Return of Big Outdoor Concerts

Sounds hellish.

Bigger than a Drive-In Movie who-wee

(That's a "Picasso Moon" lyric)

Awful latter-day GD song.  Really one of the Worst.

BYOB = Bring Your Own Bathroom

>> BYOB = Bring Your Own Bathroom <<

Bourbon Balls are your friend.

i like it

Sounds hellish.

Maybe not hellish but not the concert experience we are all used to, for sure. I am set up to cover a drive-in concert in New Jersey in early July and the rules as a bit more stringent. People are not allowed to tailgate and must stay in the vehicle unless going to the bathroom. If you walk to whatever facilities they have for the bathrooms, you need to wear a mask. You do not need to wear a mask in your vehicle and can have the windows open. I jumped at the chance to write about this show and take some photos mainly to get a feel of what the future might hold. The music is almost secondary at this point. I've been in contact with a lot of tour industry professionals and they are pretty much writing off 2021 except for shows like this or something else that might be thought up. 

^Southside Johnny?

There is not a spot in any Deer Creek (Noblesville, IN) parking lot with even a remote sight line to the stage. Do they plan on setting up screens with a sound system. Sounds like a real hoot. Not.

Rail riders won't support this idea.

Oops...

"The music is almost secondary at this point." Pass.

I feel that I should clarify that. In this particular intense, being that I am wearing the hat of a journalist, both written and photo, the music is almost secondary for me. I want to see how it works and if it scratches the itch that many have right now for live performance that doesn't come across on a screen of some sort. In the case of the show I am scheduled to attend (details still being worked out and yes, it is Southside Johnny) the stage will be set up in the parking lot with 1000 cars (4 persons per car) staggered and space so everyone has a clear view of the stage. I don't know if a full outdoor sound system will be involved but there sound will be broadcast via FM radio signal to the vehicles. It may be both. I guess I will find out in the coming days or on the day of the show. 

There is absolutely pent up demand since the tickets for this show sold out in under an hour. Promoters and performers are trying to fill the void and this is one of the things that they are trying. I would rather see them trying than waiting until 2022 to do it the way it's always been done up until now. 

BClyde went to see YMSB at a drive-in in Wyoming last night. Said they had a small PA, but music was piped in to cars via FM signal.

At this point it sounds pretty good to me. I'm sick of all the kumbaya acoustic warbling, I want to ROCK!

If done correctly the bands can keep isolated and sanitary while they travel, especially if they keep their "tours" short, and most amphitheaters have the infrastructure to fairly easily handle this type of deal - large bathrooms accessible to the lots and room to set up safe temporary bathroom facilities, huge amounts of space to allow people to move around safely, ability to contain & secure their huge parking lots from local neighborhoods - and TURN UP THE VOLUME - easy access & ability to set up, power up and break down large stages, and most sheds even have remote concessions setups where people could order shit from their phones and have it delivered to their cars.

What, you people LIKE being mashed in with everyone else? I like the idea of being in my own space, able to hang in my car or be outside rocking while the rest of you jabbering, white person dancing knuckleheads are WAY over there. And BYOB??? All everyone does is BITCH about how much a beer costs at a show. Well, now you get to bring your own without having to figure out how to sneak it in.

It's not optimal or what we know but it's sure better than nothing, and it won't be forever.

We're fighting a war here people. We're surrounded by an occupying enemy that is trying & succeeding at killing us, especially the weakest of us. To fight back all we have to do is block it's access to respiratory systems by wearing a facemask when we're around others, keep things sanitary and keep our distance in general, and if we can just do that most of us can live a decent facsimile of what we're used to.

If fighting off an invading, murderous enemy until the experts find a cure means we have to wear a mask in the grocery store and sit in our comfy car or outside it in a lawn chair with plenty of leg and elbow room to enjoy a night out and some live electric rock 'n roll, that doesn't seem too much to sacrifice.

But don't fret, the fee per car will almost certainly give everyone something to BITCH about.

Some normals never change.

Stay safe, and...

GTTS!

People keep parroting some idiot-stick mythology they learned from the TV.

The little face mask was never designed to keep you safe from the Imaginary pathogen.

It's so you don't sneeze or cough and infect others.  Really, that is all the little face-mask accomplishes.

Don't believe what I type...  go look it up on your own.

Anyway the Television told everyone to Fear and Obey,  which worked pretty well.  The "Corona" tests made lots of profit for the distributors.  Better than Crack !!  However they all were Mickey-Mouse bullshit that tested for any strain of common cold.

No actual virus doctors ever produced a legitimate test for the media Bio - Weapon.

Some corrupt University folks got busted dealing with Chinese bio - warfare labs,  but that got swept under the rug.
It's a huge Heist on every front,  but people are easily distracted by Television and imaginary politicians.

The little face mask was never designed to keep you safe from the Imaginary pathogen.

While your face mask does little to protect you from infection, a face mask on those who are contagious and often not showing symptoms does a lot to protect others. That is the purpose of the face mask. 

The Southside Johnny concert at Monmouth Park was priced at 125 per car with a max of 4 people in the car. There was also gold circle pricing (the closest parking spots) at $250 per vehicle. More expensive than other drive in concerts have been but this show is also a benefit fund raiser for the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. which is a non-profit arts foundation. As such, paying a bit more is not a terrible thing. 

I agree with Lance; I want to rock as well. 

Lockn is on the horizon... lineup TBA.... 

Ken ya should've texted me for Friday!  

Keep me posted on Hood Canal -- my BFF has a boat and lives nearby on the Key Peninsula.

Masks work end of story

https://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2020/06/wear-your-mask/

Thanks Ken! I'll check it out -- 

I like boogying behind the wheel when I'm driving, but at a show? I don't think so. This model seems to kill the community aspect of going to a show too.

Rock and Roll!

Lol.

No interest in forcing the issue just to get out and log a "concert".

It wont have any of the aspects of a concert that are appealing or that create an x factor that can arise from a gathering.

Seems like a lot of effort to check off some hollow boxes, but Im sure tix will be in demand.

Stu 

Isolated  too long again 

go for a walk with your ........

It pains me to admit this (lol) - but 73guy is absolutely right on with his comments in this thread.

Living in rural Vermont - we have a little roadhouse near us that has been doing some very small events. Audience limit is VERY small, you HAVE TO reserve a table in advance (4 people max) and you have to wear a mask when at the bar ordering (they will deliver drinks and food to your table and you must wear a mask when staff delivers to you), going to the bathroom or generally walking anywhere from your table (which are all over 10 feet apart from each other.) There is a bluegrass show every Thursday evening and the attendance has been on the low side so far ( I have been to both performances so far). I want to rock too - but I will revel in bluegrass music - being that it is the perfect music for any summer evening. 

Brave new world ahead - and honestly, I don't think we have even BEGUN to witness the economic hardships that await our entire way of life.

Just to be clear, I don't disagree with 73guy's comment about checking some of the boxes and not having some of the aspects that make a concert a concert. The sad part is that it is quite possible that these live in-person musical performances will be the best we can get for quite awhile and possibly for the rest of our days. Within the industry there are many who think that there will NEVER be live concerts like we are used to again. 

Let that sink in...NEVER. 

That is a scary thought for me considering I have lived and breathed live performance since I was in high school. I've thought about that void quite a bit since my livelihood mostly depends on live performances. My thoughts are that I will check out things that are thrown together and see if any of them work for me. I am not ready to give up live music and will take it how I can get it. I will also appreciate, to the best of my ability, what I get. I will attempt to support performers, venues and even promoters so that if things change we have a live music scene to come back to. Most data to date indicates that 90% of independent venues have at most 6 months left of life. I would hate to see a world that is almost exclusively Live Nation and AEG . 

After reading LN's new terms, I'd just assume route for LN and their tentacles to go completely out of business, forever and ever.

Those who promote and leverage other people's talent might be removed from the picture, but the spirit that resides within people to shine and excel will never die and will eventually rise up without being lorded over by "others".   Perhaps it's time to embark upon a "collective"?

https://jambands.com/news/2020/06/18/report-in-2021-live-nation-to-slash...

Live Nation Memo to Talent Agencies

The global pandemic has changed the world in recent months and with it the dynamics of the music industry. We are in unprecedented times and must adequately account for the shift in market demand, the exponential rise of certain costs and the overall increase of uncertainty that materially affects our mission. In order for us to move forward, we must make certain changes to our agreements with the artists. The principle changes for 2021 are outlined below.

Artist Guarantees: Artist guarantees will be adjusted downward 20% from 2020 levels.

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices are set by the promoter, at the promoter’s sole discretion, and are subject to change.

Payment Terms: Artists will receive a deposit of 10% one month before the festival, contingent on an executed agreement and fulfillment of marketing responsibilities. The balance, minus standard deductions for taxes and production costs, will be paid after the performance.

Minimum Marketing Requirements: All artists will be required to assist in marketing of the festival through minimum social media posting requirements outlined in artist offer.

Streaming requirements: All artists will be required to allow their performance to be filmed by the festival for use in a live television broadcast, a live webcast, on-demand streaming, and/or live satellite radio broadcast.

Billing: All decisions regarding “festival billing” are at the sole discretion of the promoter.

Merchandise: Purchaser will retain 30 % of Artist merchandise sales and send 70% to the artist within two weeks following the Festival.

Airfare and Accommodations: These expenses will be the responsibility of the artist.

Sponsorship: The promoter controls all sponsorship at the festival without any restrictions, and artists may not promote brands onstage or in its productions.

Radius Clause. Violation of a radius clause without the festival’s prior authorization in writing will, at the festival’s sole discretion, result in either a reduction of the artist fee or the removal of the artist from the event, with any pre-event deposits returned to the festival immediately.

Insurance: The artist is required to maintain its own cancellation insurance as the promoter is not responsible for the artist fee in the event of a cancellation of the festival due to weather or a force majeure.

Cancellation by Artist: If an artist cancels its performance in breach of the agreement, the artist will pay the promoter two times the artist’s fee.

Cancellation Due to Poor Sales. If a show is cancelled due to poor ticket sales, the artist will receive 25% of the guarantee.

Force Majeure: If the artist’s performance is canceled due to an event of force majeure – including a pandemic similar to Covid-19 – the promoter will not pay the artist its fee. The artist is responsible for obtaining any cancellation insurance for its performance.

Inability to Use Full Capacity of the Venue: If the promoter – either because of orders of the venue or any governmental entity – is not permitted to use the full capacity of the venue, then the promoter may terminate the agreement, and artist will refund any money previously paid.

We are fully aware of the significance of these changes, and we did not make these changes without serious consideration. We appreciate you – and all artists – understanding the need for us to make these changes in order to allow the festival business to continue not only for the artists and the producers, but also for the fans.

Within the industry there are many who think that there will NEVER be live concerts like we are used to again.

why? even without a vaccine or major treatment, its pretty likely that herd immunity will take over before most of us kick the bucket...are they thinking covid will maybe not go away or get any better, or are people talking about it as a precautionary measure against another potential pandemic?

I imagine a lot of DUI's happening unless you can camp out. Cops waiting outside.

After reading LN's new terms, I'd just assume route for LN and their tentacles to go completely out of business, forever and ever.

Those who promote and leverage other people's talent might be removed from the picture, but the spirit that resides within people to shine and excel will never die and will eventually rise up without being lorded over by "others".   Perhaps it's time to embark upon a "collective"?

Said collective could be formed but if they are doing public performances they still have liability to provide a safe venue. Insurance companies are dictating best practice protocols in any new policies being issued. Will any collective be able to provide those best practice protocols? Disinfect each bathroom facility after each use? Enforce distancing protocols on site? Screen attendees with digital thermometers before entering a venue? There are quite a few more of them. Let's say they can provide for those. They will also need to complete paperwork to attest to those protocols on an event basis. They might have to hire a safety protocol specialist with medical accreditations to fill out and sign that paperwork. All of these things cost a lot of money to implement. The collectives you are referring to won't have the pockets to comply. 

If they can't comply or can't afford host liability insurance, you can be sure that a single possibly preventable death would generate a law suit that would end up taking all assets of the collective as well as all personal assets of those who formed the collective. Basically each collective member would lose their homes, vehicles, instruments and future royalties from their works. Would you put all of your current and future assets on the line? 

why? even without a vaccine or major treatment, its pretty likely that herd immunity will take over before most of us kick the bucket...are they thinking covid will maybe not go away or get any better, or are people talking about it as a precautionary measure against another potential pandemic?

All the above have been taken into consideration. There hasn't been any vaccine developed for any corona-virus to date and it usually takes north of 5 years to develop any viable vaccine for anything. After development it takes even more time to vaccinate enough people that it is effective. Recent studies have shown an alarming aspect of covid-19. Those who have been infected and tested positive for antibodies are testing negative for any antibodies a few months after. More research is being done but it may be that after you are infected, you only have a limited time window that you can't be reinfected. If that is the case, herd immunity may never happen or perhaps small parts of the herd will be immune for brief windows of time. There isn't a definative answer to that yet. Lastly, yes, there is a lot of worry of what the next virus/disease will bring and given how most countries are interconnected to other countries and each of them have their own rules, that next thing could be a lot worse. 

I have no sense of urgency to comingle, I rock daily with no talking assholes to bother me. Rock in your car to live music hahahaaaa sounds like a fun time for some yobuckles, just not me. Sides, nothing happening worth catching a cold for anyway, all the good shits been canceled. Been there, seen everyone, fucked that. No interest till Crimson Zappa in 21.

Enjoy kids

There are some benefits although I suspect it'd be kind of weird. 

No wooks rubbing all over you.  

No drunks spillin beer on you.  

No trippin hippies freakin out on you.  

((((((Dancing Room))))))

Said collective could be formed but if they are doing public performances they still have liability to provide a safe venue. Insurance companies are dictating best practice protocols in any new policies being issued. Will any collective be able to provide those best practice protocols? Disinfect each bathroom facility after each use? Enforce distancing protocols on site? Screen attendees with digital thermometers before entering a venue? There are quite a few more of them. Let's say they can provide for those. They will also need to complete paperwork to attest to those protocols on an event basis. They might have to hire a safety protocol specialist with medical accreditations to fill out and sign that paperwork. All of these things cost a lot of money to implement. The collectives you are referring to won't have the pockets to comply. 

If they can't comply or can't afford host liability insurance, you can be sure that a single possibly preventable death would generate a law suit that would end up taking all assets of the collective as well as all personal assets of those who formed the collective. Basically each collective member would lose their homes, vehicles, instruments and future royalties from their works. Would you put all of your current and future assets on the line? <<<<

I see your point and certainly not saying the issues you've raised aren't immediate and need to be addressed.  What I am saying is that it's not in line with my values to support an old guard implementation in a COV19 environment that dictates terms to artists without any hint that it's a team effort and things can be adjusted to help musicians if conditions improve.   I get that it's an enormous undertaking with a lot of risks.   Why couldn't hypothetical Collective establish itself so as its administrative component initially mirrors the exact same terms that LN is seeking to impose upon artists; yet, at the same time, periodically re-evaluates whether said terms can be adjusted - as conditions permit - to be more favorable to the interests of musicians?

I see your point and certainly not saying the issues you've raised aren't immediate and need to be addressed.  What I am saying is that it's not in line with my values to support an old guard implementation in a COV19 environment that dictates terms to artists without any hint that it's a team effort and things can be adjusted to help musicians if conditions improve.   I get that it's an enormous undertaking with a lot of risks.   Why couldn't hypothetical Collective establish itself so as its administrative component initially mirrors the exact same terms that LN is seeking to impose upon artists; yet, at the same time, periodically re-evaluates whether said terms can be adjusted - as conditions permit - to be more favorable to the interests of musicians?

The only reason that performers agreed to the LN terms is that they had a much higher financial payout guarantee than if they booked gigs with multiple promoters. The costs to handle all the things that a company like LN does is prohibitive to performers; especially if they take a bath on a gig because of poor ticket sales.. When a performer does what is called a "round trip" deal with a promoter, the promoter handles everything except the performers and direct tour crew. Local union contracts, security and in most cases, transportation. Many tourning bands are making more from tours than they have ever before because the promoters spread the risk among multiple gigs, venues, etc. The big nights smooth out the nights of loss. Almost all performers like it that way. They deal with what they do...perform....and make more because of it. Going back to the system you speak of would cut their income quite a bit. Those deals, in many ways, are in the best interests of the performers.   

Wait....live music is a business?

It'll be like experiencing a show from a row in that idiotic Bridge at MSG.  In other words, it'll suck.

At least it's easier to get in and out of a car.

Heathen

 Cover bands in Pleasanton 

https://www.mercurynews.com/drive-in-concerts-yes-that-is-a-thing-and-it...

too bad its not Los lobos...

>>>It'll be like experiencing a show from a row in that idiotic Bridge at MSG<<<

Actually, I don't think it will be anything like that. As long as people can get outside their car it sounds like it'll be more like a big tailgating scene without having to leave the lot to go into the event.

You can set up a table with whatever food you bring, fire up the blender and make margaritas, have the cooler filled with the icy cold beer of your choice (or water you don't have to pay five bucks a bottle for), surrounded by hundreds/thousands of festive people all doing the same thing, and the band is set up IN the lot - they come to the us, not the other way around. 

The only thing that likely won't be allowed is open fires/cooking, but I imagine most of us have been at pre-game tailgate parties at ballgames or shows that are pretty raging and fun, with real good "X factor" energy permeating the lots. The only difference is we won't have to shut it down and trudge into the venue, the tailgate with BE the venue.

It'll be a party. (But yes, just make sure one person in the group is only drinking the water).

As for Tony's dire concerns, it's my opinion that humanity is a shit-show about 95% of the time, but when we're pushed right up to the edge of the cliff we tend to figure things out. Maybe the experts haven't been able to come up with vaccines or drugs to manage this type of virus in the past, and I'm certainly not an expert, but this deal is too big, too catastrophic on a world-wide level (and there's too much money to be made to fix it) so I have faith that in this circumstance humanity will rise up and figure this fucking thing out.

As has been noted often over the years, humanity seems to be at it's best when things are at their worst, and things are pretty fucking bad right now, so I have to believe our best will show up for this. It may be wishful (desperate?) thinking, but I don't believe we've seen the last of public gatherings and life back to "normal".

And until the experts figure it out I'll be happy to hang out in big, festive tailgate scenes while rocking out to major league bands (not Journey cover bands, but that's just me) playing through major league sound systems.

GTTTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ken > Hoodstock update > BFF is moving son to Montana for first year of college on those dates and she won't give me the keys to the boat -- shocking!

She suggests inner tubes or kayaks or those awful giant pool floaties shaped like unicorns.

The only reason that performers agreed to the LN terms is that they had a much higher financial payout guarantee than if they booked gigs with multiple promoters. The costs to handle all the things that a company like LN does is prohibitive to performers; especially if they take a bath on a gig because of poor ticket sales.. When a performer does what is called a "round trip" deal with a promoter, the promoter handles everything except the performers and direct tour crew. Local union contracts, security and in most cases, transportation. Many tourning bands are making more from tours than they have ever before because the promoters spread the risk among multiple gigs, venues, etc. The big nights smooth out the nights of loss. Almost all performers like it that way. They deal with what they do...perform....and make more because of it. Going back to the system you speak of would cut their income quite a bit. Those deals, in many ways, are in the best interests of the performers<<<<

I get why musicians would agree to LN terms pre Covid-19, but haven't pre-existing expectations been completely shattered at this point?  If the answer is yes, why should any musician assume the competitive landscape is suddenly going to revert to "how it once was" in terms of the one-stop-shop aspect or the mitigation of risk of fluctuating revenue over the course a tour?    If all that is essentially needed is a giant field, platform for a stage, PA and electricity for a drive in concert experience, does that not effectively remove the "supply" (of venues) that LN had previously sought to control or even monopolize?   If the Collective can emulate the what LN does on an administrative level, why wouldn't performers seek to organize and take the chance of getting out from under the thumb of LN?    Of course these are very broad brush strokes, but I think the general idea is one that many would like to get on board with.  Likewise, I think all of those memes floating around about re-inventing oneself and growing from this have some merit.

Having said that, I think this will be the least of our worries ... I think the worst is yet to come re: Covid-19!

Actually, I don't think it will be anything like that. As long as people can get outside their car it sounds like it'll be more like a big tailgating scene without having to leave the lot to go into the event.<<

People are not allowed to tailgate and must stay in the vehicle unless going to the bathroom.<<

I only know what I read on the Internet

If the lot's the venue, where's the shakedown?

inside!

inside out

outside in

all I know is where I've been

>>>If the lot's the venue, where's the shakedown<<<

In the gutter, where it belongs.

>>>People are not allowed to tailgate and must stay in the vehicle unless going to the bathroom<<<

Yeah, I would have no interest in that, but this seems pretty cool to me...

For the record, if I was paying to go to the show I am scheduled to go to, I would have passed because of the you must stay in your car and no tailgating rules. As far as I can tell, those rules are only happening in New Jersey at this show. Our governor is doing a really good job with this covid-19 mess and taking baby step with caution opening back up the state. If all goes well, I'm sure future drive in shows will be a bit looser. 

where do you go to the restroom?

bring your own honey bucket??

google fecal aerosol during covid-19 if you give a shit.

Outside Lands 2020 Cancelled...

https://www.nme.com/news/music/outside-lands-cancel-2020-festival-announ...

The Hangout also.

>>>If the lot's the venue, where's the shakedown<<<

In the gutter, where it belongs.

lance you are such a party pooper

Hey I love a good party - the optimal word being "good".

Obviously I have a different opinion about the Shakedown scene than most, but then I had a different view of it than most.

Anyway, IMO the much MUCH better party was always inside the venue.

And goddam it, I always thought the damned virus was a shitty deal, but I didn't realize that was a literal thing.

If I go to one of these parking lot tailgate shows I'll be sure to poop before I get there and have some empty resealable bottles in the back seat of my car.

>>Anyway, IMO the much MUCH better party was always inside the venue.

I don't think many would disagree with that - but it's nice to have something to do pre and post-show, yes? Shakedown can be a pleasant diversion.

>>If I go to one of these parking lot tailgate shows I'll be sure to poop before I get there

Holy shit (forgive me) - YOU CAN POOP ON DEMAND?!?!?!

>>>Shakedown can be a pleasant diversion<<<

On one level sure, but at what cost? In the early/mid '90s there were many levels to that business, most of them not pleasant.

Like I said, I had a different view of it than most.

And I'm a pretty regular fellow.

>>If I go to one of these parking lot tailgate shows I'll be sure to poop before I get there

Holy shit (forgive me) - YOU CAN POOP ON DEMAND?!?!?!<<<

Haven't you ever been "in between gears" before a show and tried to see if you could force the issue beforehand?

>>And I'm a pretty regular fellow.

I'm a regular fellow too - but pooping on demand is akin to a magic power.

Maybe if you're "in between gears" you can "push" things (although pushing is never a good thing to do) - but if you can go from 0 (zero) to 60 just like that - WOW!

I've impressed 6.

I'm feeling pretty good about that.

(This conversation is turning a bit ugly, but for clarity's sake, ever since I had my gall bladder removed a number of years ago the plumbing has been pretty predictable - not long after I eat I better be somewhere civilized. As long as I control when I'm eating I can be pretty good about controlling the timing of the inevitable consequences of that. So I would likely NOT be eating at these tailgate shows. I'll just have to find other things to do.) 

Low hanging fruit alert:

Much like the current live music scene, this thread has turned into a shitshow; hasn't it? 

>>I've impressed 6.

You certainly have.

>>I'm feeling pretty good about that

As you should. At my age - I'm pretty hard to impress.

>>Much like the current live music scene, this thread has turned into a shitshow; hasn't it? 

Comment or get off the pot. lol

This is an illuminating interview with Steven Severin, the owner of Neumo's nightclub.  He discusses the scene in his Seattle Capitol Hill neighborhood, efforts by Music venue operators to enlist government awareness and assistance, and the wisdom of re-opening  Enid's at limited capacities:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.billboard.com/amp/articles/business/tou...

I cannot imagine the clusterfuck of trying to exit a drive in concert venue after people have been partying and tailgating - even with a designated driver. 
 

>even without a vaccine or major treatment, its pretty likely that herd immunity..

heard immunity and Covid are a bit of a joke among health care professionals - it would be like trying to develop immunity or a vaccine for the common cold. Some researchers are reporting that Covid immunity lasts 3-6 months as they're seeing people getting reinfected. 
 

Sure it's possible there could be long term immunity or a safe and effective vaccine in the future and world peace is also possible , in the meantime welcome to the new normal 

The BLM protests are showing us that with masks out door gatherings may be fine. Indoor seems to be the problem. 

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/covid-spike-protest-testing-spread

As for herd immunity people need to do the math

2.4 million people infected gives us about a 1% infection rate for the US population which resulted in 124,000 dead. Heard immunity kicks in at around a 60% percent infection rate. That will be a lot of dead people.  

Moo.

Maybe if you're "in between gears" you can "push" things (although pushing is never a good thing to do) - but if you can go from 0 (zero) to 60 just like that - WOW!<<<

A cup of coffee can sometimes help nudge things along, but I don't take it any further on this front.

On the other hand, my dad is one to go in the other direction and take a pill to shut down the gears entirely. 

>I cannot imagine the clusterfuck of trying to exit a drive in concert venue after people have been partying and tailgating - even with a designated driver. ,<

uh ever go to a grateful dead show after they banned camping?

The old rocker wore his hair too long
Wore his trouser cuffs too tight
Unfashionable to the end drank his ale too light

Death's head belt buckle, yesterday's dreams
The transport caf' prophet of doom
Ringing no change in his double sewn seams
In his post-war babe gloom

Yes, T. Which is why I prefer to park off site and walk or bike. Or Uber. 

>> Or Uber.  <<

My experience with taking Uber from big shows outside an urban center has been bad. Typically there's an organized line, which is always too long. Club/bar shows, especially i the city, are a different story.

There is nothing new about clusterfucks when getting out of a big event, but there will be far less cars in these lot shows then there would normally be, so at worst the CF will be less than the old normal.

The new normal will require a little patience, a little cooperation, a little compromise.

And since most people aren't very good at any of those I guess the new normal will be a lot like the old normal.

There's some who lyrics in there Tom

Come on Lance, I expect you to at least complain about Shakedown street in a post like that. As if it won't pop up in the the drive in concert 

I don't think I complain about Shakedown, I just express my opinion on the reality below it's glittery, tie dye surface.

Honestly, most of my negative view is based on how things were 20 - 30 years ago. The same issues still exist today, but on a much lower, less destructive scale.

Anyway, I would imagine the promoters will be pretty firm about things happening outside the safety parameters.

All those newly fired police officers will be hired to "shut down" the shakedown greasers.

And I can definitely hear the wooks wailing about this new order concert setup...

"IT'S UNFAIR!!! YOU HAVE TO HAVE A CAR TO GET IN?!? DISCRIMINATION!!!!!!!"

"ONLY FOUR TO A VEHICLE?!? THAT'S BULLSHIT!!! ALL FIFTY TWO OF US IN THIS VAN ARE FAMILY!!!!!!!"

FDLM!!!!

(Fleadirt Lives Matter)

Lance - what drove you to become so decidely anti-wook? 

As a concept I don't have anything directly against the wook level of "hippie" or dead head, and honestly I don't have a specific issue against the concept of Shakedown, especially in it's early incarnations. It's what it became and was responsible for that I have issues with.

As a dead head my negative attitude toward Shakedown is because I blame what it devolved into for forcing the band to stop playing the great smaller venues, in my region like the Greek, the Frost, the Kaiser, etc.

As someone who worked for the local promoter I learned to loathe most of the later era Shakedown scene because on multiple levels I had to deal with it and it's many ramifications directly. Before, during and after all the fun and pleasant diversion it afforded the average ticket holder those ramifications were not pleasant to deal with.

As for "wookies", I must admit that when you have to repeatedly deal with the lower levels of a larger group it's hard not to begin to stereotype the entire group to it's lowest levels (sound familiar?) but overall, as long as a person is cool and doesn't look to take advantage of or tramp on individuals or a larger scene I'm all for however folks want to live.

I guess my personal definition of a wookie is more defined by their actions then on how they look or live. Unfortunately I fail at times with my perceptions and react to how a person looks or lives. It's something to work on. 

Interestingly, as an example of that, just yesterday I was looking for a nice excursion and a place not blazing hot to walk my dog, so we went to Golden Gate Park in SF. It was a glorious 62 degrees with fog just over the treetops and we had a great walk. While cutting through a little trail connecting the Polo Field to Lindley Meadow we crossed paths with a young guy who could easily be referred to as a wook; ratty, dirty & torn tie dye cloths, beaten flip flops and matted dirty hair.

In my stereotypical way I immediately assumed I'd be getting hit up, but after thoughtfully pulling his bandana up over his nose & mouth the guy just complemented my little dog and with bright clear eyes asked my how my day was going. We had a very pleasant conversation for a minute or two and then he wished me a beautiful day and began to move on.

I felt bad for assuming the worst because of how he looked so I asked him if he needed anything, but he just smiled and said, "No man, I'm cool, but thanks."

Now maybe I'm jumping to conclusions again, but this guy looked like he was living in the park and could definitely use a little help, but he wasn't interested in getting anything from me, he was just happy living his life.

It was just a moment and who knows what that guy's story was or what he was capable of doing (like all the rest of us) but I thought about that interaction for the rest of the walk and on the drive home.

Like the rest of us I have room to grow.

But I'm still going to poke sticks at Shakedown and those who use, take advantage and damage while providing little or nothing in return.

(Yeah, yeah, I know... long winded, but you asked)

I am not picking sides but that makes sense, Lance. Many people partying in Shakedown likely fail to see the trash left behind, entitled attitudes, or some of the more shady shit that goes down there. All of us can and should be better and less judgemental as much as possible. After all, we expect people to accept us and our scene so we should strive to make it as clean, upright, and accepting as possible - right? Not everything is what it may appear to be at face value and we, as DeadHeads should certainly be open to that and taking things as they come not as what may be expected.

>But I'm still going to poke sticks at Shakedown and those who use, take advantage and damage while providing little or nothing in return.
 

well, somebody has to. 

And that's why we love you, Lance. 
 

keep on growing..

los lobos 4th of july

Join us Saturday July 4th at 5:30pm for a unique drive-in concert experience. Featuring the legendary LOS LOBOS and Mariachi El Bronx playing live at Oak Canyon Park at Irvine Lake in Orange County California. Each vehicle can bring up to 6 people with the purchase of 1 vehicle ticket. Tickets start at $150 per vehicle. Each vehicle space is 12’X18’ with a 2’ restroom walking path on each side of every vehicle. Feel free to bring your own chairs and enjoy your socially distanced personal space outside of your vehicle. Let us hand deliver to you, all food, beverage and merchandise, directly to your vehicle space by our professional servers.

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/so-cal-drive-in-concert-oak-canyon-park-...

I felt bad for assuming the worst because of how he looked so I asked him if he needed anything, but he just smiled and said, "No man, I'm cool, but thanks."<<<

Maybe he was just playing the wook version of Eddie Haskel and really was what you initially thought?

<<<Looks like someone is throwing an outdoor music fest up in Wisconsin

Isnt that Scamdog territory?

>>>Maybe he was just playing the wook version of Eddie Haskel and really was what you initially thought<<<

As I said, it was just a moment and the guy could have been all sorts of good or bad (likely some of both) but in that moment he was just a nice young man enjoying the late afternoon, not asking for anything or taking anything, just being cool while passing by.

It's easy to belittle and make fun of people, and the larger world of wooks can certainly leave that door wide open at times, but I am always struggling to remember to judge people by 'the content of their character" rather than how they look or live.  

Very easy words to type, often more difficult to do.

Anyway, you goin' to that show Turtle?

The annoying assholes in Giants hats will be nicely distanced from you!

Turtle are you going to the Los Lobos gig?  Our local GD cover band is supposed to be booking a similar event at a drive-in near Portland, but I don't have a date yet. 

Yonder Mtn String Band just did the same last weekend in Wyoming.

Let me know how it goes, if so. It doesn't seem like the car speaker would be needed if the band is up front, right? 

Would be great to take the dog to GGP for a walk. Wish it was not so far. I have to wait until night-time when the roads have cooled down.  Walking the dog by flashlight can be fun though.  Like when we saw a mtn lion in a lot we passed. Was a little concerning.

>>>Maybe he was just playing the wook version of Eddie Haskel and really was what you initially thought<<<

As I said, it was just a moment and the guy could have been all sorts of good or bad (likely some of both) but in that moment he was just a nice young man enjoying the late afternoon, not asking for anything or taking anything, just being cool while passing by.

It's easy to belittle and make fun of people, and the larger world of wooks can certainly leave that door wide open at times, but I am always struggling to remember to judge people by 'the content of their character" rather than how they look or live. <<<

I was just kidding, but it is interesting to think about how we sometimes project filters upon people ... and sometimes others will act in accordance with their outward appearance and associated "programming".    Or it's on for one person and off for another; or vic versa; however, there's still something real that exists apart from perception or programming. 

John Ginty, Hammond B-3 Wizard for( formerly) Dixie Chicks, Blind Boys Of Alabama, Robert Randolph, and currently Allman Betts Band, headlined a Drive-In Concert in Northern NJ  yesterday. By all accounts I heard it was successful, sold out and folks had  a great time.

http://newjersey.news12.com/story/42298389/live-music-returns-to-new-jersey-with-drivein-john-ginty-rock-concert?fbclid=IwAR0ad1oZy-NeCGTxgSNs7C0TZkZ2ubR1uXhUHJj6_b4Z0CAju5OKgt58v6o

^ Looks like a blast! NOT! I live like 20 minutes from there and can't imagine the lure of going and seeing a show like that . Maybe if it was the Stones and I was front row. Otherwise I'd rather see it on Youtube or PPV. No Thank's.

no lance and llollo, i don't think so. 

i don't want to be the DD

Understandable.

Still, it's nice to have the option of choosing not to go to a show.

Not going to a show is better than not having a show to not go to.

Finally! A concert to attend, hee hee....

Björk Schedules Three Concerts This August in Iceland

Björk will host a string of three concerts in her native Iceland on Aug. 9, 15 and 23, raising money for one of the nation’s women’s shelters.

And while it could be some time until other nations see live performances again, Iceland has boasted one of the world’s lowest death tolls from COVID-19, holding firm at just 10 individuals.

The U.S. – by comparison – has endured 127,000 fatalities related to the virus – a number that increases daily. According to The New Yorker, in responding to the crisis, Iceland “hadn’t just managed to flatten the curve; it had, it seemed, virtually eliminated it.”

The shows will be hosted (and livestreamed at) Reykjavík’s Harpa Hall.

For more information visit Björk’s official website.

###

LOL. 

I heard it was Oregon's leading GD cover bands, Ninja Hippies and Garcia Birthday Band... 

LOL. 

I heard it was Oregon's leading GD cover bands, Ninja Hippies and Garcia Birthday Band... 

One good thing about the socially distant drive in concert format is it will probably help alleviate the show talker distraction. That said, horn honkers could become the new show talkers.

I think I heard somewhere that most car horns are tuned to the key of C. Keep that in mind when honking along to your favorite tune.

>>> it will probably help alleviate the show talker distraction<<<

I've been thinking that the talking/laughing/yelling distraction will probably be worse, with everyone having their own little parties in their own spaces.

Have you ever sat near VIP boxes at a shed show?

A new shirt idea...

"SHUT UP OR I START COUGHING!!!

Possibly, Lance. Depends on the sound system and if it is loud enough to drown out the talkers. Folks will probably have to yell for cross-pod communication. Depends on the make up of the crowd. Older meat in seaters vs younger drugband crowd. Lots of variables here. 

its an interesting concept for sure.

i'm interested but all done being the organizer-fronter of the expedition.

Haha Mitch Malloy 

he's heavy metal's all time runner-up

the band probably split $800 like ten ways for that show.