Every show I've seen since I&L&U was released has slipped further and further away from what makes The Avetts special. This show in Detroit was the bottom of the trough.

This was my 17th time seeing The Avetts and I don't want it to be my last. It is becoming increasingly harder to justify buying tickets that are going up in price whilst the level of the performance is decaying so drastically. My close friend drove up from Columbus to attend this show (his 5th time seeing The Avetts) and after the performance he said that he will never attend another Avett concert. Something is wrong guys.

The boys arrived late to the venue (due to delayed flight?) and they did not take the stage until 10:15pm. Everyone was noticeably tired and I understand why (having toured relentlessly myself). There is a difference between being tired and leaving your heart at home, though. Seth came in and out of having his heart in it and that was the only thing that kept this show from being a total loss.

The songs haven't been played at break neck speed all year and the frequency of broken strings is now near zero. The drummer that they use for half the songs keeps their tempo in check and doesn't allow songs to build up or slow down with dynamic emotion. I don't mind songs being played close to their album BPM, but this was the first time that I've witnessed multiple songs being played at well below album tempo. Is this the audible proof that The Avett's batteries have lost their charge?

I'm not hating because my beloved Avetts are changing or have changed. This isn't the first band I've witnessed growing exponentially. I am calling attention to the fact that The Avett's mantra of "It costs nothing to be honest, loyal, and true" was not in effect at this show.

So what does it cost to not be honest, loyal, and true?