I can’t totally disagree with him. I like to attend house concerts or other small venues, and nothing ticks me off more than for someone to get up and wander around or talk/laugh loudly, or constantly text, while the musician(s) are performing. That’s rude not only to the musician(s) but to the audience. While I would prefer to watch an Eagles concert, sitting in my seat without distractions, I think that in larger venues, this offensive behavior is more to be expected. (Disclosure: I like the Eagles’ music, I always have — but sometimes it’s tough to ignore performers’ politics and concentrate on the music.)
Forgot to add, I’ve discussed this with some musicians I know and while they mostly agree that this misbehavior is distracting, they’ve also learned to ignore it and just continue the show ... so maybe Don should do the same.
That’s nothing, at general admission club (or some festival) shows, people will gather up by the stage for one of the later acts, but totally disengage from the performance to text, read facebook, whatever, while those who are trying to watch the band and enjoy the show stand 5-10 rows deep. First come first serve, but we aren’t talking about people even “at” the show. They suck the energy right out of the moment.