Columnist Spencer Patterson: Bootlegs (fortunately) not what they used to be

Spencer Patterson

Friday, March 5, 2004 | 8:25 a.m.

Official bootleg.

The phrase is an oxymoron, especially for those of us old enough to remember the days of unauthorized concert bootlegs, both the vinyl and CD varieties.

You know, the ones that used to cost $20 and sounded as if they were recorded from the back row of the upper deck of Giants Stadium.

I remember one Led Zeppelin bootleg I had, on which an argument between two drunk British fellows spanned the entire disc, relegating the actual music almost inaudible.

But in the 21st century, bootlegs don't sound that way anymore, at least not official ones. More and more artists are recording directly off their soundboards, and allowing fans to purchase those nightly performances.

This week, Metallica became the latest band to announce plans for a concert release series. Their shows -- including a March 13 gig at the Thomas & Mack Center -- will be available for download approximately four days after each live event.

Jam bands such as Phish, the Allman Brothers Band and String Cheese Incident have offered such a service for several years, some in the form of actual compact discs and others as online downloads.

Mainstream rock acts such as Pearl Jam, Peter Gabriel, the Who and Duran Duran have followed suit as the practice becomes more and more widespread.

For many the new trend is a dream come true, a chance to revisit a memorable concert years after the actual experience. I picked up a copy of the Who's most recent Vegas show, and listen to it fondly from time to time, remembering the events onstage in my mind's eye.

A few words of advice to anyone attending an upcoming show that will later be released as an official bootleg: Enjoy yourself, but don't try to make your own personal mark on the recording.

After hearing those two Brits drown out "Kashmir," the last thing I need is some moron shouting out "Bababooey!" during Metallica's "One."

Music notes

Idol out: Ruben Studdard, winner of "American Idol's" sophomore season, has canceled Friday's scheduled concert at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Cox Pavilion. Refunds are available at points of purchase.

A representative for Studdard's production company said the vocalist was forced to cancel several upcoming dates, including one in Miami, due to "scheduling conflicts."

But according to one local source, slow ticket sales were the real reason Studdard's show was called off.

Kelly Clarkson, champion of "American Idol's" freshman season, and Clay Aiken, runner-up to Studdard, are still scheduled to co-headline a Thomas & Mack Center concert March 27.

Dynamic Duo: This weekend's relatively light concert slate is highlighted by three performances by Tony Bennett with opening act Jewel tonight through Sunday at the Golden Nugget.

Sunday's show is invitation-only, with proceeds benefiting Advantage Kids!, an offshoot of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. A limited number of $150 tickets to tonight's and Saturday's shows are available to the public.

The three concerts, which will take place in the 400-seat Theatre Ballroom, are part of the hotel's "Grand Celebration Weekend" festivities, hosted by the property's new owners.

On sale

Kid Rock plays Mandalay Bay Events Center on April 17. Tickets are $30, $40 and $65 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mandalay Bay box office, at TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 474-4000 and at www.ticketmaster.com.

Tickets for Phish's Thomas & Mack Center concerts April 15, 16 and 17 go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. Tickets are $42.50 and will be available at the Thomas & Mack box office, at UNLVtickets outlets, by phone at 739-3267 and at www.unlvtickets.com.

Reverend Horton Heat returns to the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay on July 2. Tickets are $13 and $18 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the House of Blues box office and through TicketMaster.

Bo Diddley performs at the House of Blues on July 1. Tickets are $30, $35 and $40 and were to go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the House of Blues box office and through TicketMaster.

Queensryche stops by the House of Blues on May 1. Tickets are $35, $42 and $52 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the House of Blues box office and through TicketMaster.com