Irvine Meadows / Verizon Wireless Amphitheater

I was at the Rod Stewart Concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine, on Friday night, (8/1/2008). I've been to this venue quite a few times since it opened as the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in the 80’s and changed over to Verizon in 2000. I say this because I’ve always liked this venue and have enjoyed most every event I’ve attended there, until last night. We had good (not great) seats, 3rd row center, loge. Well last night’s performance was a big disappointment, not because of the performers, but due to Verizon’s sound system. The big speakers built into the stage superstructure were blown out. Even the relatively moderate volume of Brian Adams and Rod Stewart was completely distorted at all but the quietest moments. It ruined the whole evening. I only hope the performers were aware of this, because it certainly effected the enthusiasm of most of the crowd, except for those in the first few rows who relied more on the stage speakers and not the larger arena speakers. I’m going to dispute my card charge, maybe it won’t work, but it might get Verizion’s attention. I won’t be so eager to attend another Verizon event.