Concerts of the past vs. concerts of the present.

[xoxoxoBruce]

the energy I feel at their concert is so vibrant and contageous.

That come as much from the crowd as from the stage. When the crowd is there to see/hear the band rather than to be seen at the "in" event of the week/month/season then the energy level cranks up exponentialy. When everything is right, it's incredible.
Sometimes I feel sorry for an opening band. Captain Beefheart played his ass off when he finally got a chance to play the Spectrum. When he was done, about 3 out of 20,000 people applauded. So he says into the mike "Whatsa matter, Dincha like it" and half of the 20k screamed "No, we want Tull"
Then again JoJo Gunn opened and stole the damn show from the featured band. :p