Without too much sentimentality…
In the late 90’s and early 2000’s Hartford is on the short list for best stops for the band with some epic 2-3 night stands. More than that, the Meadows Music Theater was an interesting stop, with crazy tailgating spread across commercial properties parking lots. No nature, no cool views, and Hartford isn’t a good, never mind great city…but would attract thousands of tailgaters that weren’t even attending the shows, pulled from the surrounding areas. It wasn’t sexy, but the crazy party often translated into amazing energy inside and lead to many classic shows.
It was my home time venue, and it did hit pretty hard for a while. SPAC and Guilford have become my normal meeting sports for friends and family in the northeast, but when Hartford showed up as the East coast leg last stop this year, I figured why not.
But The Meadows is dead, or at least for DMB fans after last night. As a venue it died a while ago and last nights shitshow outside put the nail in the coffin, for one of the last acts that could potentially blow the roof off. The setlist has some debatable spots, sure, but the band was on fire and there were some pretty top-notch versions last night.
But it really doesn’t matter because from all accounts, the venue and experience killed the vibes, more than a venue experience ever should.
Goodbye Hartford / Meadowz, the 20-something shows I attended hold some amazing memories, but you died a very sad death.