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Sunday, August 29, 2010
Show Review So Vampire Weekend Just Cancelled
Posted by Eric Grandy on Sun, Aug 29, 2010 at 8:59 PM
Like an hour or more after Beach House finished their set some poor guy came onstage, thanked everyone profusely, and explained that Vampire Weekend were cancelling the show due to illness. People are pissed. Over and out.
Update: Oh yeah, there'll be refunds and/or a rescheduled date to come.
2
Interesting...I know they did an EndSession for 1077 earlier at the Gibson Showroom in Seattle - I wonder if there were any indications then?
5
for 80 minutes, i was trapped next to frat boys and soccer moms in the audience. if VW reschedules, i'm bringing eggs.
6
Well, seeing as how they have no dates open until December, we're in for a show at the Key or someplace equally shitty.
7
The VW keyboarded was talking to a photog right behind us during the Beach House set and nothing seemed amiss. He was complaining about the stage. Something seems fishy about the cancellation.
8
It sounds like there were a million crying kids there tonight:
"We took our 13 year old, his buddy (first concert ever), our 9 and 6 year old. Vampire weekend is our family's favorite band. Our daughter was crying by the end of the night with dissappointment."
"Hard to explain to the five year old why she waited and didn't get to hear her very favorite band!"
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=14…
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=14…
"We took our 13 year old, his buddy (first concert ever), our 9 and 6 year old. Vampire weekend is our family's favorite band. Our daughter was crying by the end of the night with dissappointment."
"Hard to explain to the five year old why she waited and didn't get to hear her very favorite band!"
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=14…
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=14…
9
It sucked. I think that there was no illness.
http://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/…
happened in 2008....
Fishy.
http://www.nme.com/news/vampire-weekend/…
happened in 2008....
Fishy.
10
@8 I love the intensity of emotion people can have over minor disappointment. Kids need to learn perspective and no time like the present!
11
I reminded of a time when I went to see Tricky at DV8 a long time ago. There were apparent bus problems, and day of, people at the door, the show was canceled.
Not too long after (or maybe a year after?), Tricky (with Whale opening) showed up, only to walk off stage about 40 minutes into the set, complaining of the shitty sound system (he had been jumping mics the entire set), and didn't come back out.
This was, of course, after Tricky showed up a good hour or so late for his set at Lollapalooza (the year Tool headlined). Total prima donna. But fucking amazing live, and I totally would see him again.
All I know is that I was offered up a chance to go last night, and I'm glad parental duties made that impossible. Nothing worse than finding out, especially after opening act(s), that a show is off.
Not too long after (or maybe a year after?), Tricky (with Whale opening) showed up, only to walk off stage about 40 minutes into the set, complaining of the shitty sound system (he had been jumping mics the entire set), and didn't come back out.
This was, of course, after Tricky showed up a good hour or so late for his set at Lollapalooza (the year Tool headlined). Total prima donna. But fucking amazing live, and I totally would see him again.
All I know is that I was offered up a chance to go last night, and I'm glad parental duties made that impossible. Nothing worse than finding out, especially after opening act(s), that a show is off.
12
why is everyone acting like this was some huge conspiracy where vampire weekend set out to specifically ruin your kids' last day of summer vacation? lead singer was legitimately sick. they were already planning on playing a special set to accommodate his illness and lack of vocal range.
13
Their tour schedule looks absolutely murderous. Finding recovery tine, let alonr a replacement date, has to be a huge challenge.
14
i think it was just irresponsibility on the bands part. rumor has that they did an End Session earlier that day just fine. the fact that the whole crowd waited for 90+ minutes before announcing the "illness in the band" is shitty.
i've had tickets to other shows where there have been illnesses, and they announced a reschedule before the show even started...
Beach House nailed it, BTW. it was great to see them perform live.
i've had tickets to other shows where there have been illnesses, and they announced a reschedule before the show even started...
Beach House nailed it, BTW. it was great to see them perform live.
15
i don't care about a make up date, i just want my money back. feed vampire weekend to the juggalos for all i care, cardigans and all.
16
They were great in Vancouver on Saturday night. I don't know how the band drank, but the audience was toasted.
18
About 2 minutes before the announcement, my wife looked over into the parking lot and asked "is that an ambulance leaving?"
I wonder if the reason they waited so long to tell anyone was so they could get medical attention without having to navigate the sea of angry fans.
I wonder if the reason they waited so long to tell anyone was so they could get medical attention without having to navigate the sea of angry fans.
20
Thinking about it more: they did a performance earlier in the day. They had two opening bands. They had people wait like an hour and a half after the last band (typically it's half an hour or so at Marymoor). They had to know something was up by then, it doesn't take an hour after you should be on to figure out "oh, I'm sick, whoops".
Glad I didn't bother.
Glad I didn't bother.
21
This is turning into an inconsiderate mess on the part of Vampire Weekend and their handlers by not formally announcing anything to their fans on any of their sites, Twitter accounts, etc. To only say that they cancelled due to "illness" an hour and a half after Beach House's set after apparently making two earlier appearances in Seattle (after making the trip from their Vancouver stop the night before) isn't fair to the 4000+ in attendance. I'm sure their fans would've understood if they had more information regarding said "illness." But now we're left to speculation: did they really have a disagreement with their guarantee or rider? Food poisoning? Family emergency? What's the deal?
This is ridiculous - if VW seriously cared about their fans, they would've handled this differently, but it sure looks like they don't. They're in a very privileged position that can quickly change if they don't take care of those that made them popular in the first place. It bugs me when bands take their audience for granted, as VM appears to be doing.
This is ridiculous - if VW seriously cared about their fans, they would've handled this differently, but it sure looks like they don't. They're in a very privileged position that can quickly change if they don't take care of those that made them popular in the first place. It bugs me when bands take their audience for granted, as VM appears to be doing.
22
See the band's explanation below:
Seattle Cancellation
Dear Seattle,
We are incredibly sorry about our last minute cancellation last night in Redmond - the decision wasn't taken lightly. Ezra had some vocal issues earlier in the day, but felt like he was improving however, while he was warming up just moments prior to our set time he lost his voice completely and was unable to perform. He was then taken to the ER and diagnosed with inflamed vocal cords and the doctor ordered him to not perform for 48 hours. Even so, we still wanted to perform but by that point it was clear that any performance we could give would have been essentially instrumental and nowhere close to what we or the audience was expecting.
We know you all had to wait around for the announcement, and many of you came a long way to be there, and again - we truly apologize.
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea…
Seattle Cancellation
Dear Seattle,
We are incredibly sorry about our last minute cancellation last night in Redmond - the decision wasn't taken lightly. Ezra had some vocal issues earlier in the day, but felt like he was improving however, while he was warming up just moments prior to our set time he lost his voice completely and was unable to perform. He was then taken to the ER and diagnosed with inflamed vocal cords and the doctor ordered him to not perform for 48 hours. Even so, we still wanted to perform but by that point it was clear that any performance we could give would have been essentially instrumental and nowhere close to what we or the audience was expecting.
We know you all had to wait around for the announcement, and many of you came a long way to be there, and again - we truly apologize.
Read more: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea…
23
I'm just glad it was a legitimate health issue. I suspected someone in the band was too drunk or high to play or they were being prima dona's and didn't like the venue. The condition Ezra's got is a real risk when one uses their voice as much as he does. It sucks this all happened. The announcement could have been made sooner and in a different manner but at least is wasn't due to VW's irresponsibility.
25
Saturday night at the Rendezvous Hurry Up Shotgun battled their way through this by having the backup guitar player (who isn't even a regular member of the band) take on most of the singing duties. It was the last day of their tour, they played to like 20 people and they made all of $50, i'm sure.
So how is it that they found a way to 'make it work' but the dudes getting paid thousands of dollars w/ hundreds of adoring fans waiting anxiously can't do the same? I'm sure the bass player knows the words, and I bet the crowd would be super understanding if when they came on they said something like "Dude A's voice is super fucked, and he had to go to the hospital. Doctor said he can't sing for a few days. So Dude B is going to sing the songs. We know that isn't exactly the same, but we wouldn't want to bail on all of you who came out to see us. We promise to come through again soon, when Dude A is better, and if you aren't cool w/ the switch, we totally understand and you can get a refund if you leave before the set (insert logistics for doing so)"
These people came to see a band. Not a solo act.
So how is it that they found a way to 'make it work' but the dudes getting paid thousands of dollars w/ hundreds of adoring fans waiting anxiously can't do the same? I'm sure the bass player knows the words, and I bet the crowd would be super understanding if when they came on they said something like "Dude A's voice is super fucked, and he had to go to the hospital. Doctor said he can't sing for a few days. So Dude B is going to sing the songs. We know that isn't exactly the same, but we wouldn't want to bail on all of you who came out to see us. We promise to come through again soon, when Dude A is better, and if you aren't cool w/ the switch, we totally understand and you can get a refund if you leave before the set (insert logistics for doing so)"
These people came to see a band. Not a solo act.
26
@25: "Dude A" isn't only the lead singer, he's also the lead guitar player.
It would've been cool if they tried to carry on, but it wouldn't have been anything like the show that people wanted to see.
It would've been cool if they tried to carry on, but it wouldn't have been anything like the show that people wanted to see.
27
@25:
This is what any seasoned band would do.
Do something like bring out the opening band or bring fans on stage to sing along. It isn't like half of the band has food poisoning or a bus crash killed the guitarist - lead singer should be the easiest position to replace in the band and any lead singer who thinks otherwise is suffering from inflamed ego chords.
This is what any seasoned band would do.
Do something like bring out the opening band or bring fans on stage to sing along. It isn't like half of the band has food poisoning or a bus crash killed the guitarist - lead singer should be the easiest position to replace in the band and any lead singer who thinks otherwise is suffering from inflamed ego chords.
28
I don't disagree that this was handled poorly, but it's just not credible to say that Ezra Koenig is the most easily replaceable member of Vampire Weekend.
29
@25 - and that works when you have another member who can sing and you don't have thousands of people in attendance. I think they handled this poorly, but what you're suggesting isn't a reasonable solution either, IMO.
I'm curious why they didn't have someone show up say, when they took their singer to the ER, even if just to say there's been a problem.
I'm curious why they didn't have someone show up say, when they took their singer to the ER, even if just to say there's been a problem.
30
The whole thing was handled very badly by people who clearly don't care about their fans. If his vocal cords were that screwed up, I can't imagine anyone with intelligence would think they would magically "heal" themselves in 30-60 minutes. Certainly making us sit in the chill for 90 minutes was unnecessary. I'm with all who said this is fishy and those who said a bit of an explanation would have gone a long way to keeping people calm. It's a shame. I was looking forard to hearing them live but I want a refund.
31
@26 and @29- I totally fail to see either of your points. I guarantee you that someone else in the band is totally capable of singing along, and if not, I'm sure a member of one of the openers could pull it off. Like I said, make the offer to refund anyone who is totally disappointed.
I understood that the singer had been told to lay off singing for a few days. If so, then he had already seen the doctor at the ER and would be available for guitar playing duties that evening. I have had inflamed vocal chords. It sucks, but there is nothing about it that prevents a person from standing (or sitting in a chair, i suppose) and strumming along to songs they have probably played 500 times. If he wasn't on hand, then there was no need for the wait.
I was unaware you had all gone to see 'Ezra Koenig and his Vampire Weekenders.'
I suppose it is more difficult to communicate a sense of entitlement without being able to speak.
I understood that the singer had been told to lay off singing for a few days. If so, then he had already seen the doctor at the ER and would be available for guitar playing duties that evening. I have had inflamed vocal chords. It sucks, but there is nothing about it that prevents a person from standing (or sitting in a chair, i suppose) and strumming along to songs they have probably played 500 times. If he wasn't on hand, then there was no need for the wait.
I was unaware you had all gone to see 'Ezra Koenig and his Vampire Weekenders.'
I suppose it is more difficult to communicate a sense of entitlement without being able to speak.
32
@31 I actually went to see and hear Ezra! I love his voice. Doesn't hurt that he's a cutie, either. Of course, Chris Thompson has got to be the happiest drummer alive.
http://www.mtv.com/videos/shows/vampire-…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmKnDFEjI…
http://www.mtv.com/videos/shows/vampire-…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmKnDFEjI…
33
"I was unaware you had all gone to see 'Ezra Koenig and his Vampire Weekenders.'"
Sorry to say, but I think that's actually true for most of the audience.
Sorry to say, but I think that's actually true for most of the audience.
34
It is for me. I love the guy's voice, and it wouldn't have been okay to pay $50 and hear the bass player sing with no lead guitar. It's a ridiculous suggestion, and you should just cede the point.
On the other hand, I agree with those who think there should be a refund, rather than a rain check. In light of the fact pattern, I don't see that happening though.
On the other hand, I agree with those who think there should be a refund, rather than a rain check. In light of the fact pattern, I don't see that happening though.
36
@25/31 is right. They knew something was going on and should have started salvaging some sort of short 30-45 min something without Ezra the second he left for the ER. With a full refund after as well.
They just handled it with zero consideration for the 4000 people waiting around in the park.
They just handled it with zero consideration for the 4000 people waiting around in the park.
37
@35 is totally right! I only went to see Beach House anyway...and now I got to see them for FREE! Called ticketmaster today and got my refund! Thanks Vampire Weekend for cancelling!
38
@32 and 34- Really? You care so little about what is going on w/ the rest of the 'music' that seeing the same people perform, with a different member singing, is unacceptable? Maybe even seeing them do some material that might not otherwise be trotted out yet, that would be ridiculous and not worth your time? I would think, if you were a big enough sucker for their schtick to shell out $50 for an outdoor show, you would be excited to see them pushing their boundaries a little bit. Or were you there to hear the hits? Cause you can buy the records and listen to the radio for that.
I've watched piss-ant little punk bands drag their asses through hell and back to not miss a show. I've seen a drummer w/ the flu play w/ a well utilized bucket next to their floor tom, and a singer who broke his arm 'out in the crowd' finish the set. They did so because they took what they do seriously. They felt that they had made an agreement to play, and failing to do so was a breech of ethics.
I've watched piss-ant little punk bands drag their asses through hell and back to not miss a show. I've seen a drummer w/ the flu play w/ a well utilized bucket next to their floor tom, and a singer who broke his arm 'out in the crowd' finish the set. They did so because they took what they do seriously. They felt that they had made an agreement to play, and failing to do so was a breech of ethics.
39
@38: We get it. You've seen some totally punk rock things happen. Congratulations on accumulating +15 scene points.
I don't think VW has ever tried to fall under that punk umbrella, and the fact of the matter is they aren't getting paid for not playing. I'm guessing most people would rather have gotten 2 great bands for free and then get their 50 bucks back instead of seeing 3 bands and having the headliner put on a totally subpar show.
I'm all for giving people their money's worth, and more than respect those sorts of bands with said bucket-puking/arm-breaking stories under their belts, but I'd much rather see a show that has a lot of heart and sounds good, too.
I don't think VW has ever tried to fall under that punk umbrella, and the fact of the matter is they aren't getting paid for not playing. I'm guessing most people would rather have gotten 2 great bands for free and then get their 50 bucks back instead of seeing 3 bands and having the headliner put on a totally subpar show.
I'm all for giving people their money's worth, and more than respect those sorts of bands with said bucket-puking/arm-breaking stories under their belts, but I'd much rather see a show that has a lot of heart and sounds good, too.
40
@39 -I don't think it has much to do w/ punk or a scene, and obviously it has nothing to do w/ me.
I think your premise "has a lot of heart and sounds good too" is where my issue has been all along. Do you mean "sounds good" or do you mean "sounds like the record I have at home?" My argument isn't an economic one- of course they didn't get paid.
Let me put it like this: Would you rather:
A) see Velvet Underground at a place akin to the Showbox, with great sound, play every 'hit' in a very tight and familiar manner, or
B) see VU at some loft with an underpowered PA playing a shambled 26 minute version of Sister Ray, then Lou Reed leaves and the rest of the set is a Morrison noise raga?
I would pick B, because I am a fan of what bands 'Do', not what bands 'Have Done.'
I think your premise "has a lot of heart and sounds good too" is where my issue has been all along. Do you mean "sounds good" or do you mean "sounds like the record I have at home?" My argument isn't an economic one- of course they didn't get paid.
Let me put it like this: Would you rather:
A) see Velvet Underground at a place akin to the Showbox, with great sound, play every 'hit' in a very tight and familiar manner, or
B) see VU at some loft with an underpowered PA playing a shambled 26 minute version of Sister Ray, then Lou Reed leaves and the rest of the set is a Morrison noise raga?
I would pick B, because I am a fan of what bands 'Do', not what bands 'Have Done.'
41
Chris, what YOU would rather see is not the compass by which sense is made -- some people are a fan of the MUSIC that bands make and don't give a shit about what they do or have done. One of the most common things that can make a band popular is the front man's and charisma. Without that singer, people will be fucking PISSED not to have that critical aspect of the show... Nobody wants to pay $50 to watch a Vampire Weekend tribute band. And that fact is not affected by how impressed you would be by their exquisite road seasoning.
I will at least go as far to say that if they had come out and played for a bit anyway, and still offered refunds, then that would have qualified as "cool of them".
I will at least go as far to say that if they had come out and played for a bit anyway, and still offered refunds, then that would have qualified as "cool of them".
43
I guess I should not expect a band that has literally had everything handed to them their entire lives to have any 'Road Seasoning'.
Why would you perform when you'd rather not? Why would you secure rights from the model you put on your album cover? It's just someone's work and someone's likeness. And so on.
They are terrible. Turns out, they are also probably terrible people.
Why would you perform when you'd rather not? Why would you secure rights from the model you put on your album cover? It's just someone's work and someone's likeness. And so on.
They are terrible. Turns out, they are also probably terrible people.
44
I just think your expectation that they do something to prove to the audience that they WOULD put on the show people payed to see is silly because it wouldn't solve the problem, which is that they can't. It seems this is more about your opinion of their backgrounds and presence than what actually happened at the show, which I guess is fine. I can totally get behind that last part, they really are terrible.
45
Lots of bands/fine people come from privileged backgrounds. I think that has very little to do with their lack of wherewithal. What I object to is the casual-ness with which they treat their not very demanding occupation.
Other trust funders, like Thurston Moore and Jon Spencer take what they do seriously, despite the fact that they didn't have to, and work hard at it (regardless of how enthused you are w/ the outcome).
Other trust funders, like Thurston Moore and Jon Spencer take what they do seriously, despite the fact that they didn't have to, and work hard at it (regardless of how enthused you are w/ the outcome).
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