The Astonishing - Kid Friendly?

[roa71]

Posted this in the Atlanta thread as well.  But, throwing out to a broader audience..

Was thinking of taking my daughter (9yo) to the show.  Would certainly need ear protection but what about being able to see?  We have good seats (5th row).  Anyways, to those who have already attended, what do you think?  Too young?  She has never been to a concert and has been begging me to go to one.

Thanks for any feedback in advance.

Rick

[Jester]

I haven't been to a DT Astonishing show, but it sounds like it is somewhere between watching a concert and a musical.

I don't know about your daughter, but my grandma took me to musicals all the time when I was a kid (about the same age) and I loved it.  My mind would have exploded if one of those trips had a shredding guitarist.

[bosk1]

The only thing you might likely deem inappropriate coming from the stage is if James uses any language in his between song banter, and the lyrics to As I Am.  Given that it is a seated show, the crowd should be relatively tame (for a metal show).  Up to you.  I debated taking my 11 year old.  I think the environment and show would have been fine.  I ultimately didn't bring him just because he isn't that interested in music, despite begging to go, and would likely have been bored a few songs in. 

As far as being able to see, again the seating should help.  And most people at shows will bend over backwards for a kid anyway.  I wouldn't be overly worried about that.

[El Barto]

Everybody will sit throughout the show, so seeing won't be a problem.

Dude in front of me at the Dallas show had his 3 girls with him. Seemed to me about 10-12-14 or something like that. Youngest one had a great time. Helped that she was clearly a fan (they all knew all the words). I gathered it was her first show, too. Afterward, when everybody was standing to cheer, he put her up on his shoulders and took her up front so they could all slap hands and whatnot. She was pretty damned excited about it, and the band seems to enjoy seeing them out there (which I've noticed at a few shows).

I'd say that if she digs the music she'll have a blast. If not, she'll probably still have a good time, but in a different sort of way.

[cramx3]

My opinion, the show is kid friendly.  The album doesn't have any curses and the presentation is more of a broadway show vs a metal concert.  DT as a whole aren't big talkers between tracks or big about saying inappropriate stuff, but can't rule that out of possibly happening, but more on the unlikely side.  I think if the kid wants to go, it would be fine.  Also, I didn't notice the RCMH or NJ show to be that loud either.

[El Barto]

My opinion, the show is kid friendly.  The album doesn't have any curses and the presentation is more of a broadway show vs a metal concert.  DT as a whole aren't big talkers between tracks or big about saying inappropriate stuff, but can't rule that out of possibly happening, but more on the unlikely side.  I think if the kid wants to go, it would be fine. Also, I didn't notice the RCMH or NJ show to be that loud either.

Well, I'll say that the Dallas show was loud as fuck. And coming from me that's really saying something. I'm not an earplug kind of guy, but if somebody feels that's important they shouldn't assume that DT won't necessitate them. In my experience DT does play louder than plenty of other bands, it's just that they tend to play venues that don't want bands shaking the plaster off of the ceiling.

That said, the aforementioned little kiddo in front of me took hers out during the first song and never looked back. 

[cramx3]

My opinion, the show is kid friendly.  The album doesn't have any curses and the presentation is more of a broadway show vs a metal concert.  DT as a whole aren't big talkers between tracks or big about saying inappropriate stuff, but can't rule that out of possibly happening, but more on the unlikely side.  I think if the kid wants to go, it would be fine. Also, I didn't notice the RCMH or NJ show to be that loud either.

Well, I'll say that the Dallas show was loud as fuck. And coming from me that's really saying something. I'm not an earplug kind of guy, but if somebody feels that's important they shouldn't assume that DT won't necessitate them. In my experience DT does play louder than plenty of other bands, it's just that they tend to play venues that don't want bands shaking the plaster off of the ceiling.

That said, the aforementioned little kiddo in front of me took hers out during the first song and never looked back. 

Did you think the RCMH show was loud?  Either way, certainly doesn't hurt to take ear plugs to protect the kid's ears.  I've also probably lost some hearing from going to concerts that maybe the loud ones sound normal  so maybe that's a sign to not do as I do and protect your ears!

[El Barto]

My opinion, the show is kid friendly.  The album doesn't have any curses and the presentation is more of a broadway show vs a metal concert.  DT as a whole aren't big talkers between tracks or big about saying inappropriate stuff, but can't rule that out of possibly happening, but more on the unlikely side.  I think if the kid wants to go, it would be fine. Also, I didn't notice the RCMH or NJ show to be that loud either.

Well, I'll say that the Dallas show was loud as fuck. And coming from me that's really saying something. I'm not an earplug kind of guy, but if somebody feels that's important they shouldn't assume that DT won't necessitate them. In my experience DT does play louder than plenty of other bands, it's just that they tend to play venues that don't want bands shaking the plaster off of the ceiling.

That said, the aforementioned little kiddo in front of me took hers out during the first song and never looked back. 

Did you think the RCMH show was loud?  Either way, certainly doesn't hurt to take ear plugs to protect the kid's ears.  I've also probably lost some hearing from going to concerts that maybe the loud ones sound normal  so maybe that's a sign to not do as I do and protect your ears!

Not really. It was pretty typical by modern standards (and two nights earlier Wallingford was downright quiet). Most bands play roundabouts the same level now, but occasionally you'll see somebody really go for it. It also has a lot to do with the venue. Nextstage in Dallas is usually pretty loud.

Ear plugs and hearing is a dicey thing. My stance jibes with my ENT's; infrequent exposure to very loud music isn't a problem. Playing guitar for the Who is. It's the frequent, steady exposure that gets you. And then at the same time there's a small subset of people that go to one show and leave with tennitis so severe it haunts them for the rest of their days until eventually they kill themselves. Because of that I stopped laughing at people who wear plugs, but I'm pretty thankful that I don't seem to be in that category.

[Jester]

Having some type of ear protection for a kid under your guardianship seems like a no brainer.  I really don't go to concerts any more, but I always had some kind of ear protection.

[TheAtliator]

Earplugs- yes. Kid friendly? Absolutely, especially this tour. And the best thing you can do for a kid is take them to a concert, and DT is among the best!!

I first saw Styx when I was 6 as well as many others growing up (which I still am ), and those experiences changed my life!


Also, a little off topic... Why are Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Justin Beiber and the other unspeakables and their music a good influence on children, but intelligent music is not? Sex and underwear costumes- OK, but God forbid a kid hears the F word in a stimulating anthem about individualism... Just saying.

[Chino]

100% bring your kid to this.

[Awaken]

I brought my 9 year old son to the CT show in April, he was into the story and actually liked a lot of the album.  Ear plugs are a must, but aside from that it was a blast for him.  He was my play by play guy for Petrucci's playing - a whole lot of 'wow, he nailed that!' comments.  It was a great time - definitely recommended for younger audiences.

[roa71]

Thanks for all the feedback.  I will play her some of the songs and videos just to make sure. 

Good to hear that this is a seated show (or at least has been).  I will bring her some Dubs (ear plugs) and some over the ear phones as well.

Should be interesting.  Hopefully a good intro into concerts for her.  I will be sure to let you know how it goes on Sunday.  I am personally excited since I have not seen DT since Portnoy left.

Thanks, Rick

[bosk1]

Hope you enjoy the show, Rick.  I really had a blast both times I saw them on this tour.  If you don't like the album, it obviously wouldn't be that much fun.  But if you do like it, you should have a fantastic time. 

[hefdaddy42]

I'm bringing both my daughters (ages 20 and 13).

But no one is getting hoisted on my shoulders.  Screw that.

[cfmoran13]

When we were initially going to the RCMH show back in April, my wife and I were planning on taking our 9-year old daughter.  As the show got closer and closer, she wanted to go to the show less and less.  We didn't go.  Last month, my wife and I went and saw the show by ourselves.  There's no way she would've sat through that show.  She would've been bored to tears. 

As for loud?  I wore ear plugs.  But, then again, I always do.  It's never too early to preach hearing protection to your kids.

[Ben_Jamin]

This guy brought his boy, probably about 7-9. They sat up a row a bit to the right of us, and he was drumming to the songs. I think they left after the intermission. Think he got tired.

[Architeuthis]

There was a father with his daughter (probably 8-10 hrs old) sitting right in front of us at TA show in Seattle. She was wearing a DT shirt and looked like she was having the time of her life!   So yes, it's a kid friendly show. It wasn't too loud either. Depending on the seat location or the venue, it's always a good idea to bring some earplugs just in case..

[Jester]

They have apps for smartphones and tablets that give db readings.  It wouldn't be a bad idea to check levels during the show before you decide it isn't loud enough for ear plugs.  If it was just your hearing, I wouldn't nag, but kids really don't comprehend long term consequences and will follow your lead (good or bad).

[BigSwifty]

I posted this in the Atlanta thread before I saw this one:
Hello Roa71 - I will be there with my 9 year old daughter as well. We traveled to see this show on the first leg of the tour and she loved it, however she loved the album already and knew the story and almost all the words beforehand. We are on the left side, third row, and my daughter loves other kids - she might beg me to let her go meet your kid . We didn't see any other kids when we saw the Astonishing the first time. And everyone remains seated until the last couple of songs at the shows on this tour that I know of, so there should be no problem there. Hope you both have a great time!

[Victimlas]

Hope you ended up taking your daughter! We took our kids, 13 and 8 to the Orlando show and they both loved it! I really lucked out with 2nd row center, non vip tix. My daughter, 8, got a lot of eye contact and attention from JLB, JP and later MM. She was over the moon and wearing her DT shirt the next day And of course they were wearing ear protection headphones.

~Victoria

[roa71]

My daughter LOVED IT.  We were about 7 rows back on left side.  She had not heard the music in advance (her choice).  But, she got the program at the show and had been reading through it ever since.  We got matching album cover shirts that she wants us to wear together.  Pretty cool.

I was going to leave with her at the end of the Astonishing, but she wanted to stick around for the encore.  I think As I Am was a bit heavy for her so we left after that.

BigSwifty, sorry, just seeing your post.  My daughter is pretty social as well, they would have gotten along well.  Oh well, maybe the next show.  She is already asking for when she can go again.

Rick

[Jester]

Totally kid friendly.  Calmed them down and put them fast asleep by the 4th song.  I can't wait for the BluRay so I can play it at bed time.

[hefdaddy42]

Totally kid friendly.  Calmed them down and put them fast asleep by the 4th song.  I can't wait for the BluRay so I can play it at bed time.

Come on, man.

[BigSwifty]

roa71 - I'm so glad you both enjoyed the show. We'll have to see if mine wants to go back when it's not going to be all Astonishing. We had listened to Spirit Carries On several times so she sang along with it, and she was just going to have to suffer through the last song if she wanted to leave - I wasn't about to miss James belting out "Watch the sparrow falling!" 

[CrimsonE]

I want to thank you for being a responsible parent and at least inquiring before you bring your kids to a show.  Very few things bother me more than parents bringing their pre-teens to a show that is clearly not for them (such as Marilyn Manson, or Slayer).  Seeing very young kids at such shows almost takes me out of them because I'm wondering what kind of parents would do such a thing. 

[cramx3]

I want to thank you for being a responsible parent and at least inquiring before you bring your kids to a show.  Very few things bother me more than parents bringing their pre-teens to a show that is clearly not for them (such as Marilyn Manson, or Slayer).  Seeing very young kids at such shows almost takes me out of them because I'm wondering what kind of parents would do such a thing.

There was a father and his boy (I'm bad at guessing ages, but maybe 10) at the Rob Zombie/Korn concert I went to this summer.  They had seats right in front of me.  Rob Zombie's show is definitely not for kids.  The father seemed to have to put his hands on his son's eyes/ears a lot and also anytime someone lit up a joint (outdoor concert) the father ran over to force them to put it out.  They were both there to see Korn who had a much tamer show, but a Rob Zombie concert is no place for a kid and the father should have known better.

On the same note, I remember my first concert when I was in 7th grade.  My father took me to see Less Than Jake.  Their music is very tame and the concert as a whole was very tame, but Less Than Jake talk a lot between songs and say some very dirty things.  I remember my father not being very happy with that, but I loved it 

[El Barto]

I want to thank you for being a responsible parent and at least inquiring before you bring your kids to a show.  Very few things bother me more than parents bringing their pre-teens to a show that is clearly not for them (such as Marilyn Manson, or Slayer).  Seeing very young kids at such shows almost takes me out of them because I'm wondering what kind of parents would do such a thing.

There was a father and his boy (I'm bad at guessing ages, but maybe 10) at the Rob Zombie/Korn concert I went to this summer.  They had seats right in front of me.  Rob Zombie's show is definitely not for kids.  The father seemed to have to put his hands on his son's eyes/ears a lot and also anytime someone lit up a joint (outdoor concert) the father ran over to force them to put it out.  They were both there to see Korn who had a much tamer show, but a Rob Zombie concert is no place for a kid and the father should have known better.

On the same note, I remember my first concert when I was in 7th grade.  My father took me to see Less Than Jake.  Their music is very tame and the concert as a whole was very tame, but Less Than Jake talk a lot between songs and say some very dirty things.  I remember my father not being very happy with that, but I loved it 

You got two different things happening here. One is parents taking their kids to shows and then being offended by what happens. Yeah, that's pretty stupid. If the mere utterance of a naughty word sends you into a panic then don't take them to a Slayer concert. The other is parents taking their kids to a show and others being offended by the disparity in their respective values. At no point will I judge somebody for taking their kids to a show that's "clearly not appropriate." If somebody wants to take their kid to see Slayer, more power to them. Not my place to decide what's reasonable or not. If it were, I'd probably be more offended by dropping them off in front of some mindless Pixar flick than taking them to see a show. I personally rank intellectual stimulation a whole helluva lot higher than protection from profanity.


edit: addendum to your Rob Zombie story. Around '84 or so we went to see Night Ranger at a local radio station's festival. It was in the convention center and there were just folding chairs set out. Dude in the row in front of us was there with his kid. Don't recall how old the kiddo was but certainly younger than us (14). I inadvertently bumped his chair which spilled his beer, pissing him off to no end. Dude would turn around and glower at me from time to time. One or two songs in we fired one up. Dude spun around and pointed at the joint. I though for sure he was going to murder us. Took it out of my hand, took two pretty big hits off of it and handed it back. Was really cool to us the rest of the night. Brought me back a beer later on. Man, that sure was a different time. 

[Jester]

My first concert was in kindergarten.  At least the first one I remember.  Don't recall the band name, but it was very age appropriate.  I sang right along with the chorus

You pull the trigger of my Love gun

Thankfully, I was too young to get the single entendre and was not tempted into the world of sleaze.  I did, however, get my NRA membership.

[Air Weaver]

Not my place to decide what's reasonable or not. If it were, I'd probably be more offended by dropping them off in front of some mindless Pixar flick than taking them to see a show. I personally rank intellectual stimulation a whole helluva lot higher than protection from profanity.

Whoah whoah whoah there..... mindless Pixar flick? Wtf? I'll grant that the Cars movies are debateable, but other than that, I'll defend Pixar any day of the week. Have you seen Up? Inside Out? Any Toy Story?

To the topic. i took my kids to The Astonishing, ages 10 and 13. Front row. Both were in cosplay, Xander and Faythe. They loved it. We took ear protection but did not need it that night.

[El Barto]

Not my place to decide what's reasonable or not. If it were, I'd probably be more offended by dropping them off in front of some mindless Pixar flick than taking them to see a show. I personally rank intellectual stimulation a whole helluva lot higher than protection from profanity.

Whoah whoah whoah there..... mindless Pixar flick? Wtf? I'll grant that the Cars movies are debateable, but other than that, I'll defend Pixar any day of the week. Have you seen Up? Inside Out? Any Toy Story?

To the topic. i took my kids to The Astonishing, ages 10 and 13. Front row. Both were in cosplay, Xander and Faythe. They loved it. We took ear protection but did not need it that night.

Robert Iger???

Eh, all the more reason to leave value judgements to the parents. To be honest, I wouldn't know a PIxar movie from a Disney move, but most of what I see directed towards kiddos seems vapid and formulaic. I'm hardly an expert, though. I saw the first Toy Story and found it amusing and well done. Nothing against it. I was really just comparing dropping a kid in front of a DVD or at a movie theater as opposed to exposing him to a unique experience like a rock concert.

[Cyclopssss]

Well.....there is that one scene with Faith on the bed.....