23 Comments
Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

One of my biggest fears about the world as it evolves through this pandemic reality and what comes after is that the misanthropes will win. I mean this in a lot of senses - the angry misanthropy of those prolonging the pandemic, and the quiet misanthropy of "everything should be virtual forever, I hate people and don't want to talk to anyone." Seeing REASONABLE people gathering together in safe, smart ways - such as outdoor music festivals - gives me hope that those people won't win.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

never forget that every band is someone's favorite band.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

regarding superscript 2, sounds like they are finally listening to their pre-napster fans. Things are so much better when you realize Metallica quit cutting albums after making the mainstream with "...And Justice for All".

Being WFH for two months now I've realized I have spent nearly all of those workdays watching video documentaries or old concert footage of bands I've loved for years. The bug is under my skin, and sadly I'm in a place that is devoid of a music scene. I got spoiled growing up in Cleveland, where every weekend there were at least 3 venues worth hitting to see a great live gig.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

Two weekends ago I flew out to Chicago for Riot Fest. I felt safe, and it was absolutely joyful to be part of that sort of event again. My first indoor show is in a couple weeks. I'm a bit more apprehensive about that, but can always leave if it seems dicey.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

In a fit of late-spring optimism, I got tickets for two upcoming shows (St. Vincent and CHVRCHES). Still trying to figure out if we'll be comfortable going to either.

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Oct 1, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

Doing late reads this week, but this perfectly encapsulates and assuages how I feel about going to my first show in a couple weeks. It's been 20 months and I don't think I've ever gone that long without a show since I started going to concerts as a teenager.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

That paragraph about the nearby hotel sent chills down my spine. Glad you were able ro enjoy this. It sounds wonderful. Metal is cathartic by nature.

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I saw Jason Isbell at Riverfront Park in Harrisburg about a month ago and it felt *so good* to be in a big clump of happy people again.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

I am now three for three (airshow at Oshkosh, MN State Fair, football game) in going to a safe-feeling crowded outdoor thing as a twice-vaccinated individual and having a weird, delightful, almost restorative experience.

Looking for more, because 2020-brain can go eat a bag of dog poop.

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Sep 27, 2021Liked by Scott Hines

I probably averaged 15 concerts a year for the last decade. One of my favorite things to do. Last show I saw was Sturgill in early 2020 right before everything slammed shut. I've since had tickets to two shows that cancelled because NC's numbers were too bad. I'm really glad you got to do this! Any pleasant surprises from this festival?

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It does feel like being alive again. Seeing that “first” concert since the pandemic hit was far more impactful than just seeing a concert. It was hope embodied. And it moved many of us to tears. (Yes, it was The Strokes and seeing Casablancas sober was it’s one emotional

high) Had the same reaction to a small free outdoor event at Lincoln Center in late spring. And though the theme related to coming through the worst of the pandemic in NYC the tears of those around me seemed to be a mix of relief and joy and sadness.

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