Fan Sounds Off About the Boss

Thank you! Thank you! to Roy Rivenburg (‘Off-Kilter” column, Oct. 29) for setting the record straight on the horrific acoustics in the top tiers of the new Staples Center. After plunking down $135 per seat to see Bruce Springsteen for the first time in my long fandom, I can only say that it was by far the best rock performance I never experienced. The sound was awful. Everybody down there on the floor, and even in the first tier, seemed to be having a peak experience. Not so we denizens of the Upper Reaches. It was like he was singing under water.

It was exasperating enough when Bruce said it sounded great to him, but I was furious when Robert Hilburn wrote the next day that the sound was terrific. Please, Robert, the next time you cover a concert there, you ought to climb on up to the People’s Seats.

So again, kudos to Rivenburg for validating what thousands experienced (or rather didn’t). It soothed my disappointed soul.

--JOAN DEPEW

Pasadena