, I was doing my part. I even got an autograph at the end of the show. Sweet.

He is touring with the Drive-ByTruckers (a damn good band in their own right) and they backed him up Booker T on his latest album, Potato Hole. Go check 'em out if you have the chance.

What's your front row story?