The Buffett Binge - Am I The Only Sober One At The Shows?

[kimbo]

I think I was misconstrued. Nobody is more pleased than I am that I CAN go to a concert without being uncomfortable. This is still a new world to me (sobriety I mean) and I'm continually amazed at situations I can tolerate without being tempted; they're all giant steps to me. One of the number one rules of sobriety is, always have a Plan B to get you out of uncomfortable situations. I just sometimes still feel left out not drinking and thought it would be nice to bond with other non-drinkers. Believe me, I still love all my partying friends and would never, ever preach. They have instructions to shoot me if I ever do that. So . . . party on Parrotheads, you are all a joy to have around!

[kimbo]

I think I was misconstrued. Nobody is more pleased than I am that I CAN go to a concert without being uncomfortable. This is still a new world to me (sobriety I mean) and I'm continually amazed at situations I can tolerate without being tempted; they're all giant steps to me. One of the number one rules of sobriety is, always have a Plan B to get you out of uncomfortable situations. I just sometimes still feel left out not drinking and thought it would be nice to bond with other non-drinkers. Believe me, I still love all my partying friends and would never, ever preach. They have instructions to shoot me if I ever do that. So . . . party on Parrotheads, you are all a joy to have around!

[ejr]

Kimbo-keep up the good work! I have a number of friends in recovery, including one in her 18th year and have some understanding of how terrific that kind of accomplishment is.

I am glad this discusion came up. While I do drink, I do get concerned that so much of the conversation here focuses on getting drunk. I love to party, but partying and getting drunk are not the same thing, and my days of getting drunk at concerts are largely history.

There is room for every kind of Buffett fan, sober, drunk or whatever.

I have also had some bad experiences at concerts with people so drunk that they were pretty disruptive. I don't find anything about that to be appealing. Do what you want, but don't infringe on my concert experience if you are going to get that out of control.

The joy of Buffett, for me is having a fun, carefree time. That fun time can happen drunk or sober. I'll be at both Chicago shows, hope to join the BN group on Saturday in the parking lot, and will be my own designated driver

[Cubbie Bear]

I have heard of these sober people of which you speak. I have yet to meet one. I shall try to spot one of these and report back with my findings

[Jahfin]

The reason that people follow Jimmy is his supposed lifestyle. That lifestyle included a constant party and probably still goes on to some degree.

That may be the very thing that distinugishes me as a self-avowed "Buffett fan" from a "Parrothead" because that isn't why I got into his music. What lured me to Buffett to start with (circa White Sportcoat) was the strength of his songwriting and the unique sound of the music he was creating, none of which had anything to do with image or the partying lifestyle you mentioned. I'm also not disappointed if he doesn't include any island themed songs or instruments associated with them on his albums because there is much more than that to Jimmy Buffett to me.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the drinkin' discussion...

[phinzup]

We like to do some drinkin but stop in time to enjoy the show. Vegas in January was a little different, we kept drinking at that show. Buffett in the desert in January just calls out drink some more!!!

[psychjava]

In all the concerts I've been to, it seems that the lawn area is the worst for people who are more interested in the partying than actually listening to the concert (for the most part, not all the lawn). I started sitting in the Pavilion area because I was getting tired of being stepped on and pushed (I'm only 5'3" so I'm pretty short).

I work for a psychiatric hospital and have worked with more than my share of alcoholics/in recovery. I personally don't drink because I am allergic to alcohol, if I had my choice I would drink more, but I break out into hives and fall asleep LONG before I get drunk.

I love the festive atmosphere and camraderie at the shows, and that includes watching people drink. I just hope people drink responsibly and have their DD. Considering margaritas are a trademark for JB shows, I can't imagine not having them on hand, just for me, they're virgin margaritas.

[Sidew13]

My first concert, I had 1 margarita
My second was not so simple, thank you Fruity, Tallship, Cindy Lou, and others. . But I stopped when I knew it was time to stop, about an hour befor the show. and was pretty sober in 30 min. I realy feel sorry for those who fribble out

[12vmanRick]

The reason that people follow Jimmy is his supposed lifestyle. That lifestyle included a constant party and probably still goes on to some degree.

That may be the very thing that distinugishes me as a self-avowed "Buffett fan" from a "Parrothead" because that isn't why I got into his music. What lured me to Buffett to start with (circa White Sportcoat) was the strength of his songwriting and the unique sound of the music he was creating, none of which had anything to do with image or the partying lifestyle you mentioned. I'm also not disappointed if he doesn't include any island themed songs or instruments associated with them on his albums because there is much more than that to Jimmy Buffett to me.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the drinkin' discussion...

I wouldn't argue your point but please be sure to understand that my love for Jimmy came from the music and then went to the parking lot.. so-to-speak. Now, I love both and there is no denying his party days in KW and many other places.

[Jahfin]

The reason that people follow Jimmy is his supposed lifestyle. That lifestyle included a constant party and probably still goes on to some degree.

That may be the very thing that distinugishes me as a self-avowed "Buffett fan" from a "Parrothead" because that isn't why I got into his music. What lured me to Buffett to start with (circa White Sportcoat) was the strength of his songwriting and the unique sound of the music he was creating, none of which had anything to do with image or the partying lifestyle you mentioned. I'm also not disappointed if he doesn't include any island themed songs or instruments associated with them on his albums because there is much more than that to Jimmy Buffett to me.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the drinkin' discussion...

I wouldn't argue your point but please be sure to understand that my love for Jimmy came from the music and then went to the parking lot.. so-to-speak. Now, I love both and there is no denying his party days in KW and many other places.

I don't deny his partying days in the least I'm just saying there's much more to being into Buffett than just that to me, but I think you understand that.

[sailingagain]

I usually have a nice buzz on at the shows. Never been stinkin' drunk at one though. I love the shows too much. I'd be too p*** at myself if I missed one.

[12vmanRick]

The reason that people follow Jimmy is his supposed lifestyle. That lifestyle included a constant party and probably still goes on to some degree.

That may be the very thing that distinugishes me as a self-avowed "Buffett fan" from a "Parrothead" because that isn't why I got into his music. What lured me to Buffett to start with (circa White Sportcoat) was the strength of his songwriting and the unique sound of the music he was creating, none of which had anything to do with image or the partying lifestyle you mentioned. I'm also not disappointed if he doesn't include any island themed songs or instruments associated with them on his albums because there is much more than that to Jimmy Buffett to me.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the drinkin' discussion...

I wouldn't argue your point but please be sure to understand that my love for Jimmy came from the music and then went to the parking lot.. so-to-speak. Now, I love both and there is no denying his party days in KW and many other places.

I don't deny his partying days in the least I'm just saying there's much more to being into Buffett than just that to me, but I think you understand that.

Yep!!

[RockinRick]

Me personally it just wouln't be a Buffett show without a few boat drinks. I've been pretty wasted at some of them. But I've never caused anyone else grief.

By contrast, a former lady friend our mine and my friends, at Tweeter Chicago last year, fell, tackled another woman on the hill, and fairly seriously hurt her. The woman had to be carried to the "first aid" place. This same person was so drunk that she was just bringing everybody down. We are not inviting her back again ever.

While at the same time, I've been to other gatherings where people behaved badly and no alcohol was involved. Maybe they should have had a few.

[phinhead]

I did the one thing I didn't intend to do at one of his concerts-become that annoying drunk. I have taken Jimmy's advise since then and pace myself. I only have a few beers before the show. I really like remembering the show. I have been around people who caused me to not enjoy the show to the fullest extent because of alcohol, and it really sucks. Their is no reasoning with them. I just wish those people would pass out in the parking lot and never make it in. The one show where I did over indulge I can't believe I remember anything about it. About the only memories I have of that show was how wasted I was and stumbling around. It has never happened since, and will never happen again.
Phin

[12 lb. nestle crunch]

dude, theres nothing wrong with going to a show sober, but theres no reason to express "concern" about it. by going to a buffett show, you are understanding that you will be around drunk people; no different than going to a bar.

but dont say something like "must we parrotheads...." because going to a buffett show means something different to everyone. the atomosphere is not going to change, so you might as well move on with life.

not to sound harsh, its just that this thread seems a little whiney to me. but i do commend you for approaching it in a mature manner

[abbacus]

tackled me to the ground mistakenly thinking I was drinking buddy - I was only 6 months removed from a tib/fib fracture (Cincinnati); threw punches at me after I asked him not to push & shove my family in his self-proclaimed dancing section of the lawn (Cincinnati, again)

Well how many times I have touched on the subject of Cincinnati. I hate that place for just that reason. I have been to most of my shows which is a total of 7 completely alcohol free. It was very much more enjoyable than the few drunken ones as far as music and crowd. Who could really defend drinking? I mean when my roomates go out they use the term retarded instead of drunk. What does that say?

[rednekkPH]

Who could really defend drinking?

I could. However, my actions in such a regard have no effect on others, and as such I feel no need to justify them to you or anyone else.

I mean when my roomates go out they use the term retarded instead of drunk. What does that say?

Maybe it says that they are retarded. Don't associate them with us.

[LaTda]

... if your are stupid enough to bring your small child to a show ...

I'll bring my daughter, as I did last night to Raleigh, any G.D. Place I want & I don't think I'm stupid for doing that either. It's NOT your Adults only clubhouse, she has as much right to be there as you, Thank you very little...

[Boomerang Ross]

One less person in the urinal line......perfect!!!!

Ha !! I echo those sentiments.

To each his own.

[citcat]

Last year, I went to the concert sober, but it wasn't my intention. Some people (including the husband) drank all the liquor, so I only had one drink...I was too busy at the tailgate getting pictures, starting a conga line, meeting people. But I must say, being able to remember all the good music, everybody's costumes, everything is GREAT! To wake up chipper and ready to eat a big breakfast while everyone else is groaning and suffering from memory loss was different. Good different. I certainly don't have to be drunk to be silly nuts crazy! (just ask anybody who knows me)