Neff Zone Column -- September 26, 2009

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Print Edition: September 26, 2009

Note: To read about how the concert turned out, go to www.neffzone.com/kiss/mrspeedconcert.htm

TIME TO ROCK AND ROLL

Well, the day is finally here. Tonight, Cadillac High School will once again reverberate with the sounds of rock and roll as the nationally acclaimed band Mr. Speed fires up its full blast tribute to KISS. It’s going to be a big, booming, memory-maker of a show and I, for one, can’t wait.

During the planning and production of this concert it came to my attention that many Cadillac residents have never been to a big rock and roll show. In fact, I had the chance to speak with many CHS students who told me this would be their first concert.

I’ve been going to rock concerts since I was ten years old (the headliners were Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis), so perhaps I have the expertise to offer a bit of a concert primer. The key here is that if everyone gets into the spirit of the event all of us will have a maximum of fun.

TICKETS: There are $12 advance tickets available at McGuire’s, Toy Town, The Music Station, the UPS Store and Thirsty’s. These locations will sell their stock of tickets until 2:00 P.M. today (Saturday) unless they run out sooner. After that, tickets (if available) will be $20 at the door.

DOORS OPEN: The doors will open at 7:20 P.M. tonight and the concert will begin at 8:00 P.M. There’s no opening act, although we do have something special planned to start the show. We’ve done this so there’s no lag time during the evening. When things get cranked up at 8 o’clock be ready to rock for two-and-a-half hours straight, no holds barred.

SEATING: All seats are general admission, but there is no need to get goofy about this. Every seat in the CHS auditorium is a good seat with great sight lines. If these seats (even the ones in back) were in a place like The Palace of Auburn Hills, every seat would be considered "up front" and would command a premium price. Wherever you sit you’ll be able to see and hear everything.

That said, this is a rock and roll show and some people like to stand in front of the stage at rock and roll shows. I know that. If you’re one of these people, please sit in one of the front rows so if you move up to stand in front of the stage you won’t be in anyone’s way. It’s very poor behavior to sit in back and then run up to the stage when the show begins; and never clog up the aisles.

If you want to sit during the show, or if you have children with you, I suggest sitting half way back or higher. You’ll have a better sight line directly to the stage, you’ll be able to see over people below, and the sound is actually better a little farther back.

If you stand up in the seated area, please look behind you. There may be people who would rather watch what’s happening on stage, as opposed to watching your behind gyrate. Have some common courtesy and stay seated. "Down in front" is still a good policy.

LOUDNESS: I have a tee shirt that says: "If it’s too loud, you’re too old." Rock concerts are loud and, no, were not turning the amps down. I’m talking "stand under a jet engine" loud; "melt the batteries in your pace maker" loud. If you don’t want your head to ring for three days after the concert (which I sort of enjoy), please consider wearing ear plugs or putting cotton in your ear to dampen the sound,; absolutely do this for children.

ENCORES: It’s customary for a band to do encores and in the "olden days" people would hold up their lighters as a signal they wanted the band to play more. These days it’s safety first; we don’t want anyone playing with fire. Hold up your lighted cell phones if you want an encore.

AFTER THE SHOW: Mr. Speed is great with fans, especially kids. After the show they’ll be available to sign autographs and pose for pictures. Bring your camera.

THANK THE WORKERS AND SPONSORS: As you enter the auditorium and watch the show you should know that every person working at the event has graciously purchased a ticket. That’s right, they’re not only giving their time but are also supporting the Viking Boosters by buying a ticket. This includes the staff at the door, the security team, the road crew and everyone working on stage and behind the scenes. Even the sponsors purchased their own tickets: McGuire’s Resort, the Cadillac News, The Office of Attorney Bill Barnett, and Freelancer Productions. Because of the efforts of these wonderful people, all the proceeds from this event will go to the Viking Boosters to support programs for Cadillac students and athletes.

That’s it for now. I’ll see you tonight. When you hear, "Awwwwwright Cadillac, you wanted the best and you got the best…" it will be time to rock. Enjoy the show.

Jim Neff is a local columnist. Comments to neffzone@gmail.com. Read Neff Zone columns online at www.neffzone.com/cadillacnews.