I like concerts. I don't go to many because I'm old and cranky and hate parking at the amphished here in Indy. With the advent of iTunes and P2P before that, concerts have been popping up on the web just hours after the show happened. I'm also reading that some acts (Barenaked Ladies, Guster) are selling downloads of the shows on an official, high quality basis.

If it goes more or less straight to the artist, it's gold. I'd more than likely buy it if it's a good show. I'd kill for a copy of the recent Prince show. I'd be interested in some shows that I just won't put up with going to for one reason or another.

One of my more interesting experiences was a couple years back. Guster opened for BNL and near the end, the lead singer said "we'll be having nachos in Section 7." I thought it was a joke I didn't get, but when I went looking for a bathroom, I passed Section 7 and there was the band and a small group of obviously big fans eating nachos.

A guy walked up, handed the guitarist a twenty and said "thanks." The guitarist looked up and said "Napster?" The guy nodded, said thanks again, and walked away.

I've heard all the arguments for why record companies are needed and that they lose money on many artists. I'd still love for technology to free artists. Apple's leading the way with iTunes and Garage Band, while DJs are mixing and mashing all over. (DJ Danger Mouse may have one of the best albums of the year and he's just a guy in his bedroom cutting up Beatles sounds.) I'll support artists as much as I can, but I'd rather hand the money to them over nachos.

Now, would someone tell Apple that I miss liner notes? That has to be fixable.