• From: Acworth, GA
  • Registered: 2006-05-13
  • Posts: 339

Topic: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

It has become a regular complaint on this Forum, and others, that unruly, drunk behavior at Joe's concerts seems to becoming a  norm...I can hear it and see it every time I listen to a recording that one of the Bona-team has forwarded to this site or Facebook...Does Joe and his mangement team have any control over this issue with the venue management?...i.e. Can he demand that the alcohol stops being served at showtime?...or better yet, 15 minutes before show time?...I hate for this behavior to go unconfronted...How can we prevent the few in the minority from ruining it for the many of us in the majority?...Just wondering...

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me...and, I'm feelin good

2 Reply by Rockfarmer (edited by Rockfarmer 2011-11-16 13:43:49)

  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Highly doubtful.  I think the venues receive a fairly high percentage of their revenue from booze at these shows and don't give a toot if some drunk a-hole makes a bit of a scene.  I see the same thing at professional sporting events.  The secret is for the ushers to be trained to know where to draw the line and to throw these bums out when they get out of control

  • Registered: 2011-03-23
  • Posts: 212

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Rockfarmer wrote:

Highly doubtful.  I think the venues receive a fairly high percentage of their revenue from booze at these shows and don't give a toot if some drunk a-hole makes a bit of a scene.  I see the same thing at professional sproting events.  The secret is for the ushers to be trained to know where to draw the line and to throw these bums out when they get out of control


Well if the numnut who screamed out "cmon Joe, you can do better than that" in MD the other night wasn't asked to leave, NO ONE will.

I was never so embarrassed as an audience member as I was then.

If you look up to the heavens just before the start of every Joe Bonamasaa concert you can see Stevie, Jimi, Muddy, Gary and others leaning over God’s railing jockeying for the best view. 
And if you listen, you can hear Stevie say  “ SHHhhhh,  The kids about to start playing.”

4 Reply by can1208 (edited by can1208 2011-11-16 13:10:16)

  • From: Maryland
  • Registered: 2011-02-09
  • Posts: 278

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

WhoTheHeckisThat_NowIKnow wrote:

Well if the numnut who screamed out "cmon Joe, you can do better than that" in MD the other night wasn't asked to leave, NO ONE will.

I was never so embarrassed as an audience member as I was then.

I would agree. Not only is it insulting to the performer and the fans, but it breaks the artists' concentration while they're trying to play a piece. I was hoping a well-aimed drumstick would come his way.... lol  lol The guy behind me got up to applaud for one song, and emptied a portion of his beer on my back. When I looked back at him with an angry gesture, he apologized. I don't understand why many fans all over behave so irresponsibly. I mean, do they have brains or intellect the size of a peapod or what! People come to enjoy the show, not to listen to their raves n'rants. A few catcalls and whistles here and there are Ok I guess. It just shouldn't get out of hand.

100% Certified 'Bona-Nut'
  • Registered: 2008-06-16
  • Posts: 4,021

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

that IS embarrassing, don't know what I would have done with him but it might not have been good. Might have been me getting tossed. I've attended so many concerts that sometimes you just get what you get, hoping for the best. The unrulies will always be out there and I tend to move if possible. I remember a Govt Mule concert a few years ago there were 2 or 3 behind us pretty wasted, they got up and moved to the row in front of us to stand up and dance where we could not see. We didn't wait for the usher, son and I got up and told them where the bear shyte in the proverbial woods. Sometimes you got to take the bull by the horns.

Tres

As corn through a goose, so are the days of our lives
  • Lee
  • Lee
  • BONAMETAL
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  • From: Minnesota
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 2,476

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Like Rockfarmer said, these venues get a lot of income from alcohol sales so it's very doubtful much can be done. At some recent shows we've been to, going back a couple years, a few of the theaters did not allow drinks of any kind (including bottled water) into the theater itself, only out in the lobby. It's a policy I like, but I don't think even that is something Joe would have any control over.

  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

As said the venues generate a good portion of their revenue from beer/wine/liquor sales although I doubt the venues would ever cease. I look at it this way, if it keeps ticket prices down then I will live with it. I've seen several over the years who deserved to be tossed out. However I think the ushers and staff are trained to deal with drunk behavior and would likely only remove someone if they became totally unruly so not to detract attention away from the performance.

8 Reply by Angelemerald (edited by Angelemerald 2011-11-16 13:56:03)

  • From: NYC
  • Registered: 2009-08-13
  • Posts: 34

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

It's rock and roll. As Joe gets more and more popular, you will see more and more of the people who can't behave properly.  The venues have to be the ones to manage people, not the artists.  Joe does (Yes he does) and will learn to maintain focus as time goes on and he plays larger and even more rambunctious venues.  I have total faith in him.  I know you do too. 

You should see the Dead related concerts.  I think perhaps half the people are there to listen and the other half hear the music as background to their own trips. You can't stop people from being free generally.  I've learned to block a lot of annoying people out of my awareness. 

And frankly there's a lot of really fun dancing that goes on at these kind of concerts and I secretly wish Joe's fans would get up and rock out a little more than they do.  But that's just me.  (You know, at our seats not flailing about.)  Also, if I wanted to sit on my fat behind i could just stay home and watch tv, no?  Anyway ... sorry if i offend some but there's a few different ways of looking at things.

edited for typo

Angelemerald's Website

  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

It was so ridiculous at the Chicago Theater...people formed a veritable conga line going to and from the lobby bar and bathroom.
My wife was so upset, she called the Chicago Theater the next day to complain. I am not sure if this is true, but they told her it was the artist's decision on whether alcohol was sold only before the show or during the show as well.
Again, I'm not sure this is true or if this is typical for all venues, but that is what the Chicago Theater told us.

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Great minds think alike. I have been wrestling with this issue since Friday's show. There was one guy who was so trashed he fell out in the lobby before the show! I don't get it! When you wait for a Joe show to be in your area, why risk forgetting the whole event? If you drink you will have to pee...basic physiology. I understand the venue's need for income, but maybe it's time for an intermission. Open the bar before the show, close it during the performance, reopen for an intermission, then close again? The bad thing about this is it makes for a longer day for Joe.
I'm also a HUGE fan of assigned seats. I'm there for a performance. Inevitably, when it's an open standing format, I get the guy who had curry for dinner along with way too many beers bouncing into me, or worse, jumping in front of me.  I'm willing to pay more for a "No exit during show" section.  big_smile  (Not going to happen, I know).
Bottom line to me..You can get trashed any night, but you can't see Joe often. Period! I had a plan when audiences were smaller. Find the drunk earlier and buy them some shots. If you do it right they'll pass out before the show  lol  Now I'm considering a squirt gun....
As for the guy in B'more, Joe said he almost seemed like a plant. He had no problem putting him in his place. But the guy at another show who yelled out "Free Bird"???? Really????       Oh well....party on Garth...      Cathy

  • XLK9
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  • Registered: 2010-11-13
  • Posts: 100

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Agreed.

We attended 3 Joe shows recently and was struck by the average age of the audience.  Joe's audience is generally well beyond the age of drink 'till you puke and a largely very well behaved.

Alcohol sales can be stopped at any venue, if the artist will make up the $$$ shortfall.  This might mean an extra $5-$8 per ticket.

I ask the question then:  Would you pay another $10 for a no alcohol venue?

  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
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  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

XLK9 wrote:

Agreed.

We attended 3 Joe shows recently and was struck by the average age of the audience.  Joe's audience is generally well beyond the age of drink 'till you puke and a largely very well behaved.

Alcohol sales can be stopped at any venue, if the artist will make up the $$$ shortfall.  This might mean an extra $5-$8 per ticket.

I ask the question then:  Would you pay another $10 for a no alcohol venue?

Yes.

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  • From: Grapevine, Tejas
  • Registered: 2009-11-03
  • Posts: 1,248

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

RickB wrote:
XLK9 wrote:

Agreed.

We attended 3 Joe shows recently and was struck by the average age of the audience.  Joe's audience is generally well beyond the age of drink 'till you puke and a largely very well behaved.

Alcohol sales can be stopped at any venue, if the artist will make up the $$$ shortfall.  This might mean an extra $5-$8 per ticket.

I ask the question then:  Would you pay another $10 for a no alcohol venue?

Yes.


Yes

  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Yes.
At the Chicago Theater, my wife was annoyed enough that she started counting...and counted 170 people pass between us and the stage in the course of an hour (we were sitting on the aisle, just right of the center section).
I really felt bad for Joe with so many people coming in late and then running between the lobby and their seats...so disrespectful!
I'm curious Joe...do you notice this and does it distract you?

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • From: Acworth, GA
  • Registered: 2006-05-13
  • Posts: 339

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Rockfarmer wrote:
RickB wrote:
XLK9 wrote:

Agreed.

We attended 3 Joe shows recently and was struck by the average age of the audience.  Joe's audience is generally well beyond the age of drink 'till you puke and a largely very well behaved.

Alcohol sales can be stopped at any venue, if the artist will make up the $$$ shortfall.  This might mean an extra $5-$8 per ticket.

I ask the question then:  Would you pay another $10 for a no alcohol venue?

Yes.


Yes


Count me in with a big

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life for me...and, I'm feelin good

16 Reply by guido (edited by guido 2011-11-17 00:14:22)

  • From: El Dorado Hills, Ca.
  • Registered: 2010-01-01
  • Posts: 797

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

XLK9 wrote:

Agreed.

We attended 3 Joe shows recently and was struck by the average age of the audience.  Joe's audience is generally well beyond the age of drink 'till you puke and a largely very well behaved.

Alcohol sales can be stopped at any venue, if the artist will make up the $$$ shortfall.  This might mean an extra $5-$8 per ticket.

I ask the question then:  Would you pay another $10 for a no alcohol venue?

Yes! Gladly! I'd even go so far as to have someone check 'em at the door.

Why don't we eliminate all the warning labels and let things sort themselves out?
  • Registered: 2006-07-11
  • Posts: 1,247

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

Angelemerald wrote:

It's rock and roll. As Joe gets more and more popular, you will see more and more of the people who can't behave properly.  The venues have to be the ones to manage people, not the artists.  Joe does (Yes he does) and will learn to maintain focus as time goes on and he plays larger and even more rambunctious venues.  I have total faith in him.  I know you do too. 

You should see the Dead related concerts.  I think perhaps half the people are there to listen and the other half hear the music as background to their own trips. You can't stop people from being free generally.  I've learned to block a lot of annoying people out of my awareness. 

And frankly there's a lot of really fun dancing that goes on at these kind of concerts and I secretly wish Joe's fans would get up and rock out a little more than they do.  But that's just me.  (You know, at our seats not flailing about.)  Also, if I wanted to sit on my fat behind i could just stay home and watch tv, no?  Anyway ... sorry if i offend some but there's a few different ways of looking at things.

edited for typo

Yes, being a concert goer myself, I have been to all kinds of different shows.  Like you I have seen different things and your Dead comment cracked me up.  I've been to see Axel Rose, with 7 mosh pits, and wishing he would be in one of them.  No such luck.

I've been to see Joe in the early days and people make comments about the crowd back then, so this is nothing new.
Some people prefer seating, some prefer rocking out, dancing.  Joe has a pretty tamed crowd considering others acts I have seen.

But there will be occasions and as you say larger can be more rambunctious.   I  enjoy the energy a crowd can bring to a show.  It's nice to be quiet during important moments of the show, but  I want to enjoy the music live at the moment when it's there.   Like you, I like to have the music move me. I don't want to be stagnant if my favorite "The River" is playing  wink

"Holy Toledo"  -  Bill King   "Just Win Baby" - Al Davis  "The Autumn Wind" - Steve Sabol

18 Reply by Forever Young (edited by Forever Young 2011-11-17 03:23:46)

  • From: York Pa
  • Registered: 2010-01-12
  • Posts: 267

Re: DRINKING ALERT - CAN JOE INFLUENCE VENUES?

I guess I'm in the vast minority here. It's a concert!! Part of what makes Joe great is that he combines rock with other genres. But it's rock nonetheless. People at rock concerts make noise. There is a lot of emotion there and it's to be expected that some will be vocal. As far as idiots go, well you'll always have a percentage of that in any given crowd.

This isn't the opera, it's a rock/blues concert. Now I'm not saying that there aren't parts in Joe's shows where he gets very subtle and intricate and too much noise, we miss the moment. I get that totally. All of this said, I've never seen any shows where there was so much concern for crowd reaction in general. We brought a couple of newbies with us and they are by no means drunks nor are they headbangers. They were flabbergasted by the general atmosphere. I got "ok are we allowed to stand up now?" or "can we cheer now?'.

As for Joe being able to concentrate. I don't know and can't speak for him but I doubt it's an issue. It kind of reminds me of tennis. People say they need quiet to concentrate. Same with golf. But the closer in a baseball game in the ninth inning doesn't need the quiet at all to concentrate?

Maybe it's just me though as I comre from a rock background where you are free to express yourself as a fan. Maybe it's an age thing too to an extent. I am on the younger side, albeit not much younger for this base audience. Alcohol? Most people can enjoy a drink or three and not be an ****. Why ban it for most because a couple folks can't handle it? That's bulls$%t. It's the whole take it away because a handful of people are idiots mentality instead of handling the buffoons responsible. I can't stand that thinking! Oh and I never buy more that one before the show at the venue. I don't want to miss a note getting drinks or hitting the bathroom. Again that's me.