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Something has been troubling me for quite sometime regarding many of my fellow Parrotheads. After a particular post on Tuesday, I felt compelled to speak out about the issue.

I'm speaking about alcohol abuse and the irresponsible behavior of a FEW (I'm stressing FEW here folks) "fans" who attend the concerts. I've seen 14 shows - all sober - and I've mostly enjoyed every single moment. The key word, of course, is mostly. The times I wasn't enjoying myself were those moments when a drunk concert goer nearly vomited on me (Columbus); 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); abused my wife and me with extremely foul language (Raleigh).

Hear me out before dismissing me as a party pooper. I see nothing wrong with an individual having a few drinks before or during the concert. In fact, its one of the few times many of us can escape the burdens of the ho-hum work week. But must we Parrotheads continue to encourage what I refer to as the Buffett Binge? Does one really need to be so drunk he/she vomits or becomes belligerent in order to enjoy Jimmy and the Coral Reefers?

In the post I referred to earlier, one young lady asked what she should know in preparation for her first Buffett show. Nearly half of the initial replies to her post mentioned alcohol - one encouraging drinking until falling down (I'm sure this was partly a joke, but still...). The lady who posted even feared consuming so much tequila she wouldn't remember the concert.

I read posts on this and other message boards throughout the winter about the building excitement for spring, summer and the upcoming Buffett show(s). We guess at set lists. We jump for joy when we beat Ticketbastard at their own game and get great seats. And then the day of the show arrives and some among us are so drunk they destroy the good time being had by those drinking responsibly or not at all. The next day he/she is left with only a ticket stub, a hangover and precious few, if any, memories of the concert the night before.

The Deadheads created an informal network of sober fans called the Wharf Rats (http://www.wharfrat.org). They choose to attend the Dead's shows drug and alcohol free sticking to a motto of "One Show At A Time." In addition, they provide outreach to any concert-goer who may need their support. Maybe its time for Parrotheads to do the same.

I doubt I'm the only clean-and-sober Parrothead. I encourage an open discussion on this issue. Its not meant to make anyone mad. I would just like concert-goers to remember two things: 1) There are people at the shows who are there more for the music than for the party and 2) there are people willing to lend you a hand, a shoulder or an ear should you need it.

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

I know what you're saying Cartmill...we've had better luck when we switched to pavilion seats a few years back. I know people have some horror stories about pavilion seating as well, but all and all we've had a better time in the pavilion. If anything, sometimes in the front of the pavilion people are not "in" to the show...just waiting around for Margaritavillle or CIP.

We decided to go to the Nashville show last year at the last minute and scored some lawn tickets at a good price. First time in the lawn in 3-4 years. Halfway through the 1st set some guy shoves me and the guy next to me in the back. We turn around, he's sloshing beer everywhere, and gets in our faces and yells "SING--YOU KNOW THE F**ING WORDS" His buddies dragged him away before it came to blows. We remembered why we left the lawn in the first place.

cartmill72 wrote: Nearly half of the initial replies to her post mentioned alcohol - one encouraging drinking until falling down (I'm sure this was partly a joke, but still...).

Ignore Rednekk, he's a moron

I drink but drink responsibily at the shows. Unfortunately serious subjects like this don't seem to be taken too seriously at this board (just an observation I've made). Expect the usual array of nonsensical responses to your query (I can see one has been made already). Given your well founded reasoning and the fact that Buffett's concerts have devolved into a gaudy Broadway play (see "Tiki Bar" on the DVD if you have any doubts) and you add one more reason why I don't really miss attending the shows anymore. And yes, I know that makes all of you happy but these are just my thoughts on the subject, I have been attending shows from before the Parrothead days up until the mid-nineties when some of the aforementioned activities began to detract, rather than add to, the excitement of attending a Jimmy Buffett concert.

Nope--you're not the only sober one at the concerts. I've only been to three concerts to date, but I have been sober for all of them. The main reason I've never gotten really drunk at a show is because I paid a lot of money to go to the show, so I want to remember it well. I'm pretty much the same way about Clemson football games--tailgating before the games is a big deal (as it is at most colleges, I think), and I tailgate, but I don't get drunk. It's because I want to enjoy the game. I want to be sober enough to follow what's going on and cheer for my team.

I've partied pretty hard in my time, so I don't have a problem with others doing the same. But I do agree that sometimes people who do not drink responsibly can ruin others' good time. I have never had an experience at a JB concert like the ones you described, cart, but I know going into a show like that that it is definitely a possibility that someone will spill a beer on my or puke on my feet or something. Guess I've been lucky so far.

My biggest fear at a JB show (or any other similar situation) with all the drinking going on is that some of these drunk folks will get behind the wheel to drive home after the concert. I hope that most of them would have DDs......

As for your idea of creating a support group, I think that would be fine, if people wanted something like that. I just wouldn't want people to think we're getting too preachy with them. I generally figure that the people getting trashed at the concerts are adults (I hope!) and can choose for themselves whether or not to get trashed.

zanth wrote:

cartmill72 wrote: Nearly half of the initial replies to her post mentioned alcohol - one encouraging drinking until falling down (I'm sure this was partly a joke, but still...).

Ignore Rednekk, he's a moron

I meant no disrepect to his post. In fact, I laughed - out loud.

That entire thread just made me think about something today that I've thought about many times over the years. (God I sound old.)

Sorry you have had bad experiences, but that comes along with going to public functions. I have no intention on driking so much I miss the show (I paid too much for the tickets and like the music too much- it was a just a silly comment- just like the person how suggested drinking til one fell down- do you honestly think they meant it?), nor do I have any intention on puking on you or anyone else, or causing a fight. That's not my style. I realize this happens and have been a victim myself at football games and being forced to leave DMB and want to leave Rolling Stones concerts b/c the smell of pot was so bad I almost did puke from that. But what you have to realize is people like that are the minority, not the majority. I don't think you are going to find that the people doing that are people who post on this page- real Buffett fans. I have loved JB for awhile and am finally at a point where I have money to spend on fun things like concerts, so believe me you are preaching to the wrong group of people. I think most of us talk about drinking a ton but mainly its just talk. I wouldn't take the posting on here about drinking till one fall's down too seriously. Yes, I intend to tailgate and have some drinks and enjoy myself but I have no intention on ruining mine or anyone else's evening. Again, I am sorry you have had bad experiences, we all have so i know what you are talking about, but those people tend to be there only for the party and not the show. I highly doubt anyone who spends time on this site is not there for the music.

Not really sure what concerts you go too, but the great thing about a JB concert is there are no idiots yelling or starting fights. It is like 25,000 of your best friends drinking and being merry. And I would think it is safe to say that about 95% of the Parrotheads like to down their fair share of drinks. Lets see, Jimmy lets us escape the daily grind of work singing about warm weather, beachs, and what, oh thats right drinking. So, if you are their wearing flip flops and a carribean shirt, how is that any different then having a drink or two or ten. I have been to 5 concerts and have the only rude thing I saw at a JB show was someone eat the last shrimp.

As a recovering alcoholic (21 Months - Yea Me!!) I had some serious concerns about attending the Clark Co. Amphitheatre (or any) concert last fall and Waikiki in January. I was thrilled to see that the majority of Parrotheads are very easy going, laid back drunks and I had a better time sober than I have ever had drunk. As you suggest, I remembered every single song and comment and costume in the crowd and everything. I've had a harder time dealing with the drinking at major league baseball games than at the concert. I can't say this will always be true, however, because of the major focus on drinking. The pre-concert partying was a little hard to take in Waikiki. It would be really nice if there was an optional "sober" group. ("Sober" applying only to consumption, of course.)

kimbo wrote: It would be really nice if there was an optional "sober" group.

Sure, but why stop there? We could add a non-smoking parking lot. How about a "no grass skirts" section, for those allergic to straw. Oh, don't forget the veggie-only tailgate for the PETA folks.

I know first hand how important recovery can be for alcoholics and their loved ones, so don't take the above as a jab at that. i just get fired up when a very small group decides that the majority should change to suit them. It's part of the territory, if you dislike it that much, maybe you should re-think your decision to go.

rednekkPH wrote:

kimbo wrote: It would be really nice if there was an optional "sober" group.

Sure, but why stop there? We could add a non-smoking parking lot. How about a "no grass skirts" section, for those allergic to straw. Oh, don't forget the veggie-only tailgate for the PETA folks.

I know first hand how important recovery can be for alcoholics and their loved ones, so don't take the above as a jab at that. i just get fired up when a very small group decides that the majority should change to suit them. It's part of the territory, if you dislike it that much, maybe you should re-think your decision to go.

Kimbo didn't suggest that the majority should change, but that the folks who are (apparently) in the minority might just want to get together to support each other in their sobriety. What's wrong with that?

Kimbo... WTG on 21 months sober!!!!!

I can tell you right now that I get DRUNK at the shows. Some I have remembered well, some not so. However, I do not get beligerant (and that is not just me saying it), I do not puke, pee, spit or start fights with or on people.

I do try to respect those that do not even want a drunk around them but honestly I have NO sympathy for you if your are stupid enough to bring your small child to a show that has been built on a party atmosphere. If this statement makes you mad, sorry, get over it.

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

I only had ONE time where someone said something to me. I dropped my Corona bottle and it broke. I was drunk enough to just go oh well.. and someone said "hey aren't you gonna pick that up" My reply "yea, dude, I'm just drunk and wasn't thinking about it".

As far as idiots, yea Atlanta in the past years had them. When he was doing the Thurs/Sat shows and during the summer. Especially Saturday was a bunch of young (probably underage) drunk young guys that played rap music (for some unknown reason) and walked around starting s***. So, it happens.

I edited this to add this line... I do not believe you have to be drunk or drink to enjoy the concert or anything. It is a choice. Kudo's to those of you that choose to not drink! I chose to drink. Life is hard enough, it would be worse without it.

You're not the only one, but your kind are much more difficult to spot than my phellow partiers!

My philosophy is to drink in the lot, to avoid venue prices on alcohol. I do not intend to get sloppy drunk, but pretty much get caught up in the atmosphere and find myself at my limit before entering the show.

But then last year in Chicago it snowballed inside too... I intended to be the DD... have a few beers before the show, and be fine when it lets out. But noooooooo... I couldn't pass up the offer on the beer bong, or the beers from all the pholks in the lot who noticed mine was empty (it was nearly 100 degrees), or the upside down caramel apple shots, or IUP's upside down margaritas had I found her. You don't want to be rude to people who offer! Ok, so I guess I didn't need to put the beers down my shorts and bring them inside, but it was funny as heck they made it in. And then we talk our way into the VIP tent with free food (we never tried), and free beer (we were 2 fisted at all times). And then when those are all consumed, the nice fellows around us buy us a couple more during the show, and then something else was passed to me during Volcano! What's a girl to do? I KNEW I couldn't drive - fortunately my friend was able to, or we would have had to resort to another plan. I don't think I bothered anyone... rather I think I was pretty entertaining!

Is it a drinking problem when it only happens occasionally? If yes, then I admit I have a drinking problem. I know some people get out of hand and ruin it for others, and that stinks. But I just used the example above of how the situation lends itself to overindulgence. Sometimes you can't help it when you're over served!!!!!

Bottom line... phriends don't let phriends drive drunk!

Tiki Bar wrote:You're not the only one, but your kind are much more difficult to spot than my phellow partiers!

My philosophy is to drink in the lot, to avoid venue prices on alcohol. I do not intend to get sloppy drunk, but pretty much get caught up in the atmosphere and find myself at my limit before entering the show.

But then last year in Chicago it snowballed inside too... I intended to be the DD... have a few beers before the show, and be fine when it lets out. But noooooooo... I couldn't pass up the offer on the beer bong, or the beers from all the pholks in the lot who noticed mine was empty (it was nearly 100 degrees), or the upside down caramel apple shots, or IUP's upside down margaritas had I found her. You don't want to be rude to people who offer! Ok, so I guess I didn't need to put the beers down my shorts and bring them inside, but it was funny as heck they made it in. And then we talk our way into the VIP tent with free food (we never tried), and free beer (we were 2 fisted at all times). And then when those are all consumed, the nice fellows around us buy us a couple more during the show, and then something else was passed to me during Volcano! What's a girl to do? I KNEW I couldn't drive - fortunately my friend was able to, or we would have had to resort to another plan. I don't think I bothered anyone... rather I think I was pretty entertaining!

Is it a drinking problem when it only happens occasionally? If yes, then I admit I have a drinking problem. I know some people get out of hand and ruin it for others, and that stinks. But I just used the example above of how the situation lends itself to overindulgence. Sometimes you can't help it when you're over served!!!!!

Bottom line... phriends don't let phriends drive drunk!

Now that sums it up!

12vmanRick wrote:I edited this to add this line... I do not believe you have to be drunk or drink to enjoy the concert or anything. It is a choice. Kudo's to those of you that choose to not drink! I chose to drink. Life is hard enough, it would be worse without it.

No offense, but that's pretty sad.

I can understand what cartmill is saying. If you think back to when the Fenway Park rumors started most of the people that were complaining about it didn't really seem to care about the actual show. It was "What am I going to do if I can't tailgate in the Great Woods parking lot?"

LIPH wrote:

12vmanRick wrote: I chose to drink. Life is hard enough, it would be worse without it.

No offense, but that's pretty sad.

What's so sad about stating that not doing something you enjoy would make life less enjoyable? Seems perfectly logical to me.

LIPH wrote:

12vmanRick wrote:I edited this to add this line... I do not believe you have to be drunk or drink to enjoy the concert or anything. It is a choice. Kudo's to those of you that choose to not drink! I chose to drink. Life is hard enough, it would be worse without it.

No offense, but that's pretty sad.

I can understand what cartmill is saying. If you think back to when the Fenway Park rumors started most of the people that were complaining about it didn't really seem to care about the actual show. It was "What am I going to do if I can't tailgate in the Great Woods parking lot?"

hahaha.. you say that is sad and look at your tag line... LOL what a riot. I like the escape feeling it gives me and I don't do it every day but I won't do without it completely.

I use that tag line because it's funny. I also have been known to have a drink now and then. But my life wouldn't be worse without it.

LIPH wrote:I use that tag line because it's funny. I also have been known to have a drink now and then. But my life wouldn't be worse without it.

fair enough.. and I wasn't offended. I know my line sounded like (cuz typed words here seem to take on their own emotion) an alcoholic or something but trust me there isn't a problem here.

Well except I work in a dull office and my heart is on island time.