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Over the summer I saw STS9 when they were touring with Umphrees (went to see Umphrees, didn't start listening to STS9 untill I knew I was going to see them) at Charter One Pavilion in Chicago. There are many factors that lead to STS9 being the least enjoyable show I have ever seen. Normally I would just brush it off and move on, but many people on the forums here are convinced they would be awesome at ROO, and I trust people's opinions on the forums here more than anywhere else. So please change my mind about this band and maybe I will give them a second chance, I want to like them.
Factors that lead to my bad experience:
I noticed right away I was on the older side of the crowd (I'm 21) most of the people I would guess were between 16 - 18. At first this was a good thing, I could easily see over everyone, and was in the sweet spot halfway between the sound booth and the stage, dead center. I noticed kids selling corn considerably more than at most shows, many of them completely rude pushing in front of me and everyone else trying to get to the front to sell their goods. I myself had been nomming on some corn and was in the right state of mind to enjoy a nice set of electronic music with a good light show. But this didn't stop even after the show started, all the kids around me were more interested in tracking down a salesman than enjoying the show.
These kids weren't just trying to fill their appetite for corn, they were popping pills and drinking, I got the impression they were here to get messed up, and the show was just there to enhance it. (shouldn't it be the other way around?) As you probably guessed, about 15 minutes into the show, kids around me started dropping like flies. at any point in the show, I could look around and see 8-10 kids sitting down, passed out or puking. (why can't kids just stick to corn?) having experience as an EMT I felt inclined to make sure the poor saps were still breathing. for some reason it really pissed me off they were all missing the show they had spent so much time preparing for. (this could be due to the fact I overdid it myself a few years ago and don't remember half of an Incubus show, teaching me the hard way that moderation is key)
Please convince me that all STS9 fans are not like this, and that the band has a lot more depth than that. needless to say, after STS9 finished their set, all the kids left to follow STS9 to their after show, leaving us to enjoy an amazing set from Unphrees. I'm not trying to flame the band, I just realize I didn't see them in a good atmosphere. I am hoping they will be at Roo, so I can replace this bad memory with something better. has the crowd ever detracted from your experience at a show? sorry for ranting but I had to get it off my chest
Post by neighborhooodcreep on Jan 24, 2009 9:58:47 GMT -5
Remember that Bonnaroo is a totally different experience, its not all 16 year olds looking to get so wasted that they cant enjoy the music and environment. Sorry your time seeing them sucked but I can assure you it would be a way better time if they came to Roo in 09.
I have been to alot of shows where people are totally getting craaaazy messed up! but these shows are usually at bands i like a whole lot, so it never detours me from liking the bands, but i have the personality where i can ignore a lot of whats going on around me so i can focus on the band! i really hope sts9 is at roo this year! i saw them back in 07 and they put on an amazing show! you really need to listen to some of their bl and you will def get a different outlook on them!
The stars are dancin' on the water here tonight It's gonna fall a soul when there's not a soul in sight This boat has caught its wind and brought me back to life now I'm alive and well
Post by flyphisherman on Jan 25, 2009 11:05:55 GMT -5
I have seen them at the Roo both years and at several venues across the southeast. At Bonnaroo they are a different band and bring a much older crowd. At other venues I would say I have seen alot of yonger kids and even more hard stuff, but with any band people will find out about them and come change the vibe ( for better or worse). I think if you see them at a smaller place that sales less tickets or at a festival you will see the true STS9.
you just had an unlucky experience imo but the crowd has been getting much younger I've noticed with tribes new direction, I feel as tho they have become much less spiritual and sometimes it shows in the crowd they are now drawing.
Key difference in Roo crowd and the crowd you described : Experience.
Not too many kids at Roo, really. I mean they're there, but you really don't see too many people completely binge right in front of you. I'd imagine a Roo show would be more considerate and self conscious, but I didn't get to see STS9 in 07, so I cannot say for sure for that specific band.
As for the band itself, I have no opinion, honestly.
Post by gryphonkin on Jan 25, 2009 22:14:21 GMT -5
I've had that happen to me before, specifically during the Superjam last year. Pushy kids all doing drugs. Pot I'm fine with. Second-hand crack smoke annoys me. Soured me a little on Gogol Bordello for a bit but I later decided that Gogol makes good music and they can't really help the crowd that shows up for them so it's not really fair to blame them.
a festival crowd is a tad bit different. Most people at Festivals have been to at least 1 festival and know how to pace themselves. the "kids" getting fucked are the ones passing out in their tents at 11:30pm and missing all the good late nights. This equals more room and consideration for you at your favorite festival.
Trust me... those kids just learned their lesson. And since you have been there before, you did the right thing and will be rewarded by the Roo Gods and you'll have an excellent Roo 2009.
I think venues have a lot to with that sort of thing. Some venues look the other way with drugs and underaged drinking. Others do not. Lay out also contributes to things too. I know of indoor venues that have bars on every side of the audience space except the stage. People often get black out drunk at those places. Whereas, if you see a group in an outdoor space with a couple bars on the bad edges of the venue, chances are people are going to have to work harder to get that wasted.
Post by pondo ROCKS on Jan 25, 2009 23:23:31 GMT -5
At Woodstock 99, I saw people literally falling out from heat, corn and alcohol suring Rage Against the Machine. The same thing during Korn's set as well. Mostly because of dehydration...please keep water in your system regardless of what extra activity you my be doing. As for corn, a little can go a long way is my theory. If you are so messed up that you cannot remember the act at all, too much corn.
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Post by wonderhamster on Jan 26, 2009 0:25:43 GMT -5
Replying to OP, this was really upsetting to me at Sigur Ros this year at roo, when the back 20 or so feet under the tent was arrayed with people passed out on the ground, taking up precious space that was much desired by others who were present at the set. I don't have any problem with people sleeping/passing out or indulging in party favors of various sorts, however I dearly wish that either they or their their friends would have the courtesy/common sense to crash on the ground *outside* the tent so that the act's more in control fans can enjoy a closer spot without trampling them or feeling like an asshole for wishing that they would regain control someplace else. It was my first roo, but I was kind of surprised that security (who I *did* see quite a bit of, around the back-right side of the tent and the area just outside it) did not ask them to relocate.
Anyway, I still had an *amazing* experience at Sigur Ros, as did most everyone who was there, however that was the one noticeable fly in the ointment.
Post by Lawn Gnome on Jan 26, 2009 21:23:02 GMT -5
Bad experience here. At the Orange Peel in Asheville I was accused of stealing form the bar tip jar, though I was actually placing a few bucks in. The bouncers threatened to remove me from the show and contact the police unless I "refunded" the money that I "took." I know this had nothing to do with the band, but FUCK the Orange Peel.
it was more like going to a no-no fleamarket that happened to have bands playing. it was a good time, but a lot of the crowd was only there to get completely wrecked.
Post by bongaroo420 on Jan 29, 2009 0:06:33 GMT -5
The times that I have seen STS9 is has been 18+ only. Seems to make a big difference. Usually everyone at those shows have been around the block a few times and are doing things simply to have an even better time.
i was actually at the same show and all I can say is that you must have been in a bad spot, because we were to the right of the stage ten feet back. if you were preoccupied with your surroundings then you missed the show IMO. it was an amazing show as always. both sts9 and umph tore it up! there was younger peeps there, but still a good mix. im 26 and didn't feel that old nor bothered.
guess its what you make it sorry you had a bad experience, give'em another shot and you'll rage at the roo!
Just got into sts9 and when I saw them in Austin, this past Halloween, it was incredible; especially pnuma trio. I'm 27 and did not feel out of place in the slightest. There was plenty of corn, but that's about all I saw-way to into the show to notice much else.
Post by ChiefPemperToadWigginsky on Feb 9, 2009 16:59:00 GMT -5
The problem is that these kids think they are enhancing the show but just don't know their limits. I am guilty of it myself when i was 15-19, though i wasn't rude and didn't act entitled to everything as many of the youngest generation do now. But we should realize that the younger crowd is not our enemy, but our students. We gotta look past their smug attitudes and speak up and use our voices, offering our wisdom of experience instead of silently resenting. But I am not some party prophet, I catch myself harshly judging others sometimes. note: I did not see anyone being harsh here, just my two cents on what i have seen elsewhere. Sorry for mini-rant.........this is sum good corn.
sorry you had a bad experience, give'em another shot and you'll rage at the roo!
