gogo Posted May 21, 2009 Share Posted May 21, 2009 With littler kids, M.Chris is absolutely right, it's about understanding that being a parent may overshadow your own show-going experience. With older kids (I've taken my "tween" nieces to a couple of shows), I think it's a good opportunity for them to learn that sometimes adults are drunk, and sometimes they're assholes, and sometimes they're thoughtless. If the kids can learn to recognize those folks, keep out of their way as much as possible, and separate that issue from an otherwise cool experience, then I think they've learned some good life skills there. The girl with the asshole mom probably has bigger problems than any cool concert experience can fix. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RaspberryJam Posted May 22, 2009 Share Posted May 22, 2009 Exactly. Which is why I'm not only seeing Wilco with my kids from the back and probably not the entire concert; I'll be seeing them also without them so that I can enjoy the entire concert from the rails. With a beer. Or whatever else. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SeattleC Posted May 25, 2009 Share Posted May 25, 2009 I've had some good experiences over the years taking my kids to shows, but I've been pretty careful about which ones, and I never took them before age 10 or so except for dorky zoo concerts and such. Usually seated versus standing room ones, and definitely with regard to content. I'm not taking them to PJ Harvey next month, that's for sure. Never for Wilco though, partly out of my own selfish desire to enjoy the show without dealing with it. If you ask them, I'd bet they'd say the best shows were the Decemberists, Crowded House, and Calexico in smaller theater settings on several occasions. Earplugs are like bike helmets, and quieter acoustic shows are like rails to trails. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tinnitus photography Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 i just checked the local summer show here (in Lowell) and kids under 8 get in free. i might end up taking my 7 and 9 year old boys. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fatheadfred Posted May 26, 2009 Share Posted May 26, 2009 Earplugs are like bike helmets, and quieter acoustic shows are like rails to trails. Nothing better than leaving the helmet at home for a rail trail jaunt. Let your head breathe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
double A-ron Posted June 6, 2009 Share Posted June 6, 2009 Hey I used to smoke pot and get way f'd up at concerts. It is fine if you want to do that, got nuts. My point is that maybe it not something an 8 year old kid should be exposed too. That being said, you are a douche. You are the type of person I hate when I go to concerts, more concerned with how much beer you can drink or when your buddy is gonna stop bogarting that joint. You are probably load and screaming "Gun" after song. I know I was that guy, I was a douche. Then I realized that I didn't remember the show I was at and didn't enjoy myself at the show. I tried a show sober (or enough beers to be happy but not wasted) and I had a hell of a good time. Am I a hypocrite, probably. But I grew up, I realized I had more respect for others around me and the band then to get black out drunk at a show. Like I said it is fine if you smoke pot and drink at show, but for godsakes don't be that guy. Be respectful of everyone around you. We all paid 50 bucks to see Wilco not have you throw up on our shoes. The problem is that every pot smoker and drunk I know (and believe me I know a lot) are inherently selfish, but they think they are not. Sorry to go off, but you called me out A-ron. A. KevinG, I did call you out so you do have the right do give it backB. Your immature name calling was exactly what I was expecting from a parent, great role model you are...C. I was right, you are a hypocrite, an ex-smoker that has grown up, or rather the wife made you quit. No balls.D. If you did smoke (which I am doubting now), you'd know marijuana is nasaua-relieving, so I won't be puking on anyones shoes. Nor will I be binge drinking, just having a few. I hope you approve daddy. E. Talking to your kid at a Wilco show, don't be that guy. Be respectful of the others around you that paid for tickets to listen to Wilco. And leave your Iphone at home please, it obstucts my view. F. You are right, no 8 year old should be exposed to that, so leave them at home. G. All that being said, bring out the kiddies, they will love Wilco after you force it down their throat. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lovecontagious Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 No a Radiohead concert would be cruel. I don't think my daughter will *ever* forgive me for that one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tweedys_Neckard Posted June 13, 2009 Share Posted June 13, 2009 I took my 11 year old to the Cincinnati show last night. His first concert ever, I wanted it to be a Wilco show. He really had a fun time, and I would recommend it to other parents. Lots of people came up to us and asked if it was his first show with big smiles on their faces. After the set, the woman behind us asked if I had dropped a 10 spot which was on the ground. I said I had not, and she gave it to the boy, saying she wishes she could take her kids to Wilco shows, but they are too young. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jlb1705 Posted June 14, 2009 Share Posted June 14, 2009 My fiancee and I saw a couple babies/toddlers at the Cincy show. She asked why anybody would bring them to a show like that. My response? Wilco will love you "baby"! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisStipp Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 I'm taking my 6 year old to tomorrow's show in Tucson. I've been growing ever more nervous about her first concert being Hannah Montana. Just trying to make the memory so that when she's asked later in life "What was your first concert?" she can say, "Wilco." Question for the group: Does Jeff and company sign autographs after shows or are they pretty reclusive? Thanks... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 After the show. Either behind the venue, or look for the tour bus. Unless there's been a bad incident during a show (such as once in Springfield, MO when a drunken jerk jumped onstage and grabbed Jeff) I have never known the band to be reclusive, far from it! They are very generous with meeting the fans after a show and autographing things and even happily posing for pictures, so bring a camera. More than once I've seen Jeff notice a fan who seemed a little shy but was carrying a camera, and it was Jeff who spoke up and said, "Would you like a picture?". I've always thought that was so sweet of him to do that! They really do treat the fans right. Have a marvelous time with your daughter! Be sure to tell us your stories after. She's going to have a blast! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gogo Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 Question for the group: Does Jeff and company sign autographs after shows or are they pretty reclusive? Thanks...And Jeff loves kids! If he spots you and the young'un, you're a shoo-in to get a picture. (Did I already tell this story in this thread? I've lost track...) We took our nieces to a show a few years ago, when they were maybe 7 and 8, and got pictures after with everyone, they were all very sweet to the kids. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisStipp Posted June 18, 2009 Share Posted June 18, 2009 And Jeff loves kids! If he spots you and the young'un, you're a shoo-in to get a picture. (Did I already tell this story in this thread? I've lost track...) We took our nieces to a show a few years ago, when they were maybe 7 and 8, and got pictures after with everyone, they were all very sweet to the kids. Thanks for the information, I appreciate that. And I forgot to mention/ask: ear plugs. Are there kid sized plugs out there or will the ones I bought for me be good enough? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sandoz Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 there are kid-sized earplugs for kid-sized swimmers Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AJ673 Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I'm taking my 6 year old to tomorrow's show in Tucson. I've been growing ever more nervous about her first concert being Hannah Montana. Just trying to make the memory so that when she's asked later in life "What was your first concert?" she can say, "Wilco." This is a big reason why we decided to introduce our children to Wilco (and other music) at an early age. My 4 year old likes to listen to Disney stuff as well, but as her Uncle explained to her, "As long as you make the music your own", then that makes it a little bit more OK. That being said, any top-40, radio, teeny-booper stuff has been labelled "non-Daddy music" in my household, and can only be listened to when he is not there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jamseyb Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 I would absolutely love to take my 6 year old to a show. He has great taste in music already. Loves Neil, Wilco, Hayden, etc. I scored front row seats for the Lewiston show, and would be thrilled to take him, but I'm afraid of two things. First, he will get too tired and want to leave early, and second, no one should be treated to front row seats for their first show because nothing else will ever compare to being that close!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gogo Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 When my nephew was three, he got to sit in a luxury box at the Oakland Coliseum to see Paul McCartney. In the middle of the show, he turned to his auntie (not me, another auntie), and said "Kathy, did you know Paul McCartney is Paul from The Beatles?" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Serak_the_Preparer Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 As most have said - definately bring your kids to the show - it is a great way to make lasting memories with your kids! My son turned 1 year old this year and he has seen Andrew Bird, The New Pornographers, Brandi Carslile, Bon Iver, Cloud Cult, Brother Ali, Jake One and many other rappers at Sound Set 09 (local rap festival). All have been all ages, outdoor shows during the day. When he gets old enough to stay up late I will bring him to indoor shows too. As for hearing protection, we bough him a pair of kids ear muffs (Muffs on Amazon). Enjoy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sybilm Posted June 19, 2009 Share Posted June 19, 2009 there were kids in el paso. tweedy let one of them play his guitar during a song. crowd loved it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
brendap27 Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Just wanted to see what the general consensus is re: kids at a show...My 7-year old son has asked me a few times to take him with me when I go see Wilco...I am considering taking him to either the Wappingers Falls or Brooklyn shows in July since they are outside in a baseball stadium...Ear plugs for him are a given...I don't remember seeing a kid sighting at any of the past shows I've been to other than the Tweedy solo show in Beacon, NY. Check out the thread Wilco in Las Vegas 06/19/09 under After the Show. There were a few kids up front and one got a chance to even play Jeff's guitar. I don't think his parents regretted taking him to this show. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gogo Posted June 21, 2009 Share Posted June 21, 2009 Yeah, as soon as I get home, I'm going to post a picture from just after the Pomona show last night. Two happiest kids I've ever seen (maybe 7 and 8 years old), beaming ear to ear, well past midnight. Happy times! As promised: Check out kidsmoke's post in the Pomona thread for all the details. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lamradio Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I'm thinking of taking my kids (4 and 6) to their first Wilco show in Savannah GA. It seems like a nice seated theatre venue.. They both love music and Wilco and I think it will be good for them. Hey, I was six when I went to my first concert, and my little sister was 3! It might be wise to get balcony seats since most people will be seated, allowing the little one's a view of the show. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kidsmoke Posted May 25, 2010 Share Posted May 25, 2010 So we're taking Maddie (6 ys old) to the show in South Bend and she's excited. The question is -- noise reducing ear muffs or ear plugs? Drugstore.com has ear plugs that can be used on airplanes, they reduce noise by like 20 db. I want her to hear the music, just don't want her to go deaf. Suggestions? Children's earplugs are good. There are some soft silicone types my kids liked...they didn't hurt or totally block out the music. I don't know a brand name though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jewess_jeans Posted May 26, 2010 Share Posted May 26, 2010 I grew up w/music biz parents, and basically spent my youth at Dead shows...my first show was as a little baby @ a Stones show. It's a wonderful, special experience for kids...and they'll always have a great story to tell! But, one thing, I'm 32, always wore earplugs as a kid, and I can't hear a damn thing any more! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HeatherBlue Posted September 18, 2022 Share Posted September 18, 2022 Whoa, many years later, and I'm searching the internet, with my troubling question: "Should I bring my 7-yr old to the Wilco concert next week??" And I'm driving my husband bonkers going back and forth on it. We have great tickets, it's an outdoor venue, but she can be sensitive to loud sounds/noises, and we're in the 5th row. Am I nuts to even consider bringing her? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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