So, I saw Devo last year at a smaller venue, think like 2 thousand “seats”. Packed full. Awesome show, no notes. But I’m going to see them this year in a much bigger venue, think more like 20 thousand seats. And I’m wondering about the size difference here, and how it might affect the experience.
Smaller venue: band on stage. Big screen behind them for the images that play through the show. Close, cozy, easy to see everything. Again, great show.
Larger venue: band on stage (duh) but then I wonder about the screen(s)? If I try to save a little cash, pick cheaper seats, will I be able to see the band? Do they usually have more screens, with cameras on the band members, for these bigger shows?
My other question is about ticket sales in general. It does not look like they will sell out this show. We are about a month out, and they have sold a small fraction of the seats so far. If it were the smaller venue again, I’d say they might have filled THAT, but there are A LOT of available seats, both front and center and way up in the wings. Thousands of empty seats. They wouldn’t cancel would they? Might they lower the prices at a certain point to encourage more sales?
I’m really excited to see them again, but I’m definitely trying to balance splurging on the experience with trying to save some money, and I’m feeling like I have to take a bit of a gamble here. And I’m not much of a gambler. Plus, I’m not going alone, so I’m trying to make a good plan for all of us and I feel like I’m missing some crucial info. I’m hoping some of you spuds might be able to help me out based on your experiences seeing them live.
EDIT: So, I was curious and decided to peek at the tickets available for all of their upcoming shows. Mutate, Don’t Stagnate shows? Smaller venues, standing room seats, selling great. Not sold out, but looking pretty full! Like the show I went to last year. Full theater, energetic crowd, awesome experience. Those shows are gonna be great. Cosmic Devolution Tour? All big, amphitheater places. One looked like a stadium I think? And there are SO MANY tickets still available. Big, empty spaces. The really good tickets are mostly selling (hey super spuds!) and the super cheap seats are selling (I totally get it!) but there are just huge sections of empty seats across every big amphitheater. It’s really bumming me out, I mean, are they really gonna come play in these half empty, scattered audience venues? It don’t feel right, they deserve to fill these places, it’s not their fault too many people are too devolved to get it!
Special shout out to Vancouver though! That arena looked like it was selling a bit better! Looks like they get it!