I thought it was OK. The crowd was pretty rude; not sure if that's the alcohol or that Brady brings out the worst in our crowds. Maher was interupted a couple of times by idiotic comments. The people sitting near me said some ridiculous things as well, from a guy who seemed shocked by Maher's political leanings (don't go to the car race if you don't like cars) to the obese woman next to me who had her fat rolling over into my seat.
My experience is that Brady is generally a pretty lame venue. The Ryan Adams show awhile back was incredible (as discussed on this board), but other shows over the years have been ruined by idiotic crowds, from people interupting to Tom Waits last year (when Tom Waits tells you to stop, please stop) to the Morissey show, many years ago, ending early because idiots kept jumping onto the stage to hug him. Something about it encourages people to get a little to rowdy, often beyond what the particular artist can work with.
Meanwhile, I go to Cain's generally expecting chaos and it never lets me down. I've never seen anything there fall completely apart, or at least in a way that wasn't part of the show.
As for Maher, I thought he did a pretty decent job. He is definitely more of a humorist than political thinker. I'm sort of scratching my head as to how he got to Tulsa, OK on a Saturday night when his tv show is in season.
The Brady is a great venue. Over the years, this devil has seen and heard tremendous stuff there. From Joe Cocker Mad Dogs and Englishmen to Dylan to The Kinks to Traffic to far too numerous to list, this venue needs and deserves our support. The owner loses money to keep Tulsa Municipal Theatre alive. The sound is far superior to the ballroom.
Funny you mention Ryan Adams. Tenth row center and there are three messed up "dudes" ruining the show for us demons sitting around them. Crowds today suck compared to those in the 60's and 70's who went for the experience of feeling and participating in the vibe. Alcohol has a huge effect on individuals and it spills all over our feet and our souls. Back in the daze, no booze was allowed in rock and roll shows.
Maher handled the drunx exquisitely and made them look like the fools they were. Too bad nobody had the balls to fire some up....he'd probably have stopped the show for a hit.....
