Rock concert

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Members of the Grateful Dead perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on August 11, 1987. Jerry-Mickey at Red Rocks taken 08-11-87.jpg
Members of the Grateful Dead perform at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado on August 11, 1987.
Metallica while performing in London, December 19, 2003. Metallica live London 2003-12-19 (cropped).jpg
Metallica while performing in London, December 19, 2003.

A rock concert is a performance of rock music. [1]

During the 1950s, several American musical groups experimented with new musical forms that fused country music, blues, and swing genre to produce the earliest examples of "rock and roll." The coining of the phrase, "rock and roll," is often attributed to American, Alan Freed, a disk jockey and concert promoter who organized many of the first major rock concerts. Since then, the rock concert has become a staple of entertainment not only in the United States, but around the world.

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Bill Graham is widely credited with setting the format and standards for modern rock concerts. He introduced advance ticketing (and later computerized, online tickets), introduced modern security measures (a reaction to the deaths at the Altamont concert) and had clean toilets and safe conditions in large venues.[ citation needed ]

Rock concerts are often associated with certain kinds of behavior. Dancing, shouting, singing along with the band, and ostentatious displays by the musicians are common, though some very successful rock bands have avoided gratuitous flash in favor of understated performances focusing on the music itself. Even so, rock concerts often have a playful atmosphere both for the band and the audience.

Like rock music in general, rock concerts are emblematic of American culture's waning formality. Such concerts were crucial to the formation of youth identity in the U.S. during a time of social revolution, and have continued to represent elements of society frequently seen as "rebellious," especially against the strictures of mid-twentieth-century social normativities. One of the best-known rock concerts was undoubtedly Woodstock, and millions of much smaller rock concerts go on every year.

The largest rock concert in history was the one Rod Stewart gave on New Year's Eve 1993-94 on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro. It was estimated that 4.2 million people attended it, although this figure is believed to include those who turned up solely for the fireworks display at midnight. [2]

Health concerns

Inside view of Ruca Che arena in Neuquen, Argentina, during a rock concert. Interior del estadio Ruca Che.JPG
Inside view of Ruca Che arena in Neuquén, Argentina, during a rock concert.

Rock concerts are often performed at very high decibel levels. Prolonged exposure to noise at these levels can permanently damage the bones of the middle ear and the nerves of the inner ear. Thus health officials recommend that concertgoers use earplugs. [3] Since the 1960s, many musicians have worn earplugs at concerts, and some concert promoters actually give out free earplugs.

For concerts that are held in venues not specifically designed for such events, the large amounts of electricity required for operating the amplifiers, lights, and other pieces of concert equipment are typically provided by portable diesel-powered generators, which are often located very close to the event. The widespread use of such generators is common both for indoor events (such as in a large arena or roofed stadium) or outdoor events (e.g. a stadium or an open area with a temporary stage). Regardless of exactly where the generators are placed, these units emit carcinogenic ultrafine particulates (UFPs) and other pollutants directly into the ambient air. Unless specific precautions are taken (such as placing the gensets very far away and using extra-long connection cables or installing extremely long power-operated exhaust ducts, and/or using wet scrubbers, while also taking into account ambient air currents, winds, and other local factors), the genset emissions are likely to become mixed into the air that is inhaled by concert attendees as well as the musicians and staff and other individuals in the area. Using non-diesel-based alternative power provisions, for example connecting the event equipment directly to the power grid, or using solar panels (along with storage batteries), can enable the entire event to bypass the ambient air quality concerns. [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Concert</span> Live performance of music

A concert is a live music performance in front of an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band. Concerts are held in a wide variety and size of settings, from private houses and small nightclubs, dedicated concert halls, amphitheatres and parks, to large multipurpose buildings, such as arenas and stadiums. Indoor concerts held in the largest venues are sometimes called arena concerts or amphitheatre concerts. Informal names for a concert include show and gig.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Instrument amplifier</span> Speaker and anplifier for use with musical instruments

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rhythm section</span> Group of musicians within a music ensemble or band

A rhythm section is a group of musicians within a music ensemble or band that provides the underlying rhythm, harmony and pulse of the accompaniment, providing a rhythmic and harmonic reference and "beat" for the rest of the band. The rhythm section is often contrasted with the roles of other musicians in the band, such as the lead guitarist or lead vocals whose primary job is to carry the melody.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sound reinforcement system</span> Amplified sound system for public events

A sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers in enclosures all controlled by a mixing console that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or more distant audience. In many situations, a sound reinforcement system is also used to enhance or alter the sound of the sources on the stage, typically by using electronic effects, such as reverb, as opposed to simply amplifying the sources unaltered.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earplug</span> Device to protect ears from loud noises

An earplug is a device that is inserted in the ear canal to protect the user's ears from loud noises, intrusion of water, foreign bodies, dust or excessive wind. Since they reduce the sound volume, earplugs may prevent hearing loss and tinnitus, in some causes.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music venue</span> Any location used for a concert or musical performance

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diesel generator</span> Combination of a diesel engine with an electrical generator

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour</span> 1989–90 concert tour by The Rolling Stones

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stage monitor system</span> Sound reinforcement for performers

A stage monitor system is a set of performer-facing loudspeakers called monitor speakers, stage monitors, floor monitors, wedges, or foldbacks on stage during live music performances in which a sound reinforcement system is used to amplify a performance for the audience. The monitor system allows musicians to hear themselves and fellow band members clearly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jam band</span> Musical group whose live albums and concerts relate to a unique fan culture

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Peter Shapiro is an American club owner, concert promoter, filmmaker, magazine publisher, author and entrepreneur from New York City. He is widely known as the promoter for Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead, the Grateful Dead's 50th anniversary "final shows". Shapiro first gained renown through two films that screened at the Sundance Film Festival: Tie-Died: Rock 'n Roll's Most Deadicated Fans (1995) and American Road (1997). He has gone on to produce numerous other projects including U2 3D (2007) and All Access: Front Row. Backstage. Live! (2001). The Producers Guild of America identified him as one of “The Digital 25: Visionaries, Innovators and Producers of 2009.” On June 8, 2016, Shapiro was honored at the annual gala of the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival.

References

  1. "Rock concert Definition". vocabulary.com. Retrieved October 8, 2022.
  2. "Largest free rock concert attendance". Guiness World Records. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  3. Reducing Risks at Rock Concerts?
  4. "UK Events and Diesel Use:responding to A Public Health Emergency" (PDF). A Greener Festival. Retrieved 2021-11-09.