Let's remember, when Todd responded here to the immediate reviews (which I thought was big of him), he did not deny that it was a shoddy performance, he made excuses for it. Why do so many now feel compelled to defend the performance, or the man, when he chose not to defend the performance and is quite capable of defending himself. As for all the Lexus and BMW's parked in the lot--let us not lose sight of the fact that over the many years we have all made Todd capable of being a luxury car man. He is not only a musical genius, but he is also a very wealthy. Last I heard he lived on the beach at the north side of the Big Island of Hawaii. Not exactly the digs of a Common Man. Luxury automobiles should not be mentioned in the same breath as (or review of) the Wednesday night show--it demeans luxury automobiles.
Here's the irrefutable fact, Todd owes us for our loyalty and continued support over the many years. In my case more than thirty. If you do not feel that way, perhaps you have self-esteem issues. Todd's wares are his tunes, his showroom is the stage. Bad performances happen, but speaking as one who goes to many shows, and has been to many Todd shows, bad shows happen to Todd more frequently than to any other musician I have seen. Bad shows for Todd seem the rule rather than the exception and have spanned many years. I am surprised that so many people who have written here are willing to shell out hard earned money for what they anticipate to be mediocre shows. If Todd were sick, an off night would be understandable. However, to be totally unprepared in front of 2,500 people is inexcusable; for that matter, to be unprepared before any number of people who pay money and take time out of their lives to see you (expecting a good time) is inexcusable. That is akin to one of us mere mortals being unprepared at "The Big Meeting." Boredom with one's own material is not a valid excuse for the kind of disinterest Todd showed on Wednesday--if he has become so repulsed by his own compositions, then he should do the right thing and retire. Go ahead, pull the same stunt he did at your job with "The Big Account" or "The Big Project," and I have news for you, you won't be able to afford the next Todd CD or show--you won't have a job. So all of you apologists continue along, make excuses for him. You already know he monitors this site. Do that and you will encourage Todd to continue along with his longtime M.O.--hit or miss shows; patent self-indulgence. Again, everyone is entitled to a bad night, but Wednesday was not a bad night, it was a train wreck. If Todd had true regard for the fans he disappointed (for the umpteenth time) he would spring for the King Center again, readmit the people who were there Wednesday, and play the kick-butt show he is capable of. I stopped going to see him in the mid-90's due to multiple Wednesday night like experiences. Friends convinced me to go to the King because they said he was quite good on the Liars tour, I won't be seeing him again. Just my two cents for the serve, no more of my money for live Todd.
