In Alyson Camus’ review of Laura Marling at El Rey, Aly opines Laura is wrong not perform an encore. My sentiments are ENTIRELY with Laura in this case.
The encore is a waste of time.
It is a pathetic ritual in which the audience humours the musicians into believing we don’t know that, in fact, the house lights are still dimmed and they will be back after they take a pee and a coupla lines.
In theory, the encore is a tribute to a stupendous performance. The audience simply won’t leave without more.
But in practise it has nothing to do with anything. It doesn’t add passion or interestes to either band or audience.
Most bands are having OK nights when they play. Like any of others. Occassionally the stars align right and everything catches fire.
How do you show your apprciation of one over the other if the encore doesn’t mean a damn thing???
Plus, I’d rather go home 15 minutes early than sit on my hands in this ridiculous ritual.
So, Alyson, good for Laura and let’s kill the encore now. When the concert is over, get up and leave. That’ll show em.