I Hate Concert Sing-Alongs

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I hate concert sing-alongs. I hate participating in them. I hate watching them. I especially hate listening to them. They're a waste of time, but have somehow become an important section of too many shows by even artists with minor hits (or even worse, none at all); the thought being, your show really isn't all that successful if you don't have some audience participation.

Well, let me ask you; Where is it written in the book of band rules that the audience has to sing along with you? Let me help you - it's not there.

Don't get me wrong, there's nothing better than audience participation........when it's voluntary. But when an artist extorts the crowd to sing along, sorry, that's just wrong.

First of all, as an audience member (either live or watching on television or a video), I'm watching and listening to the artist. When an artist asks the audience to sing along we suddenly go from exciting to boring. It's a real showstopper, especially if you're just listening. I want to hear the artist at his or her best, not listen to a bunch of tone-deaf audience members while the artist just stands there feigning interest.

Even though I love the HD concert channel Palladia, I can guarantee that I'll turn the channel the next time there's a sing-along when every camera in the house is on the audience. I could care less that they're singing along. I didn't tune in to watch them. When I'm at the concert, I didn't pay good money to listen to them. I don't much care if they're into a song so much that they'll sing along (which can be really cool, and powerful), I just don't want the artist to stop singing or playing while they do.

And please, don't ask me to sing along if I don't want to. I'll happily join in if I'm into, but don't make me feel like I'm back in grade school, required to follow the teacher. I'm here to enjoy what you do, so do it and don't ask me or anyone else to help.

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