Concerts at the New Stadium

[spursfan77]

This picture was on my Telegram Spurs Chat

Think its G&R's View attachment 113839

That’s awesome

 

[Delboy75]

Ok.
So. Here we go. My assessment of last nights gig:

I watched/listened from two different spots. Block 530 and then pitch level underneath block 530.

Up in the gods, the sound was a bit unintelligible. Vocals got a bit lost. The bass and subs carried pretty well. Wind also played a part.

There is an echo/long RT60 time in the stadium. It was quite distracting at my initial spot. Everything sounded like it had a bit of a slap back delay on it.
This isn’t the stadiums fault. Nor is it GNR’s FOH crews fault. It’s simple physics playing its part in a big venue.

The music played at games is a different beast because the stadium has small line arrays dotted around the perimeter of the roof. Therefore lots fewer late reflections due to the decreased distance between the speaker and the audience. This would be perceived as less “reverby” and more intelligible/defined.

Consider that the stage has a large line array system pumping sound into the bowl from one end. It’s only natural that it’s going to bounce around the south stand and be somewhat kept in by the roof, too.

For crowd sounds, it’s very cool. It makes the sound more “massive” and intimidating. For concert sound it is problematic because of smearing, cancellation, and reduction in definition.

As for GNR, nowadays it’s a myth that they’re on late every night. They’re not. The set was shortened a bit last night, as Axl even admitted that he was struggling (something I’ve never heard him say) but just two weeks ago they were still banging out mammoth 3.5 hr sets.

The sound closer to pitch level was improved. I’d imagine if you were closer to the source and in the semi-circle at the front, it would have sounded great. There definitely wasn’t a lack of volume or bass or anything like that. It’s just a huge cauldron of noise. Perfect for sport. So if you watch a gig, get closer to the source. It will be much more defined.

I’d imagine the sound would be improved over time when system techs figure out how to get their heads round it. Even though computational/dimensional data is used when rigging venues for these types of shows, there would be a lack of real world data to pull from. This will improve over time as the algorithms etc are finessed.

Gaga will likely sound “better” but her show contains a lot more pre-recorded and sampled material, and will be less unwieldy than a loud rock band, so will be easier to control.

I know the system tech that works for TOOL and he’s shown me the data sheets for their rigging. The line arrays are configured for angle down to 0.1 of a degree on a per venue basis. These rigs can take days to configure/calculate for each venue.

This would have been no different, but it was the first proper gig in the place, so I’d expect an improvement over time.

One thing I will say, though. It’s my first time being inside the stadium. Hugely impressive. Crowd cheers sounded insane. Very loud. Easy to get a drink. Service was quick everywhere. Pricing was fair. Easy to navigate. It’s very well thought out and is high end throughout. Very cool.

Great post much appreciated. The very conflicting reviews have been very confusing.

 

[spursfan77]

Interesting to hear the reviews. I’m going to pearl jam in Hyde park next weekend. I’m expecting the sound to not be great there but it’s all about positioning. Probably just like in our stadium.

 

[SecretLemonadeDrinker]

Ok.
So. Here we go. My assessment of last nights gig:

I watched/listened from two different spots. Block 530 and then pitch level underneath block 530.

Up in the gods, the sound was a bit unintelligible. Vocals got a bit lost. The bass and subs carried pretty well. Wind also played a part.

There is an echo/long RT60 time in the stadium. It was quite distracting at my initial spot. Everything sounded like it had a bit of a slap back delay on it.
This isn’t the stadiums fault. Nor is it GNR’s FOH crews fault. It’s simple physics playing its part in a big venue.

The music played at games is a different beast because the stadium has small line arrays dotted around the perimeter of the roof. Therefore lots fewer late reflections due to the decreased distance between the speaker and the audience. This would be perceived as less “reverby” and more intelligible/defined.

Consider that the stage has a large line array system pumping sound into the bowl from one end. It’s only natural that it’s going to bounce around the south stand and be somewhat kept in by the roof, too.

For crowd sounds, it’s very cool. It makes the sound more “massive” and intimidating. For concert sound it is problematic because of smearing, cancellation, and reduction in definition.

As for GNR, nowadays it’s a myth that they’re on late every night. They’re not. The set was shortened a bit last night, as Axl even admitted that he was struggling (something I’ve never heard him say) but just two weeks ago they were still banging out mammoth 3.5 hr sets.

The sound closer to pitch level was improved. I’d imagine if you were closer to the source and in the semi-circle at the front, it would have sounded great. There definitely wasn’t a lack of volume or bass or anything like that. It’s just a huge cauldron of noise. Perfect for sport. So if you watch a gig, get closer to the source. It will be much more defined.

I’d imagine the sound would be improved over time when system techs figure out how to get their heads round it. Even though computational/dimensional data is used when rigging venues for these types of shows, there would be a lack of real world data to pull from. This will improve over time as the algorithms etc are finessed.

Gaga will likely sound “better” but her show contains a lot more pre-recorded and sampled material, and will be less unwieldy than a loud rock band, so will be easier to control.

I know the system tech that works for TOOL and he’s shown me the data sheets for their rigging. The line arrays are configured for angle down to 0.1 of a degree on a per venue basis. These rigs can take days to configure/calculate for each venue.

This would have been no different, but it was the first proper gig in the place, so I’d expect an improvement over time.

One thing I will say, though. It’s my first time being inside the stadium. Hugely impressive. Crowd cheers sounded insane. Very loud. Easy to get a drink. Service was quick everywhere. Pricing was fair. Easy to navigate. It’s very well thought out and is high end throughout. Very cool.

Thanks for that. Really informative.

If the sound coming from just the one end is problematic, would acts ever consider using the stadium’s inbuilt sound system? Or would that not be suitable for a concert?

 

[Finchyid]

Overall it was a good gig…Carrie underwood was phenomenal..I got to go on the pitch

wait was annoying but you expect it, getting home was painful. I just love being at the stadium tho

 

[Metalhead]

Ok.
So. Here we go. My assessment of last nights gig:

I watched/listened from two different spots. Block 530 and then pitch level underneath block 530.

Up in the gods, the sound was a bit unintelligible. Vocals got a bit lost. The bass and subs carried pretty well. Wind also played a part.

There is an echo/long RT60 time in the stadium. It was quite distracting at my initial spot. Everything sounded like it had a bit of a slap back delay on it.
This isn’t the stadiums fault. Nor is it GNR’s FOH crews fault. It’s simple physics playing its part in a big venue.

The music played at games is a different beast because the stadium has small line arrays dotted around the perimeter of the roof. Therefore lots fewer late reflections due to the decreased distance between the speaker and the audience. This would be perceived as less “reverby” and more intelligible/defined.

Consider that the stage has a large line array system pumping sound into the bowl from one end. It’s only natural that it’s going to bounce around the south stand and be somewhat kept in by the roof, too.

For crowd sounds, it’s very cool. It makes the sound more “massive” and intimidating. For concert sound it is problematic because of smearing, cancellation, and reduction in definition.

As for GNR, nowadays it’s a myth that they’re on late every night. They’re not. The set was shortened a bit last night, as Axl even admitted that he was struggling (something I’ve never heard him say) but just two weeks ago they were still banging out mammoth 3.5 hr sets.

The sound closer to pitch level was improved. I’d imagine if you were closer to the source and in the semi-circle at the front, it would have sounded great. There definitely wasn’t a lack of volume or bass or anything like that. It’s just a huge cauldron of noise. Perfect for sport. So if you watch a gig, get closer to the source. It will be much more defined.

I’d imagine the sound would be improved over time when system techs figure out how to get their heads round it. Even though computational/dimensional data is used when rigging venues for these types of shows, there would be a lack of real world data to pull from. This will improve over time as the algorithms etc are finessed.

Gaga will likely sound “better” but her show contains a lot more pre-recorded and sampled material, and will be less unwieldy than a loud rock band, so will be easier to control.

I know the system tech that works for TOOL and he’s shown me the data sheets for their rigging. The line arrays are configured for angle down to 0.1 of a degree on a per venue basis. These rigs can take days to configure/calculate for each venue.

This would have been no different, but it was the first proper gig in the place, so I’d expect an improvement over time.

One thing I will say, though. It’s my first time being inside the stadium. Hugely impressive. Crowd cheers sounded insane. Very loud. Easy to get a drink. Service was quick everywhere. Pricing was fair. Easy to navigate. It’s very well thought out and is high end throughout. Very cool.

Interesting insight, thanks.

 

[Metalhead]

Interesting to hear the reviews. I’m going to pearl jam in Hyde park next weekend. I’m expecting the sound to not be great there but it’s all about positioning. Probably just like in our stadium.

That should be good. Hyde park is a pretty established venue.

 

[aliyid]

For anybody going to gigs in the future it’s worth using some local inside knowledge and leaving via Northumberland Park rather that White Hart Lane.

We left at the end (I.e. did not leave early), saw the mass surge of people heading towards WHL so opted to go left to NP. No queue, straight onto the platform and was at Liverpool Street within 20mins

Far quicker than any match day (usually go WHL on match days but have tried NP a few times testing which is easier).

 

[Nick-TopSpursMan]

Any idea what the attendances were both days?

 

[jedimonkey]

My cousin and her husband went on Saturday and she wasn't impressed. Obviously Axl wasn't well but she said there were lots of songs that weren't GnR and she was spat on by someone when she was dancing during the encore.

 

[ziggy]

I had a great time with my son, got a bit pissed but hey ho

 

[ziggy]

Got some video clips incl the Mexican wave but files are too large to upload

 

[riggi]

My brother went last night. Said they were 90 minutes late and so the set list was cut because they had to be off by 10:30pm. No November Rain or Rocket Queen due to the truncated set.

I quote "Even after 40 years Axl still likes to keep people waiting'

Took over an hour to get back to WHL station as well.

I'm getting the feeling that any production problems may be more to do with GNR than the venue.

Why doesn’t he grow up?

 

[scat1620]

@Gassin's finest - obviously I can't pre-order this:



Because it isn't this:

 

[Delboy75]

Levy got lucky.

 

[SirHarryHotspur]

As someone who knows nothing about open air music concerts is it not possible for performers to plug in and use the stadium sound system , seems pretty clear and loud enough to me when they play music before matches.

 

[chrissivad]

Levy got lucky.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers cancelled their Glasgow tour a few days ago as well...

 

[CantSmileWithoutYou]

Red Hot Chilli Peppers cancelled their Glasgow tour a few days ago as well...

I blame Jimmy Krankie for both cancellations ...

 

[Erik ten Hank]

Fortus (GnR second guitarist) talking shit about the stadium

 

[Delboy75]

As they say a bad workman will always blame his tools. Axel was clearly shot and his voice which apparently is poor now anyway was even poorer.