I just couldn't hold back from commenting on the blog as well. Arrogance like that absolutely boils my blood. Is it just me, or when rock music becomes some hyper-politicized it turns people into freaking wackos...It is so ironic that the type of social justice that RATM drives home in their songs can't be followed even in the least bit by their fans.... here was my comment, sorry I won't feel bad in the morning, just more pissed off.

"Devin Devin Devin…The lack of artistic relevance certainly shouldn’t equate to throwing bottles at another band because you don’t like their music. Are you insane? Why are you trying to justify the actions of some foaming from the mouth RATM fans, who seemingly don’t even get the real message of social justice and equality. I like both bands, but my respect for CH went through the roof because of how they handled the situation with all those losers. Who are you to tell anyone what is relevant?"

excellent comments both. Some amazing ethics-free ends-justify-the-means reasoning from that blog entry. Good for you two for calling bs on it.

p.s. sunsetswimmer, my family will happily join you in throwing flowers too...

quote:

It would be easy to blame CH’s terrible reception on the impatient and ill-mannered Rage fans, but I don’t think it’s quite that simple.

Yes it is.

It would be easy to blame people who do not really give a sh*t about dated, whitebread power-pop, no matter the supposed quality of the songcraft. If your art isn’t relevant, it isn’t going to communicate with anybody.

Okay, so lets blame them.

Those people are responsible for their own behaviour. No one else, and no thing else can or should be held accountable.

They chose to behave like crass idiots and that's the way it came across. Stop making excuses.

The supposed quality of the songcraft is what draws a lot of people to Crowded House.

I don't know what "rage" is, but if it incites people to choose to do stupid things, then I don't need to know.

I think Crowded House have some of the best fans around and I count myself lucky to be numbered amongst them.

Thanks for the reviews of the Coachella show guys. Again Neil demonstrated what a true professional he is. He could have gotten huffy and stormed off. He could have made a decision for his own safety and chosen to leave the stage, not knowing what else may happen. But he didn't.

He set an example which I'm sad to say was probably over the heads of a large proportion of the crowd.

Nothing so sad as self-inflicted ingnorance.

So endeth the sermon...

(sorry but it just made me really angry reading those reviews. Glad none of our crew were hurt or anything).

Thanks for the intelligent comments.

I am still so angry about the whole bottle thing.

Ugh. Couldn't resist posting the following comment after Devin:

quote:

Relevant? What is Rage (or its fans) actually doing to effect the change it advocates? It’s one thing to sing a song to a mob of fans (or toss bottles at a band that has nothing to do with the object of your hostility) but in the grand scheme of things, was anything relevant — let alone significant — accomplished? Did any of you actually go do something about your supposed anger at society and the administration upon leaving the festival?

Don’t talk to me about relevance, because you and the band you love? Are kidding yourselves if you think you are anything remotely resembling relevant. Poseurs.

quote:

Originally posted by Ashley.N.F.:

quote:

Originally posted by N.F.ADDICT:
As if the bottle incident wasn't enough, I have only just found out that a hand full of the audience were even giving Crowdie very rude gestures. Now I am well and truly greatful that I couldn't see it.

How did you hear about this, NFA, and what happened? How stupid!

I had actually forgotten about this, or blocked it out of my memory because it was so very upsetting... (and maybe don't read this post if you're upset about this situation already...)

During one of the slower songs in the middle of the set (I honestly don't remember which one, sorry - it may have been Silent House), the few sparse fans near the front and sides started waving their arms with the music. A group of about 7 or 8 idiots all bunched together about 40 feet (rough guess) back from the center of the stage were waving their arms too but with their middle finger extended. I couldn't believe it at first and had to look over (they were about 20/30 feet to my right) about three times before I could actually believe what they were doing. I was watching the band very closely and they didn't seem to look in that direction for the few minutes it was happening. Plus it was fairly dark on the crowd too, so I hope the band didn't see it.

There were multiple bottles thrown aside from "the big one". They all landed on the floor though, and one full bottle went through Nick's legs at one point. For those that didn't see it, he said "Good people of Coachella, lay down your arms...", and Neil said "or raise them as the case may be." Before "Locked Out", Neil mentioned that the song was featured in the film "Reality Bites", perhaps hoping to strike a chord with some of the audience. And as he announced the last song, "Better Be Home Soon", he asked people to sing along (wisely not mentioning Paul where he normally does) and said it's a simple song so you could sing it even if you don't know the words. I couldn't hear anyone singing but he seemed to at the end when he paused for the final "soon" and gave a big warm smile.

I hate focusing on the negative aspects of the show but unfortunately it's kind of a big deal and needs to be discussed. But I'll repeat that the music was top-rate despite the bad vibes, and thanks to CH for putting on a top-notch professional show. And they did genuinely appear happy to be there and enjoying themselves, which increases my respect for CH tenfold. (and I thought I'd already maxed out my Crowdedness!).

And as for that Devin O'Neill post, how unnecessary... Talk about rubbing salt into the wound, there's no need for that biased, arrogant and ill-informed commentary.

I know how much the band had been looking forward to playing Coachella and it must have been soul-destroying to get that kind of reception. Scheduling was the real culprit although it shouldn't have been; people should just go and see bands they want to see! It's a shame it doesn't work like that and I hope the scheduling-powers-that-be learn from it for the future. In a press comment before the festival Neil said how he admired the lack of discrimination of genre at Coachella. Sadly it was that very lack that tainted this festival.

That Devlin O'Neill post was necessary.

He recognised really bad behaviour and felt he had to justify it. If he hadn't had a problem with it, he probably would not have needed to try to put himself on a front foot over it.

I think he was telling and revealing a lot more in that post than he probably meant or wanted to. I thought it was very interesting.

I was in the photo pit for many of the artists and since I am a huge CH fan, I was practically gnawing my own fist in anticipation of seeing them at Coachella. I had seen them on Friday in Pomona and it was fantastic.

With a photo/press pass, you're allowed to shoot the first two songs of each artist. I noticed the crowd 'turning' just before Willie Nelson. They had marines passing out water here and there and there were a few 'surges' toward the front. I think the surges and lack of water made the crowd a bit more negative. (I said to the press guy next to me as we looked out at the crowd getting squished, 'Man that would suck.') Poor Willie-a classy legend in music and no one gave a ****. It was embarrassing. I had never heard of "Explosions in the Sky", but I listened to them and really enjoyed them. I didn't camp down front and yell "When is Crowded House coming on?". Rage fans were odd. Their energy was not positive in any way. I've been to a million shows and never had I experienced such a weird crowd vibe.

CH came on, I got right in the front/center to take some snaps of Neil and the band and I got beaned upside the back of the head with a full bottle of water!!! I thought the crowd were yelling at the press or something and I turned around and people were laughing at me getting brained! Huh? This wasn't exactly Woodstock. I felt sorry for the band. I don't think it was the press or Neil or CH-it was just an assholian lot taking out their frustration that Rage wasn't immediately tending to their needs.

I decided not to try to get too close for the remainder of the CH gig for fear of injury and so hung back a bit and it seemed that everyone was pleasantly enjoying them out where I was! It's so weird. I went to Coachella specifically for CH and it was as if CH were some side tent band. As mentioned, I was heartened seeing the big ass Crowded House banner over the field around 2:30pm. But there was no CH love at Coachella. To the big CH fans, the gig was a big deal. But to Coachella, it was just another band to get through. I agree that CH should have played the outdoor stage or gone on earlier in the day.

The Feeling (my new favorite band of the moment) went on at 1:45pm and they went down really well from what I could see. I noticed that the press/VIP section was lovely until about 6pm when Paris Hilton and all the LA poseurs began gathering and taking it over. (that's when I left!)

I hate to sound like an old fart and 'kids today'. (Although I did want to scream, 'Hey you Rage kids, get off of my lawn! CH are coming on!) But I'm just relieved that no one was seriously hurt before RATM came on.

After CH ended, I said to my friend, 'Tough Room!' The friggin' Beatles could have gone on and rocked and it would have come across stilted and awkward with the majority of the crowd being there for Rage. Such a shame.

This is bringing back memories of homebake when we were lucky to escape the mosh pit without injury and with all items intact. What is it about music festivals that makes people behave like animals????? After homebake, which on reflection was tame to Coachella, I won't go to another festival.

The arrogance of people who think it is their right to behave like animals and jeapadise the safety of others is unforgivable. As it has already been said, people need to be responsible for their own actions.

I thought it might be a risky move to put them on that bill. Looking through previous Coachella lineups, it seemed to me that the festival itself and the type of music and fan that it attracts were just at odds with everything that CH represents - and that's the key. Devin is right in one sense only - "dated whitebread power-pop" is just not what those people came to hear. Whoever booked them needs to reflect on their choice, as putting them in that lineup didn't give them much of a chance.

However, Devin's point that it's too simple to blame the impatient ill-mannered fans only, seems to place equal blame on the promoter and almost seeks to excuse the idiots who bottled the band. Giving a finger sign to anyone is rude but an obvious enough gesture of disrespect; but throwing bottles is just hooliganism. There's the difference. If he thinks that it's anyone else's fault but the the small group of fans that started the trouble, then he is mistaken. Yes, it was the wrong band in front of the wrong audience. But the bottle-throwers had a choice in how they dealt with it, and picked the wrong option.

Sadly, you will get a percentage of rude, arrogant idiots wherever you go, and it seems that a few were certainly making themselves known at Coachella. If I went to a festival to see CH and had to sit through a Rage Against The Machine set beforehand, I'd probably be pretty bored too, but that doesn't justify animalistic behaviour. If you're not interested in the music, just wait your turn and respect the band that has come to do an honest day's work and play for you, and respect the other fans around you who might actually be interested in it.

While some fans here are understandably upset about the reaction and are protective of the band, I personally don't think that it will affect them too much. Neil, Nick and Mark have many many years touring experience behind them and are professional enough (and wise enough) not to let this one-off event knock them out of their stride. They played many festivals in the 80s and 90s and were often billed to appear pretty early in the day, but they ended up getting a bit of a vibe going with the fun and larking about (Paul was a master at this) and even ended up making new fans from it. I think they'll just shrug, put it down to experience and get back ASAP to doing what they do best.

I had to smile at the description of Neil as a "sequin-shirted crooner"...a little bit unfair there!

quote:

Originally posted by proudpom:

quote:

Originally posted by Ashley.N.F.:

quote:

Originally posted by N.F.ADDICT:
As if the bottle incident wasn't enough, I have only just found out that a hand full of the audience were even giving Crowdie very rude gestures. Now I am well and truly greatful that I couldn't see it.

How did you hear about this, NFA, and what happened? How stupid!

I had actually forgotten about this, or blocked it out of my memory because it was so very upsetting... (and maybe don't read this post if you're upset about this situation already...)

During one of the slower songs in the middle of the set (I honestly don't remember which one, sorry - it may have been Silent House), the few sparse fans near the front and sides started waving their arms with the music. A group of about 7 or 8 idiots all bunched together about 40 feet (rough guess) back from the center of the stage were waving their arms too but with their middle finger extended. I couldn't believe it at first and had to look over (they were about 20/30 feet to my right) about three times before I could actually believe what they were doing. I was watching the band very closely and they didn't seem to look in that direction for the few minutes it was happening. Plus it was fairly dark on the crowd too, so I hope the band didn't see it.

Ashley.N.F, I read about it over on the Coachella message board. And yes, proudpom's account of the rude gesture was correct.

I don't know where the days have gone when you just used to stand around at a festival waiting for your favourite band to come on. If there was other bands you didn't like or didn't care for, then you just waited it out.

I think now there are rabid groups of fans of certain bands that believe that festivals are for their band only and stuff everyone else.

I recently saw a youtube video of My Chemical Romance having bottles raining down on them at Reading UK. (The festival also famous for bottling off the Finnish band The Rasmus after only one song.) Also, Panic At The Disco's lead singer got knocked out by a bottle at Reading as well. It was awful, whether you like the bands mentioned or not.

I don't know why but it seems that in today's world defending your musical band of choice at these festivals is like going to war.

How senseless.

Anyway, we know there will be many great Crowdie gigs in the future that we will appreciate and enjoy, so here's to them!

quote:

Davoiii,

Sorry, man! I was just seeing if I could figure out how to get in to the chat room so I could answer that earlier question. I was trying to quickly figure it out so I could get to sleep after a late night. I didn't even notice who might be present.

No disrespect intended!

That's okay Romer, was just having a go at you

But I was thinking about this chat room, and I'm not sure many people know about it. I certainly didn't. I think it would be great if more people used it. Good way to get to know other Frenz Maybe I should start a new thread somewhere...

"all the flickering lights"

I didn't watch the webcast (my excuse well it was about something O'Clock in the morning), but it sounds like the gig wasn't a good experience for the band or the fans. There'll be other much better gigs.

I can't understand people acting like animals at a festival.

I didn't think I'd be able to see much of the concert, being at home with a Mac and dial-up connection and looking after my two-year-old but I actually saw about twenty seconds of the show in five second bursts! Woo hoo! Having a Mac wasn't a problem thanks to my recent discovery of the Flip4Mac program (thanks to those who recommended it) and Zoë had an afternoon sleep at just the right time, but lack of broadband meant I was reduced to seeing images like this most of the time:

Strangely, I noticed while experimenting during the Klaxons set that Flip4Mac allowed me to save whatever video it streamed, so it's a pity I couldn't stream enough to make it worth saving anything.

Bizarre...I'm sure I can see a horses head top right...

It's a regrettable incident but I am sure a lot of you can calm down, the band will take it in their stride.

I'm afraid my opinion of festivals remains unchanged. The band you like plays a very short set, half the audience doesn't really want to hear them, and you have to stand there in the midst of an unruly mob trying to take pleasure in the delicacies of the music. I don't think festivals are the place for CH, and I don't think it is the place to go and see them unless you're prepared to put up with this kind of thing and accept that everybody's taste is different.

Above all, I really hope this is an eye-opener to the promoters that a smaller venue tour in the UK is the best idea, not massive arenas filled with a lukewarm audience just there for a night out.

Honestly, I just don't get being "offended" by the existence of music you chose to go see. Can't be good for one's mental health. Oh well.

CH's music isn't relevant to RATM fans any more than RATM is relevant to me. (Although I have to say I'm pretty amused by a bunch of kids screaming "You can't tell me what the $#^& to do" because, well, someone told them to do it.)

It's part of being in the business and the band seems to have treated it as such. Sometimes there will be drunken jerks. Just another war story, and since the guys have already paid their dues they can go play for a much more loving crowd anytime they feel like it.

I'm officially over it.

If someone were to ask me why I do not attend music festivals, I would point them to this particular thread. I am 40- old and irrelevant to a Rage fan. I do not like to stand for twelve hours; three days in a row in the baking sun because it only results in spider veins and a progression of my old age spots. I remember working in the record shop in back in the 80’s when I stocked the new release album from a band called Crowded House. It was a special price record in the states in order to get people to try it out – I did and it changed my life.

Today I still go to many concerts, preferably in air-conditioned venues with available seating between bands (my sciatica acts up you know.) My ipod has Crowded House sharing space with many other artists that possibly even have fans that would be quick to judge musical relevancy. I am proud not to fall lock-step in line with what is always “pop-relevant”. I probably will not buy a My Chemical Romance cd or date Paris Hilton (unless she said yes), but I certainly would never toss a bottle at either of them. I would even listen to their entire set respectfully… well not Paris Hilton’s.

I'm 42. If I had known RATM, Interpol, and Kings of Leon were going to be at Coachella, I would have been there in a heartbeat. When my wife found out Bjork and Amy Whitehouse were going to be there, she implored me to drop everything we were doing, rent an RV, and make the trip. But Coachella doesn't work like that and anyone who has been there will tell you CH didn't belong there. I wish I would have stayed after the Tempe show to wait for Neil or someone in the band to warn them. I thought about it but honestly didn't think it would turn out THAT bad.