BuffettNews.com

Let me start this by saying that I think Jimmy is one of THE most talented song writers out there.

With that being said....I'm fed up with the concert setlists. I've only been to 10 shows and I'm already hanging up my hat. Pine Knob was the straw that broke this camels back. And I know some of you right now are thinking "Good, that's one less person going after tickets".

In the beginning I was happy to hear Jimmy sing everything. But now, after buying all of his CD's and finding all of these AMAZING songs he has, I get disgusted with the 20 songs he feels he HAS to play every year, and the covers he throws in. Yes there's always that "rare gem" he MIGHT include, but that's just not enough for me.

Why is it that we have to fork out $250+ for a benefit concert to hear the "good" songs? Jimmy claims the setlist contains the songs he "HAS" to play. But honestly, I've found the SYKBH fans are usually pretty darn drunk (if they make it in) and socialize even through the SYKBH. And most SYKBH fans come for the "Party" in the lot and lawn. They can still come and party and hear Jimmy. But why not give the parrot heads more for their $$$.

So I'm trying to accumlate some opinions. And I plan on forwarding these to Buffett (Hey, he sends his lawyers after me, I've got the right to voice my opinion as a parrot head).

So are you happy with things they way they are now? Or would you like to see Jimmy cater more to his parrot head fans? (Please voice your opinion, not what you think/know Jimmy would do).

completely agree with the complainst with the set list that being said, i would go even if i knew he was playing the whole synbh as the greatwoods shows are awesome we saw him three times last year, pretty much the same show it is surprise if he plays one song that is different would love to see him at a small venue unplugged probably have to go to a cip opening such a song list he has to choose from

Well, I hear what you're saying. But like Ricky Nelson said, "you can't please everybody, so you got to please yourself." Personally, I'm very rarely able to listen to the shows on RM, so it's all pretty fresh to me when I DO get to listen.
"It's all good"

OKay, I have to almost agree with you. I've only been to 2 shows, but listened to enough to agree. He does mostly cater to the SYKBH group of PHs. But that's for those going to their first show, wanting to enjoy the classics, etc. Last years tour he played almost the entire FSOTW album and I was thrilled.
On the other hand he's been playing for 30 years and he can't include every favorite song for every PH. I wouldn't complain, but he'd probably have a stroke because he played for 3 days straight.
Good luck with what you've set out to do, just keep in mind there's a lot of Parrotheads out here. I'm beginning to raise a 3rd generation PH and when she's old enough I'd like her to have the memory of the first time she heard 'Come Monday,' live.
That's just my opinion, I could be wrong

There is a long list of songs I would to hear Jimmy do live but never have. I have a blast at the show anyway but it is true the same ones are done year after year. He does play several of a new album if itis put out before the tour though. I think it is true with any band there are always songsthat have to be played on every tour. Could you imagine seeing the Eagles without hearing Hotel California?

So are you happy with things they way they are now? Or would you like to see Jimmy cater more to his parrot head fans?

Just because somebody doesn't know the words to Brahma Fear doesn't mean they're not a parrot head... he knows the formula works, it works enough for him to open burger joints in the burbs.

There's always the old bootlegs for me..

It is what it is.

Yes...every band has the songs they HAVE to play. But they don't devote 75% of there setlist to them? I liked Pearl Jam when I was in HS, but if I went to their concert I wouldn't expect to only hear songs of Ten or Vs.

That's another thing...Jimmy rarely changes up a setlist during a tour. Phish, Pearl Jam and others never play the same show twice! I realize Jimmy is older then those bands, but he's certiainly got more material then them. Maybe an "A" and "B" setlist?!?!?

Just a thought!

I was at the Detroit concert and was probably one of very few that was able to sing along with EVERY song, but I'm crazy that way. It was good to look around and see everyone having fun, even if they are not die hard parrot heads, maybe one day they'll be singing Cuban Crimes of Passion.

I can relate a bit though--went to see Bruce Springsteen a few years ago but know just his basics---I think I knew about 3 songs--his whole set list was geared to his faithful and I'll probably not go back. He did two shows-one (the night before I was there) he did all the better known songs and the 2nd night was for the experienced. Come to tink of it, maybe JB should do something like that---if we could get him to play two shows in the same city!!!

I hope you guys don't give me flak about this...we can sit around wishing our lives away, or we can get the most enjoyment possible out of what we have. We have no control over what he plays, so I'm happy to sit back and enjoy what he chooses to give us.
Respectfully yours,
your pal Auntie

If you compare this year's set list to last year's, there are about 15-16 different songs... that's pretty good.

I really feel that he has changed the set list up this year, not just from last year's show, but it seems to change a little each night this summer!

I have only seen Jimmy play live 5 times, but I really don't mind when he plays the SYKBH, especially when he mixes them up like he is this year.

I do agree that I could do without Get drunk and Screw, and maybe a one or two others (like BEG -- which he is not playing this year), but I really don't mind sitting through these songs to hear the others!

ParrotheadCMC, overall, I agree with you (and I've seen this year's show in Vegas -- IMO, one of the worst set lists he's offered in recent years), BUT the show was still fun (always is). So, while I can't really complain, I'd be MORE than happy if he would jettison a few of the "classics" (Cheeseburger and WDWGDAS leap immediately to mind) in favor of things like "Migration" or "Cowboy in the Jungle" or "Miss You So Badly" -- but, as I said, it's still fun, and the gems do sometimes surface.

Plus, on the up side, as someone who needs to run to the ladies' room a lot, one only has to hear the first chords of 'Cheeseburger" to know that it's a good time to head out, as you might get back to your seat in time for the gems in the acoustic set.

Again, I don't disagree with you at all, and please fight the good fight, but I fear it's a losing battle.

ParrotheadCMC wrote: So I'm trying to accumlate some opinions. And I plan on forwarding these to Buffett (Hey, he sends his lawyers after me, I've got the right to voice my opinion as a parrot head).

So are you happy with things they way they are now? Or would you like to see Jimmy cater more to his parrot head fans? (Please voice your opinion, not what you think/know Jimmy would do).

Jimmy sent his lawyers after you because you were using his copyrights/trademarks and trying to make money off his success. You figure that somehow gives you the right to criticize and would make him want to listen to your opinion???

I was at the show Tuesday and looked all around many times throughout the show. Everybody was standing, singing, dancing and having a great time. Tickets sold out in 3 minutes this year. Jimmy is a great entertainer and a smart businessman. Why in the world would he try to fix what obviously isn't broken?

I had a great time! Wouldn't miss it no matter what he plays. Sharing the day and the concert with all my Parrothead friends is priceless. If it is no longer your cup of tea, then vote with your money and don't go anymore. If a million or so other Parrotheads agree with you and do the same thing, maybe you'll get your wish someday.

And please do make sure to include my post with those you plan to send to Jimmy. Or were you only planning to send those that agree with you?

I'm in agreement with most all of you who have posted on this topic. This year will be my 16th time seeing Jimmy, and there about 15 songs I'm just plain TIRED of hearing live.

I'd be overjoyed if Jimmy left the SYBKH on the "back burner" and paid more attention to what the die-hards want to hear (Jimmy made reference to playing "Apocalypso" when he announced the NYE "Millenium"show, but didn't play it...and I've been waiting 9 tours since the song was new to hear it live!!).

On the other hand, it would be stupid for JB to take many of the "standards" out of the set list... Too many people come to the shows for them (because those songs are all they know of his music). IMHO, doing that would not be a smart "business decision", and we all know how seriously Jimmy takes his business!


I was pleased with some of the changes in tonight's set list...I'm not that jazzed about BEG being added at the expense of better songs, but the she-crab feels that the song refers to her (and her alone...): I'm not going to burst her bubble on that one I do like "changing channels" better than "pacin' the cage", though.

Such as it is, whatever they choose to play, I'll deal with it.


crabman


P.S. Clintster: I'd forgive the Eagles omitting Hotel California if they played "Midnight Flyer", "My Man", "Is It True", etc....A band has to remember its roots.

In response to Key Limin's post.....buddy, you are damn right!!
I'm 22 and I've made it to 18 shows (i'm in charlotte) and its not just about the music. Its also about the fellowship and memories that the music has allowed to form and grow. Also...its smart business...you do what makes you money, Jimmy's no fool. However, he does play a lot of gems in the shows, for the more experienced...its makes you appreciate them more. I still go crazy hearing any song off SYKBH. All the songs take me away to a different place...."its a magic kind of medicine that no doctor can prescribe"
Dont give up on the shows...have fun...he doesn't have too many more years left in him....you'll regret missing it. On the night of that concert...at whatever venue you're at just think: There is no place else on Earth like this right now, lets go wild w/ some friends!! LOL i wish i was born earlier so i could be considered a charter member PH...but anyways, enough rambling from me. Have a good one!
PHINZ UP!!

....and if by some crazy a$$ chance you ever see this post Jimmy......
Thanks buddy!

I'd be overjoyed if Jimmy left the SYBKH on the "back burner" and paid more attention to what the die-hards want to hear (Jimmy made reference to playing "Apocalypso" when he announced the NYE "Millenium"show, but didn't play it...and I've been waiting 9 tours since the song was new to hear it live!!).

FYI JB played "Apocalypso" just about every show in '94 and the winter leg this year.

CMC, you complain that about 20 songs are the same each year. I'd put it at 12-14, which is only half the show. Keep in mind the man plays 27-30 songs each show. I have always been impressed with the number of songs he plays. If he wants to play the same 12-14 each year so he knows he'll fill the seats then so be it. That's fine by me.

My wife and I agreed that last years Far Side tour was one of the best setlists we've heard in the 9 years we've been PHs. Plus I love the old ones he is throwing into the mix this year: Saxophones, In The Shelter, Wino and I Know; plus a couple obsure ones like Boomerang Love and She's Got You.

I agree that is not my most favorite setlist ever but it still works for me. I can't complain--I just count my blessings that the man is still touring because he could have hung it up a long time ago.

CaribbnSoul wrote:..... and its not just about the music. Its also about the fellowship and memories that the music has allowed to form and grow. Also...its smart business...you do what makes you money, Jimmy's no fool. However, he does play a lot of gems in the shows, for the more experienced...its makes you appreciate them more. I still go crazy hearing any song off SYKBH. All the songs take me away to a different place...."its a magic kind of medicine that no doctor can prescribe"
Dont give up on the shows...have fun...he doesn't have too many more years left in him....you'll regret missing it. (I hate when people say this because I know they're right and it makes me so sad. - Ceol) On the night of that concert...at whatever venue you're at just think: There is no place else on Earth like this right now, lets go wild w/ some friends!! LOL i wish i was born earlier so i could be considered a charter member PH...but anyways, enough rambling from me. Have a good one!
PHINZ UP!!

....and if by some crazy a$$ chance you ever see this post Jimmy......
Thanks buddy!

Fool Button wrote:CMC, you complain that about 20 songs are the same each year. I'd put it at 12-14, which is only half the show. Keep in mind the man plays 27-30 songs each show. I have always been impressed with the number of songs he plays. If he wants to play the same 12-14 each year so he knows he'll fill the seats then so be it. That's fine by me.
.....Plus I love the old ones he is throwing into the mix this year: Saxophones, In The Shelter, Wino and I Know; plus a couple obsure ones like Boomerang Love and She's Got You.

..... I can't complain--I just count my blessings that the man is still touring because he could have hung it up a long time ago.

I agree with these comments. And I wish I had been a Parrot Head since Jimmy started. I was a fan, but not a Parrot Head. I feel so depressed when I think of all the concerts over the years that I missed.

There's another thread on BN on a list of worst JB songs. If you look at the comments, songs that one person hates, another loves. So whose "favorites" is Jimmy going to choose? I think he's doing a great mix now.

I like the "A" & "B" setlists suggestion made earlier. And since there are 12-14 "standards", maybe the "A" setlist would have 6 or 7 of them and the "B" setlist the other 6 or 7. That way there would always be some of the SYKBH, but there'd be a little extra space in the lineup for a few more of the gems we all seem to crave.

the only changes I would like to see is replace the 4 or 5 cover songs he does at every show with his own stuff. I don't want to go to a JB concert and hear Crosby, Stills and Nash.

won't stop me from going though

Here's my take.

As I have tried to explain to many of my freinds and family who ask

"You already seen him why are you going again"

I tell them that you have top be there.

JB throws a big party and we are his guests.

It all starts at the hotel when. I start meeting new friends then it flows into the parking lots and then the veune.

It's all about the poeple. Sometimes I swear I wish the show would start later so that the party in the lots doesn't end.

My friends will go to a show in town. For an 8pm show they get there at 7:30pm have a beer & hot dog go to their seats watch the show and go home.

Whoever siad thier is no place oin earth tey would rather be is right.

The show is the climax of the whole day.

The aprty doesn't stop there it contiunes well after the show.

We make this all happen Bubba shows up to lay the music.

-It's like we have hired this expensive band to play at our Party-

And it's one that I will keep on going to until we can't hire him anymore...

I agree with everyone's opinion, Everybody knows what they would like to hear at a show. I've only been to a dozen shows since the early "90's and I know the songs I'd rather hear but the one thing I do know is that probaby within the next 10 years or so we'll all be sitting around during our favorite time of year on a Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday wishing we were out in the lawn seats hearing J.B. play anything. We'll all be wearing out our VHS tapes or maybe by then DVD's on a Saturday night in our homes with our old PH buddy's and that will be it. Imagine your home bathroom being treated like a port-a-potty! It's a scarey thought.