Your experience bringing kids to PJ shows?

Spartanacus

So I've got GA for SD and LA2, but thinking of getting additional SD or LA1 tickets for my whole family (including daughters, age 9 and 7).

But what is a good age to start them at? My 9 year old seems to be mature enough and interested enough to really enjoy it, but I'd guess my 7 year old can wait until the next go around.

I would love to hear your experiences bringing your kids to PJ shows...the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Spankey's Popp

My son just 1-1/2.

Technically he attended PJ20 in the womb . Had to get a poster to commemorate his first show.
But seriously, I will check back to see what others say. I hope the guys stay rockin for a while because he sure does love the tunes. He especially loves ITW and Uke Songs so it must be Ed's voice he digs most but he does like Pearl Jam proper as well.

Planning on taking him to one of the days for Riot Fest here in Chicago (weekend passes) but that is more of a carnival atmosphere in a large park.

Stephen Flow

My son is also 1 1/2 and although I don't have experience w/ older children... my worries with bringing any child to a show is them wanting to leave before the show ends. OR the kid just wanting to get up and go to the bathroom or wanting something to eat or ya know just being a kid in general.

JB56195

I think the first thing you have to do is ask yourself what do you want out of the show. I took my kid to Farm Aid. He loves Neil Young. My lesson learned is this:

1. Kids need big headphone ear protection. They need to wear it at home to make sure they are comfortable. You can find kids shooting ear protection at places like Dicks. I would not wear plugs because I don't think they will stay in well. They have to know this is the requirement for going. No ear muffs, no show.

2. Be prepared for bathroom breaks, food runs, etc. This distracts from your experience and you may miss the white whale song you have been waiting for.

3. Get reserved seats- GA is a bad idea. There was a small 10-12 yo boy next to me at the SG concert in the pit. It was generally cool and people were good. Parents were smart enough to hang in the back rail but even then they were still in the mix. Problem came in when some douchebag decided to crowd surf by jumping off the rail. It's not 1990 anymore. He missed my wife because I was paying attention and pushed him away (she still got kicked), kid ducked under his parents who were also watching. He then landed on a group of girls video recording on their cells. There will be dumbasses like this you have to watch out for. Some drunk ass (nother guy) tried to start a fight with me while I was 100% sober because I wouldn't help hoist him in the air. I don't care if my kids are exposed to drunks and swearing. I can parent around that. I am more concerned about them being physically injured.

4. Be prepared for outright tiredness. Misbehavior isn't a huge deal because the people next to you won't be able to hear crying/temper tantrums. If show starts late, opening band goes long with turnover, your kids are way past their bedtime. They may need to sleep on your shoulder, rest in a chair, etc. The other reason you need reserved.

5. Aboslutely 1 child per adult. You can't trouble shoot issues with both.

6. Venue matters- Are there other things to do if your kids get board like walking the concourse, looking at stuff etc. This was essential at Farm Aid. Lots of stuff going on to pass the time.

7. Does your kid enjoy music and more importantly PJ? If not then don't bother.

That being said my son largely enjoyed Farm Aid and seeing Neil Youngs Heart of Gold was a highlight which we probalby listen to weekly on Youtube due to his request. We are a very musical family. I think it was a greatly rewarding experience that my son enjoyed. If PJ comes back to KC, I'll definitely plan on taking him He can sing along to many of the albums.

My last and final advice if you go to the show with your kid, it's to spend time with your daughter(s) and not attend a concert. It sounds simple but if you apply those principles you'll do fine. Let us know how it goes.

CapnBob

I took my daughters,14 and 9, to the Mid Town Festival in ATL last fall and they had a great time, even after being in the sun all day waiting on Pearl Jam to start they had a blast when PJ hit the stage, before the show they even liked meeting the other PJ fans and talking to them, telling them it was their first show, where they were from and how excited they were to be there. I also got them each a bootleg so that they will always remember their first PJ concert. There were no issues before, during or after the show and I am planning on taking them again this fall to the CLT concert, If it were me I would bring the 7 year old as I don't think its ever to early to start them out getting to see the greatest band ever perform live.

iisee

I took my son to the Charlotte 1996 show. He was 8 years old and knew the words to many of the songs already (which amazed some the fans around us...lol). We both enjoyed the shared experience immensely. Since then, he has been to shows with me in 2000, 2003 and 2008. He graduated from college in 2011 (with honors) with a degree in Music Education. Today, he is Director of Bands for a county in the public school system in NC. While we are a very musical family, I believe in my heart that that first Pearl Jam experience contributed directly to setting him on the path he is on today. Can you tell I am a proud Dad?

GirlLovesPJ

Your kids won't see anything but people's backs, unless they're on the rail. GA is not a good option for kids IMO.

Last-12-Exit

No reason whatsoever to bring someone under the age of 13 to a GA show. IMO. There are to many things that could go wrong. Even during a "calm" GA show, there are plenty of drunks, jerks, and boneheads that push and shove anything in there way. And the possibility of a fight breaking out or trampling.

Spartanacus

Thank you all for the replies and suggestions.

But no, I'd never consider GA for them...that will be for my myself and my wife (SD) and my buddy (LA2).

When I put in for the lottery with my top 3 choices being General Admission for SD, LA2 & LA1 (followed by the same Reserved order), I never dreamed I'd win my first two GA show requests. I figured I'd maybe get one Reserved pair, or worst case scenario, if I got shut out totally, I'd buy public tickets for the whole family.

I guess it's a good problem to have, but not sure if the little ones will be making it to PJ this year...unless I find another buddy to take my SD GA and my wife doesn't mind tending after the kids (they are old enough to behave and enjoy the show) in the public seats. But at the same time, I would kind of like to be with them the whole show so there is my dilemma.

I thought about getting public seats for LA1, but I think that weekend will be for the boys only.

Anyways...if my kids don't get to go this time around, I'll tell my wife she has to sit out next time!

Thanks again.

It_Wasnt_My_Surface

I took my 13 year old brother in 2008. Which I know is different from 9, but he loved it. It didn't seem so at the time, but he couldn't stop taking about it afterwards!

Cinnamon Girl

No experience yet but I'm bringing my 10 year old to buffalo! He's been begging for a couple years. Finally making it happen! I'm hoping he'll love it but I won't get my hopes up TOO high. Going to go with ear plugs. I wouldn't even think of doing GA with a kid...would just be too stressful. I know the OP wasn't planning on GA.

My 7 year old wants to go too but I feel like she's too young...just my opinion.

Paul Andrews

Posted this plenty of times, but here is my then 12 year old stepson's first taste of being on the rail at PJ in Perth 2009. Skip to the end of Unthought Known.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHd0tb2qRr4

Both Mike and Ed threw picks to him after this.

Spartanacus

Paul Andrews wrote:

Posted this plenty of times, but here is my then 12 year old stepson's first taste of being on the rail at PJ in Perth 2009. Skip to the end of Unthought Known.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHd0tb2qRr4

Both Mike and Ed threw picks to him after this.

Awesome! Two picks are one thing...but to be immortalized in bootlegs for all of history, is quite another! Well done!!!

rr165892

In Ga teens yes,Little ones no.In reserved I think it's all good if you have the patience and your kids aren't to sheltered about language,smells etc
On another note parents be careful what you create by involving your kids early.I had the surprise of seeing my 17 year old crowd surfing on the large screens at Welcome to Rockville fest to Papa Roach and Stone Sour, they just might learn to enjoy it too much.lol

october22

1 and a fucking half?

Spankey's Popp

october22 wrote:

1 and a fucking half?

I assume you are talking about my post. Yes, he's 1-1/2.

We have three day passes to the event. We are going Friday to scope things out, if it's kosher we will probably take him Saturday and we'll go back alone on Sunday.

We went last year and there were a ton of little kids. They set it up on a giant park, everything is very spread out and there are no mad crushes of people.

It is not like I am going to have him on the rail.

There is plenty of room to steer clear of crowds, there are games and carnival rides, etc.

The ABSOLUTE last thing in the world I would ever do is put my child in any sort of harm's way so, like I said, if it ain't kosher/safe, he won't be going.

october22

Spankey's Popp wrote:

october22 wrote:

1 and a fucking half?

I assume you are talking about my post. Yes, he's 1-1/2.

We have three day passes to the event. We are going Friday to scope things out, if it's kosher we will probably take him Saturday and we'll go back alone on Sunday.

We went last year and there were a ton of little kids. They set it up on a giant park, everything is very spread out and there are no mad crushes of people.

It is not like I am going to have him on the rail.

There is plenty of room to steer clear of crowds, there are games and carnival rides, etc.

The ABSOLUTE last thing in the world I would ever do is put my child in any sort of harm's way so, like I said, if it ain't kosher/safe, he won't be going.

Hey, no man, I'm not criticizing your parenting or anything like that. I didn't realize the specifics of the situation and it probably is a way different environment than what I was thinking which was just a typical concert that I couldn't imagine bringing a kid that young to. But I get it.

elahw

I am taking my son to his first show. We won Seattle reserved seats. I am really hoping that we will get tickets on the sides as opposed to the back of the floor. I have a fairly decent number (238xxx). I plan on just having him use foam ear plugs. He used those at the Monster Truck show and didn't have a problem and it is insanely loud at an indoor monster truck show. The Seattle show will be just before his 11th birthday. I am not sure who is more excited about it, him or me!?!?

Stephen Flow

Someone to hold your beer while rocking out to Even Flow... perfect height too

rr165892

Stephen Flow wrote:

Someone to hold your beer while rocking out to Even Flow... perfect height too

That's what I'm talking about!! About time they give back a little.They had a ticket bought for them.This makes perfect sense.

2-feign-reluctance

Interesting thread...not sure what I'd do or where my age cutoff would be.