No. I think if the show is well-promoted and has a product that people want to pay for, they will show up. Most all-ages shows start around 7pm because they normally need to be done by 11pm; while 21+ and other age-restricted concerts rely on patrons buying alcohol - which means post-dinner and part of a bigger night out. If the show is something people want to see (provided they know about it) then they will make the effort.

I agree with Matt. If there are too many opening bands and it's a late show I think people are generally less inclined to go out. I find myself checking the clock constantly when I know I have to be to work the next morning.

I enjoy a bigger night out, but not a five-hour commitment if I have to get to work the next morning. I generally enjoy shows that are three bands or less, and start by nine on weekdays. I want to be able to focus on what I'm listening to.

It's nice to think people are loyal above all else, but I think the best way to promote music is to provide a quality package, and no matter how great the band is I still don't want the show to go on forever. I hate going to shows a half hour after posted start time and then waiting even longer for anything to start, or opening bands that take longer than a half hour for a set. I want to go to a show and leave wanting more, and not be too tired to have fun.

I have found it depends on the event.

The ideal weeknight show would start at 7, 8 at the latest, at a place where I could also get dinner. Perfect.

I definitely think it affects whether I turn out or turn in. And John, I'm so jealous of your trip to L.A. Fit me in your suitcase? Make sure you hit La Luz.

Matt is right, it's not about the start time; it's about the end time. If there are three or four bands playing, I'd prefer shows to start a little earlier to compensate. I'm the kind of guy who usually goes to shows regardless, but I'm also the guy yawning midway through the second band. I definitely know many people who miss shows for this exact reason, though, so I think this is a valid point.

Anyone here also suffer from "show back"?

If "show back" means that your back hurts as much as your head does from going out too many nights a week, then yes.

Funny you should ask that. I think it probably depends on who's playing and where. Also, maybe what night. People probably show up for stuff later on weekends, especially Saturday nights.

Case in point: I went to a place in Louisville this past Saturday called Rudyard Kipling's and the music (there were 4 bands schduled to play) was supposed to start at 8. But because there was only one other couple there when my friend and I showed up, they didn't even set up. We waited until 9:30, no one else cam ein and the bands were all hanging out in the back like they had nothing else to do. Obviously they were expecting people to show up a lot earlier than they did.

Well, this is a good point - a lot of times bands don't start until a crowd shows up. I can't say I blame the bands for doing this, so maybe the attendees have a responsibility to arrive in time to support the openers. Then again, most people don't want to sit through three openers just to hear the one band they're realling paying for, hence people not arriving until (hopefully) the openers have already played.

As for "show back", I don't have that. Instead I have bad work days because I'm so damn tired from the 3:00 am showtime the night before.

I used to suffer from "rock elbow" after Guided by Voices shows from throwing fists in the air.