Atlanta concert review [Archive] - Beastie Boys Message Board

Atlanta

10-16-2004, 12:43 AM

First off - props to the bboys for even letting me post my opinion on here.

2nd, this should not even be called an Atlanta show. It was not anywhere near the city of Atlanta.

First some background. I have seen the Bboys every time they have been to Atlanta. Clubs (center stage), Georgia State, Philips arena, Omni, etc. I have also traveled to different states at least 5-6 times to see them over the past 10 years. Every show, until tonight, I found it very hard to stay up front center for an entire show due to all of the energy up front (esp. when Henry Rollins opened for them one time around so you were already dead from him playing before the boys came on). Simply put, everyone up front was into it so much that you either were a part of that or got the hell out of the front.

I was excited to experience the Gwinnett arena for the first time. Nothing until now has made we want to go there. After tonight I will never go back.

For those that are not from Atlanta, the Gwinnett arena is in the subburbs and not in downtown Atlanta. No mass transit to the show - only a long car ride in a lot of traffic from Atlanta.

One parking lot for the venue, no matter how large it is, or free, just does not work. Give me paid parking around Philips arena anytime. Also give me the option of using Marta or if I need to - can't do that with Gwinnett.

The sound up front and center was horrible. It appeared they had no sound in the middle. In all fairness I had friends who were further back in seats who said the sound was awesome from the back/sides but even Cypress Hill a few months ago had great sound (outside) for the front/center people.

Security was way to strict up front. Anyone who tried to get a little physical up front or crowd surf was hunted down and thrown out ASAP. Any area of the crowd up front that got a little too into the music resulted in a security guard being placed in that area of the crowd until everyone toned it down.

To add injury to that, you had "fans" up front (first few rows of people, so very close) who were actually ratting out other people trying to have a good time by pointing them out to security. Unreal and the first time I have seen that happen so much at any show like that. The majority of people up front were acting like they were at a Barbara Streisand concert and just standing there. They might as well have put down chairs on the floor.

I don't know if this sedate crowd was due to the fact the venue was in the burbs - logic being you automatically exclude a lot of crazier people who would normally take Marta or walk to the show. Or if the hard security was keeping everything calm and sedate - but after seeing the Bboys at least 15 times it was the most sedate show of theirs ever. Usually security is tight in the beginning but the crowd up front takes over - but it never happened tonight. Or, maybe the fans are getting old but it was mostly kids under 30 up front so I don't think that was it.

For God's sake someone had a 4 year old on their shoulders on the left of stage front row the entire show (crowd's left). I bs you not. Any of you up front had to see this.

Now that is not to say the place was not packed and loud. In fact they said this was one of their best stops and from their point of view maybe they were being serious. But I ask you how could Atlanta be better than two back to back nights at MSG a week earlier? But, hey, I was not at the NYC shows so I don't know. I am sure someone on here can comment. A lot of people dressed up in bboy garb and the crowd as a whole was packed and loud.

Anyway, I give it a 0 out of 10. Very disappointing for a real bboy fan.

p.s. Mike D - you are getting skinny as hell. Almost Michael Stipe REM skinny. Not looking healthy skinny. Eat dude!

buzz

10-16-2004, 12:57 AM

Thanks for the quick review of the Woos-tah crowd....oh sorry, Atlanta! Fans ratting each other out....how sweet! Were fans allowed to sing along to Paul Revere? Or were those fans booted too?! Seriously, we do enjoy your review, even though your experience was not very good. BTW, I believe they only did one night at MSG in NYC.

Well, I hope the Beastie Boys did A LOT of Anti-Bush stuff throughout the show - sounds like the crowd deserved a slap in the face!!!

paulb

10-16-2004, 01:20 AM

fuck the audience, how was the show and the boys?!?

verynate

10-16-2004, 01:43 AM

I was about 5 rows back and from my perspective it was an awesome show. Maybe it's just because I'm getting a little older, but the crowd was plenty hyped and I for one, was glad to see the drunk slobbering (falling all over other people) fans get plucked from the audience. Security was great...all kinds of weed getting sparked up nobody got tossed for that. I wanted to see an awesome show and thanks to good security everything went pretty well. I did not rat anyone out, but I did see it happen...who cares f*ck em. The facility was clean and well laid out in my opinion.

As for the show....it was beautiful. The bass was great, and I heard everything just fine. Talib Kweli was pretty good, but I gotta say I was really there to see the Beastie Boys.

The boys were in great form and had the whole place rockin....brass monkey was great...that's one I've never seen them do live before. MMM was also friggin awesome. The interaction between the Beastie Boys and the audience was great....

The encore was cool because they did Intergalactic at the non-stage end of the venue....everyone had to do a 180...which was a good way to mix things up a bit.

I went to the 1998 Show in ATL...this show was faaaar better.

I drove 4 hrs from SC to see it and it was worth every mile driven!

Just my thoughts

Atlanta

10-16-2004, 01:46 AM

fuck the audience, how was the show and the boys?!?

They did the exact same thing in Atlanta a NYC reviewer put into words already (below). Also, if they were 100% on, but playing in a nursing home, it would put a bummer on the performace. Tonight in Atlanta was like being in a nursing home compared to the last 10+ years of performances/crowds. Again, I don't know if that says something about the where it was held or the bboys in general.

Overall, though, the show was a letdown. The guys seemed unable to keep their energy up, and the instrumental break - which worked so refreshingly well at their previous MSG show, on the Hello Nasty tour - brought the room's energy down, too. It sounded great and looked good (complete with its own wedding band stage-let), but was misplaced in the evening's timeline. Too often, the "flow" was sabotaged (pun intended) by between-song video clips displayed on the onstage screens. These offered the group a chance to catch their collective breath in most cases, and change their wardrobe in another. They offered the audience little entertainment value and broke the rhythm of the show.

DJ Mix Master Mike, whose solo breaks have been so inspired and agile in the past, demonstrated only his quickness on Saturday night. Gone were the fun dips into classic rock sides, the surprises like a little "Tom Sawyer" here, some "Iron Man" there. Now, MMM sticks mainly to breakbeats and Beastie Boys jams themselves.

Atlanta

10-16-2004, 01:49 AM

I was about 5 rows back and from my perspective it was an awesome show. Maybe it's just because I'm getting a little older, but the crowd was plenty hyped and I for one, was glad to see the drunk slobbering (falling all over other people) fans get plucked from the audience. Security was great...all kinds of weed getting sparked up nobody got tossed for that. I wanted to see an awesome show and thanks to good security everything went pretty well. I did not rat anyone out, but I did see it happen...who cares f*ck em. The facility was clean and well laid out in my opinion.

<SNIP>

I do appreciate your comments. In the past, not too many slobbering drunks could hang up front for very long (esp with a beer in hand) but I will agree with you that it was a "safer" show. I guess I don't go to a bboys show for the safety but I do appreciate some people want to go and not be bothered by too much activity around them (reminds me of the SNL skit with someone standing up at a concert and people around them trying to get them to sit down). Not exactly what you were saying but that is the vibe I got and it simply has never been that way in the past. I am glad you had a good time though.

blanket.of.troy

10-16-2004, 02:58 AM

i just got home (7 hour drive. not fun, but totally worth it.) i have nothing to compare to because that was my first beasties show (yep, under 30 club. 16 to be exact) and it was by far the BEST concert i have ever seen. i was a bit suprised when they whipped out the instruments and blazed it up...that was just awesome. and when they came back out to play intergalactic and sabotage....wow man. best experience ever. but right now its 3 am here, im covered in sweat, spit, beer and god knows what else. i reek like hell and i have a date tomorrow....wait, why do i care. im to pumped to go to bed. :cool:

nukeawhale

10-16-2004, 06:09 AM

I have to agree somewhat with Atlanta's response concerning the venue location. Also, the show would have been more hyped if the crowd was a little more crazy.

But the was my first show in 10 years, so no matter what the experience for me, it was going to be/was a complete blast.

I dressed as Cochese from Sabotage, got acknowledged from the fans and the B-Boys themselves for the get-up. That itself made the show completely worthwhile.

Atlanta

10-16-2004, 07:29 AM

I dressed as Cochese from Sabotage, got acknowledged from the fans and the B-Boys themselves for the get-up. That itself made the show completely worthwhile.

Dude, you were the bomb and I was right next to you most of the show and helped your boy pick you up and carry you to the front by clearing the way for him once you were on his shoulders. Being made up is probably the only thing that saved you from being thrown out of the venue when your boy proped you up the 2nd time. Everyone else who did it was immediately tossed from the venue.

Throwing people out for body surfing with no questions asked at a bboys show? Unreal.

Anyway, props to you again and I am glad you liked the show.

Micodin

10-16-2004, 07:35 AM

p.s. Mike D - you are getting skinny as hell. Almost Michael Stipe REM skinny. Not looking healthy skinny. Eat dude!

What a dope.

Kmart2103

10-16-2004, 08:26 AM

First post here...

I was at the concert and expected HUGE things from the boys (after hearing nothing but praise from their fans and seeing them on the mtv concert special). Overall, it was probably better then I expected. AWESOME. Best concert I have ever seen...better then red hot chili peppers and 311.

It was real good for me, because I live about 15-20 minutes away from the concert venue, and I parked at the publix down the road and walked to the stadium.

I had a little different experience then everyone else, as I was in the seats at the very back. I was really dissapointed when I first walked in because I REALLY wanted to be on the floor. Once the show got started, I had an awesome time and the distance didn't bother me at all.

They played so many awesome songs..sure shot, brass monkey, sabatoge, etc. The only songs that they didn't play that I really wanted to here were no sleep til brooklyn and fight for your right to party. The only part of the concert i did not like was the 30 minute break where they came out and played instruments. I was too far away to see that it was the boys playing the instruments, and I didn't get that until almost the end.

The sound was pretty damn good in the back, I don't know why it would have sucked in the middle.

Not as much bush bashing as I expected, and when they did, not nearly as many boo's as I expected. I was happy and surprised by that, considering that this is Georgia and if you don't like bush they call you anti-american.

The Intergalactic encore was directly below me, so that was an AWESOME surprise. I noticed tons of kids running over to that stage before they put the lights on them, and I didn't get what was going on at first. TONS of people were jumping onto the stage and the security guards probably got 20% of them.

The sabatoge encore looked CRAZY from where I was sitting. Tons of mosh pits and crowd surfing, some guy got thrown literally 15 feet into the air.

Overall, AMAZING concert, without a doubt the best I have ever been too. I would go again in a heart beat, except I would buy tickets to be on the floor.

SMC

10-16-2004, 09:19 AM

FYI

99x is replaying the beastie boys interview at noon today

kingcrimson024

10-16-2004, 09:37 AM

Ok well the person who started this topic is complete fucking idiot.
Don't post a review about a Beastie Boy show and complain about the crowd.
Are you serious? I went to Philly & MSG and there were some drunk meat heads that tried to ruin the show too. In fact at the Philly show I had to move because this dude behind was a complete fuck face....but all that aside. Talk about the set and show highlights, not about Mike D's weight. Your a tool. Hes not even that skinny. Also if the crowd wants to listen and not get jumped and stepped on than thats fine. Go see Pantera if you want to get laid out during the concert. Theres woman,kids,ect... who would enjoy to see the show upfront without getting hurt. Thats fair. Now wheres the set??????? Damn.

jcarp413

10-16-2004, 09:50 AM

I went to the Atlanta concert last night with my thirteen year old son and I must say, it was the bomb. It was like one big party! Their performance was exceptional and the stage set up was very interesting. Although I was quite surprised to see that there were very few people of color there, I did see a variety of ages there. Dispite that, my objective was to see the Beastie Boys because I have have been a fan since 1986. I like the fact that although they do not take themselves too seriously image wise (which is very appealing), they are very artistic musically. Last night they did not disappoint me...they rocked like I knew they would. I've been to quite a few concerts over the years to see different artists, but this was one of the best concerts I have been to. Last night was my first Beastie concert and it will certainly not be my last.

"Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten from the Battery to the top of Manhattan, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin, black, white New York you make it happen".

Peace

Mr. Boomin'Granny

10-16-2004, 10:09 AM

holy fuck, what a concert! (y)

I went spastic from the MMM intro to sabotage.

everything was awesome, even the dogs ruled!

If you saw two people with omg lol shirts, that was Cosmo105 and me.

and that "Atlanta" dude, sounds like an elitist and needs to get laid or something. chill out.

G-Real

10-16-2004, 10:11 AM

best bboys show I've been too, and I've been to many.

Honestly, just a awesome show. My voice is trying to recover today.

beastiefan04

10-16-2004, 10:37 AM

bodhis3mta3

10-16-2004, 12:38 PM

My wife heard about the concert a week before and immediately snagged tickets. It was our first Beasties show, and we were up in the rafters...but I am still so glad we saw them.

The Boys were just so active and really kept the audience into it...the set was awesome - from the new stuff to the ol' skool jamz - you know I holla'd my pipes out. The Mix Master was flexing mad skillz to complement the flow of the Trio, keepin it smooth and fluid, even when ya Boys dropped the ball and skipped a beat. I even dug the instrumental set, which I completely didn't expect and considered an added bonus.

From where I was sittin', it looked like the crowd on the floor was as much into it as the Boys were. So mybe the mosh didn't break out til the "Sabotage" rip, but it stilled looked like they were having a ton o' fun. I swear the guy in front of me musta blazed the whole rain forest, so I copped a good contact buzz. Nukeawhale, I saw you on the big screen - werd to ya mutha, bro. Take it when you get it.

I didn't run into much security, and I did like the Arena (first time there, too). Maybe I am old, but if you're being a sloppy dick, you should make an ass of yourself somewhere less public. There's a difference between being a jerk off and having a good time.

On the whole, it was THE best show I've seen - Beastie or otherwise. I'd do the 3 hr ride, 4 hrs of sleep, 2 soccer games the next morning, and a review that afternoon every night if the show is always that good.

Thank you, BBoys, for coming to Atlanta.

PS If I send you my tickets, will you sign them? Love...

Rocks So Well

10-16-2004, 12:43 PM

I just got home. I spent the night in Duluth last night so I didn't have to drive...but anyway...

When the Beasties first came out I was screamin and hoppin up and down and lovin' it. They were awesome if you ask me. Kicked fucken ass. There was alot of weed too. I drank over priced beer and sung every word. (I have NO voice right now) Awesome, just fucken awesome. I love the b-boys now and forever.

Rocks So Well

10-16-2004, 12:45 PM

My friend and I drove all the way from Birmingham,AL. And I was not dissapointed. It was awesome. They played all my favorite songs and I am still feeding off the energy from the show. As the beasties said "Dont forget to get your flu shots".

LOL... Ive been sayin that all morning just to bug my boyfriend.... Yo that's sick, better get a flu shot y'all.

Also I forgot to ask...What the fuck was up with the dog show?? That was crazy...

RadGurL3

10-16-2004, 03:25 PM

I must say, that the concert at the Arena at the Gwinnett Center (or whatever it's called) was totally awesome! I have never been there before, and I'm sure I'll go back because I liked the place.

Anyway, to those who said that the crowd wasn't into it, was definitely wrong, or in the wrong place. I was in the 2nd row in the front on the left side of the stage (the crowd's left) by the speakers. It was kinda crazy over there! For a small girl, such as myself, I got knocked around throughout the entire show, but it was def. worth it!!!! Now for the mosh pit, when Sabatoge began a pit broke out like right behind me and the people I was with, so the crowd was definitely energized and into it!

The people around me were great too, we all looked out for each other when some drunk, unruly, obnoxious, large people would try to plow their way up to the front when we were there for the entire show. And we all jumped up and down and around together while screaming out the lyrics to EVERY song!

The sound was awesome over there by the left side (for the the crowd) too. When Talib was on the bass was sooo booming, it was great!

The highlight, for me, by far was when they busted out So what'cha Want, which is their best song and my all-time favorite. Also, MMM was totally killer!

Overall, that concert was the best one I've seen, and I've seen many (Blink 182, RHCP, Eminem, Snoop, Sum 41, Rancid, Simple Plan, etc.).

So mad props to the Boys for definitley leaving a mark here in good ole' Georgia! (y) I LUV U GUYS!!!!!!

nukeawhale

10-16-2004, 03:27 PM

Nukeawhale, I saw you on the big screen - werd to ya mutha, bro. Take it when you get it.

Thanks. I figured there would be more "pagentry" than what was there. I have some pics before and at the show of the Cochese getup, if anybody cares.

djc1980

10-16-2004, 03:41 PM

you guys gotta open with rhymin and stealin or sure shot in montreal

bodhis3mta3

10-16-2004, 05:44 PM

I figured there would be more "pagentry" than what was there.

Prolly woulda gone ol' skool on my get up, like "Fight For Your Right" or "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn", with the ratty hair & fake-ass bling if I'da known about the show sooner...Guess I should pay more attention to BBoys.com, eh? :p Wasn't it Mike D who wore the fedora? That woulda been the shilznit...

kll

10-16-2004, 07:59 PM

Overall, that concert was the best one I've seen, and I've seen many (Blink 182, RHCP, Eminem, Snoop, Sum 41, Rancid, Simple Plan, etc.).

Very sad to lump the boys in with these guys... of COURSE the bboys were the best you've seen.

Lindz2021

10-16-2004, 08:03 PM

Well first of all, this was my first Beastie Boys concert ever, so I had nothing to compare it to but I thought it was absolutely awesome. I thought every song they played was great, and I thoughroghly enjoyed myself. It was the highlight of my life to be able to finally see them. I heard that MCA was riding around the lobby on a skateboard earlier before the concert... is that true? That's great, it sucked because at first me and my friend were sitting pretty far away from the stage, but then they just popped up on this little stage like 2 fucking feet from us!!! Tips to you guys for that, that made my day

anyways, contrary to others, I give it a 10 out of 10 because they had so much energy and just put on an awesome show!

Atlanta

10-17-2004, 06:52 AM

Theres woman,kids,ect... who would enjoy to see the show upfront without getting hurt. Thats fair. Now wheres the set??????? Damn.

Kingcrimson,

You and the bboys audience has gone soft (at least in Georgia). If you don't think an audience can make or break a show then pop your cherries on a few more shows before you comment.

Here is a shocker - the bboys started as a punk band and even included punk songs on recent albums. In the past if you went to a show in Atlanta and wanted to be up front you got hurt - plain and simple.

I am not saying that is right or wrong but that is what you got.

If that is the way it was (at least in Atlanta) the last 10 years then why the hell would I not be surprised when 4 year olds are sitting on a parent's shoulder on the front row? I am simply commenting on it.

Anyone under 21 would not know nothing different and I am glad people in that group had a great time.

Bring your picnic blanket to the show and put it right up front. Bring your 4 year old and jam to the music up front. Rat out anyone to security who causes you any discomfort. Things change - plain and simple.

Atlanta

10-17-2004, 06:57 AM

holy fuck, what a concert! (y)
I went spastic from the MMM intro to sabotage.
...and that "Atlanta" dude, sounds like an elitist and needs to get laid or something. chill out.

Boomin Granny,

Glad to hear you went "spastic". Lucky for you no one ratted you out for getting a little wild - as happened with so many others up front. I now know that when someone goes to a bboys show in Georgia that I need to be cool and composed up front. I don't need to bother those around me by having a good time. I get the picture.

If hardcore up front was the way it was (at least in Atlanta) the last 10 years then why the hell would I not be surprised when 4 year olds are sitting on a parent's shoulder on the front row? I am simply commenting on it.

As for getting laid - hell yes. I need to get laid every day.

Curt Reynolds

10-17-2004, 07:36 AM

dear "Atlanta"(i guess you represent the whole city), yes the beasties were a hardcore band, but i don't remember hearing any hardcore songs friday night. if you are a so called "true fan" you have probably heard that the beasties are anti crowd surfing and anti mosh. they had even tried to start all female sections so girls wouldn't get bothered by meatheads like yourself. this was a hip hop show. do you slam and mosh at a de la soul or jay z concert?

harpercm

10-17-2004, 08:50 AM

I thought the show was great! My friend and I dressed up, me pageant wear with sash, tiara, bouquet my friend pimpin' suit. One of Adrock's friends took picuters of us and I got to see some pics of them on the plane coming down to the show!

Didn't get GA seats because I thought I was too old to be down there, then saw how empty it was at 7:30 and wish I had, but still had awesome seats.

They arrested some guy for blazin' up right in front of us, handcuffs and all. The security is very strict there but I still would not bring anyone under 13 to a show. A lot of people booed when they made the dedication to, "the future former President of the US".

Wish they could have set up the instrumental stage in the center.

Going out to that arena sucks, I live in Dunwoody but drove from Virginia Highlands with a friend. So many people get stuck in traffic, no mass transit to make getting to and from easier and safer for those partying.

Out of all the concerts I've been to the Boys have the best fans, friendly and considerate. The drunks guys sitting next to us said excuse me every one of the 100 times they went to get beers.

Atlanta

10-17-2004, 01:42 PM

if you are a so called "true fan" you have probably heard that the beasties are anti crowd surfing and anti mosh. they had even tried to start all female sections so girls wouldn't get bothered by meatheads like yourself. this was a hip hop show. do you slam and mosh at a de la soul or jay z concert?

1 - Thanks for the info on the fact the bboys are anti crowd surfing and anti-mosh. Damn I wish they put that on the ticket or somewhere on the web site which was easier to find. I know now and won't go to another show. Warning to those in Europe for the upcoming shows.

2 - I am not talking about Slamming here. I am talking about jumping up and down and generally dancing without getting harrassed by security or people up front with their 4 year old kid on their shoulders. And yes, I saw a shitload of jumping and activity at Wu-Tang in Atlanta at the Tabernacle. A hell of a lot more than at the bboys.

Lesson learned.

Curt Reynolds

10-17-2004, 02:22 PM

jumping in unison is cool. drunk guys throwing elbows is not. there shouldn't be a circle pit at a hip hop show. security didn't seem to have a problem with people jumping. i even saw one security guy tell a guy to jump up and down, not into eveyone else. and as far as the beasties being anti mosh, that is what they have said. i also think it is cool to take a kid to a show. that kid will have great memories of his first show being the beastie boys with his dad. i know you probably went back to the frat house upset that you couldn't mosh more, but maybe limp bizkit or insane clown posse will come near you soon so you can enjoy yourself.

IlOvEmCa

10-17-2004, 08:05 PM

I thought the atlanta show was awesome..me and my friend had some bad seats way up top, way away from the stage and i drove all the way from tennessee to see them. so we got moved from there to the right pit of the concert. it was so great i started crying.it was my first time seeing them and i enjoyed every second.i would do it all over again.. and i about died when mca looked at me 4 times as he walked down the stairs of the stage.. i love u mca!! :D

kingcrimson024

10-17-2004, 11:46 PM

Hey Atlanta(DUDE),
Its about the music and the show.
If you get hurt at a show then that sucks.
Go play flag football you tool.

PrincessAngelic

10-18-2004, 08:25 AM

I dressed as Cochese from Sabotage, got acknowledged from the fans and the B-Boys themselves for the get-up. That itself made the show completely worthwhile.

I would love to see your pics! I was to your right in the beginning before you moved form the center. I thought you rocked, but you knew that by the way everyone was telling you.

I agree that the venue was way far out. I live in Little 5 so it took us like an hour to get there with the traffic (15 min to get home). The venue was nice but I would only go back there for the Beastie's and no one else. Not worth the trip to the burbs!

We were trying to sell 2 of our seat tix because our friends backed out. We found a guy selling 2 floor tix and traded him our 4 for his 2. It was worth the $$ though I have never spent that much for a show in my life. I was damn determined to be up front!
The crowd up front was a bit older than at some shows. For the most part the peeps getting tossed out were the drunkin' frat boy types. One dude kept digging his elbow into my ribs, when I asked him if he wanted to trade places ( I was closer to the front than he) he told me to fuck off and when I turned around he punched me in the back of my head. Funny how security didn't give a damn about that but was on everyone else's shit.

As far as performances go how can one complaine? Those guys have been doing it a long time and only get better with age.

cosmo105

10-18-2004, 08:35 AM

If hardcore up front was the way it was (at least in Atlanta) the last 10 years then why the hell would I not be surprised when 4 year olds are sitting on a parent's shoulder on the front row? I am simply commenting on it.
why did you say this twice?? :confused:

3pakbonanza

10-18-2004, 08:59 AM

pshabi

10-18-2004, 09:09 AM

You gave the crowd a 0 out of 10 or the beastie boys? I don't see you mention anything about the show. Just the crowd.

I never let the crowd piss me off because I know I'm cooler than 98% of the people out there. I just have to expect it.

First off - props to the bboys for even letting me post my opinion on here.

2nd, this should not even be called an Atlanta show. It was not anywhere near the city of Atlanta.

First some background. I have seen the Bboys every time they have been to Atlanta. Clubs (center stage), Georgia State, Philips arena, Omni, etc. I have also traveled to different states at least 5-6 times to see them over the past 10 years. Every show, until tonight, I found it very hard to stay up front center for an entire show due to all of the energy up front (esp. when Henry Rollins opened for them one time around so you were already dead from him playing before the boys came on). Simply put, everyone up front was into it so much that you either were a part of that or got the hell out of the front.

I was excited to experience the Gwinnett arena for the first time. Nothing until now has made we want to go there. After tonight I will never go back.

For those that are not from Atlanta, the Gwinnett arena is in the subburbs and not in downtown Atlanta. No mass transit to the show - only a long car ride in a lot of traffic from Atlanta.

One parking lot for the venue, no matter how large it is, or free, just does not work. Give me paid parking around Philips arena anytime. Also give me the option of using Marta or if I need to - can't do that with Gwinnett.

The sound up front and center was horrible. It appeared they had no sound in the middle. In all fairness I had friends who were further back in seats who said the sound was awesome from the back/sides but even Cypress Hill a few months ago had great sound (outside) for the front/center people.

Security was way to strict up front. Anyone who tried to get a little physical up front or crowd surf was hunted down and thrown out ASAP. Any area of the crowd up front that got a little too into the music resulted in a security guard being placed in that area of the crowd until everyone toned it down.

To add injury to that, you had "fans" up front (first few rows of people, so very close) who were actually ratting out other people trying to have a good time by pointing them out to security. Unreal and the first time I have seen that happen so much at any show like that. The majority of people up front were acting like they were at a Barbara Streisand concert and just standing there. They might as well have put down chairs on the floor.

I don't know if this sedate crowd was due to the fact the venue was in the burbs - logic being you automatically exclude a lot of crazier people who would normally take Marta or walk to the show. Or if the hard security was keeping everything calm and sedate - but after seeing the Bboys at least 15 times it was the most sedate show of theirs ever. Usually security is tight in the beginning but the crowd up front takes over - but it never happened tonight. Or, maybe the fans are getting old but it was mostly kids under 30 up front so I don't think that was it.

For God's sake someone had a 4 year old on their shoulders on the left of stage front row the entire show (crowd's left). I bs you not. Any of you up front had to see this.

Now that is not to say the place was not packed and loud. In fact they said this was one of their best stops and from their point of view maybe they were being serious. But I ask you how could Atlanta be better than two back to back nights at MSG a week earlier? But, hey, I was not at the NYC shows so I don't know. I am sure someone on here can comment. A lot of people dressed up in bboy garb and the crowd as a whole was packed and loud.

Anyway, I give it a 0 out of 10. Very disappointing for a real bboy fan.

p.s. Mike D - you are getting skinny as hell. Almost Michael Stipe REM skinny. Not looking healthy skinny. Eat dude!

nukeawhale

10-18-2004, 09:28 AM

I would love to see your pics! I was to your right in the beginning before you moved form the center. I thought you rocked, but you knew that by the way everyone was telling you.

Thanks - It was a complete blast.

Here is a pic of Cochese at the house before the concert:

http://nukeawhale.home.mindspring.com/cochese2.jpg

Here is one waiting for the mongrels to come on stage:

http://nukeawhale.home.mindspring.com/cochese3.jpg

BeastieGirl33

10-18-2004, 10:40 AM

I thought the concert was awesome! I loved how there were so many different age groups. For people to still love the Beasties and still go the shows is awesome! I hope that when I am older and have kids I can bring them and let them experience the boys (like my mom did when me and the Rolling Stones and others). Anyways, I literally dragged my husband to the show (and it was our 2nd wedding anniversary). He said it was the best fucking show he had ever been too. He likes the beasties but wasn't obsessed like me :) I saw them in 98 and I have to say the Gwinnett Arena is a better place for concerts than Lakewood.
I also loved that they played so many old songs unlike in 98 when they seemed to play more new ones that not everyone knew at the time (i was dissapointed then). And it was cool that it was in Gwinnett for a change. For the people that live in the "burbs", its nice to drive the 10-15 mins instead of the 45mins and deal with parking downtown or take MARTA.

PrincessAngelic

10-18-2004, 10:48 AM

Thanks - It was a complete blast.

Here is a pic of Cochese at the house before the concert:

http://nukeawhale.home.mindspring.com/cochese2.jpg

Here is one waiting for the mongrels to come on stage:

http://nukeawhale.home.mindspring.com/cochese3.jpg

I must say you may have been the hottest guy there. (y)

mikechis04

10-18-2004, 10:55 AM

I was at the Atl. show and I thought it kicked ass! I thought they had real good energy on the stage. I was happy that they did a bit more of there older stuff. Not that I dont like the new album bc I do, but it was kick ass! I havent got to see them since 97, and man it has been too long, they really were good. It could have been a little bit more rough up front though, but thats not there fault the b boys did their jobs! A damn good show I thought! Oh yea some people were throwing drinks, so I guess it did get a little rowdy.

Blue Nun

10-18-2004, 11:47 AM

nukeawhale

10-18-2004, 12:02 PM

I must say you may have been the hottest guy there. (y)

(y)

pshabi

10-18-2004, 12:14 PM

Looks more like Nathan Wind to me. Oh well.
Thanks - It was a complete blast.

Here is a pic of Cochese at the house before the concert:

http://nukeawhale.home.mindspring.com/cochese2.jpg

Here is one waiting for the mongrels to come on stage:

http://nukeawhale.home.mindspring.com/cochese3.jpg

PrincessAngelic

10-18-2004, 12:41 PM

Nathan Wind is on the tv in the background of the shot............

Atlanta

10-18-2004, 09:55 PM

Dear Atlanta.

You're a Dumb Ass!!! I know what your saying I'm 30 myself and been to a many of shows but people grow up. We're not 18 anymore and either are they. I'd like to see you get on stage pushing 40 and create that much energy. As far as the crowd goes, they were awsome. The arena, not a bad seat in the house. Set list, great mix of everything. Would of liked to see them play a little more if their music.

All in all if your going to come here and post just to talk shit, unplug your fuckin computer.

FU dude. I had no idea the bboys were now against surfing and moshing. Lesson learned. And yes, the crowd f'ed it up for me when I see people in the first few rows of a GA bboys show ratting out others to security getting a little too "spastic".

Atlanta

10-18-2004, 09:58 PM

Atlanta

10-18-2004, 10:22 PM

if you are a so called "true fan" you have probably heard that the beasties are anti crowd surfing and anti mosh. they had even tried to start all female sections so girls wouldn't get bothered by meatheads like yourself. this was a hip hop show. do you slam and mosh at a de la soul or jay z concert?

Can anyone point to some links proving Curt's point about the Beastie's being anti crowd surfing and anti mosh?

Also, if this is the case why are so many of the shows General Admission floor shows? They should put their money where their mouth is and stop GA on the floors if they want a safer show. They probably fit more people in a smaller space by GA instead of chairs. Security could then control things a lot better with reserved seating/chairs and everyone on here who wants to be safer would be much safer. It works for Billy Joel, Elton John, the new Doors, Brian Wilson, Madonna, etc. They all played some of the same venues as the bboys but they had seats on the floor.

Laver1969

10-19-2004, 12:36 PM

Can anyone point to some links proving Curt's point about the Beastie's being anti crowd surfing and anti mosh?

I have the official Tourzine that the Beasties published back in 1995 for the Quadrophonic tour and there was an entire section devoted to what was acceptable for floor etiquette.

I'll need to look back at it...but they said please no body surfing or moshing. Doing the pogo was ok and dancing was ok.

Atlanta

10-19-2004, 12:40 PM

I have the official Tourzine that the Beasties published back in 1995 for the Quadrophonic tour and there was an entire section devoted to what was acceptable for floor etiquette. I'll need to look back at it...but they said please no body surfing or moshing. Doing the pogo was ok and dancing was ok.

Well, it took 4 days with all of these fans on here and no one has came up with anything in writing which says they are against body surfing or moshing. Note that pogo was not allowed either. Security were alerted to one guy near me who pogoed on someones feet and they ratted them out to security.

Can you scan what you have in and post it? Thanks!

If the bboys were really against it this roudy behavior they would stop General admission shows and put reserved seats on the floor. Everyone else in the "tame" genre that plays the locations they are playing does that. Time to put their money where their mouth is.

Laver1969

10-19-2004, 12:46 PM

Can you scan what you have in and post it? Thanks!

My scanner sucks...but I'll transcribe it tonight. :)

But on numerous occassions the Beasties have asked the audience to take a 1/2 step back to avoid the squishing. Specifically the Coachella show in 2003.

And for the NYAV show in 2001 they actually stopped a track and Adrock said, "We wanna dance with everybody, not on top of someone else"

Laver1969

10-19-2004, 03:31 PM

My scanner sucks...but I'll transcribe it tonight. :)

OK...Here is the what the Beasties Boys said in the Official Tourzine from the Quadrophonic Tour in 1995.

EMERGENCY LIFESAVING TECHNIQUES - Mosh Pit Don't and Do's Presented by the Beastie Boys
DON'TS
1. Don't Elbow, Kick, Punch, Thrash, Smash, Skank...or do any other dance that can only be performed at the expense of others. Respect all peoples, not just yourself!

2. Don't Float! Unless you're a certified waif* AND, as Bikini Kill fanzine reminds us, "Don't think that 'cuz you are in the pit that you can get away with grabbing girls' breasts or putting your hands down their pants or undoing their bras, etc., etc. A girl has as much right to mosh as anyone else and just 'cus she's slamming up against you doesn't mean she is in LOVE with you."

3. Don't Encourage Floating! Don't offer potenetial moshers a stirrup -- you're not a horse! Floating also leads to being passed over the barricade, which usually involves injury, ejection or humiliation at the hands of the authorities.

4. Don't Kick Up Dirt! Or tomorrow morning you'll have black boogers --plus it's wack! (This rule may not apply at arena shows but follow it anyway.)

5. Don't Taunt Security! They're only doing their job, so why don't you do the same and act like a homo sapien!

6. In Short, Don't Be A Knucklehead! Just because you're a jock, ex-jock, or would-be-jock doesn't mean that this is just another game. Save the macho bullshit for American Gladiators tryouts, tough guy.

DO'S
1. Do Help People When They Scream "HELP!" Or Fall Down! Don't just stand there grinning like an idiot! Take charge of a bad situation, tell people to mellow out and help the disadvantaged party to their feet. Be Pro-Active --and not just in the pit! Don't let hassles happen anywhere on the premises. If you want hassles, take it to the Marines.

2. Do Something Constructive With Your Time & Life! Be creative within your own space. Don't infringe on other people's right to enjoy themselves. When the band starts to play, don't act like your mom's at a K-Mart sale and stampede the joint. Do yourself a favor and learn how to really dance a real dance step... A) Pogo B) Go-Go C) Smurf D) Breakdance E) All of the above.

Curt Reynolds

10-19-2004, 05:11 PM

thanks laver1969, this is what i was talking about. plenty of people were doing the pogo and security seemed fine with it. like i said before i heard the security guy tell a guy to jump up and down and not side to side. hopefully this is straight now. oh yeah Atlanta don't diss billy joel.

benthic

10-19-2004, 07:20 PM

Thank you,
Beastie Boys Message Board team

The show was sick like MMM gettin a flu shot. Since this was my first show, I don't have the convenience of comparison, but...gratitude.
Thanks for weavin it up
(y)

DirtyBirdNetik

10-20-2004, 11:46 AM

I disagree completely with "Atlanta"'s account. Of course, I wasn't up front, so I can't comment on that, but as far as the energy goes, the place was completely rocking. This was my third BBoys show (Omni in '93 and Lakewood in '98 or '99), and it was nothing short of fantastic.

I do agree that it sucked that the arena was outside the perimeter, as I live near downtown, but once inside I had a blast, as did everyone I was with and everyone I saw. That is indeed shitty if folks were calling people out to security, but thats a handful out of the tens of thousands in attendance. I can't wait for the next tour!!!

RadGurL3

10-20-2004, 01:21 PM

Very sad to lump the boys in with these guys... of COURSE the bboys were the best you've seen.

You are DEFINITELY right, how could any of those bands touch the b-boys!!!!! I guess my brain was still all foggy from the concert the night before when I wrote that post. Haha!

popeye467

10-20-2004, 01:28 PM

please don't complain about having to drive all the way out to the suburbs...if you really want to see a band, you'll drive as far as it takes. i came all 6 hours from north carolina to see the beastie boys for the first time, had seats in the "corner" of the stands, and still had a blast. and i really don't think any concert by a band of this stature deserves a 0 out of 10...i mean, you're saying that nothing was good. that doesn't make sense to me.

but about my thoughts of the concert...being my first b-boys concert, i didn't really have any expectations. i was very pleased to see them come out after mmm's interlude with their instruments and play some songs...and ending the show with sabotage was a nice touch. i enjoyed the crowd interaction on paul revere (blasted my lungs out) and on time to get ill. the playful banter between the b-boys between songs was fun too.

vintagestars

10-22-2004, 11:52 AM

The ATLANTA show was the fucking bomb! I personally enjoyed the venue that it was held at, as it allows for a multitude of people to come and enjoy the show and feel comfortable. Room to move, plenty of clean bathrooms (which is a plus), and elevated seating so that you can always see the show, even if you're behind a tall person.

Talib Kweli opened up the show, and I fucking got my body moving as soon as he started. I've been a fan of his for years, and I didn't know who was gonna open up the show, but when I saw that it was him, I was like "OMG, Fuck Yeah!!!!"

Mix Master Mike was the shit when he opened the set up.

Brass Monkey was THE song that got everyone moving! That's when everyone started really getting into it!

And I loved it when they broke-it-down half way through the show, by playing some instrumentals. That was some HOTT shit! One of my personal fav. highlights,... it means that the BB are true to their roots, and ready to represent.

And near the end of the show, when they got off the stage and just appeared in the crowd, omg, that was just pure lunacy! It was great how they sang Intergalactic in the crowd, amazing!

I also loved how they went into the parking lot before the show, and filmed some of the fans who got there early. That is really cool of the BB to take that kind of time to film their fans, and edit it for the show to play on their screens.

Best concert of my life, ever!