Volume Levels at Concerts

[T.G.]

I've been fortunate to have been able to attend several Lightfoot concerts and enjoyed them very much. Seeing this living legend still performing has been a real treat, in this era when the calibre of music has been reaching what is probably an all-time low. The only beef I have with Lightfoot's shows in recent years, though, is that the volume level of the house speakers at his concerts is far too low. Although of course his music doesn't call for ear-splitting levels by any stretch, I've often had difficulty hearing what he is saying between songs and even some of the nuances of the music get lost. Is this just something I've noticed or does anyone else feel the amps need to be turned up a bit?? I recall listening to a bootleg from the 1970s where he called on the sound technician to turn up the volume because it wasn't filling the audience area. Maybe that's needed again!

[Minstrel Man]

I'd agree that volume levels are too low. I'd like it to be "a tad" louder. I love to soak in the sounds. I noticed that in Massey Hall in May (21st) that I didn't even realize that the band had started playing for the first few bars of "Never Too Close." The audience drowned out the music. I do not remember that phenomenon in the 70's. When he came out to play "If It Should Please You", I could hear the lovely sounds of the opening "jangle of the strings" clearly. I'm not sure who makes the decisions about the house volume.

I know GL has stated that he doesn't want the sound too loud, but he needs to remember--his audience is getting older!

[Glenmark]

I went to the Reno show on the 15th, and I agree that it could have been louder, but there were also songs on which it seemed that GL was a bit too far away from the microphone for the decibel level of his voice. The danger of turning up the mic though is feedback, so I suppose another possibility is to steal a page from JJ Cale and sing softly but eat the mic. All in all I loved the concert (except that it was too short!), and I know all the words to his songs anyway, but my wife (who wasn't a fan before but is now) complained that it was difficult on several songs to make out the lyrics.

[Dan O'Malley]

I Had a decent seat seven rows back from the stage at Massey Hall, but the sound was better the night before in the restricted view seats! It was a struggle to hear Gord at times, particularly when he spoke.

[charlene]

Much of what Gord says in between songs is his free-form thinking out loud and he never really seems to make sure he speaks into the microphone so even if the levels were up much of what he says wouldn't be heard. I was front row/centre-6 feet away at Massey and missed some things he said as he wandered around...even when he was right in front of me near Mike H.I couldn'thear him. I like the level as it is because I don't like loud music. The beginnings of some songs start before the applause/chatter dies down but that isn't a sound level problem as far as I'm concerned...if they yanked it way up to be heard above that noise it would be way too loud when it stops.
Char

[Borderstone]

As far as concerts in general go,I really don't like it too loud. When I saw Gordon in 2002,I felt the level was just right. Since his is a small ensemble,i really don't see a need for "more" than they already have.

Besides,i attended enough "really loud' concerts in my teens & 20's and that was quite enough!

Bryan Adams
U2 (at ASU's SunDevil Stadium)
Bon Jovi (& other loud opening acts)
Slaughter (not much talent but loud & screachy!)
KISS (several times and other loud acts)
Ozzy Osbourne & Co.

I'll take Gord at "ear" level thank you.

[Chris Castleberry]

I dont usually like the noise level to be too loud, but I'd rather it be loud than not be able to hear it all due to a noisy audience.

[Long River]

I thought it was me having trouble hearing what he says between songs. Does anyone think that sometimes the drums are a little too loud and overpowering? As much as I like drums, it seemed that on a few songs they were a little too dominant over Gord's voice.

[T.G.]

Perhaps this info can be passed on to Lightfoot's sound man? LOL It seems turning up the amps a tad is in order. I have trouble hearing his music and talk even when the crowd is quiet. That was especially the case at his "comeback" gig in Hamilton last November. Even on the bootleg, it was a bit difficult to hear some of the nuances in the music.

[Molly]

I would like it turned up a bit, sometimes the only reason I know what he is saying is because I know the song. I never hear what he says in between songs whether he is at the mic or not.

[BILLW]

Although I've given this a lot of thought and I can see both sides... if I had a vote I would tell them to tone down the drums, and I love drums, and turn up everything else. I've sat in a few different spots over the last 12 months and it all would have been a little better if it was a little louder.

Bill