The Real Question: Has Jimmy Jumped the Shark?

[Tiki Bar]

The real question to me... what lead to so many people feeling entitled and important enough that they feel they can dictate what Jimmy should and shouldn't do, just to suit their tastes? I don't get it.

It is what it is... take it or leave it. Go or don't. But stop whining about it.

Boo hoo... you had me and then you lost me.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

The real question to me... what lead to so many people feeling entitled and important enough that they feel they can dictate what Jimmy should and shouldn't do, just to suit their tastes? I don't get it.

DINGDINGDINGDINGDING! WE HAVE A WINNER!

[changingchannels]

jimmy solo doing a show for that bastard for tyco for a million dollars to me is blood money!

license to chill was jumping the shark as it was collection of songs written by someone else and having the hottest country singers sing next to jimmy on.it was a deliberate move to cash in.

as far as george strait.hes' no jimmy buffett.jimmy buffett has and can write great music! jimmy made his forturne by being creative and being a singer/songwriter.so-called artists today are just used for there look or their singing ability. its not art. its corporate and to me jimmy was always against all of that fakeness that is found on music television.

yes the band has changed considerably over the years. but does he really need another guitar player and another keyboard player? friends of his or not they are getting paid instead of having a horn section that can play songs that we probably wont hear anymore since they were fired.

[Catch&Release]

corporate gigs - check

So what? The band also gets a nice paycheck out of those gigs.

oversaturation of overpriced gimicky products - check

If people didn't buy them, they wouldn't be available, so someone must like the stuff

increasing number of cover songs in the live show - check

I'd prefer fewer covers too, but it's a creative call on JB's part to make his show what he wants it to be; we gotta take it or leave it....

misleading fans - check

There's way more to this story than we know....

recycled show - check

Of his hundreds of thousands of fans, maybe a few hundred or at most a few thousand see multiple shows. Most artists don't mix it up all that much. We notice JB's setlists because, unlike any other major artist, he broadcasts every show for FREE.

making albums where the majority of songs are not his - check

So what? George Strait is a bonafide superstar. Country Music Hall of Fame. ALL of his songs are written by someone else.

license to chill - check

Huh? Musically, I thought it was a tight album, and I liked it. If you didn't like it, that's okay, but musically it doesn't contribute to "jumped the shark" IMHO.

re-releasing sykbh on live dvds and cds - check

At the risk of repeating myself, if there were no market....

firing tc and amy - check
bringing landreth and payne instead of tc and amy - check

While I love TC and Amy (and Heather and Louisa), Jimmy made a creative decision to change the makeup of the band. This isn't new; it just hadn't happened for a long time. There have been a LOT of CRB members who have come and gone. The band has been changed quite a bit, mostly back when JB was in what some would consider the more creative periods of his career. In fact, according to the CRB page (http://www.buffettnews.com/resources/coralreeferband/) there have been over 40 CRB members over the years, not counting special guests. Some left the band because they wanted to. Others were gone because Jimmy made creative changes....

lawsuits -checks

How many times does it have to be said? The law requires that he "vigorously defend" his trademarks, or he will lose them. That means lawsuits. It can't be helped....

I think Jimmy Buffett has become the polar opposite of what he sings about.

He is starting to remind me of a Vegas featured act like Tom Jones or Wayne Newton. You can now just wind him up and have him sing the same songs night after night, mainly for people who want to be able to say "I saw (fill in name of generic Vegas or Branson performer)".

The more I think about it - what about seeing Jimmy Buffett at Toyota Park in Chicago conjured up any feeling of a "change in latitude, change in attitude?" Being crammed in a parking lot like sardines? Seeing a guy walk out of a porta potty with his own feces smeared down his leg then be led into the venue by his college age friends? Paying $300 (non scalper price) to see Jimmy from 50 yards away in a row where the wasted people next to us went insane for songs like Brown Eyed Girl, Cheeseburger in Paradise but when he played Cowboy in the Jungle and Last Mango, they spent their time talking, taking pictures, getting in our way and getting up every five minutes to go buy more beer?

The more I think about it, the more irritated I become.

Good for you, Jimmy. You've gotten to that point where the acquisition of $ is a fun game. Sumner Redstone was once asked on Iconoclasts why, being worth billions, he so voraciously is looking for new deals to make more money. He answered with something about how, once you reach a point where you no longer have to worry about money for basic needs, it becomes a measuring stick to gauge your place in the world.

That may be fine and may provide a raison d'etre for the world's corporate raiders. However, Jimmy Buffett's appeal to me is as an artist - somebody whose songs like "A Salty Piece of Land", "When the Coast is Clear", "The Wino and I Know", "Migration" provide me with insights into the meaning of life and help me reflect and enjoy looking at my life through these musical prisms.

The Jimmy Buffett who is building casinos is not the artist who wrote "Distantly in Love". He has become a corporate icon who is shilling his tequila, shrimp, blenders, t shirts, restaurants, etc. Good for him that he has gotten to the point where money is only a measuring stick.

However, I feel like I'm "swimming in a roped off sea" when I go to his shows now. Just too bland, safe and predictable.

Anyway, that is my $.02 on the subject.

Good luck with those casinos, Jimmy. They should get you up to that billion dollar net worth that is likely your next goal. Instead of singing songs that have meaning or touch some of your long time fans, enjoy the 400 foot yachts and fleet of Gulfstreams that are the provence of billionaires. I understand Larry Ellison is still trying to sell his 458 foot yacht Rising Sun. Those casinos should get you to that level. Enjoy.

Some other facts about Larrys yacht The Rising Sun:

Length: 452.75ft (138 m) long
Cruising speed: 28 knots
Four diesels giving an output of 48 000 horsepower.
Production cost: US$200+ (In fact, it’s for sale.)
Total living space: 8 000 square meters.
Huge inside swimming pool
Extensive wine cellar
A cinema
Basketball court that doubles as a helicopter pad
Suites for 16 guests
82 rooms on five storeys
Space for private submarine

Larry Ellison is the ninth richest man in the world and founder and CEO of Oracle. He’s worth around $18 billion, so he can afford to have a boat of this magnituted - even if it costs over $13 million each year to just maintain it…

[parrothead_nj]

It is what it is... take it or leave it. Go or don't. But stop whining about it.

TB, I agree it is what it is. But, to ask people to stop whining about it, there would be limited and boring discussion on this board. Not everyone is going to always be happy, and sites like this allow those who are not to voice their opinion in a public manner. Complaining probably makes people feel better, especially when they see that people agree with them.

To those who are griping on this site, have you sent anything to Margaritaville or Jimmy Buffett's people letting them know your displeasure? One letter will not change anything, but if there are enough letters they make take notice. Call me optimistic. It's kind of like the saying you hear around election time... If you don't vote you do not have the right to complain. Complaining on this site does very little to improve the situation.

Cheers,
Kevin

[UAHparrothead]

I find it funny that the people who complain about things getting stale are the some of the ones who go to 4-5 shows a year. Do you expect Jimmy to change the set list at every show on the same tour? For those of us to only get to a show once a year at best I think it is still the best money spent for entertainment. Don't like it, don't go and that way I won't have to worry about your drunk ass puking on my shoes.

[Catch&Release]

I find it funny that the people who complain about things getting stale are the some of the ones who go to 4-5 shows a year. Do you expect Jimmy to change the set list at every show on the same tour? For those of us to only get to a show once a year at best I think it is still the best money spent for entertainment. Don't like it, don't go and that way I won't have to worry about your drunk ass puking on my shoes.

You'll still have to worry about the guy who $hat himself in Chicago and still walked into the venue being the joker who you get the privilege of paying $150 to sit next to.

You'll still have to worry about getting warm beer spilled all over you or your wife by some moron who, upon hearing Brown Eyed Girl, is seized by fits of rapture which results in beer being splashed everywhere for a ten foot circumference.

You'll still have to worry aboutthe drunk frat boy who tries to aisle hop by trying to straddle and walk across the folding chairs in front of him only to end up stepping on the people sitting in those chairs (that was another highlight of Chicago) who then wants to get in a fight because you object to him almost knocking your wife over. If security was not standing next to us, I would have been drawn into a fight by that ahole.

You'll still have to worry about getting knocked down by the drunks who fight in the aisle in front and behind you.

You'll still have to worry about idiot drunks ruining the view you payed $150 for when they have to stand on their seats the entire show.

Yeah - I am done. You can enjoy pretending that hanging out in a parking lot is some sort of "escape". I know it is not.

[Tarheel Tail-Gator]

The real question to me... what lead to so many people feeling entitled and important enough that they feel they can dictate what Jimmy should and shouldn't do, just to suit their tastes? I don't get it.

DINGDINGDINGDINGDING! WE HAVE A WINNER!

You know, it's not like Jimmy lived his life by "playing by the rules." People celebrate a pirate mentality (or at least the characteristics), then get upset if he changes his mind on a show, endorses a product, etc.

I do agree with other posts that everyone does not have to be happy all of the time, but do you really think that Jimmy is calling all of the shots on everything (or does he have a team of business advisers/sponsors that win out some of the time)

I'm glad he jumped on Internet radio and still offers his shows for free (I don't listen to RM everyday anymore because it has become too mainstream)

He lived the lyrics he wrote 25 or 30 years ago, he may not live them now. However, is success wrong? Many on this site would love to be financially independent and be able to live a life like Jimmy's.

The only posts that really upset me are the "I need my money more than Jimmy". Nobody forces anyone to buy tickets, concert T-Shirts, Margaritaville products, etc. You can still enjoy a concert from the lawn or cheap seats. It's what you make of it. And it's not like Jimmy doesn't make charitable contributions, promote other musicians (we would have never found Jake if Jimmy didn't promote him).

Unfortunately, life changes. Some changes are good and some are not. However, the recent shows at Alpine and Chicago (30 songs for the concert, though not all by Jimmy) lead me to believe that he's not jumping the shark.

[popcornjack]

I think I am done. J

immy, you got $450 of mine for St. Louis and Chicago this year. I need that money a lot more (A LOT MORE!) than you do.

When I think about it, the $300 we spent for the Chicago tix would have been better spent on a weekend up North or on a really kick ass dinner with a bottle of Opus One.

Thanks, Jimmy. It's been fun but not $300 plus fun.

I love Opus One. So worth the money....

After this weekend, I'm much more disillusioned. Yes, I had a GREAT TIME!!!!! seeing Sarah, Christine, Larry, Jen, Tommy, Zuke, Mary and finally (FINALLY) meeting Jon--Great. Location--Great. Concert--eh. He said--his words--"This isn't going to be a parrothead show" "People forget I started off as a folk singer" What did he do? The same basic show he's been doing all year. Oh wait, not even that because it was of the time constraints. To me, it felt as if instead of him feeling that he finally earned the right to play the folk festival, he felt the folk festival finally earned him and he was going to do whatever he wanted.

Whatever he wanted.

That's a right he's earned, and I don't fault him for that. Tiki, I'm not dictating what he should or shouldn't do, and if it comes across as whining, that's not my intention. He said one thing, he did something else. Anyone who does that to me irks me. I'm simply stating my opinion. he can do what he wants, and you know what? I loved it at raleigh, I loved it at Philly, I'll love it at AC (if I get tickets) and I'll love it both times at Great Woods. But when he says what he said and then in turn says, for whatever reason, "screw that, I'm just going to do the same ol' same ol'." I can't truck with that.

People say you get it or you don't. A lot of my friends don't, and I've been talking all summer about the Newport show and what a great example it's going to be that this guy is not just a human karaoke machine but a real talented singer songwriter with a deep respect for the history of music and his place in it. Remember when he said he was thinking about playing Gordon Lightfoot's "Canadian Railroad Trilogy"? I know I didn't hear him play that, or anything like that...

Brad, yeah I'm spoiled. I do expect different set lists. I used to follow another band as religiously as I follow Jimmy. Remember seeing them three nights in a row at the Oakland Coliseum. The only song that was the same? In the middle of the second set each night they played their typical "drums/space" and it was the same in name only. Do I think any other concert will be like that? No, but that can't stop me from expecting it. (And I won't get started on how I'm used to shows being two sets lasting about three and a half hours.)

Jen, if he retires, then guess what? He retires. Will I be bummed? Sh*t yeah. Will my world end? Nope. Does this mean I'm going to retire going to shows before he retires from putting them on? H*LL NO!!!!! But it's just that, a show, an experience, and the day after he retires, the sun is still gonna rise, and the world's going to keep going.

And oh yeah, let me reiterate the most important part of this post: Treat yourself to a bottle of Opus One. You'll love it.

[tikitatas]

What is Opus One?

[Frank4]

I'd say that he has, he's gone a bit overboard. It's too bad...

[popcornjack]

What is Opus One?

From wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt....

Opus One Winery is a winery in Oakville, California, USA. The winery was founded as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi to create a single Bordeaux style blend based upon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is located across State Route 29 from the Robert Mondavi Winery. The creation of this winery venture in 1978 was big news in the wine industry; de Rothschild's involvement added an air of respectability to the burgeoning Napa wine region.

Some one sitting next to me calls it "overpriced Mondavi." but I've seen what she drinks . To me it's as much about living in Key West with my friends Brett and Steph and enjoying a bottle of it while having dinner at the Grand on Duval street and watching the world go by. It's pricey, but it's good. (edit: I'll bring you a bottle to Great Woods. )

[FunkyBunny]

mm - tasty wine - I'll have to check that out!

[SMLCHNG]

You'll still have to worry about the guy who $hat himself in Chicago and still walked into the venue being the joker who you get the privilege of paying $150 to sit next to.

You'll still have to worry about getting warm beer spilled all over you or your wife by some moron who, upon hearing Brown Eyed Girl, is seized by fits of rapture which results in beer being splashed everywhere for a ten foot circumference.

You'll still have to worry aboutthe drunk frat boy who tries to aisle hop by trying to straddle and walk across the folding chairs in front of him only to end up stepping on the people sitting in those chairs (that was another highlight of Chicago) who then wants to get in a fight because you object to him almost knocking your wife over. If security was not standing next to us, I would have been drawn into a fight by that ahole.

You'll still have to worry about getting knocked down by the drunks who fight in the aisle in front and behind you.

You'll still have to worry about idiot drunks ruining the view you payed $150 for when they have to stand on their seats the entire show.

Yeah - I am done. You can enjoy pretending that hanging out in a parking lot is some sort of "escape". I know it is not.

Heck, I can get that at any football, basketball, baseball, or hockey game. It's just not limited to Jimmy's concerts..

[SchoolGirlHeart]

What is Opus One?

From wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt....

Opus One Winery is a winery in Oakville, California, USA. The winery was founded as a joint venture between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi to create a single Bordeaux style blend based upon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. It is located across State Route 29 from the Robert Mondavi Winery. The creation of this winery venture in 1978 was big news in the wine industry; de Rothschild's involvement added an air of respectability to the burgeoning Napa wine region.

Some one sitting next to me calls it "overpriced Mondavi." but I've seen what she drinks . To me it's as much about living in Key West with my friends Brett and Steph and enjoying a bottle of it while having dinner at the Grand on Duval street and watching the world go by. It's pricey, but it's good. (edit: I'll bring you a bottle to Great Woods. )

See, you learn something every day on this board!

I never heard of Opus One. MUST GET A BOTTLE!!!!!!

[SMLCHNG]

I find it funny that the people who complain about things getting stale are the some of the ones who go to 4-5 shows a year. Do you expect Jimmy to change the set list at every show on the same tour? For those of us to only get to a show once a year at best I think it is still the best money spent for entertainment.

I noticed that with SOME of the folks, too.

[Catch&Release]

What is Opus One?

www.opusonewinery.com

Heaven in a glass. Worth every penny of the $160 a bottle it costs.

I've had it twice in my life. Both times it was a gift for services rendered, once for dressing as the Easter Bunny for brunch at a 5 star hotel. My wife at the time had to dress as Mother Goose. It was worth giving up our Easter for that sublime bottle of wine.

[SchoolGirlHeart]

And it's not like Jimmy doesn't make charitable contributions, promote other musicians (we would have never found Jake if Jimmy didn't promote him).

Well, for most people, true, but I was lucky enough to have visited Hawaii and been familiar with Jake's music before Jimmy brought him onstage at the Shell.

OTOH, if I'd never gotten hooked on Buffett music, there's a list of about 30 or so artists that I would never have heard of, spread literally from coast to coast, and my life would be far less rich.

[Gulfbreeze]

Brad said ass

[SchoolGirlHeart]

Brad said ass

I know. Wow. I think I like this kinda kick-ass preacher!