sober parrottheads?

ejr · Post by **ejr** » August 17, 2007 11:39 pm

It had been my interpretation that the initial post might have been from someone who was serious in the question, and that the question related to not drinking at all as opposed to getting drunk.

Not trying to start an argument with others here, but this is not the first time that someone has asked a similar question and has received a less than serious answer.

I think the question comes up because so many songs talk about drinking, and there is so much talking about it here, especially in the preconcert threads.

But there are Buffett fans out there who are in 12 step programs--including a couple close friends of mine. One finds they are still able to go to shows and enjoy them; the other does not.

I just would simply say that sometimes we need to look at what the initial poster is asking because it might be a serious question from someone who finds it to be an issue.

SmartWomaninShortSkirt · August 18, 2007 12:48 pm

Here's what I think about it. If you were once a relatively big drinker and drinking was part of the fun for you at a buffett show, and for whatever reasons you have now stopped, a buffett concert would be a very difficult environment.
If, however, you are someone who has never drunk a lot, I would thnk it would be easy enough to get through a concert without drinking.

If you are in the first category, but still want to go to the concert, I would say you might have to forego the tailgating, or limit it to an hour or so.

ragtopW · Post by **ragtopW** » August 18, 2007 6:46 pm

SmartWomaninShortSkirt wrote:Here's what I think about it. If you were once a relatively big drinker and drinking was part of the fun for you at a buffett show, and for whatever reasons you have now stopped, a buffett concert would be a very difficult environment.
If, however, you are someone who has never drunk a lot, I would thnk it would be easy enough to get through a concert without drinking.

If you are in the first category, but still want to go to the concert, I would say you might have to forego the tailgating, or limit it to an hour or so.

you are a smart woman.. well said..
I know I would have a hard time if I were trying not to drink
and in the lot.. just as there are other places I would avoid..
I am lucky I don't have a problem with booze..
but for those who do I say Phin power..

Flowerfield Girl · Post by **Flowerfield Girl** » August 19, 2007 5:50 am

I try to stop drinking just before the show. I don't like waiting in restrooms lines while Jimmy is on stage.

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » August 19, 2007 6:36 am

rich_big wrote:well I didnt get the reply I was hoping for, but you all sure have a great sense of humor. many laughs for sure. I have read this bulletin board for a while, but never logged in and posted.

I am still looking foward to Irvine. I have been listening to the shows on Sirius and I am jazzed about hearing some of the new tunes in rotation.

I think your question was perhaps misunderstood. Are you specifically looking for other non-drinkers to hang out with? For support? Or are you looking for people who drink in moderation and are sober when it's time to talk about driving? I don't think people were trying to be necessarily be disrespectful, but maybe misunderstood your real question.

aeroparrot · Post by **aeroparrot** » August 19, 2007 8:31 am

I've drank at concerts but never was drunk.

murPH · Post by **murPH** » August 19, 2007 2:48 pm

I have been a totally sober ph at some Buffett concerts. (Health reasons.) Hubbie has been a totally sober ph at some concerts. We had a great time and still enjoyed all of the hubbub in the parking lots and actually remembered the songs played! There are probably more sober ph's than most people think. Getting drunk and acting stupid is definitely not a requirement for having a good time! Party on!

murPH

popcornjack · Post by **popcornjack** » August 19, 2007 3:15 pm

As soon as i saw the title of the thread, I was already thinking about the Wharf Rats from the Dead shows. If that is who the poster is using as a comparison, then I think what they are looking for is other PH's who don't drink. Period. Not ones who drink in moderation, or ones who stop at a certain point in their night, but ones who have stopped for good. The Wharf Rats was/is a support group for people in recovery to help them still enjoy the lifestyle without giving into temptaion when it came to their addiction. I think it would be a great thing to have a similar concept among Parrotheads. Granted, any of you who know me know I'm not the one to start it, but I think it would definitely be a good idea.

rich_big · Post by **rich_big** » August 19, 2007 3:23 pm

yes, I am asking about people similar to Wharf Rats. people in recovery. and while there have been several silly replies, there have been some private messages sent to me. there are more people like me than one might think at JB shows. just not as organized as fans of other bands.

hoping to score a tick for the irvine show tomorrow. wish me luck, and will see you all there!!

pbans · Post by **pbans** » August 19, 2007 3:24 pm

When we were in Sturgis this year, I was pleased to see that a whole section of the campground was set aside for 'sober riders' and designated 'no alcohol'. There were AA meetings set up there, too......

My family has a long history of alcoholism........my Dad was in AA the last 15 years of his life......

Although I do imbibe, at times to excess.....I have complete and total respect for anyone goes in to recovery or chooses and alcohol-free lifestyle....parrothead or otherwise~

ToplessRideFL · Post by **ToplessRideFL** » August 19, 2007 4:30 pm

rich_big wrote:yes, I am asking about people similar to Wharf Rats. people in recovery. !!

At the time had no idea what a wharf rat was. Now I do .....so would be more apt to understand the comparison next time.

SchoolGirlHeart · Post by **SchoolGirlHeart** » August 19, 2007 4:35 pm

ToplessRideFL wrote:
rich_big wrote:yes, I am asking about people similar to Wharf Rats. people in recovery. !!
At the time had no idea what a wharf rat was. Now I do .....so would be more apt to understand the comparison next time.

Same here. I'd never heard of the Wharf Rats, but think it's a great idea. I feel for PH's in recovery who still want to attend a JB show. I would imagine the parking lot is *tough*... Phin power to them!

I agree with popcornjack: it'd be a great idea to have a similar group for PH's.

rich_big, apologies if I offended you through ignorance. Welcome to BN!!!

parrothead216 · Post by **parrothead216** » August 19, 2007 4:50 pm

Judy and I have been going to see Jimmy since the early 80's. We can say that about 99% were totally liquor free! Even when we went with family members and friends, little or NO drinking!

I seem to remember asking Judy if she wanted a Margarita and buying one, back many years ago. We NEVER have brought our own in or made jello shots or the like!

We go to see Jimmy and hear the music, not get blown away in the parking lot! Unfortunately, for many of Jimmy's fans, that IS the concert experience! By concert time, they could be sleeping at home in their own bed for all they know!

We know one thing, we have paid way too much money to see Jimmy, to NOT Remember what happened!

So to answer your question, I don't know if there are any formal groups of Phans that attend Jimmy's concerts, that do it together and in recovery! But , YES there are many parrotheads that attend the concerts sober or don't drink at all!

Stands Up and says:

Yes, We are PARROTHEADS THAT DO NOT DRINK!

Cheerwine Charly · Post by **Cheerwine Charly** » August 19, 2007 10:25 pm

I think it's possible to go to a Jimmy show and not drink. I've heard about other people who have done so.

I wouldn't know, to be honest, having never been to a Jimmy show before.

I hope to correct that mistake this fall when Jimmy comes to Tampa.

Will I drink? I don't know. Drinking alone wouldn't be much fun, for sure, and since I may have to come to Tampa alone (which deserves another

) then it will depend on how many other parrotheads invite me along.

Regardless, getting drunk is not something I'm keen on anymore. I tend to embarass myself when I do...(yet another

)

Skibo · Post by **Skibo** » August 20, 2007 7:54 am

I have never had a drink at a Buffett show. Besides the drunks are much more amusing if you are sober.

markruble · Post by **markruble** » August 20, 2007 10:03 pm

I agree with several here who say they don't drink at the shows. It is much more entertaining watching those who are. My buddy and I were approached by this really drunk lady at the Pittsburgh show. If she didn't have a guy to hang on to she would have fallen down several times and this was at 5pm. As we left her behind and walked on my buddy said to me. How many times has Jimmy said pace yourselves. I just commented yea she will not make it to the end of the show. I'm not sure what she was saying but I think she must have thought we were guys she knew. Oh well! No problem!

Gooney Bird · Post by **Gooney Bird** » August 22, 2007 7:25 pm

rich_big wrote:yes, I am asking about people similar to Wharf Rats. people in recovery. and while there have been several silly replies, there have been some private messages sent to me. there are more people like me than one might think at JB shows. just not as organized as fans of other bands.

hoping to score a tick for the Irvine show tomorrow. wish me luck, and will see you all there!!

Maybe a cardboard sign that says, "I need a miracle ticket."

One of things I found remarkable about JB concerts is the huge age-range. There are little parakeet kids, teens on up to ACOB and elders. Certainly not all are drinking.

When I attended concerts I never drank even though I was a heavy drinker at the time. I haven't had a drink in over 12 years but I'd still enjoy a concert.
I would enjoy a concert very much.

which particular harbor? · August 22, 2007 10:19 pm

The one time I did get fubar'd, I barely made it home, my then wife went to waffle house with my then buddy to get us some "sober up" food. Well, a few months later I found out they hit it off well that night. Lucky for me...she was a b_tch anyway and I've now found my perfect match.

As for the shows...I have just a few drinks at the most. As a matter of fact...don't laugh...I bought a 12 pack of Corona New Years eve....I still have 2 or 3 of them left...

That used to be my friday night primer for Saturday..

Enjoy the shows sober....it's a blast...

TCRNCOB · Post by **TCRNCOB** » August 25, 2007 12:39 am

I am in recovery and LOVE going to JB concerts. I have been to 14 so far, Tampa in Nov. will be 15. Last year in Tampa there was a lady in front of me that was so drunk she was weaving and bobbing around the whole concert!!! Was NOT FUN!!! I was never much of a drinker anyway so I really so see why you have to get that drunk that you will not even remember you were there.

I also love wandering around the parking lot for a couple of hours before just looking at all the tailgaters. I just carry my own water with me. I always have a great time.

See ya all in Tampa!!!

tikiwoman · Post by **tikiwoman** » August 25, 2007 11:09 am

I agree with those who say they would rather not be plastered during the main show. Why pay all that money to be out of it and probably sick the next day. At Kenny Chesney this year we paced ourselves- we drank early on but spread out during the day and by the time the show started we were all fine. Others were not and they were sick and weaving all around us- did not look like a fun time. At Jimmy this year I had a couple Corona lights then stopped- again was fine for the show. If I take my kids with me or I am the driver I never drink at concerts and I have seen Bon Jovi, Bruce, Keith Urban etc many times and was glad I remembered those great shows. But I tend to drink in moderation anyway- too old to do anything else

Val