Brooklyn's Concert Joe Attends 24,000 Shows Fueled by Passion and Cannabis
Concert Joe, a 72-year-old Brooklynite, has attended 24,000 concerts, relying on cannabis to manage his health while pursuing his passion for live music
Key Points
- 1Concert Joe has attended 24,000 concerts over 50 years
- 2Cannabis helps Joe manage health issues from his concert lifestyle
- 3He began his concert journey with a Byrds show in 1971
- 4Joe criticizes the corporate influence on cannabis quality post-legalization
- 5He prefers live music over recorded, attending multiple shows nightly
Brooklyn resident Concert Joe, at 72, has achieved an extraordinary feat by attending 24,000 live concerts over more than 50 years. His passion for live music is matched only by his reliance on cannabis to manage the physical toll of his relentless concert-going lifestyle. Despite numerous health challenges, including severe asthma and heart issues, Joe remains undeterred, continuing to immerse himself in the vibrant world of live performances
Joe's journey into the concert scene began in February 1971 with a Byrds show at Carnegie Hall, and his life was forever changed by a Grateful Dead concert in 1972. These early experiences set the stage for a lifelong pursuit of live music, often attending multiple shows in a single night. His dedication is evident in his daily routine, spending hours on the NYC subway to reach various venues and spending substantial amounts on concert tickets, sometimes requiring loans to sustain his habit
Cannabis plays a crucial role in Joe's concert-going ritual, providing relief from his physical ailments and enhancing his musical experiences. He is particularly fond of lighting up during the chaotic moments when bands take the stage, finding it the perfect time to indulge without drawing attention. Over the years, Joe has crafted innovative ways to smoke discreetly at concerts, adapting to changing laws and security measures
Joe's extensive experience in the music scene has given him a unique perspective on the evolution of cannabis culture at concerts. He observes that while legalization has made cannabis more accessible, it has also led to a more corporate-focused industry, often at the expense of quality. Despite this, Joe continues to seek out the best cannabis-friendly environments, with places like Woodstock, NY, holding a special place in his heart for their welcoming atmosphere
Through his countless concert adventures, Joe has witnessed some of the most iconic performances in music history, from the Grateful Dead to The Three Tenors. His commitment to live music is so profound that he has eschewed recorded music for nearly five decades, preferring the authenticity and immediacy of live performances. As he looks forward to his next show, Joe embodies the spirit of rock and roll, driven by an unyielding love for music and the community it fosters