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Yeah overall my experience was pretty positive, although I was also able to avoid some of the problems others ran into. I have faith a lot of the production problems will be improved next time around, especially the traffic around the red and green stages. The real issue there is the placement of the VIP section on the red stage. It blocks people from leaving on the left side of the stage and causes a lot of problems. It seemed like the sound at the red was also weird, which made talking during those sets especially bad (the sole reason The xx didn't make my top 10). So hopefully those stage issues are managed and something is done about food and entry lines. Porto lines were tough, but as was mentioned there were a ton over by the blue stage that seemed ignored. Could either be placed better, maybe with a block by the vendors to the right of the green stage.
Everyone here loving that Sigur set makes me a little bummed I missed them, but looks like they kept a lot of the production from when I saw them in the fall and I hadn't seen Chance post-Coloring Book so I think I'm alright. They're always incredible though.
RedFrog Intern I must have been right around you during Flatbush.
setlistvulture Just to help you out, that Brandi Carlile song you mention is called "The Eye"
EDIT: Also not enough people have been mentioning Migos. Fuck that set to fucking hell for everything about it. To think that I could've been watching Solange at that time... I mean I'm sure it was tough finding a last minute replacement, but that's what they got?? Can people stop pretending they make music good enough to justify the shitty people they almost definitely are?
Post by RedFrog Intern on May 29, 2017 22:36:09 GMT -5
@cgs129 i was boppin around in a Metallica tshirt
And on Sigur Ros: it admittedly was not as good as their Academy of Music set, but I dont think it would be possible for them to top that unless I could pick the setlist
Regarding all the talk with disorganized food vendors and bathroom lines... BC has been doing this for years, they should be fully aware of what it takes to have things run smoothly. I would bet that rather than spend additional money on food staff and porta potties, they didn't bother with the extra expenses.
Which blows. Ticket buyers have the right to expect that the organizers are doing everything in good faith to make the smoothest experience possible.
I never experienced any food line issues or bathroom issues at the old venue. This is just growing pains. It was still incredibly easy to pee all weekend, and getting food on Sunday was better.
An acquaintance I have in the media says part of the issue with the food vendors is that the network supporting the credit card machines wasn't robust enough to handle all the traffic, which I imagine is why you saw some vendors have cash-only lines on Sunday
Post by mrpotatotrooper on May 29, 2017 23:35:56 GMT -5
Hi. So... I understand, growing pains and such, so I'm not saying it wont ever get better, but overall, I was a sorta letdown. The main thing that ruined it were the crowds. There were a bunch of acts I was super excited for, but just couldn't get into because of all the people talking so much. Also, I found the levels pretty quiet for some bands (Mumf and RTJ mainly), so that made it even harder to hear. I think logistical issues will be worked out in time, but a crowd probably won't. I don't think I would go again. I did looooove Boston though. Had a super great time checking touristy things out in the mornings and would definitely go back to the city again!
All the negative things aside (I also had some issues with travel companions), Bon Iver was worth it 100x over. It feels like it was a dream. That set was so stupid good. They/he was 95% the reason I went down and he was at the top of my bucket list, so there was a ton of expectations to meet, and they blew them out of the water. Definitely a top 3 best set of my life. Omg. I still can't believe it.
Top Sets Bon Iver: Ok, I guess Pete Holmes/Hannibal Buress: They've been two of my favs for a while, and I've never caught a proper comedy set before, so I was so happy when scheduling allowed me to see them. Both killed it. Was so sore from laughing so much. Strand of Oaks: Was suuuuper pumped for this set and it delivered. Tim is always so amazing. Also, his guitar player slaaayed. PUP: Always great live. Was super happy to see the crowd so into it for a local (for me) band. It was awesome seeing people in Boston sing about going "180 on the Don Valley Parkway" and having no idea what a night mare the DVP can be ahaha Hiss Golden Messenger: One of the tightest live bands, especially for always switching up the members. Was a little bummed about the amount of brand new songs, but they all sounded great. It was also awesome seeing Justin & Matt from BI and Aaron Dessner watching from the side. Frightened Rabbit: Lots of fun. Sounded great. Crowd was into it. Scott is an awesome front-man. I approve. Brandi Carlile: Had a bit of a nap for the fist couple songs, but was beautifully awoken to my favourite song (The Eye), which I wasn't expecting to hear. Payed attention for the rest of the set an was super impressed. Jeeeesus she can sing! HM: Mumford, Chance, Francis & The Lights, and Xylouris White OVERALL:
Sound on the Red Stage is definitely an issue. Virtually everyone I talked to all weekend agreed on that point. RTJ was definitely the worst. No mid tones at all.
The levels for Mumford and Sons were perfectly fine. I was driving by the festival on my way home and the person I was on the phone with knew what song it was.
Sound on the Red Stage is definitely an issue. Virtually everyone I talked to all weekend agreed on that point. RTJ was definitely the worst. No mid tones at all.
The levels for Mumford and Sons were perfectly fine. I was driving by the festival on my way home and the person I was on the phone with knew what song it was.
Weird, I tried a bunch of spots for the first half hour, and was never satisfied with the volume.
First Boston Calling - flew from VA to just attend Friday (and enjoy the city) and wasn't disappointed.
First things first: The bathroom lines by the Ferris Wheel. Did no tell these people there was entrance at the other side behind the ID tent...like seriously never waited.
Ranking the acts I saw:
Sigur Ros - I've seen them a few times before, but the new production since 2013 was insane and I was able to get a new appreciation from coming in the back a tad late after Bon Iver. Thanks to whoever mentioned the whole show offers a great experience from the sound booth.
Bon Iver - Soooo many things were going wrong with this set. I had waited 7 years to see Vernon & co and I assumed with such a surefire lineup the audience would be a great neighbor to experience it with. Boy was I wrong. The crowd was not only talkative, but downright aggressive. I heard conversations not just about who's boinking who, but people were even talking about the weather. Seriously if you are going to pay $126 to stand in a field, elbow your way next to me, and then proceed to talk over a performer to discuss the weather - quack off. That being said, I got a little something out of the new album live despite the distractions; plus the rain falling during the surprise throwbacks at the end truly made it special despite the bad start.
Chance the Rapper - I came in for the last hour of Chance following Sigur Ros at the Blue Stage. Worked out perfectly walking on for Summer Friends (although a bit bummed no J. Vern) and then being in the back for Same Drugs. Gotta say, I've seen him twice before at Firefly and Bonnaroo and he really stepped up his performance with the new mixtape. So grandiose. The guy is made to be in the spotlight, so pumped to see him this Saturday in full in VA Beach.
Sylvan Esso - Still rockin' the chemistry and platform shoes that made them a great live act in the first place. Amelia charisma fills the stage.
Francis & The Lights - Speaking of stage filling charisma - this dude has got it. Not really knowing much of his stuff, I gotta say I was completely entertained with his moves and energy.
Deerhoof - Respect. Never has a band made me want to wiki what they were about and then doing so made me entirely more appreciative of their identity as a band...just not something I particularly enjoy - but after all these years keep keeping it weird folks.
Migos - WOOF. I learned a lot about my friends that day. Also a lot about teenagers doing coke off iPhone 7s and what its like if someone who produced music had smoked, watched National Geographic and/or Modern Marvels, and then decided it would be awesome to show clips behind their friend pressing play on a laptop.
So, anybody noticed what *didn't* arrive in their e-mail inbox this morning?
After each previous edition of BC, the first business day after the festival meant getting the e-mail offering blind early bird tickets for next year.
The fact that the e-mail wasn't sent out today could mean any number of things. Maybe Harvard isn't yet contractually obligated to do this in 2018 (they may have wanted to assess property damage and neighborhood impact of this year's event before committing to next year.) Maybe Harvard is in for next year, but number of stages and space need to be worked out (and number of stages could impact ticket prices).
Given the clustermess of year one at Harvard, if VIP blind early bird is at/near $200, I'm doing VIP next year. Like a slot machine that hasn't hit the jackpot in a while, Boston Calling is due to have at least a few of my top two-dozen favorites next year (they booked a lot of them in 2014 and 2015), especially since they booked not only Wilco, but also the full compliment of Wilco side projects in Wisconsin this year. Unless Wilco takes next year off for some reason, they'll be a sub-headliner or smaller stage headliner next year.
And I'm now very convinced that The Smiths, Oasis, or both will be reuniting next year. Really, any act below football stadium headliner status could be the Green stage headliner, so neither is out of the question. (The rumored Led Zep reunion probably is out of the question.)
So, it's worth the gamble, given that I don't want to deal with having to deal with bad sound a quarter mile from the stage for an act I really love. And after booking The Replacements, My Morning Jacket, Hozier, Father John Misty, The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, Sturgill Simpson, TV On The Radio, and Jason Isbell in that two year period, I wouldn't say that my hopes are completely unfounded. (I'd take acts like Beck, The National, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Pixies over most of what was booked this year, for that matter).
Buffet style sampling was fun this year, but give me a 50 - 120 minute set of songs which speak to the core of my being at least twice during the weekend, and I'll be happy.
i had such a good time this weekend. as expected, bon iver really got me. the rain coming down at the end couldn't have been timed more perfectly. creature fear has always been my favorite, so i was really glad to end it on that. chance, sylvan esso and run the jewels were other highlights. enjoyed every show i watched, even those i didn't care much about. stopped into the comedy arena on saturday and hannibal was great. it's already been said, but i've never been to a show or festival where so many people in the crowd are completely disinterested and talking throughout everything. blah blah blah food lines as well. mostly, i loved dancing and laughing with you guys all weekend. it's really incredible how having all of you at festivals has changed the experience for me. hope to do it again next year!
So, anybody noticed what *didn't* arrive in their e-mail inbox this morning?
After each previous edition of BC, the first business day after the festival meant getting the e-mail offering blind early bird tickets for next year.
The fact that the e-mail wasn't sent out today could mean any number of things. Maybe Harvard isn't yet contractually obligated to do this in 2018 (they may have wanted to assess property damage and neighborhood impact of this year's event before committing to next year.) Maybe Harvard is in for next year, but number of stages and space need to be worked out (and number of stages could impact ticket prices).
Given the clustermess of year one at Harvard, if VIP blind early bird is at/near $200, I'm doing VIP next year. Like a slot machine that hasn't hit the jackpot in a while, Boston Calling is due to have at least a few of my top two-dozen favorites next year (they booked a lot of them in 2014 and 2015), especially since they booked not only Wilco, but also the full compliment of Wilco side projects in Wisconsin this year. Unless Wilco takes next year off for some reason, they'll be a sub-headliner or smaller stage headliner next year.
And I'm now very convinced that The Smiths, Oasis, or both will be reuniting next year. Really, any act below football stadium headliner status could be the Green stage headliner, so neither is out of the question. (The rumored Led Zep reunion probably is out of the question.)
So, it's worth the gamble, given that I don't want to deal with having to deal with bad sound a quarter mile from the stage for an act I really love. And after booking The Replacements, My Morning Jacket, Hozier, Father John Misty, The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, Sturgill Simpson, TV On The Radio, and Jason Isbell in that two year period, I wouldn't say that my hopes are completely unfounded. (I'd take acts like Beck, The National, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Pixies over most of what was booked this year, for that matter).
Buffet style sampling was fun this year, but give me a 50 - 120 minute set of songs which speak to the core of my being at least twice during the weekend, and I'll be happy.
So, anybody noticed what *didn't* arrive in their e-mail inbox this morning?
After each previous edition of BC, the first business day after the festival meant getting the e-mail offering blind early bird tickets for next year.
The fact that the e-mail wasn't sent out today could mean any number of things. Maybe Harvard isn't yet contractually obligated to do this in 2018 (they may have wanted to assess property damage and neighborhood impact of this year's event before committing to next year.) Maybe Harvard is in for next year, but number of stages and space need to be worked out (and number of stages could impact ticket prices).
Given the clustermess of year one at Harvard, if VIP blind early bird is at/near $200, I'm doing VIP next year. Like a slot machine that hasn't hit the jackpot in a while, Boston Calling is due to have at least a few of my top two-dozen favorites next year (they booked a lot of them in 2014 and 2015), especially since they booked not only Wilco, but also the full compliment of Wilco side projects in Wisconsin this year. Unless Wilco takes next year off for some reason, they'll be a sub-headliner or smaller stage headliner next year.
And I'm now very convinced that The Smiths, Oasis, or both will be reuniting next year. Really, any act below football stadium headliner status could be the Green stage headliner, so neither is out of the question. (The rumored Led Zep reunion probably is out of the question.)
So, it's worth the gamble, given that I don't want to deal with having to deal with bad sound a quarter mile from the stage for an act I really love. And after booking The Replacements, My Morning Jacket, Hozier, Father John Misty, The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, Sturgill Simpson, TV On The Radio, and Jason Isbell in that two year period, I wouldn't say that my hopes are completely unfounded. (I'd take acts like Beck, The National, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Pixies over most of what was booked this year, for that matter).
Buffet style sampling was fun this year, but give me a 50 - 120 minute set of songs which speak to the core of my being at least twice during the weekend, and I'll be happy.
You are nothing if not consistent.
Really, Boston Calling early bird tickets are starting to feel like lottery tickets to me, but with much better odds of winning. Might win, might not, but I've won often enough in the past that it's worth the bet.
And it's a LOT cheaper than $400 a night for a Newport, RI hotel room for three or four nights.
Oh, check out Barry Thompson's three Boston Calling daily reviews at Vanyaland.com
He's been the best music/pop culture writer in Boston of late, and his stuff is always a fun read, regardless of the subject matter.
Yes this guy might be slightly more interesting, casual, and snarky, but from reading all of his coverage just now it seems like he was just pissed off the whole time about not having any cigs the whole weekend, and took it out on everything and anything. For me it actually was quite distracting to read his coverage because he just came off an whiny and annoying.
mostly, i loved dancing and laughing with you guys all weekend. it's really incredible how having all of you at festivals has changed the experience for me. hope to do it again next year!
I never expected to have such a blast at Weezer. I am glad that you found us! I credit my new found love for Tool on that set. I was in such a good mood and my dancing shoes (dancing feet is more accurate) were nice and warmed up allowing me to be in the best place to be mentally ready for a new band that I thought I would hate.
I'll always be back at BC when my schedule allows, so I am sure I will be there next year. I did really like this new location. Food lines (not portos or beer, which I had no problem at), and sound at the red stage are my only two complaints. The BC crowd is always full of talkers. Sucks, but I am kinda used to it. They definitely ruined a few sets for me- most notably Mumford.
Being able to dance on turf at the Blue Stage was GLORIOUS.
I am not as much of a ranker as you guys, but top sets: Tool, Bon Iver, Brandi Carlile.
And seconding B's statement about Inforoo friends making the experience. It wouldn't have been the same with out you all <3
Welcome back Bonz, but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal.
Maybe it's me, but talking at shows isn't something out of the ordinary. Maybe cause I usually hang out in the back, or it's a Boston thing, or something.
Maybe it's me, but talking at shows isn't something out of the ordinary. Maybe cause I usually hang out in the back, or it's a Boston thing, or something.
The fact that it's becoming more normalized is what's so concerning...
Maynard basically told everyone to not listen to the bullshit and that we're all together in this life. He said servicemen should defend our rights to say things/feel things and be entitled to opinions and then said that everyone else should support those people who fight to defend what we want to say/do. He also lumped himself in with the "snowflakes".
It seems like a lot of articles are now coming out condemning his spoken moments as if him using the term "snowflakes" is indicative of any kind of opinion. Here's a transcript of what he said from Stereogum:
"As artists, we interpret and report, that’s our job. We are merchants of emotion. We have the privilege to do that because of active and former law enforcement and military defending our right to do so.
Those of you who are law enforcement and military, your job is to defend our right to act like whining, entitled snowflake assholes, myself being one. Snowflakes, your job is to respect them fucking doing that for you. Divided we fall. Don’t believe the hype dumb-dumbs, we’re all in this together."
It was basically a "support our troops" message rant for Memorial Day and he didn't make it seem like he was going after "the left" by using the term snowflakes. But some outlets are running with this story anyway. It is not him "calling out snowflakes" but him telling people that we're all in this together and don't be divided. It was not one side or the other. I thought it was great.
Maynard basically told everyone to not listen to the bullshit and that we're all together in this life. He said servicemen should defend our rights to say things/feel things and be entitled to opinions and then said that everyone else should support those people who fight to defend what we want to say/do. He also lumped himself in with the "snowflakes".
It seems like a lot of articles are now coming out condemning his spoken moments as if him using the term "snowflakes" is indicative of any kind of opinion. Here's a transcript from Stereogum:
As artists, we interpret and report, that’s our job. We are merchants of emotion. We have the privilege to do that because of active and former law enforcement and military defending our right to do so.
Those of you who are law enforcement and military, your job is to defend our right to act like whining, entitled snowflake assholes, myself being one. Snowflakes, your job is to respect them fucking doing that for you. Divided we fall. Don’t believe the hype dumb-dumbs, we’re all in this together.
It was basically a "support our troops" message rant for Memorial Day and he didn't make it seem like he was going after "the left" by using the term snowflakes. But some outlets are running with this story anyway. It is not him "calling out snowflakes" but him telling people that we're all in this together and don't be divided. It was not one side or the other.
Damn now I feel bad for even somewhat believing this in the first place. But that's why I came here to confirm with people that were actually there.
Maynard basically told everyone to not listen to the bullshit and that we're all together in this life. He said servicemen should defend our rights to say things/feel things and be entitled to opinions and then said that everyone else should support those people who fight to defend what we want to say/do. He also lumped himself in with the "snowflakes".
It seems like a lot of articles are now coming out condemning his spoken moments as if him using the term "snowflakes" is indicative of any kind of opinion. Here's a transcript from Stereogum:
As artists, we interpret and report, that’s our job. We are merchants of emotion. We have the privilege to do that because of active and former law enforcement and military defending our right to do so.
Those of you who are law enforcement and military, your job is to defend our right to act like whining, entitled snowflake assholes, myself being one. Snowflakes, your job is to respect them fucking doing that for you. Divided we fall. Don’t believe the hype dumb-dumbs, we’re all in this together.
It was basically a "support our troops" message rant for Memorial Day and he didn't make it seem like he was going after "the left" by using the term snowflakes. But some outlets are running with this story anyway. It is not him "calling out snowflakes" but him telling people that we're all in this together and don't be divided. It was not one side or the other.
Damn now I feel bad for even somewhat believing this in the first place. But that's why I came here to confirm with people that were actually there.
It could be taken either way but I think Maynard, who has military history, just wanted to pay tribute to troops and also make a little reference to the division that exists in this world right now.
He wasn't advocating left or right. He wasn't belittling "snowflakes" (he said he was one) and he wasn't attacking cops/troops. It was a relatively benign mini-speech but because he used the term "snowflakes" which is all the rage right now he is going to be misinterpreted to push some agenda.
It was really not anything worth writing "articles" over.
[I credit my new found love for Tool on that set. I was in such a good mood and my dancing shoes (dancing feet is more accurate) were nice and warmed up allowing me to be in the best place to be mentally ready for a new band that I thought I would hate.
I would have never expected you to enjoy a Tool set. Color me pleasantly surprised
I see they played Third Eye. Any set with Third Eye is a good set imo.
[I credit my new found love for Tool on that set. I was in such a good mood and my dancing shoes (dancing feet is more accurate) were nice and warmed up allowing me to be in the best place to be mentally ready for a new band that I thought I would hate.
I would have never expected you to enjoy a Tool set. Color me pleasantly surprised .
It was probably because she HAD to stay throughout the headliner. If she had an option to leave she may have but then she was seduced by the glory that is a Tool live show. Every song that passed they added more and more to the stage show (it started with no videos and minimal lights but ended with tons of videos both on the stage and the side screens and also a bunch of other stage stuff that I haven't seen many other bands attempt. I haven't seen anyone displaying visual elements on the stack of speakers on each side of the stage and I think they built and built their set up so anyone who was on the fence could come around to it. Bonnie has an open mind and basically just enjoyed a great show. It's tough to win over someone who hasn't really listened to your stuff but Tool did it.
Such a good set. I can't wait for Sunday at Gov Ball
I would have never expected you to enjoy a Tool set. Color me pleasantly surprised .
It was probably because she HAD to stay throughout the headliner. If she had an option to leave she may have but then she was seduced by the glory that is a Tool live show. Every song that passed they added more and more to the stage show (it started with no videos and minimal lights but ended with tons of videos both on the stage and the side screens and also a bunch of other stage stuff that I haven't seen many other bands attempt). I haven't seen anyone displaying visual elements on the stack of speakers on each side of the stage and I think they built and built their set up so anyone who was on the fence could come around to it. Bonnie has an open mind and basically just enjoyed a great show. It's tough to win over someone who hasn't really listened to your stuff but Tool did it.
Such a good set. I can't wait for Sunday at Gov Ball
Very nice. Ya, I love the way their current stage set up progresses throughout the show.
I picked up tickets to their show in Idaho in just under 3 weeks, excited to see them again. Think this will be number 8?
It was probably because she HAD to stay throughout the headliner. If she had an option to leave she may have but then she was seduced by the glory that is a Tool live show. Every song that passed they added more and more to the stage show (it started with no videos and minimal lights but ended with tons of videos both on the stage and the side screens and also a bunch of other stage stuff that I haven't seen many other bands attempt. I haven't seen anyone displaying visual elements on the stack of speakers on each side of the stage and I think they built and built their set up so anyone who was on the fence could come around to it. Bonnie has an open mind and basically just enjoyed a great show. It's tough to win over someone who hasn't really listened to your stuff but Tool did it.
Such a good set. I can't wait for Sunday at Gov Ball
Very nice. Ya, I love the way their current stage set up progresses throughout the show.
I picked up tickets to their show in Idaho in just under 3 weeks, excited to see them again. Think this will be number 8?
This was only my second time actually seeing them live so I only could compare it to the epic 2007 Bonnaroo set that I saw.
At first I was like "Really? This is it?" in terms of stage show/lights and extras. But with each song another piece was introduced and then halfway through the set it felt right with everything firing on all cylinders.
They delivered and I can't wait for this weekend when I see them again. It's easy to jump into all the gimmicks that bands use to level up to the next phase but Tool just killed it all around.
but I do not find it strange that your presence being requested in the Orgy thread and then you showing up, like it was the quacking Bonzai Bat Signal. 
