Buffett & The C.R.B.......Super Bowl 2010?

[SMLCHNG]

Who are WE to judge or determine how much ANYONE makes? All of us who have investments and/or a 401K, have lost money.
So many folks think that all the money JB might make goes right to the bank. I'm pretty sure he has expenses for so many things, just like the rest of us.

I'm guessing you were on vacation during the Michele Obama designer sneakers "outrage"?

On vacation? Yes. Know what you're talking about? Yes.
Personally, I think everyone has a right to do whatever they want with their money. Some of their decisions may not be what I agree with, but it's none of my business.

[Migration Michelle]

Last I checked, people are in business to make a profit. Why is Jimmy selling himself out because someone wanted his Logo on the stadium?
He's probably pretty happy to see how his career has evolved.

He is setting himself up with some residual income so that he can retire with peace of mind. What is wrong with that? Was he supposed to stay in a bar in Key West his whole life and never make a dime?

[magnus & Mr Moon]

Last I checked, people are in business to make a profit. Why is Jimmy selling himself out because someone wanted his Logo on the stadium?
He's probably pretty happy to see how his career has evolved.

Agree

[KruzinParrots]

Who are WE to judge or determine how much ANYONE makes? All of us who have investments and/or a 401K, have lost money.
So many folks think that all the money JB might make goes right to the bank. I'm pretty sure he has expenses for so many things, just like the rest of us.

I'm guessing you were on vacation during the Michele Obama designer sneakers "outrage"?

On vacation? Yes. Know what you're talking about? Yes.
Personally, I think everyone has a right to do whatever they want with their money. Some of their decisions may not be what I agree with, but it's none of my business.

Definitely agree. We do not have the right to judge JB on how he spends money HIS money. It is his not ours. I don't feel it is any of our business.

[KruzinParrots]

Last I checked, people are in business to make a profit. Why is Jimmy selling himself out because someone wanted his Logo on the stadium?
He's probably pretty happy to see how his career has evolved.

Agree

Again I definitely agree.

I feel JB works hard for his money. It took a lot of hard work and dedication and sacrifices to get him where he is today.

He has expenses just like everybody else. And just like us he has to make sure all of the bills get paid or: his band is not paid, the taxes are not paid, the utilities in his restaurants are shut off, their staff is without work, there is no artwork for the cd's, there are no cd's, there is no stage crew to set up the concerts, if he could afford to go on tour. The list of expenses are endless just regarding going on tour every year.

In this economy it is harder now than ever before. Being the boss means he has to figure out a game plan on how to keep everything running smoothly. It could not possibly be easy for him.

Jimmy isn't selling out. Jimmy is making a wise business decision that will increase revenue and make up for the areas in the business that have been badly affected by the economy. He simply did what he had to do to keep all of what we have grown accustomed to (and sadly for some of us have come to take for granted) here for us. I hope he continues to make money so there continues to be a concert tour, new CD's, more cafes and the casino resorts. I really don't want to wake up one day and find it all gone.

Oh and before anyone posts a sarcastic remark about it all 'going away' please stop and consider your words carefully. As they say, be careful what you wish for you may get it. After all stranger things have happened.

[TommyBahama]

Last I checked, people are in business to make a profit. Why is Jimmy selling himself out because someone wanted his Logo on the stadium?
He's probably pretty happy to see how his career has evolved.

He is setting himself up with some residual income so that he can retire with peace of mind. What is wrong with that? Was he supposed to stay in a bar in Key West his whole life and never make a dime?

it's called exposure...not that he probably needs it!!!....but other then a few Parrotheads who drink the product....a lot of people probably never heard of Landshark!!

[Bwana Paul]

On the other hand, Mr. Buffett should be honest--look right into the camera and tell everyone that his main motivation in life is cash.

So what if his main motivation in life is cash? I am happy when he puts out good music and puts on an entertaining show. Part of his motivation here might be that Anheiser Busch is not happy with the sales of the beer and Jimmy is making a move to promote his product.

I never said there was anything wrong with his motivation in life. It motivates me.

[LIPH]

I don't think anybody is saying he isn't entitled to make money. In fact, in one of my earlier posts (I don't remember if it was in this thread or one of the 200 other threads about Landshark Stadium) I said I realized he was a businessman and nobody goes into business to lose money. But if I may be so bold as to speak for the naysayers as a group, I think what's putting people off is that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures. It's almost as if the concerts are becoming the equivalent of product placements in movies and TV shows. Remember the line "What would Jimmy Buffett do?" in It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere and his answer? "I'd buy you a Landshark." I'm listening to last month's Tampa show right now and in "we Are The People ..." he changed one line to "we're making our own rum in Jamaica." It used to be about the music, now it's all about the brand.

[Dr.Corona]

Wow....this thread sure got hijacked!!!!

Almost feel bad I started this topic.

But later hearing that it will not be called LandShark stadium by the time the Super Bowl rolls around probably diminishes the chances JB will be the entertainment.

[Tiki Bar]

I don't think anybody is saying he isn't entitled to make money. In fact, in one of my earlier posts (I don't remember if it was in this thread or one of the 200 other threads about Landshark Stadium) I said I realized he was a businessman and nobody goes into business to lose money. But if I may be so bold as to speak for the naysayers as a group, I think what's putting people off is that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures. It's almost as if the concerts are becoming the equivalent of product placements in movies and TV shows. Remember the line "What would Jimmy Buffett do?" in It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere and his answer? "I'd buy you a Landshark." I'm listening to last month's Tampa show right now and in "we Are The People ..." he changed one line to "we're making our own rum in Jamaica." It used to be about the music, now it's all about the brand.

I could be wrong, but it seems to me that when Jimmy inserts his brands into his songs, the crowd usually goes wild. He's just having fun.

Jimmy's given us what, 40 years of music? Will it never be enough? Will most everyone still want more until he dies? He could retire, but he hasn't, which I'm thankful for. There are still numerous happy memories to be made for many people. So what if he expands his horizons? I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

So now that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures, is it still worth it Larry??

We are his customers, and we pay good money for his product(s). WE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE DEMANDING, and we have a right to be upset when he short changes us and plays to and for the partyheads.

It's been what, about 10 years that he's been playing the "standard" set list? Nobody should be surprised they can predict half the songs he'll play before they walk through the door.

I don't think I have the right to demand anything. What I do have the right to do is spend, or not spend, my money. When I don't think it's worth it anymore, I'll stop spending my money on Buffett.

For years Jimmy has been saying he's spending our money foolishly. If anyone doesn't like that, they've had a few years to decide to stop giving it to him.

You know what I'm upset about? I'm upset about the fact that I choose, notice I said CHOOSE, to pay $126 of my money to buy a ticket to a Jimmy Buffett concert and someone else thinks that's a bad thing. If it was their money they would have a point. But it isn't, it's my money, to do with as I CHOOSE.

[LIPH]

I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

The "fuss" is about people voicing their opinion. We can be fans without liking everything he does.

So now that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures, is it still worth it Larry??

It's rapidly approaching the point where I'll have to start thinking about how I spend my entertainment dollars. I went to 3 concerts here in NYC last month that combined cost less than 1/2 the price of a pavilion ticket for a Buffett show. I can see that happening more in the future.

[Lightning Bolt]

I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

The "fuss" is about people voicing their opinion. We can be fans without liking everything he does.

So now that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures, is it still worth it Larry??

It's rapidly approaching the point where I'll have to start thinking about how I spend my entertainment dollars. I went to 3 concerts here in NYC last month that combined cost less than 1/2 the price of a pavilion ticket for a Buffett show. I can see that happening more in the future.

Agreed.
But, let's face it Larry, the pre-show activities at most any other shows do not come close to what you got going on in your avatar, ...or in my sig pic either!

that's why I'm thinking I'll be in Irvine next week... for the tailgate!!

[UpstateNYPH]

I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

The "fuss" is about people voicing their opinion. We can be fans without liking everything he does.

So now that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures, is it still worth it Larry??

It's rapidly approaching the point where I'll have to start thinking about how I spend my entertainment dollars. I went to 3 concerts here in NYC last month that combined cost less than 1/2 the price of a pavilion ticket for a Buffett show. I can see that happening more in the future.

Agreed.
But, let's face it Larry, the pre-show activities at most any other shows do not come close to what you got going on in your avatar, ...or in my sig pic either!

that's why I'm thinking I'll be in Irvine next week... for the tailgate!!

The tailgates are fun, but I have to agree with Larry on the music suffering and taking a backseat to the brand. As fun as it is, I dont spend money to go to a show for the tailgate, I go for the music. Some people spend for the opposite, whatever floats your boat.

But if I am spending for the music, and there is no new music or really sub-par music, then I am going to find other places to spend my money. Which I have. I have only bought tickets to one show this year for Jimmy, and that is all I plan to. Until he comes out with a new album and plays more material (besides the three new songs he has written in the past three years), I will spend to see him again.

I just prefer to have my money go to an artist who focuses on the MUSIC, and not the brand. There are millions of artists out there who are busting their butts to get noticed, and Jimmy just seems to be riding on the music of the past without producing anything new and worthwile. But, that is my opinion.

[Lightning Bolt]

I just prefer to have my money go to an artist who focuses on the MUSIC, and not the brand. There are millions of artists out there who are busting their butts to get noticed, and Jimmy just seems to be riding on the music of the past without producing anything new and worthwile. But, that is my opinion.

I agree with your opinion...
and I probably spend 95% of my other concert dollars on artists who don't front for the corporations.

It really did START with the music for Jimmy, and, I think, his model is unique in that he is not only a mascot for these brands,
but those brands have hooked themselves along for the ride on the Buffett Lifestyle Express, and now, it's like a freight train.

I don't think you can say that about that imitator, KC... or about the Stones, or U2.

[labatt1876]

I agree this is pretty bad in terms of selling out........and the music might not be what it used to be, especially in terms of new music being released.

But lets also not forget the things that Jimmy does for his fans, such as the concerts in Paris, or Anguilla, where you know he was not making a dime on those shows and doing those shows for the fans.

[ScarletB]

I don't think anybody is saying he isn't entitled to make money. In fact, in one of my earlier posts (I don't remember if it was in this thread or one of the 200 other threads about Landshark Stadium) I said I realized he was a businessman and nobody goes into business to lose money. But if I may be so bold as to speak for the naysayers as a group, I think what's putting people off is that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures. It's almost as if the concerts are becoming the equivalent of product placements in movies and TV shows. Remember the line "What would Jimmy Buffett do?" in It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere and his answer? "I'd buy you a Landshark." I'm listening to last month's Tampa show right now and in "we Are The People ..." he changed one line to "we're making our own rum in Jamaica." It used to be about the music, now it's all about the brand.

Thanks Larry, that was pretty much what I wanted to say - do I have to pay you a retainer now??

[UpstateNYPH]

I agree this is pretty bad in terms of selling out........and the music might not be what it used to be, especially in terms of new music being released.

But lets also not forget the things that Jimmy does for his fans, such as the concerts in Paris, or Anguilla, where you know he was not making a dime on those shows and doing those shows for the fans.

No, those shows are for any fan that has the money to travel there. It has nothing to do with him doing shows for "real" fans (anyone who listens and likes him is a fan to some degree). They are no different than regular shows, just in a different location.

[ph4ever]

I don't think anybody is saying he isn't entitled to make money. In fact, in one of my earlier posts (I don't remember if it was in this thread or one of the 200 other threads about Landshark Stadium) I said I realized he was a businessman and nobody goes into business to lose money. But if I may be so bold as to speak for the naysayers as a group, I think what's putting people off is that the music seems to be suffering as it takes a back seat to the business ventures. It's almost as if the concerts are becoming the equivalent of product placements in movies and TV shows. Remember the line "What would Jimmy Buffett do?" in It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere and his answer? "I'd buy you a Landshark." I'm listening to last month's Tampa show right now and in "we Are The People ..." he changed one line to "we're making our own rum in Jamaica." It used to be about the music, now it's all about the brand.

I'm not too sure how much more the world can take........

[labatt1876]

I agree this is pretty bad in terms of selling out........and the music might not be what it used to be, especially in terms of new music being released.

But lets also not forget the things that Jimmy does for his fans, such as the concerts in Paris, or Anguilla, where you know he was not making a dime on those shows and doing those shows for the fans.

No, those shows are for any fan that has the money to travel there. It has nothing to do with him doing shows for "real" fans (anyone who listens and likes him is a fan to some degree). They are no different than regular shows, just in a different location.

I didnt say anything about "real" fans. I just stated that he does shows, in small venues, where I am pretty sure he is not making a dime and in fact probably loses money putting on these shows. You are correct, not everyone is able to make it to those shows, because of either time or financial constraints. But they are much different that regular shows, and unless you know something I dont, which is possible, I would say he does these shows for the fans.

[LIPH]

He has expenses just like everybody else. And just like us he has to make sure all of the bills get paid or: his band is not paid, the taxes are not paid, the utilities in his restaurants are shut off, their staff is without work, there is no artwork for the cd's, there are no cd's, there is no stage crew to set up the concerts, if he could afford to go on tour. The list of expenses are endless just regarding going on tour every year.

Let's break this down a little. The sheds where Buffett plays all used to have 3 price points - lawn, upper pavilion and lower pavilion/orchestra. Now, most, if not all, of the sheds have 2 price points - lawn and pavilion. That means it doesn't matter if you're in the front row looking up at the band members' nostrils or in the last row looking through binoculars, you're paying the same price. I went back and looked at some of my old ticket stubs last night. Back in 2004 top price for a pavilion ticket was $86, but there were also lower priced pavilion tickets for the upper sections. Now, pavilion tickets are $130 and up, depending on the venue. From the top price in 2004, that's a 51% increase, and the increase has been higher for the upper pavilion sections. And don't forget, since the end of the 2005 tour there have been 4 fewer members of the band so even without having direct knowledge I would venture a guess expenses haven't gone up 51% in the last 4 years. When Jimmy changed the lyrics to Fruitcakes last year one of the lines was "we're being f**ked by oil tycoons." Maybe he should have given that one a little more thought.