Newport Not What Was Promised

[SchoolGirlHeart]

Well, I loved the show for the following reasons:

1) Value - Got to see a full day's worth of great music and 3/4 of a Buffett show for $235 - 2 adults, and 2 kids at $15 each. Parking was a whopping $15 and we were out of the park 5 minutes after we got to our car (well, 10 minutes, because we helped jump start a truck from Michigan).
2) Seats - Was as close as I've ever been to the stage going back 14 years of shows.
3) Family Friendly - although I love a good tailgate, it was very nice not having 15,000 plastered idiots around you. It was a very laid back atmosphere and there were a lot of things to see and do.
4) Setting - absolutely amazing for all the reasons folks have already posted.

Face it, if he did an all acoustic show of obscure folk songs, a bunch of people would be b*tching about that. You can't please everybody.
I personally didn't know what to expect and told my kids it may not be a parrothead show, to just roll with the punches so to speak.

If you are just looking at the set list and making judgements, I can see why you'd say, "Same old stuff". Well I don't think it was the same old stuff. To me, that was the best overall experience I've had at a show and will be more memorable than anything I've seen in Hartford, Greatwoods, Foxboro, Mohegan, or Fenway. The same old stuff is going to be in Mansfield on Sept. 4th, for which I now have 4 tickets for sale.

Well said!!

[UpstateNYPH]

it's tough, because i loved going to the shows and seeing everyone from here. the only issue is that i am getting a little tired of the same old stuff. some people like it, some dont. its just my opinion. i just moved to a 1 bedroom apartment in jersey where it costs me double what i would have paid for a 2 bedroom in new york. money is tighter, i want to spend it more cautiously and meaningfully. will i go to any more JB shows this year? probably not. I have a ticket for jones beach, but most likely will sell it.

if i was a millionaire, this wouldnt be an issue. i just cant justify spending so much money on tickets, hotels, food, etc to try and enjoy the same thing that i am just getting tired of.

i know you will all say "well someone will gladly take your place in line". well fine, thats how they choose to spend their money and theres nothing wrong with that. like i said, some people arent tired of it, some are.

i didnt go to newport because i spent the weekend with my family at a river and went boating and fishing all weekend. i thought about sacrificing this time to hear a "lead to believe great setlist", and im glad i didnt. im sure everyone there still had a great time, but as the debate pointed out earlier, maybe he didnt promise it but it was definetly MISLEADING.

for me, the chance to see a spectacular and riveting show like jake shimabukuro, bankie banx, or mac, at the cost of around 25 bucks each at a venue near me, is just far more entertaining. ive had my JB experiences, and I loved them, but im sad to say my interests have shifted. I will always love JB's music and have fond memories of the concerts and friends, but this is very likely the end of the road for me.

[SMLCHNG]

if i was a millionaire, this wouldnt be an issue. i just cant justify spending so much money on tickets, hotels, food, etc to try and enjoy the same thing that i am just getting tired of.

Yep. I've gone 14 times.. but not for 4 years..

[RinglingRingling]

When I heard the "this won't be a parrothead show" line, I was looking forward to Newport. After going to the show, let's just say when I hear a line like that again I'll take it with a grain of salt. It's almost as if he's going through the motions and just cashing paychecks now. Changing the setlist would mean actually putting some effort into it. At least we weren't subjected to some self-congratulatory "look where I went on my vacation" video of Jimmy in some far off corner of the world. Maybe it's time to rethink how I spend my entertainment dollars.

Uhhhh.....Counselor....He SAID it WON'T be a Parrothead show......In my understanding, a Parrothead show would be all the little, fun, odd and unknown songs sung byhimself accousticly....(and while were at it, in my backyard...)....BUT he said it Wouldn't be a parrothead show = The YELLOW ALBUM........

I disagree, very strongly.

Parrothead show - what he does every concert. Parrothead is what happened in the 80's when the concert became more of a "let's get dressed up in a parrot costume and get wasted" phenomena than appreciating Jimmy's song writing skills.

Parrohead has devolved into "Parrothead/frat rat" where the now 40 plus year olds who ushered in the "let's get wasted and act like morons dressed as parrots or box of junior mints" are now joined by the frat rats who do the same thing and whine when they don't hear "bama breeze'

True story - he was playing "Far Side of the World" in St. Louis when a frat rat dressed in a grass skirt and coconut bra seated behind me talked through the song and ended his very loud converstaion with "When do you think he is gonna play 'Bama Breeze'"

I was lucky enough to hear FSOTW at least once live, and in this situation, a friendly elbow to the windpipe and a 'shhhh, big people are talking' would have been appropriate.

I think "parrothead" just means "mindless partier".

Not a parrothead show means - not teh same old $hit I've been shilling for the past 20 years, in my opinion. So what if the frat rats/SYKBH "parrotheads" might not appreciate some of teh older acoustic stuff...Most of the fans who belong to boards and will go to Anguilla, etc will go wild and - why not throw a few classics into a gig at Newport.

[Catch&Release]

]

I disagree, very strongly.

True story - he was playing "Far Side of the World" in St. Louis when a frat rat dressed in a grass skirt and coconut bra seated behind me talked through the song and ended his very loud converstaion with "When do you think he is gonna play 'Bama Breeze'"

I was lucky enough to hear FSOTW at least once live, and in this situation, a friendly elbow to the windpipe and a 'shhhh, big people are talking' would have been appropriate.

I just spit out the water I was drinking. That is very funny, but oh so true...

[JustDucky]

I said it in the News section and I'll say it again - Jimmy lied. Read what he said. He didn't come close to anything he said. He even seemed excited about doing something...

Something.....shhhhhhhhh....different?

Folk singer? Gordon Lightfoot? Not gonna do a Parrothead show?

Right.

OK.

"Hey guys, we're just gonna 'scale it down' a bit and do the usual show."

Coastal Confessions release date is NEVER. What else? People say please release Margaritavision on DVD. Hasn't happened - but he did put out a comp of previously (mostly) released various live DVD tracks. Whoop.

He's also said he's excited about recording a new album. Not even a hint of anything. At least before TTWWY came out he had the Party At The End Of The World tour - even if it was named after a horrible shitty song. It was something NEW. DIFFERENT.

Give 'em what they want. How about something DIFFERENT just ONCE? At least give those of us who can't make these shows a reason to smile and think That must have been a really great show.

Instead, there are people saying they are glad they didn't fork over a ton of money to go see the usual Brown Eyed Girl show. I'm with YOU.

[Randy1278]

Remember when he used to say he never won any awards and that didn't bother him becuase he had his fans. And yes, he still thanks us every show for our money and his wonderful summer job, but do you think he really cares about the fans anymore? Did he ever?

If he did / does, than he should put something on his page and let the people speak about what they want to hear at the shows. Or he should let people vote on certain songs of his choosing and go from there. Didn't another band do that recently (Let the fans pick the list for the tour or certain shows)?

I tell my wife that it should be mandatory for people who want tickets to prove that they are real fans of his and not Frat Boy Joe. Provide reciepts of all the CDs they have purchased or show pictures of what they own. At least show old ticket stubs or something.

[C-Dawg]

[Finnsaremorefun]

Remember when he used to say he never won any awards and that didn't bother him becuase he had his fans. And yes, he still thanks us every show for our money and his wonderful summer job, but do you think he really cares about the fans anymore? Did he ever?

If he did / does, than he should put something on his page and let the people speak about what they want to hear at the shows. Or he should let people vote on certain songs of his choosing and go from there. Didn't another band do that recently (Let the fans pick the list for the tour or certain shows)?

I tell my wife that it should be mandatory for people who want tickets to prove that they are real fans of his and not Frat Boy Joe. Provide reciepts of all the CDs they have purchased or show pictures of what they own. At least show old ticket stubs or something.

One thing I take issue with is the countless 'frat boy' comments. I am 21 and have connected with and lived by this music since the age of 13. Yes, 13. I live in the UP of Michigan where the only escape from basically 8 months of winter is the ring of a steel drum, and the sounds of a southern latitude. I consider myself a devoted PH and am in FULL agreement that things should change...Basically, what I am saying is, don't paint a broad picture of my generation. The 40+ generation isn't the only one with the dream of paradise.

And for the record, as I sat in the Alpine pavillion and Fingers appeared on stage, my girlfriend and I were the only one's screaming as the countless people around us glared like we were morons.

Not only do I hope Jimmy mixes it up, but I hope some of this forum alters there own thoughts to be accepting to its own fan base. Sometimes we get too selfish, too spoiled, until our passion is gone for good...

[Finnsaremorefun]

Remember when he used to say he never won any awards and that didn't bother him becuase he had his fans. And yes, he still thanks us every show for our money and his wonderful summer job, but do you think he really cares about the fans anymore? Did he ever?

If he did / does, than he should put something on his page and let the people speak about what they want to hear at the shows. Or he should let people vote on certain songs of his choosing and go from there. Didn't another band do that recently (Let the fans pick the list for the tour or certain shows)?

I tell my wife that it should be mandatory for people who want tickets to prove that they are real fans of his and not Frat Boy Joe. Provide reciepts of all the CDs they have purchased or show pictures of what they own. At least show old ticket stubs or something.

One thing I take issue with is the countless 'frat boy' comments. I am 21 and have connected with and lived by this music since the age of 13. Yes, 13. I live in the UP of Michigan where the only escape from basically 8 months of winter is the ring of a steel drum, and the sounds of a southern latitude. I consider myself a devoted PH and am in FULL agreement that things should change...Basically, what I am saying is, don't paint a broad picture of my generation. The 40+ generation isn't the only one with the dream of paradise.

And for the record, as I sat in the Alpine pavillion and Fingers appeared on stage, my girlfriend and I were the only one's screaming as the countless people around us glared like we were morons.

Not only do I hope Jimmy mixes it up, but I hope some of this forum alters there own thoughts to be accepting to its own fan base. Sometimes we get too selfish, too spoiled, until our passion is gone for good...

[atom2385]

I was at Newport and had mixed feelings. I heard one of the RadioMargaritaville DJs a month back or so say it was going to be just Jimmy and Mac (although I expected Jake to join). The venue was a great place for a Buffett concert except for the fact you couldn't bring alcohol in and the line for beer was out of control. I was seated to the side of the stage a bit and during Levon Helm's set saw Jimmy (and Charleston) speaking with Jake and also noticed Mac and Ralph...it was at that point I got worried. Then I saw them rolling out all of the band's gear before he came on and knew the show wasn't going to be what I was expecting.

The show was fun and it was nice to be so close you could hear him talking to the band away from the mics between songs. The crowd was cool and even cooler looking behind and seeing people chillin' in their boats (and they saved the $89 per ticket AND were able to drink). If the teleprompter wasn't there, I don't think he could have made it through the chorus of Margaritaville (it was really bad with his updated Fruitcakes lyrics and he hardly lifted his eyes during Elvis Presley Blues).

The coolest part was as my father and I were walking back to the car we saw Jimmy and the Reefer's state police escort take them a whole 700 feet to the dock where they boarded two boats (Jimmy in his own, the rest of the band in a larger one) and take off into the harbor.

Overall it was a good show but sort of took away my excitement for going to Great Woods in September as I thought the show was unique. Jake's solo set did make the $89 tix worth it, though.

[Randy1278]

Remember when he used to say he never won any awards and that didn't bother him becuase he had his fans. And yes, he still thanks us every show for our money and his wonderful summer job, but do you think he really cares about the fans anymore? Did he ever?

If he did / does, than he should put something on his page and let the people speak about what they want to hear at the shows. Or he should let people vote on certain songs of his choosing and go from there. Didn't another band do that recently (Let the fans pick the list for the tour or certain shows)?

I tell my wife that it should be mandatory for people who want tickets to prove that they are real fans of his and not Frat Boy Joe. Provide reciepts of all the CDs they have purchased or show pictures of what they own. At least show old ticket stubs or something.

One thing I take issue with is the countless 'frat boy' comments. I am 21 and have connected with and lived by this music since the age of 13. Yes, 13. I live in the UP of Michigan where the only escape from basically 8 months of winter is the ring of a steel drum, and the sounds of a southern latitude. I consider myself a devoted PH and am in FULL agreement that things should change...Basically, what I am saying is, don't paint a broad picture of my generation. The 40+ generation isn't the only one with the dream of paradise.

I am sorry if I offended you with the Frat Boy lines. But, I should tell you that I am 29 and I live in Toledo, so I know what shitty winter is like. I have been listening to him since I was 9, have all the albums yada, yada, yada whatever, not important.

I keep bringing up FBJ because that is one of the reasons that we left the lawn. Even when you hang out in the lot, you can tell who is there because they are a fan and who is there because there is a party. Do you know what I mean?

[ejr]

Remember when he used to say he never won any awards and that didn't bother him becuase he had his fans. And yes, he still thanks us every show for our money and his wonderful summer job, but do you think he really cares about the fans anymore? Did he ever?

If he did / does, than he should put something on his page and let the people speak about what they want to hear at the shows. Or he should let people vote on certain songs of his choosing and go from there. Didn't another band do that recently (Let the fans pick the list for the tour or certain shows)?

I tell my wife that it should be mandatory for people who want tickets to prove that they are real fans of his and not Frat Boy Joe. Provide reciepts of all the CDs they have purchased or show pictures of what they own. At least show old ticket stubs or something.

Many, many years ago, when ticket buying meant going to a Ticketmaster outlet, I was at my usual outlet on a Saturday morning, when the ticket broker showed up with all the bums he had picked up at the "El" stop, paid $20 each to stand in line to get a lottery number for the ticket draw. The girl that ran the lottery came out to distribute numbers, looked at some of the crowd, and asked them one by one to sing a Buffett song---she kicked a few of them out of line and wouldn't let them participate in the lottery!!!!!

[Randy1278]

I had better luck actually standing in line for tickets than I do at calling or trying to get them online.

The days that I remember standing in line for tickets were always the days that the Indians, Tigers and Reds game went on sale. And the person behind the counter wasn't always quick on the keyboard.

Can you actually stand in line anymore for events that are out of your region? I think I tried to do it for Vegas once and they couldn't comprehend what I wanted to do.

[Kerpat]

to those who sent along hugs and thoughts to us and my 'kket. much needed and appreciated.

[ccmatt]

Remember when he used to say he never won any awards and that didn't bother him becuase he had his fans. And yes, he still thanks us every show for our money and his wonderful summer job, but do you think he really cares about the fans anymore? Did he ever?

If he did / does, than he should put something on his page and let the people speak about what they want to hear at the shows. Or he should let people vote on certain songs of his choosing and go from there. Didn't another band do that recently (Let the fans pick the list for the tour or certain shows)?

I tell my wife that it should be mandatory for people who want tickets to prove that they are real fans of his and not Frat Boy Joe. Provide reciepts of all the CDs they have purchased or show pictures of what they own. At least show old ticket stubs or something.

One thing I take issue with is the countless 'frat boy' comments. I am 21 and have connected with and lived by this music since the age of 13. Yes, 13. I live in the UP of Michigan where the only escape from basically 8 months of winter is the ring of a steel drum, and the sounds of a southern latitude. I consider myself a devoted PH and am in FULL agreement that things should change...Basically, what I am saying is, don't paint a broad picture of my generation. The 40+ generation isn't the only one with the dream of paradise.

And for the record, as I sat in the Alpine pavillion and Fingers appeared on stage, my girlfriend and I were the only one's screaming as the countless people around us glared like we were morons.

Not only do I hope Jimmy mixes it up, but I hope some of this forum alters there own thoughts to be accepting to its own fan base. Sometimes we get too selfish, too spoiled, until our passion is gone for good...

I think Jimmy should play Bama Breeze every concert. He does have alot of 20ish fans that do appreciate all his music, but feel connected to the Bama Breeze song because it's new. Now, I can't stand seeing young annoying kids drunk out of their heads that go only for the party and don't know anything about Buffett, but I can't stand any age people that do that.

[Tiki Bar]

Not only do I hope Jimmy mixes it up, but I hope some of this forum alters their own thoughts to be accepting to its own fan base. Sometimes we get too selfish, too spoiled, until our passion is gone for good...

Well said!

[drunkpirate66]

I think that the 50 people or so who complain on a regular basis here at Buffettnews should boycott Buffett shows in 2009. That will show him. It will crush his empire into submission and force him to try harder by playing a different encore every night or bringing in fresh, exciting, young band members to work with from all over the world, or work with a variety of artists from all different genres of music; it will make him expand the venues he plays like folk festivals or cafes in Europe or exotic locations in the Carribean . . . it will further force him to learn how to relate to his audience better by actually getting out there and focusing on the local culture in the area of each venue he plays and it might even make him smile more during the show as his talented band rocks tens of thousands dancing - smiling - people . . . if you 50 people boycott shows next year this could happen! And perhaps years from now Jimmy will learn the mistakes he made and you all can pat yourselve's on the back.

Oh wait . . . do all those things happen every year? I must be hung over. What was I thinking? Jimmy, you are doing just fine.

[Finsupinfla]

if i was a millionaire, this wouldnt be an issue. i just cant justify spending so much money on tickets, hotels, food, etc to try and enjoy the same thing that i am just getting tired of.

Yep. I've gone 14 times.. but not for 4 years..

Not to worry Penny. Jimmy will play in Denver next year, and were all coming to visit you!!!

[frozen bird]

I had the "why does he play the same stuff all the time" conversation with the gentleman in charge of booking at a medium sized venue nearby after a Willie Nelson concert. Our talk evolved into what is expected of artists in general when they are booked into a venue. What it comes down to is quite simple...the venue includes in its contract certain songs that the artist MUST play. They also give a time slot that the show MUST be performed in, so the days of the four hour Dead shows are long gone.

I think the only way Jimmy could do a tour with songs that most people here would like would be to announce it was going to be an acoustic tour only...no Peter or Jim, no Utley, no Roger Guth, just Jimmy and maybe Mac and Robert on the pans. Then the concert venues could take it or leave it. And, I think a bunch of the bigger venues might leave it.

It seems to me that maybe the setlists get old to some people because they go to so many shows. I realize that most of you go for the party and the friends, but hearing Margaritaville 15 times a year has got to grow on you. After Anguilla, I said I wasnt' going to any more shows, because nothing could live up to that experience...well, I'll be at Jones Beach in a few weeks for my first show since the island. And, I'm looking forward to it...Margaritaville and all the rest.

It does sound to me that maybe Jimmy went back on his word. Who among us hasn't, whether knowingly or un-knowingly. The lesson learned for Jimmy, and all of us, is "sometimes we should just shut the ----up."

And on that note, I'll take my own advice