Meaning: This quote by Rick Allen, the drummer for the rock band Def Leppard, provides insight into the delicate balance between satisfying the audience's expectations and fulfilling one's own artistic desires as a musician. The quote reflects the challenge faced by performers in crafting a setlist that pleases both themselves and their audience.

In the quote, Rick Allen suggests that audiences typically expect to hear the "obvious songs" towards the end of a concert. These are likely the band's most popular and well-known tracks, the ones that fans anticipate and often sing along to. As such, including these songs in the setlist is a way to ensure that the audience leaves the concert feeling satisfied and fulfilled. This also aligns with the notion that ending a show with a crowd-pleaser can leave a lasting, positive impression on concert-goers.

However, Allen also acknowledges the importance of finding personal fulfillment as a musician. He notes that performers must make an effort to "make [themselves] happy by doing certain songs at the front end of the set." This suggests that artists should prioritize their own creative fulfillment and artistic expression when planning a performance. By including songs that resonate with them personally at the beginning of the set, musicians can set the tone for the show and establish a connection with the audience based on their own passion and authenticity.

This quote highlights the inherent tension between meeting audience expectations and staying true to one's artistic vision. On the one hand, musicians want to ensure that their fans have an enjoyable experience and feel that their favorite songs have been performed. On the other hand, they also seek to express themselves creatively and share their own musical journey with the audience.

Finding a balance between these two objectives is crucial for creating a memorable and rewarding concert experience. This balance requires careful consideration of the setlist, including the order and selection of songs to ensure that both the audience and the performers are satisfied. It also involves understanding the audience's expectations and preferences while staying true to the artist's own creative impulses.

Moreover, this quote speaks to the broader challenge faced by artists in navigating the commercial and artistic aspects of their craft. In the context of a live performance, the setlist serves as a microcosm of this balancing act, encapsulating the tension between catering to audience expectations and expressing individual creativity.

In conclusion, Rick Allen's quote encapsulates the complex dynamic between audience satisfaction and artistic fulfillment in the context of a live musical performance. It underscores the importance of finding a delicate balance between meeting audience expectations and staying true to one's artistic vision, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by musicians in crafting a setlist that resonates with both themselves and their audience.