72-Year-Old Concert Enthusiast Attends 24,000 Shows Fueled by Cannabis

Concert Joe, a 72-year-old Brooklyn resident, has attended an astonishing 24,000 live concerts over the past 50 years. His passion for live music is matched only by his reliance on cannabis to manage the physical toll of his lifestyle. Despite suffering from various health issues, including severe asthma and heart problems, Joe continues to immerse himself in the vibrant world of live music

Joe's journey as a concertgoer began with a performance by Richie Havens at his cousin's wedding, but his official debut was a Byrds concert at Carnegie Hall in 1971. A pivotal moment came with a Grateful Dead concert in 1972, which he credits with changing the course of his life. Since then, he has dedicated himself to experiencing live music, often attending multiple concerts in a single night

To finance his concert-going lifestyle, Joe has taken out several loans, spending over $700,000 on tickets. His dedication is such that he has spent approximately eight years of his life commuting on the New York City subway to attend shows. Despite the financial and physical challenges, Joe remains undeterred, driven by his love for music and cannabis

Concert Joe's experiences highlight the evolving cannabis culture within the music scene. He fondly recalls the Grateful Dead concerts as the most cannabis-friendly, providing a spiritual experience for attendees. However, he criticizes the current corporate focus of the cannabis industry, lamenting the lack of attention to consumer needs and quality in New York's legal dispensaries

In his pursuit of live music, Joe has developed innovative methods to consume cannabis discreetly at concerts. His creativity includes devices like the 'Frisbee-pipe' and joint balloons, allowing him to enjoy cannabis even amidst strict security measures. As he continues his musical journey, Joe's story serves as a testament to his unwavering passion for live music and cannabis