And it wasn’t the fault of the Cult. They were quite good, even though they started 90 minutes late. It wasn’t my husband’s fault either. It wasn’t even the venues wheelchair section that affords the best view in the place… if only the people seated in every row in front of me weren’t standing through the whole show, or at least as much as we stayed for. There’s really no way I can put the way I felt, sitting there in my wheelchair, watching people who were older than me , I’m 59 and who should have sat down during the first 40 minutes at least for half a song. By the time the Cult played an instrumental version of my favorite song, Edie, I felt like I just shouldn’t exist at all. I lasted through the next song, Sweet Soul Sister, and then I couldn’t take it anymore, so I shouted into hubby’s ear and asked if we could go. Thankfully, he understood, and we left.
I’ve been to many shows in the theater and have never had the same issue. Of course, they were comedy, drag shows, or ballets. I guess I won’t be enjoying live music again, and that’s really a shame .
That’s really unfortunate.
I have never seen The Cult.
But don’t write off concert going entirely.
Did they play She sells sanctuary?
Probably, but not before we left. I haven’t written off concerts yet. There are 2 venues at which the experience is still fully enjoyable nearby. And the venue has been terrific in the past for other types of shows so I will continue going to the venue, just never for a rock band again. Who knew that the over 60 crowd was going to have that much energy.
Perhaps a call could be made to the venue management prior to the next gig?
Certainly a call to those at the Cult show, if only to alert them of the difficulties you experienced.
I’m 66 and I think I might have a hard job sitting still at any high energy gig!
No need for dwelling, I will simply attend other things at this theater and save the rock concerts for other venues in my area.
That stinks. I was hoping you were going to have a stellar experience. 😢
So was I. Especially as I’m familiar with the venues and how good they’ve been in the past. It honestly didn’t occur to me as a possibility, which means that I didn’t entirely think it through. Just sucks that it was a 150 dollar lesson.
This is gut-wrenching, and I’m really sad about your experience, sad and frustrated at what seems to be a worsening problem. Maybe I’m just more aware of it with age. I wish venues wouldn’t place wheelchair users anywhere with potential for this. It’s uncalled for and demoralizing, and then there’s Madonna, who diminished a stunning public humiliation of a disabled fan by calling her ableist demands “politically incorrect.”
I had forgotten all about Edie, and I’m really glad you mentioned it. Around four months ago I was feeling nostalgic and listened to some of the album, but didn’t get the chance to listen to Edie. It was a favorite, so poetic and tragic. Over three decades later this lyric brings goosebumps, “Oh stars wrapped in your hair, Edie…” Sonic Temple was a well-worn cassette tape in the black, rectangular zippered case in my car, and Sweet Soul Sister was another favorite.
I wonder if you could pre-plan your next concert by asking for a better accommodation. Standing at concerts seems to be the norm today even when there are seats, and it’s really unfortunate. The world is full of ableist jerks and disability abuse, but I’m trying not to give up altogether. The Barbie movie was the first I’d seen in a few years, but it was unbearably loud for my daughter and me. The volume felt like an earthquake shaking my entire body as soon as the trailers began, but as is the norm when I kindly asked for a volume decrease, “It isn’t that loud to me………” In my 20s I had no filter. “Maybe you should clean your ears once in a while.”
it would be nice to imagine a society where decisions weren’t made without first consulting the people most affected by poor planning and design. “Nothing about us without us” (not my original quote).
On that note, thank you for sharing this post. 🤘🎸
Thank you, Dana,for this response. It’s nice to know that others can relate. Get enough of us together, raising our voices and things will change.
Agreed! I really do envision a less ableist society. Language evolves, things change as we know more. Self-advocacy and gently correcting others is scary for me, but I don’t do or say all the right things, either. I would rather have feedback from others than potentially offend or hurt someone, even if it stings a little. Thank you again for sharing this experience.
😊
Something the venue should have thought of when planning wheelchair seating.
To be fair, the venue, a small theater, has been fantastic for wheelchairs in every other show I’ve seen there in the past. Perhaps they just don’t book rock shows going forward, but that’s just unfair to everyone else. I can’t expect that everyone should change the way they enjoy their concert experiences just because there’s literally one person who is made to be disappointed by the experience. Now I know not to see that type of show at this venue. Thankfully, there are 2 other venues that host bands with well thought out sections for disabled patrons nearby. Unfortunately the Cult wasn’t playing at those venues.
Live and learn, eh? I get to say this ALL THE DAMN TIME!! 😆
Right?!