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View Full Version : The festival conundrum?


Kid Presentable
09-12-2007, 06:48 PM
I have my own thoughts, as everybody does, about why festivals are so hit-and-miss for the Beastie Boys. I don't really want to go around that tree again, but it is interesting to note people walking out on their sets. That wouldn't have happened in the 90s. Music fans are so fickle nowadays, even the ones who weren't always.

Personally, I like that they seem to be turning (relatively, mind you) into a prog act. The emphasis is on the entire show, not just the fast and bouncy songs. The downs are as important as the ups and such. And I love the thought of them playing something like Off The Grid or The Gala Event alongside Time For Livin or Root Down. It's a very comprehensive mood.

It's weird how the groups like Floyd who were always up their own asses live can capture the attention of thousands at a time, yet the ritalin-generation can't seem to be tamed by the Beasties. It's also a shame that you hear of more violence at the shows now, with the hardcore in there. There could be a need to evolve that hardcore sound, I dunno. As long as they keep singling the dipshits out, but even that doesn't work at shows where there's very little intimacy.

I really feel they're working the casual-fans out of their system. The alienating instrumental-heavy show demonstrates to them the kind of people who know what to expect and the ones who don't. The latter they can do without, although why pander to them by playing the "hits" I wonder? I mean you'd be pretty glad to know what to expect, and enjoy it without the casual twats requesting Fight For your Right next to you. I guess anything that discourages them from going to a show is a good thing. (y)

I forgot what this was about.

Laver1969
09-12-2007, 07:28 PM
I think I need to re-read that. Sounds like a bit over-analyzing but that's ok.

I know at the Lollapalooza festival of 94 that lots of folks left after the Beasties were done and left Smashing Pumpkins with about half the audience of the Beasties.

I think they just played a bunch of festivals because it was logistically easy to do. Kinda like joining the traveling circus. Just show up and play. Then they can add on the extra Gala Event gig and get into their instruments, spend some time in a city, and have fun. The festivals also give the Beasties a chance to see some other acts.

As far as the meatheads, I think they'll always be around. Nature of the beast...:D

Kid Presentable
09-12-2007, 08:54 PM
I can't help but take umbrage at your implying I'm over-analysing on this forum. (n)

Laver1969
09-12-2007, 09:13 PM
I can't help but take umbrage at your implying I'm over-analysing on this forum. (n)

Well you can take my umbrage, but please return it when you're done. I'll need it for work tomorrow. :)