Do too many empty seats make for a worse show?

[doctorpeligro]

I'm debating between getting tickets for L.A. and San Diego, and I am discouraged by the abundance of unsold tickets for the San Diego show.  I once went to a U2 show where the place was half empty (a show at Qualcomm Stadium), and it seemed to affect the band's performance.  As a result of that experience, I'm leaning toward getting tickets to the show at L.A.'s Greek, which looks like it actually may sell out by September.

Thoughts?

[TheBigChicken]

what instruments will the seats be playing :-/

[YouAre_GivenToFly]

This is my fear for the New Years Eve show. I really have a hard time imagining them selling out the garden.

[shockadow]

I think the reaction of the band depends on the musicians.  One thing to think about is the acoustics associated with a half full show usually suck.  We saw Catpower play on Sunday night and unfortunately, The Cure were playing across the street.  The overlap in genres caused the Tabernacle to be about 1/3 full and the whole show was echoey and mostly unlistenable.  I know the sound in the Tabernacle leaves alot to be desired but those extra bodies absorb sounds and when they aren't there, it sounds like a airplane hanger.

[TEO]

Don't even worry about it. The Jacket are gonna' bring game to EVERY performance!

[Nectar502001]

NO.

In fact, it's pretty nice to see a show where there are no lines for beer, bathroom, merch, parking, etc.

I've seen my fair share of bands unleash some wickedness in non-soldout venues.   My guess is the band (any band) feels less pressure to deliver a perfectly executed set and instead concentrates on trying some new things, improv-ing a bit more, and letting it all hang out.

Go to empty shows while you can.

And while you are at it, hit as many shows as you can.  You will not regret it.

[bold99]

I once saw MMJ in Portland, ME....Tommy got sick the night before in Boston and only came out for the encore in his hospital scrubs....it was aweful weather and in winter which in Portland means the place is dead....there were maybe 150 at the show and Jim comes out and explains the Tommy thing and is like "We are ready to F#$#ING rock tonight" and they did....they bring it every show...does not matter.

[tbw]

I once saw MMJ in Portland, ME....Tommy got sick the night before in Boston and only came out for the encore in his hospital scrubs....it was aweful weather and in winter which in Portland means the place is dead....there were maybe 150 at the show and Jim comes out and explains the Tommy thing and is like "We are ready to F#$#ING rock tonight" and they did....they bring it every show...does not matter.

That's awesome....(not that someone was sick)... but...what a great memory.

[bold99]

I once saw MMJ in Portland, ME....Tommy got sick the night before in Boston and only came out for the encore in his hospital scrubs....it was aweful weather and in winter which in Portland means the place is dead....there were maybe 150 at the show and Jim comes out and explains the Tommy thing and is like "We are ready to F#$#ING rock tonight" and they did....they bring it every show...does not matter.

That's awesome....(not that someone was sick)... but...what a great memory.

it was great....we heard them soundchecking from our hotel across the street which was also cool...but I guess Tommy ate some seafood in boston the night before...I went to the Boston show which also rocked..and then on to Portland...it was weird seeing them with no bass player...but Jim did a few cool solo covers.

[Love Dogg]

This is my fear for the New Years Eve show. I really have a hard time imagining them selling out the garden.

Are you kidding?!!!  Every celebrity who is not hosting their own party will be there.  It's just like George Jung (Blow) said about cocaine in the eighties..."If celebrities are doing it, everybody is doing it."  Not to mention the fact that MMJ has a reputation, now for bringing in the new year with a blast.  If you can go...get tickets.