Yes. Four of us were at the show, and two of us moved from our seats down close up to the balcony, yet it barely made a difference. My ears took a beating from the concert and is a large reason why I mostly avoid concerts now (don't want to be deaf before I hit 50).
Ummmm....there's this thing called ear plugs. I've used them for almost every single concert I've been to (beginning with my 5th concert - seeing Metallica early on the black album tour, and I've been to well over 100 since then) and my hearing is great and I don't walk out of the venue in pain or worrying about my hearing. They may take away a little something - especially the crisp highs if you get the cheap types like I do - but they're a much better choice than the alternative, IMO. Oh, and I'm a year older than you.
Guns and Roses specifically chose where to play. For them, it wasn't about generating the most money. It was about playing for their fans wherever they may be. Sell out concerts are a rare thing these day and they shouldn't expect it. If it is all about the money for them then they are touring for all of the wrong reasons. Florida CAN support them and has ALWAYS provided great crowds. About time they showed us the love they show the Northeast and Europe...oh, and I want It LOUD!!! I went them to go to eleven.
bluehaze, I will defend your right to be upset with the band, but your post above ain't working. To begin with, you're talking not just about GnR, but GnR reunited with Slash and Duff. They command so much freakin' money, they could play all their shows in Timbuktu and still walk away with millions upon millions in their pockets.
Second, it is about the money - like it or not, the band is in the business to make money. They are not a charity, so don't expect them to "take one for the team" just to make sure audiences in some cities or parts of the world get to see their favorite band like everyone else. That said, my gut feeling is that you'll get your shows this time around - if Indianapolis and Louisville are getting shows (the former's last show was in 1993, the latter never having gotten *any* shows), I'd expect there will be some shows in the SE this time around.