University of Virginia Library

Listen First

At U Hall in 1969, Janis Joplin
could feel the shallowness of such
false exuberance. A "moved"
audience does not drown out the
performer or cause someone like
Miss Joplin to throw down her
microphone in disgust.

And, while classical-music
concerts are not always sterling
examples of audience expression,
they at least allow the paying
patrons to enjoy and receive the
full benefits of the performance
without overt hindrance by a
circus-parade of Frisbees, booze,
dope, and uncaged animals from a
college zoo.

I want to enjoy rock music
concerts. I, too, may become
excited by the music-after all,
that's what rock-and-roll is all about.
But I somehow feet cheated if I
don't get the chance to listen first.