In this Discussion
- BT06 June 2007
- DJRose June 2007
- dollarflame6 June 2007
- ezorvera June 2007
- fineincome2 June 2007
- firexpert6 June 2007
- mumblo June 2007
- sherib June 2007
- suit6lion June 2007
- target35ghost June 2007
- thephantommilk June 2007
- yak63geese June 2007
- ytel82 June 2007
Comments
Here's the deal.
I had two extra tickets because Capitol Records' Street Team had asked me to work the show. I had signed up through OK Go's Street Team site, and about a month ago they called and confirmed that I'd be working the Camden, NJ show. They sent emails including the date and everything.
Friday night Cheli, who is now running the Capitol OK Go Street Team, called me and ran down a few details with me. We had a great chat all about how much we love OK Go - she used to be a boardie like us, she loves the boys as much as we do, which is really exciting. I'm getting very excited. She says this guy Mike will meet me at the show and help me with Tickets and materials so I know what to do.
Sunday afternoon, I got a phone call from Mike, who says "OK, so you're working today's Mae show still?" My response is "Well, I know Mae is going to be there, but I signed up on the OK Go site, and Cheli didn't say anything about Mae." He says, well we're in the Mae van, so we're doing promotions for Mae. I'm a fairly easy going person though, so while I'm annoyed, I agree to still take the show. Here's the thing though - I don't know ANYTHING about Mae, and what I have heard, I don't like. So promoting them is going to be awkward, to say the least.
My friend Leigh and I get to the Tweeter Center after a somewhat eventful drive through Camden's Puerto Rico Festival, and wait. And Wait. We were hoping to get a glimpse of the boys around the venue, but there were so many kids outside tailgating that I wasn't surprised they wouldn't leave the gated bus area. When Mike got there, he handed me a bag full of Mae stickers and a clipboard to take names and email addresses for the Mae mailing list. It's at this point he tells me that he hasn't done ANY promotions for OK Go the Entire Tour. Nothing. I then remember that when they came around to the Tweeter Center in March on the Snow Patrol tour that the OK Go van did NOTHING then either. But at least that time they were in the OK Go van. At least there was a presence. But fine, I'll do this, because I signed up, I said I'd do it, and I'm not the type of person to back out of a deal. We go over to the box office to pick up our tickets, but the list isn't ready yet, so in the meantime I'm milling around trying to get names on the Mae list. I succeed a bit, and get a few names.
After a little bit I see the woman who I spoke to at the box office walking back towards the box office with a stack of envelopes in her hand. I'm thinking "Oh good, there's the guest list." I get over there, give her my name, and guess what - I'm not on the list. This whole exchange is overheard by Mae's tour manager, Benji, who asks me what's up and says he'll try to figure out what happened. He's got to figure out what happened for two other girls as well, these girls had an interview with Mae and were also promised tickets to the show. I took this opportunity to give Benji the birthday card I bought for Tim. It plays "Mr. Roboto". We wait for a few minutes and Mike comes back over. He's going to take us to the other box office to check there, because our tickets were actually purchased or something like that. I'm really not sure what the deal is here. But when we get over there, our names aren't on that list either. At this point Mike explains to us that if anyone's getting tickets it's going to be the other two girls, but that might not even happen because Mae is over budget for tickets that night. I'm a teensy bit annoyed, because this is the SECOND time it's happened where I've driven someplace for a show and my name wasn't on the list. So Leigh and I are damn grateful that no one bought our tickets from us and we can still see the show, but I handed Mike his bag of stickers and the clipboard and said "But you realize that I'm not going to work for you anymore tonight, right?" He didn't seem pleased, but he understood. Benji had better give Tim that birthday card though. Grrrrrrrrr.
So now Leigh and I finally get to go into the venue and sit down. We're in the front-ish section, about 20 rows back, ALL THE WAY OVER on Andy's side. So we had an interesting view of things. Mae's set was innocuous enough, certainly not interesting enough to get me going. When they were finished I could see Jordan, Mike Kent, and Brendan on the stage setting up, and that made me smile. Mike Kent walked right by our seats on his way back to the sound booth, and I said hi to him. He smiled and said hi back.
When OK Go came onstage I stood up and screamed, ALONE. Not one person around me was up and dancing, not even Leigh. But I didn't care, this is the ONE reason I'm at this stupid show and I'm going to enjoy myself. These bimbos a few rows back from us were shouting at me to sit down, but I turned around and told them No. They laughed at me for telling them no (and it became very clear to me that these were girls who were not used to hearing no for an answer). I told them I was leaving after this set and they'd be able to see The Fray, but that didn't stop their annoying shouting. Whatever. I took some pictures and some video (because I now have a new digital that takes movies with sound) which I'll post later. Damian did his usual shtick with the Wave, and also talked about Unity between the Jersey people and the Philly people. My favorite part was the gong. That was a great new addition to the show - I'm wondering why the other recaps didn't mention the gong? Damian ran out through the venue during Don't Bring Me Down, but on the other side so he didn't run by us. Leigh finally stood up and danced with me when Damian said to "Fuck the people sitting behind you" and they played HIGA. The Bimbos then called us "Gay" - Have I mentioned that I hate it when that word is used as a synonym for "stupid"? Fucking Children. OK Go's set ended and I got up to get a drink for Leigh and use the ladies room. When I left the stupid fucking bimbo children applauded and cheered. Fine. Whatever. I saw my favorite band, and now I'm going to try to talk to them. You fucking bimbo children sit here and watch a shitty band play their shitty songs that all sound alike.
I went outside of the venue and waited for the guys to come out by the bus area, but it was guarded and gated, so my hopes were quickly dashed. I went back out to the car to charge my phone, but there were creepy people in the parking lot so I walked back to the bus area and (thanks to some newfound courage from Sheri) asked the guards if I could wait there. The guard was really sweet and said that as long as I stayed on the sidewalk I could wait as long as I liked. I felt better waiting there because, ummm, let's say that Camden is not necessarily a place for people like myself (ie, pale ones with two X chromosomes), yes? Another guard came by later and told me I was wasting my time, that OK Go was not coming out that night. I asked him why he said that and he said "Because no one comes out after a show, honey. The most you're gonna get is smoked out windows on the bus." I felt better knowing his reasoning, because I know better about OK Go. After a few minutes out there, I saw Dan walking CLEAR ACROSS the parking lot - I've got REALLY good vision - and I shouted to him. He heard me and stopped, so I waved. He waved back, but kept going. Then a few minutes later Andy and Tim walked by and I yelled to them. They said hi back, so I said "Happy Birthday Tim" and he said Thank you. The guards were SHOCKED that I'd been at least a little right about getting to see the guys, and I kept hoping that they'd come back after they put their stuff down, knowing that a fan was outside. But they didn't, and Leigh came out of the concert a little later. It was before the end of The Fray's set, because she was DONE with their fans, specifically the Fucking Bimbo Children who had been the most obnoxious ones there, go fig. We were about to leave when the gate started to open to let a van out, and the guard said "Hey watch out for that guy", referring to DAMIAN who was almost run over by the van as he ran to catch it. He was wearing the short suit! I got to see the Short Suit!!! So I shouted "DAMIAN!" and he said "Hi! We're in kind of a weird rush, sorry!" And I said "That's okay! Thanks! I'll see you at the next concert!" I don't know why I said that, I meant to say "after the next CD" but whatever. He said "OK bye!" and got in the van, and we left. So there's my tiny silver lining. I did get to talk to all the guys, sort of, and I had a 10 second exchange with Damian, in the short pants. Those short pants are hilarious.
Why is it that the Fray fans (at least from what I'm reading and have experienced myself) are so obnoxious??
Good for you for having a great time!
Um...and what's the short suit? (Sorry - new to the boards so I must have missed an important detail!)
oooh, I wish I could hug you! Here's a big internet hug and a big internet kiss!
And you were sooo right to leave that guy- he didn't deserve to have you working for him!
And I can't believe those awful people called you "gay"- that's ugh, I can't even think of a word that describes how mean and ignorant and uuuugh! they are!!!
But you got to wish Tim a happy birthday! I'm sure you made his day
And you saw Damian in shorts! eeee!
oooh, I wish I could hug you! Here's a big internet hug and a big internet kiss!
And you were sooo right to leave that guy- he didn't deserve to have you working for him!
And I can't believe those awful people called you "gay"- that's ugh, I can't even think of a word that describes how mean and ignorant and uuuugh! they are!!!
But you got to wish Tim a happy birthday! I'm sure you made his day
And you saw Damian in shorts! eeee!
Awww, Sally! ::hugs:: to you too! I definitely think you had the worse experience, and I'm really sorry for you. You *will* get to see OK Go again and it *will* be better, I'm sure of it.
Turdelini - the short suit is basically this light-colored suit that Damian wears after the shows - the pants are shorts and it's very cute. A few other people have commented on seeing it this tour. I think it's pretty great. Damian and Angus Young are clearly the only grown men who could carry it off so well.
Thanks! I think I might die if I ever get to see it in person
I'm a child of the 80's Karen. Just Say No. ;-)
Me I was raised amid the trickledown days.... LOL!
I wouldn't have agreed to do anything for Mae... I mean, if I had signed up for Ok Go, been told I was promoting Ok Go, then gotten switched over to Mae somehow, I would have just come with all my own Ok Go paraphenalia and just started promoting them by myself, haha. then I would have complained about the situation to whomever would listen, in the hopes of straightening everything out. I mean, I'm not one to complain about stuff, especially not if it's my own problem, but what happened means that Ok Go isn't getting the promotion it should be, AND people aren't getting in when they should be, and someone ought to do something about that.
I'm glad you were still able to get in, though.
and wow, apparently Fray fans really do suck. I mean, I kind of like the Fray, but bad fans are a complete turn-off... gosh. I'm glad you were able to stick up for yourself. and sadly, the kids behind you remind me a LOT of the kids in my classes. ugh.
all in all, it seems none of us can wait for a proper headlining tour for their third album.
Yeah, why do The Fray fans seem to be so disgusting? (I'm trying to refrain from swearing now...
And why can they not accept that the genius of OK Go can only be truly appreciated on one's feet, screaming and singing and acting happily without constant annoyances from those who are obviously inferior to us when it comes to common courtesy???
[Please note, I don't mean all of The Fray's fans, just those who sat behind or near Sally and Rachel and acted like total jerks]
I think as okgo fans we should be super obnoxious and really get buck wild during this tour, it seems by some strange reason that there are alot more fray fans then ok go , so I think the boys would appreciate some jumping and screaming during their performance , cause after what 10 shows and looking at blank faces they may get a little sad. and who wants a sad little damian?
so dj rose I'm glad you made them annoying little girls mad .
At least you got to see Damian in the shorts! I hope I get to see that. I think the chances are pretty good because it's going to be 80 degrees when I see them.
Because they are mostly young, fourteen year-old girl teenyboppers who only like what is popular on the radio.
And I'm not even saying this to be insensitive. The reason The Fray is so popular by the obnoxious is because they are new. They have a mere single album out, and have only been around for about three years (words from someone very knowledgable whom we all know and love), so it only makes sense that they have the young and stupid following them. No offense to anyone young OR stupid here, but it doesn't help to have a combination of the two. Using the word "gay" to describe someone supposedly ignorant only proves this theory to be factual.
Amen
Told you last night, Rachel, but again, I'm so glad you at least got a little interaction with each of the guys. Sorry again that other things made the night so shitty--I hope contacting Cheli helps somehow.
But to end on a good note, Yaaaaaaaaaaaay Shorts Suit!
I wouldn't have agreed to do anything for Mae... I mean, if I had signed up for Ok Go, been told I was promoting Ok Go, then gotten switched over to Mae somehow, I would have just come with all my own Ok Go paraphenalia and just started promoting them by myself, haha. then I would have complained about the situation to whomever would listen, in the hopes of straightening everything out. I mean, I'm not one to complain about stuff, especially not if it's my own problem, but what happened means that Ok Go isn't getting the promotion it should be, AND people aren't getting in when they should be, and someone ought to do something about that.
Yeah. I think the guy was probably not instructed to do anything for OK Go, he seemed like the sort who was just following orders. I emailed a copy of this story (well, the street teaming part) to Milosh and Mr. Mr. Mr. Jorge, Whom I Adore, Whom I Adore, Whom I Adore. I don't know that it will do any good, but they ought to know, right?
all in all, it seems none of us can wait for a proper headlining tour for their third album.
I kinda feel bad because between Sally and I it seems like we hate all fans of The Fray, and The Fray themselves. For the record, I'd like to say that Cable Car is a great song, and if they kept the fun up with their other songs the way that one is, and produced their songs properly so that the rocking piano was higher in the mix ala Ben Folds Five, I might be able to like them more. And The FBCs behind me were certainly the only people I had real issue with. Truth is there were other people between me and the FBCs, and they didn't have any problems with me enjoying myself. Leigh, however, is significantly less tolerant of people than I am, and she was going to kill some people at this concert, specifically the couple sitting in front of her who looked like they were about to have sex at any moment. I also saw my share of Paris Hilton Wannabes at this show. MINDBLOWING. And no, I cannot wait for the next proper headlining tour, even if the next album blows up and I end up back at the Tweeter to see them.
biggrin.gif Whats up with not being on the list though? Argh...
Thanks, Allie! And I don't know what's up with the list. It wouldn't bother me as much if it weren't the SECOND TIME this had happened.
I think as okgo fans we should be super obnoxious and really get buck wild during this tour, it seems by some strange reason that there are alot more fray fans then ok go , so I think the boys would appreciate some jumping and screaming during their performance , cause after what 10 shows and looking at blank faces they may get a little sad. and who wants a sad little damian?
so dj rose I'm glad you made them annoying little girls mad .
I think the general atmosphere in the Pit is different than in the seats - in the Pit you're EXPECTED to be going nuts. Had I been in the Pit this concert would've been completely different. I wanted to be in the pit but those tickets were gone 45 minutes into the Presale. No one wants a Sad Little Damian (and now I've got the Sad Birthday Clown from the FTMP video stuck in my head). Those annoying little girls reminded me of the girls I went to high school with. I felt all Romy and Michele about it.
At least you got to see Damian in the shorts! I hope I get to see that. I think the chances are pretty good because it's going to be 80 degrees when I see them.
I called today to talk to Cheli, and I left a message. If I don't hear back from her tomorrow I'll call again, maybe send an email. But I included a mention of the "WTF is my name not on the list" issue in my recap. She used to be a boardie, maybe she's even reading this.
Melinda, Jen, and Sheri - Thanks for the backup. It's good to know that the entire world is not so backwards as to use "gay" as a slur. And yes, the shorts definitely make up for all the crap that happened.
She's really busy because Warped Tour is coming up and she's organizing that, but since I'm working one of the shows, she has to call me. I'll definitely mention it to her if you can't get in touch with her before I do.
Sorry those girls were so ignorant.
I totally LOVE the shorts suit! So Angus Young!
Do it!
I just got off the phone with Cheli - apparently this was a problem for both shows this weekend. The Tweeter Centers (in both Mass and NJ) didn't hold up their part of a bargain, and Capitol is refunding me the price of my seats AND sending me to another show of my choosing!!!! So I asked about trying to get into Thursday's show.
Hooray!!!!!!!!!