Show/Travel Fatigue = Fight It, or Listen

Go Animal · May 21

elvistheking44 said:

Go Animal said:

josevolution said:

I’m tired just reading your thread! 🪡

You don't wanna see my ankles, bro😅Ever skipped a PJ show you knew you could make?

I skipped Chicago 2 last year. Did show 1, went all out and then went to the cubs game the next day and hit it hard again. Woke up day of show 2 and was “like, man I can’t do this shit another day” No regrets. I’m getting old and value my sleep and health. It’s only a band.

That's funny, because I skipped Chi 1😅mostly because of work, but I made N2 happen. Flew up, got hotel by the airport, 1-day rental (Dodge Challenger! I burned some serious rubber). Found a parking spot near UC, got in early for merch, had a sweet lower bowl seat thanks to a fellow member. Beat feet after Baba, made it to the car, and flew down the highway to the hotel. Didn't even unpack lol. Made the flight the next day, rested, and was back at work the day after.

My success with that & Nashville '22 kept me thinking I could do this all the time, but Vegas overall was brutal. No regrets!

jimjam1982 · May 21

I listen to my body these days. Vegas wiped me out. Sick as a dog now. If I had LA lined up I would have been a seller.

If it was 2014 to 2018 with chances for the once in a lifetime shows maybe solider on but for what it is now it's a great show, not an all time legendary show with little hope for fun unique things like special guests/tributes/full albums. So definitely if the fatigue/illness sets in sell away.

MikeDigs · May 21

jimjam1982 said:

I listen to my body these days. Vegas wiped me out. Sick as a dog now. If I had LA lined up I would have been a seller.

If it was 2014 to 2018 with chances for the once in a lifetime shows maybe solider on but for what it is now it's a great show, not an all time legendary show with little hope for fun unique things like special guests/tributes/full albums. So definitely if the fatigue/illness sets in sell away.

I've been manifesting a Jack Irons special guest appearance in LA. I have big hope!

Spunkie · May 22

The brain has adenosine receptors for a reason!

Go Animal · May 22

Spunkie said:

The brain has adenosine receptors for a reason!

And I do a hell of a job indirectly blocking them apparently!😅

iwasatpj20 · May 22

I always get a hotel room when traveling to the shows. I want to sleep after the show and not be a complete mess heading back home.

I never travel back home via plane after a show.

Go Animal · May 22

iwasatpj20 said:

I always get a hotel room when traveling to the shows. I want to sleep after the show and not be a complete mess heading back home.

I never travel back home via plane after a show.

That's what I usually do. Just ended up being what I had to do this time.

I pulled it off, but I don't think I'd do it again.

Go Animal · May 22

100 Pacer said:

Flew to Vancouver for both shows then returned to Toronto. 2 days later flew to Seattle and drove down to Portland to then drive back overnight to Seattle and returned to Toronto. 2 days later flew to San Francisco and drove to Sacramento to then drive back overnight to San Francisco and returned to Toronto. In my case I slept in the hotel or car where possible, kept hydrated, light meals, and stayed on East coast time. I felt good and energized throughout. I turn 44 next month and ironically I wouldn’t have pulled this off as easily when following the band 20 years ago.

You're also a machine, sir😂very few have the level of dedication you have. The word "relentless" comes to mind!

Go Animal · May 22

SHZA said:

YOLO. Having had to cancel my trips to Van, PDX, Vegas, and LA on this leg due to unforseen events, I say go for it. Missing the shows wasn't the end of the world, and the livestreams definitely help. But part of me wishes I'd been there to experience it. It simply wasn't an option this time so I'm ok with it. You're not going to do any permanent damage pushing through fatigue. Once you see those palm trees at LAX and hear some guitars you'll get a second wind.

I dunno, I was red-lining pretty hard😅but a couple days rest has really helped. And I was genuinely surprised not to see you in Vegas! Hope all is well 🤙

P.S. them palm trees are gonna have to wait until Ohana, lol. Besides, we're lousy with them here in Florida!

Go Animal · May 22

Weston1283 said:

I have found over the last 2 years that it is not worth it to be completely exhausted and go to a show just to avoid the FOMO.

I was upset initially that I could only make it to one show in 2023, but looking back now, I can see that it really doesn't matter in the realm of my life that I missed that show in Fort Worth or whatever lol.

Glad I saw them so much in my 20s during their glory days of 2013-2018, but now, listen to your body and rest up. Especially with the new setlist and how the shows are now, save the money and wellness for the fall shows that are closer to you in the fall.... you will have a much better time and enjoy those even more.

Amen, dude. And here's hoping we get MORE east coast shows in '25 before they hunker down for the Sphere

Go Animal · May 22

steven87 said:

My take is it all depends on how you’re feeling this morning. I totally get the FOMO thing- I certainly experience that as well. But as much as we all love this band, your health and safety are the most important thing. So if you have any serious health and safety concerns, I think the decision is made. Another thing to consider is if you go, will you be too exhausted to even enjoy the show/experience? If you’re questioning whether you’d even enjoy it, I’d probably lean on the side of not going.

I think you should do everything in your power to try to make it work, as long as you feel safe/comfortable and think you’d enjoy it once you got there. And I’d definitely recommend you do seats over GA this time around to give your body a little break. Plus I’m sure some of the best seats in the house will drop later today, so if you weren’t planning on lining up/camping out for GA, you’ll probably be closer to the stage anyway. Also, keep in mind that if worst comes to worst and in the end you can’t make it, you still have a great run planned for leg two. So you still have much to look forward to!

See you at MSG!

Dude, thank you. Thank you for being one of the few who made me feel like I wasn't just pissing in the wind when I made all my spec threads. And thank you for also being one of the few who reciprocates with ticket drops. My Chi 2 seat was stellar, and that was all you, bud. Onward to the fall!

Go Animal · May 22

GlowGirl said:

One other bit of advice - you said your feet and ankles were shredded - if they are at all swollen, you might want to wear compression socks on the plane. Flying could make them even more swollen.

Bought a pair from this post. Thanks, GG

Go Animal · May 22

tschav said:

Same age range and been feeling it a little the past few years after certain shows… a few things I’ve done to help survive a few shows back to back:

Spacing out shows: Decided to sell my MSG because I have Wrigley shows, and used the $ to go to Ohana a few weeks later. This way I got 2x in May, 2x in August, and 2x end of September. Keeps the FOMO low when you have time to get excited again

Gear: After more than a few shows testing out different shoes I own, found the pair that reduced ankle swelling when standing from before doors to the end of a show.

Recovery: Always have Gatorade/electrolyte powder and Advil before I crash for the night, even if I’m not feeling anything. Also have an ankle wrap to wear for a show or resting after just in case.

Travel: Never travel immediately after a show, partly for rest but also being able to appreciate the show well before thinking of heading out of town.

Merch: Assume you’ll buy from a flipper or 10c drop. Posters aren’t fetching what they used to years ago, just wait 3 months after the show. One less line to tough out and/or stress over

GA: Choose comfort over location if you’re not feeling 100%. Lean on the side/back rails if need be, or just roll in later to conserve energy. I walked into Vegas 2 15 minutes after doors opened and was right behind people on Mike’s rail. And if seating is necessary, consider a GA F2F drop (it’ll sell no matter what) and get a seat.

And if anything, just invest time & energy into one major show vs going all out on all of them.

☝️This is solid advice, y'all!

danofun · May 22

Go Animal said:

Naked John said:

If you do not go you will regret it for the rest of your born days. No excuse if you can go.

Only ways I'll regret it:

- they open with Oceans, then never again.
- either night gets a Mamasan Trilogy.
- Comes Then Goes gets played for the first (and probably last) time.
- Miley Cyrus joins the band on stage for Just Breathe
- all of Vitalogy is played, or hell... Dark Matter in order
- Stone gets to do Don't Gimme No Lip AND Mankind
- they revisit Comfortably Numb, or Mother
- they play Alone, Brother, Just a Girl, Hold On, Gremmie, Pilate, All Those Yesterdays, Parting Ways, Sad, Undone, Other Side, Gonna See My Friend, or Of the Earth.

😬

marumaruko · May 22

Go Animal said:

josevolution said:

I’m tired just reading your thread! 🪡

You don't wanna see my ankles, bro😅

What do you do that your ankles are fucked? From experience, there is no moshing in US shows, apart from small punk or metal concerts and especially for PJ.
But even standing and jumping can be a severe strain on your ankles. First of all, it helps to work out your ankles and build up further stability. Also, I would recommend you invest a generous amount of money in proper shoes with good cushioning (beware! not too much cushioning or else your impact load goes up and promotes stiffness.) Ed apparently wore a pair of HOKA runners in Vancouver and this brand is indeed good.
I usually try to catch between 10-15 concerts a year (no overdoing of PJ shows to avoid routine) and I properly plan for which shows I wanna rock out standing or simply sit and enjoy. I also categorise bands that way. PJ is a typical GA band for me, as are Modest Mouse, Queens of the Stone Age and the Foo Fighters e.g. Tool, U2 and The Pixies however? Not at all. The Smile - yes, definitely won't need GA.
Also for when I see PJ two days in a row - one day will be GA and the other will be from the comfort of seats (even from 200s or 300s work then). I'm relatively young, but I wanna function outside of concerts and go hiking or climbing regularly, so yeah.

Oh and a good amount of rest after a show is absolutely vital. I also mostly stopped drinking alcohol (only a beer of joy every now and then perhaps) and don't take drugs anyhow. Maybe that can help you.

Go Animal · May 22

danofun said:

Go Animal said:

Naked John said:

If you do not go you will regret it for the rest of your born days. No excuse if you can go.

Only ways I'll regret it:

- they open with Oceans, then never again.
- either night gets a Mamasan Trilogy.
- Comes Then Goes gets played for the first (and probably last) time.
- Miley Cyrus joins the band on stage for Just Breathe
- all of Vitalogy is played, or hell... Dark Matter in order
- Stone gets to do Don't Gimme No Lip AND Mankind
- they revisit Comfortably Numb, or Mother
- they play Alone, Brother, Just a Girl, Hold On, Gremmie, Pilate, All Those Yesterdays, Parting Ways, Sad, Undone, Other Side, Gonna See My Friend, or Of the Earth.

😬

I mean, if they played it & then never played it again🤣I'm good with last night's playlist. The above list is light-hearted

danofun · May 22

Go Animal said:

danofun said:

Go Animal said:

Naked John said:

If you do not go you will regret it for the rest of your born days. No excuse if you can go.

Only ways I'll regret it:

- they open with Oceans, then never again.
- either night gets a Mamasan Trilogy.
- Comes Then Goes gets played for the first (and probably last) time.
- Miley Cyrus joins the band on stage for Just Breathe
- all of Vitalogy is played, or hell... Dark Matter in order
- Stone gets to do Don't Gimme No Lip AND Mankind
- they revisit Comfortably Numb, or Mother
- they play Alone, Brother, Just a Girl, Hold On, Gremmie, Pilate, All Those Yesterdays, Parting Ways, Sad, Undone, Other Side, Gonna See My Friend, or Of the Earth.

😬

I mean, if they played it & then never played it again🤣I'm good with last night's playlist. The above list is light-hearted

Response was all in good fun as well. Oceans is a lock for Ohana. So is Miley... Cheers!

rrivers · May 22

efroten2 said:

I'm in the same ag/shape situation.
I don't go to a ton of shows each year, I'm in Chicago so I see them when they are in town and maybe another nearby but I've been to 36 total shows since 94.
I just flew to see them in Sacramento but had seats so wasn't GA. I flew home the next day and was pretty damn tired from standing all night for the show and getting up early for the flight home the next morning.
I somehow pulled GA for Missoula and both Chicago shows this year and even though they are a week apart I'm kind of rethinking going for GA for the three shows. Especially the 2x Wrigley shows. I don't plan on getting there stupid early, but even getting there around 6 or so is a long night of just standing.
Props to those who can do this a lot more.

Just curious why you flew to see them in Sac. I do see in your signature you hit earlier shows here so maybe you have family here to? Just wondering if you were thinking it would be a super special show like Fresno ended up being in 2022. Just wondering.

pdalowsky · May 23

Go Animal said:

pdalowsky said:

Go Animal said:

Here's my situation, and I'm looking for some perspective (or dare I say council) from those of who may have been in similar scenarios:

Been home from Vegas for a day. Went to both nights, and was in GA for both. I rested when I could but really didn't have a chance to on Saturday.

Checked out of my hotel, stashed my bags at the nearest bellstand, and had a pre-scheduled Uber waiting to take me to LAS airport at the end of N2.

Caught the red eye to JFK, then lounged around until it was time for my connecting flight back to FL. Got home yesterday by about 6pm. Jet-lagged, but successful.

Went to sleep, and woke up not knowing what day it was. I slept in intervals on my 2 flights, but nothing substantial. So, I've been feeling it today. That, and my feet & ankles are shredded from the GA exp (inside & out).

Now...

I was really looking forward to doing LA 1 & 2. But man, am I tired.

I'm early 40's, could lose a few pounds. Can't do this like I used to. But it's my favorite band, y'know? My question is:

Have any of you ever been like "I just need a little break"?

I mean, everything is cancelable. My flight, rental, and hotel. Hell, I even dumped my 10C tix on F2F to see if I could get better ones. Upgraded twice, and decided before Vegas to give it a shot on the day-of for LA1 & 2.

So, currently ticketless lol.

Does fatigue ever set in for any of you? Knowing you'll see the boys again soon? (In my case: Wrigley, MSG, possible Fenway 2 & definitely Ohana).

Share your thoughts & experiences, please. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but I just might come sunrise 🌅

Dude, sleep after....dig deep. Do it, have no regrets.

You're a terrible influence, sir. Never change 😅🍻 (P.S. I still have a basketball for you! Hit me up in the DM's, I've got a new phone & haven't downloaded WhatsApp)

Get it downloaded my man, I'll be in touch with you about many things. Ive got loads of questions for you on upcoming stuff and just to chat nonsense, also if you need anything from europe merch wise I will be on hand

curmudgeoness · May 23

First, broader, unsolicited advice from someone who is 55: it doesn't get easier with age, so I'd urge you to start investing now in your health.

We've done some foolish crazy things over the years: after Hartford 2013, we drove back to western NJ. It was a good thing that nobody else was on I-80 at 3:00am, because we were struggling.

For the LA shows, we've had to drive back to San Diego both nights. My husband's work day today started at 4:15a.m. We scooted out before "Setting Sun" (sorry, PJ; we're looking forward to staying to the last note in Seattle) and got to our hotel at 1:00a.m. And next week I have to catch a 6:00am flight out of Seattle Friday morning to get to an 11:30 medical appointment in San Diego.

So, yeah, we're tired. It doesn't help that life is over-the-top crazy right now. Work doesn't care if it's a vacation day or not, neither do my doctors, neither does the home renovation. But the funny thing is, what hits hard might not be what you expect. E.g., sitting on a bar stool for three days at Ohana last year was excruciating for me. As I've gotten older, I've found that sitting for extended periods is painful.

Listen to your body. And then acknowledge, if there are certain things, such as being in GA, that are worth it for you, that will require some planning ahead. If I were going to be in GA -- and especially if I was catching a red-eye right after the show -- I'd be wearing compression socks and shoes with a lot of support. I generally work out for 2.5-3 hours a day, but at my age I definitely feel the effects of standing and bouncing around for a few hours.

curmudgeoness · May 23

withflyingcolors said:

pledgeagrievance said:

To speak on your question of Have you ever missed a show you could have made?
A lot since 2016 in Philly, NY and Fenway. No regrets not going. I’m 45 and this year I’m dealing with an illness so I’ll just say we don’t value our health until we don’t have it. I would listen to your body. Sounds like you have a bunch of shows lined up. I would focus on being heathy for those.

That is the truth. Nothing like a serious illness in yours 40s to adjust perspective (speaking for myself). I did Portland (24 hour trip) and LV1 (48 hour trip) and I basically slept off and on for 24 hours after getting home to Denver from LV1. No regrets but I was exhausted and probably couldn't have done LV2 if I wanted to.
You have Wrigley, MSG, and Ohana - those are going to be incredible. My vote is listen to your body

While I absolutely agree with "listen to your body," AND "we don't value our health until we don't have it," at this point I'm of a different mind here.

For many years, we didn't go to shows, due to the demands of work and family (we lived in Seattle in the 90s! Didn't see a single show!). For our 20th anniversary, we planned a trip to Europe (also hadn't had a vacation since our honeymoon) to see PJ in Vienna, Berlin, Oslo and Stockholm. We were turned around in Munich and sent back to the US due to issues with my husband's passport. In the last few years, we've had to sell our PJ concerts due to work demands.

For our 30th, we've had to postpone plans for a nice trip due to work and heath. I've been diagnosed with cancer, so I'll be recovering from surgery the week I had hoped to be in France. Despite that, I'm going to seven shows on the spring tour leg. I'm the woman you see wearing a mask in the venue.

I've had a chronic health issue for about eighteen years; I know what it's like to be in your 30's and get winded walking across a room. Six or seven years ago, my husband and I discussed our priorities and decided that health is most important, because without your health it's hard to do much. At the same time, my diagnosis this year was a big slap in the face from the universe, reminding me that "there's always next year!" just isn't true.

So, what are your priorities? If live music is important to you, as it is to me, what changes can you make that will allow you to keep doing what you love to do? That might mean: eating better; drinking less; losing some of the extra weight you're carrying around; get better shoes (I'm a runner. I take ALL of my footwear seriously!); wear calf sleeves or compression socks; being content with hanging in the back of the pit or getting reserved seating; get more regular exercise; spend on upgraded experiences, whether that means more expensive airplane seats or buying merch online after the shows or spending more on better food.

I know some people in their 80s who get out and go to a lot -- a LOT -- more shows than we do. Their stamina is impressive! I cannot keep up with them. They also aren't waiting in GA lines all day or eating garbage. You will need to examine your priorities and make corresponding compromises, whether that means going to fewer shows or making lifestyle changes that allow you to keep going to as many concerts as possible.

SVRDhand13 · May 23

Eventually you'll have an eternity to rest.... go crazy while you're here! (coming from a middle aged man who struggles to get out of bed every day lol)

Edved007 · May 23

iwasatpj20 said:

I always get a hotel room when traveling to the shows. I want to sleep after the show and not be a complete mess heading back home.

I never travel back home via plane after a show.

I learned this lesson the hard way after Denver 14. Had already done Detroit, Moline, and Milwaukee. Those shows were so epic I had to add Denver so last min I flew out there the day of the show and had to come right back. Met Mike walking around town, then they dropped a 40 burger and I almost missed my red eye home. I don't regret it, but never never again.

With age comes the wisdom so they say, I'm slowly evolving into the quality vs quantity realm...don't mean quality of shows, but of the trips themselves. I'd rather plan a relaxing get away with a couple shows than an insane sprint to catch as many as I can.

SVRDhand13 · May 23

wrong thread

Planet of Sound · May 23

Sounds like a plan.

I can still get flights to Dublin for about US$25 each way, but I’m travelling to Manchester the following day and running around with my young kids for 3 days before Manchester gig, and rushing to and from Dublin the day before that trip is a recipe for ruining our Manc trip. That and the cost of flights isn’t the issue, rather gig ticket, what to do until 7am flight, food and drink costs etc. on top.

jjflash · May 23

Good, honest question @Go Animal and props for listening to your body re: LA.

As long as it doesn't put your body/mind into an absolute deficit, or create a kerfuffle w/ your wife/partner/kids/work/etc, I'm generally in the @pdalowsky camp and say 'Go for it!'. Back in '13 b/c of a blistering work schedule I bailed on the Charlottesville show, to which by buddy and I had GA tix, and have since wished I could go back tell my old self to make that trip. I couldn't tell you - and don't remember - what work specifics were happening back then BUT I could recite to you the setlist from an epic show I missed;)

The older I get (51yo) the more often I pull the plug on tickets, almost exclusively to local shows tho. The whole thing with ticket sales happening months before shows is an entirely different discussion and usually is the primary contributor to me choosing to eat/sell/give away tix. Life sometimes simply gets in the way.

I know the fatigue you describe, however it's not band-specific. The past few years I've felt it towards the end of the year when bands' touring schedules slow down and I've accumulated a bunch of away time chasing them around. I've been averaging 20+ shows a year for the past few years and come October my tank is tilting towards empty. A good winter's hibernation does the trick and, come spring, it's GO time again

Sometimes, tho, it's a quick May hibernation like yours that also does the trick!

schaefferlax · May 23

Frankly, the setlists are getting short enough that I am only going to travel if the show is in a city I really want to visit

meistereder · May 23

One of the lessons I’ve learned in life is that I have absolutely zero regrets about all the things I did when I was younger — traveling to shows, traveling in general, staying out late, all those things. Now that I am 50 (still feel pretty young), I can look back at those times with happiness and take pleasure in the more relaxed pastimes I take part in. There is nothing sadder than the opposite - when older people have regrets about things they did not do when they had the chance and were younger. Think putting all your stock into retirement (not just financially, but the times not experienced). Sometimes it works out - there are people who don’t do any traveling for example until they are retired, and they time it perfectly and get lucky that they haven’t been hit with any health issues. But I’ve seen too much of the inverse. I write this as my wife and I are in a flight to Hawaii, and I did NOT go to LA night 2 because we had an early flight. And although the set list was amazing and it would have been fun, I have no regrets.

jjflash · May 23

meistereder said:

One of the lessons I’ve learned in life is that I have absolutely zero regrets about all the things I did when I was younger — traveling to shows, traveling in general, staying out late, all those things. Now that I am 50 (still feel pretty young), I can look back at those times with happiness and take pleasure in the more relaxed pastimes I take part in. There is nothing sadder than the opposite - when older people have regrets about things they did not do when they had the chance and were younger. Think putting all your stock into retirement (not just financially, but the times not experienced). Sometimes it works out - there are people who don’t do any traveling for example until they are retired, and they time it perfectly and get lucky that they haven’t been hit with any health issues. But I’ve seen too much of the inverse. I write this as my wife and I are in a flight to Hawaii, and I did NOT go to LA night 2 because we had an early flight. And although the set list was amazing and it would have been fun, I have no regrets.

Good perspective. Hope you and the Mrs. have a blast in Hawaii!

EL91640 · May 23

meistereder said:

One of the lessons I’ve learned in life is that I have absolutely zero regrets about all the things I did when I was younger — traveling to shows, traveling in general, staying out late, all those things. Now that I am 50 (still feel pretty young), I can look back at those times with happiness and take pleasure in the more relaxed pastimes I take part in. There is nothing sadder than the opposite - when older people have regrets about things they did not do when they had the chance and were younger. Think putting all your stock into retirement (not just financially, but the times not experienced). Sometimes it works out - there are people who don’t do any traveling for example until they are retired, and they time it perfectly and get lucky that they haven’t been hit with any health issues. But I’ve seen too much of the inverse. I write this as my wife and I are in a flight to Hawaii, and I did NOT go to LA night 2 because we had an early flight. And although the set list was amazing and it would have been fun, I have no regrets.

Love this. Saw a simple quote recently that said I'd rather have my life be a bunch of oh wells than what ifs

Show/Travel Fatigue = Fight It, or Listen

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