This may not be entirely Dave Matthews fault but he was the one that decided to attach his name onto it so until someone else steps forward I’m afraid the fault remains with him and his band.
The Dave Matthews Band, typically associated with frat boys and modern-day hippies, did not seem to embrace that spirit during their Caravan tour, at least not during their stay in Chicago. The caravan was a roving festival of some of the top jam bands in the country that attracted a couple of million concert-goers over the weekend. Held deep on the Southside the venue, the former location of the United States Steel Corporation’s South Works plant, marked the first time spot had been used as anything but a vacant lot since the plant’s destruction.
Making use of the area was a part of what the band called a “green tour” that would include free water for those smart enough to bring water bottles and multiple security guards reminding you that the tour was eco-friendly throughout the day if any trash fell on the ground.
Despite this act of peace and love one could not help but notice the hypocrisy present throughout the festival. After all it is hard to take someone seriously when they are trying to save the planet but promote smoking with a large booth encouraging people to attend the Marlboro Experience. Last time I checked smoking actually killed people.
Just in case the cigarettes weren’t doing the job though the lack of noticeable shade in the nearly 100 degree weather helped moved the process along nicely. Having to wait 45 minutes in line to fill up one or two water bottles was not only a major pain to the festival goers but meant that whatever band you were hoping to see during that time you were most likely going to miss.
Don’t get me wrong, the fest itself was a good idea. The bands that played put on amazing sets and I was glad to see so much talent in one place. Bands like the Yonder Mountain String Band and Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings put on fantastic shows and I’m glad they decided to join the tour.
I do ask your forgiveness while I rant a bit more though. This last part does not really have an impact on the festival-goers but says volumes about how Dave Matthews feels about the press.
Late Saturday as the sun reached its peak I decided it was time to check out the press tent. For those of you that have never been inside a the press area it is typically a place for both artists and the press to hang out, get work done and conduct interviews or do photo ops with bands. Lollapalooza has been the most extravagant I’ve seen yet with a healthy supply of food and plenty of area to work and play. Of course it is a well known fact that just beyond the media area there is a spot just for artists that is usually much better. The press is aware of this but it’s never been a big deal. We get treated with respect and are allowed to do our work in some amount of comfort, which is really all that matters.
So when I made my way to the press area I was not only baffled but more than a little annoyed. The artists’ area was stationed directly across from the media station and separated by a large metal fence. Two security guards watched each entrance making sure one did not cross over into the other. Dave Matthews made sure all the musicians and their friends were taken care of with an open bar, plenty of fans and free food. The press, on the other hand, was welcomed with two tables, a couple of chairs and an open thermos of ice water. That was it. We could not even make our way to the other side to help set-up interviews because the press were not allowed into the artists area at all, the guard told me he had orders from the top making sure of it.
Anyone who has seen “Almost Famous” knows that the press can sometimes be seen as “the enemy” by musicians for fear of what we might say or do to hurt their reputation as a band. It is natural for some musicians to be a little cautious around us, but never like this. Dave Matthews made it explicitly clear how he feels about the press and what kind of treatment we deserve.
I fully admit that this is just my opinion taken from my experiences at the show. Were you there? What are your thoughts?
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Really?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 01:34:28
So you judge the festival on how butthurt you were about not getting to hang out with the musicians? The venue definately had it's flaws, but the amount of work to get it to where it was is impressive. It's elitists like you, complaining that they weren't pampered, that makes many people view the press as the enemy. This festival brought lots of needed money and attention to a neighborhood that was abandoned by middle america two decades ago, and left to rot. Yes, I found the 'Marlboro Experience' a strange thing as well. But alcohol kills too, especially in the heat. Both are equally legal in this country, and adults are free to decide what to do with their health. maybe next time, you can just go as a person looking to enjoy three days of great musicianship and camaraderie, and not as a member of the self-entitled 'press'.  |
In response
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 08:10:25
Try and understand i'm not looking to be pampered, flying by the seat of our pants is part of the job.But when we are not allowed to do our job properly by interacting with the artists in the press area it makes our job difficult. Tearing down the wall between press and artist allows for less tension and makes both our lives easier.I honestly don't care how much luxury they got, they are musicians and work hard but so do we. Remember we are there working as well and deserve some amount of respect. At fest it seemed as if we were given the bare minimum and then forgotten about. I'm really not being elitist. Re-read the article, I enjoyed the music of the fest and I appreciated the work of the musicians. Every act I saw put on an amazing set. But with booths pushing cigarettes, allowing noticeably intoxicated people to test drive cars while creating a situation where large restless crowds fought for water isn't a good one. |
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 08:16:10
Please understand it is the job of a critic to be brutal and honest so that the it may help the band in the future. I am not entirely sure the DMB was aware of the conditions throughout the fest and other reviews have side-stepped the issue. I did not want to do that so I told it how I saw it. I know I am going to get backlash from this but I hope that if DMB decides to do the fest again next year he will take notice of these problems and make it even better because someone spoke up.
JB |
WHT!
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 08:40:33
Huh? was you at the same fest I was at? I did both AC & Chicago. The fans at both fest was vary chill. More chill then they are at Hartford or Alpine.
as for the Press Tent I had a friend that shot AC & another Friend shot Chicago. They said the Press Tent was real nice. So what ever your smoking don't smoke it again gives you a bad buzz. |
Jeep
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 08:42:51
They had Pro Drivers driving. You was in the passenger seat.
The Marabou area was a great place to cool down and you could even charge your phone there. |
A couple million concert goers?!
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 09:43:17
You're joking right?! There were at least a billion. It was confirmed on ants. |
Call the WAAAAAAAmbulance.
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 09:51:32
You sound like a whiny bitch. Wash the sand from your vagina then rethink your experience. |
Orbs and Dylans
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 09:52:30
Did you see any at the festival? |
Bad Credit?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 09:53:47
You sound like a horrible person. You must have bad credit. Wht? |
Hypocrisy?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 10:00:20
You accuse Dave Matthews of being hypocrite? Have you done any research on the expansive charitable work done by Mr. Matthews and his band? I'm sorry you were offended by the lack of amenities in the press tent and lack of access to the artists. Funny, but the Atlantic City Press reporter had great access to the bands - even posting video interviews on their website. Maybe there just weren't enough artist access press credentials available to give them to any journalistic hack blogger who wanted one? As far as the Marlboro tent - all music festivals employ corporate sponsorship as a means to keep the ticket prices for the fans down to a manageable amount. To me - the sadness in this is that someone of your ilk is actually comfortable calling himself/herself a journalist. |
Lame
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 11:46:54
coincidence I have never heard of your magazine?
Try acting like a real fan and stop acting so elitist and maybe the musicians will treat you better as well.
For the record, I've met DMB and others plenty of times through fan clubs and just being generally sincere and appreciative of what they do. |
Seriously?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 11:51:18
You're complaining about the location of the press area and lack of access to the performers. Do you really think Dave Matthews personally set up the site logistics? Then I'm sure he and the band personally manned the water refill stations and kept everyone waiting. The lack of shade is also definitely Dave's fault, we all know he can move the earth and the sun.
Now, let's get to some discrepancies in your "facts." I am neither a frat boy nor a modern-day hippie, and neither are any of my friends who are fans. Neither are the hundreds of other fans I've met over the years at DMB shows. Oh, and over a million fans at these festivals - really? Where were they all hiding?
You appear to have a personal issue with Dave himself, since this was a festival that was organized by the Dave Matthews Band, yet you repeatedly use the pronoun "he"(or its objective form, "him") instead of "they." What's the matter, are you angry at the lack of BTCS songs played in Chicago?
I find it laughable that you seem to feel entitled to the same amenities as the performers, and even more laughable is the fact that you, a hack blogger, actually think you are a journalist. |
Lumino....
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 12:06:02
More like poomino, amirite? |
Railed!
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 12:06:15
You should try buying glow tape, faking an injury, blowing a drummer, and breaking someone's finger to get what you want in DMB world. That's what I did. Get railed bitches! |
The millions of fans were hiding...
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 12:07:17
In the author's gaping vagina. |
WhT?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 12:17:42
LOL,
You mad?
Stop being a whiny bitch |
Journalist?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 13:54:38
You might want to think about using some commas, or for that matter, learn how to edit your own work. Clearly there's no editor here. Then you can call yourself a journalist. |
and...
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 14:44:38
I'm still waiting to find out what the "hipocrisy" is. |
Journalism 101
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 15:29:33
I am so proud to be part of the dMb family... Thank you to everyone who responded.
She is completely entitled to her opinion, but it seems like she had more of an issue w/ the venue than dMb/Dave.
Annnnnd, I graduated from college 14 years ago, but I still remember that the first two rules in journalism are: 1) know your audience 2) know your facts... neither of which she did. |
Exaggeration!!!
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 16:25:16
you said that million attended the fest but all the local news say 100K. you also said it was in the 100's and yet Fri was low 80's Sat was mid 80's and Sun did get into the 90's. But no 100's. If you hate DMB then don't write about him. So many other acts to follow.  |
I was in Chicago
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 17:43:41
And this article was written by and idiot.  |
Chicago, was not Chicago
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 18:06:52
This is always the issue with media and (I strongly hesitate to call it this) journalism these days. First of all, I would assume that lumino magazine doesnt exactly garner the greatest journalists in the media world.. and Journalism 101 is to talk about the experience and know youre audience. This person spent most of their time going on and on and on and on about how they were treated poorly by Dave Matthews?> Hey, I got news for you-- this is supposed to be an article about the show -- NOT a YELP review!
We get it -- you dont like Dave Matthews, he looks like an ex-boyfriend. We got it. But try to tell me a bit more about what was shaking at the show. |
WhT
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 19:17:14
millions, eh? You're lucky you can even be considered as press.
WhT is full of douches |
Hospitality tent
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 19:39:34
How did you miss the massive hospitality tent? Or the tent directly across from it where photographers were set up, getting shots of the band members? Personnel backstage waited on me, hand & foot. |
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 20:10:59
i have to reiterate that the jeeps were driven by professional drivers, not the intoxicated masses you describe. that is just too big a mistake to not mention again. |
You're a fucking douchebag
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 20:11:36
Why would DMB have an amazing press tent for you faggot? You're a fucking nobody. Maybe if you took your boyfriend's dick out of your ear at the festival you might have heard some good music. You're a class A tool bud |
You're a cunt
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 20:14:38
Seriously you're a fucking joke of a journalist. This is why bitches shouldn't be allowed to be journalist. Ron Burgandy knew his shit. I bet you gave that pussy up to an ex-boyfriend who played Crash and now you're pissed huh? Next time don't slut it up whore. |
Your Ridiculous.
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 20:30:06
im sorry you didnt get pampered like a star like you deserve...
oh wait...
ive never even heard of you or your magazine. Why do you deserve a nicer press tent? you do nothing of importance anyway. |
You know...
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 20:40:19
I came to read this article in support of you (the author) because I generally don't believe DMB fans are as relaxed, or cool as they lead on to believe.
Anyways, they were all right, you seem like a self serving doucher who went out and found the only "bad" aspect (in your eyes) of this production and went on a rant about it.
It's a pointless rant to anyone but another journalist.
Sorry about the unkind words. |
Puuush.
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 20:48:04
***Farts in blog*** |
Douche
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:13:03
I wouldn't wipe my ass with this farce of a magazine. You're an embarrassment to all men who have a penis |
You're a toolbag
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:16:46
Even Michael Phelps thinks you're a fucking idiot. They didn't have a nice press tent for you? Boo-fucking hoo. You were lucky they let a nobody sack of pussy repellent like you on the festival grounds. Lumino? What the fuck is that shit? It sounds like what that random Italian bitch i fucked two weeks ago said when I was grinding up in that pink puss. You're a fucking loser that works for a f list publication, you didn't deserve a nice press tent. Ass fucker |
DOUCHEBAG
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:17:50
YOU ARE A DOUCHE ELF |
Dave
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:25:52
The didn't play Last Stop, Monkey Man or Dreaming Tree because this cock gobbler was at the festival. FUCK YOU ASSBAG! |
Wow
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:28:51
Just saw this guy's facebook page. He definitely likes dick and didn't deserve a nice press tent. |
Maturity
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:56:37
Wow. I am floored by the level of maturity here. And people wonder why I'm ashamed to admit I love Dave Matthews Band. Nice response, people. |
Wow
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 21:56:44
don't be a little bitch...there were definitely not a couple million people there...you lost any and all of my respect when i realized you were just going to exaggerate things to make your point...which sucked balls. |
Ouch
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 22:49:21
I don't think I ever read such hateful, vile comments. But I guess you need to have pretty thick skin when you write an editorial (which almost everyone here seemed to miss). |
Bullshit
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 22:56:53
You sound like a communist. You voted for Obama didn't you? |
Really?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-14 23:12:56
You are an idiot. Get off your high horse. |
Wow.
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 00:25:53
I wrote the original comment here. I stand by my assertion that you sounded burned by not getting the special treatment you expected, but I have to say that I am sorry for the disgusting and immature comments that have followed mine. These are left by, undoubtedly, the same people that make DMB concerts more challenging to attend than they were in the 90's. The same reason I often get the 'I didn't know you were in a fraternity' or 'how many games of beer pong ya gonna play' cracks from people when they find out I am heading to a show. Please do not judge all DMB fans by the actions of the few, but loud (and vicious) minority. |
Wow is right!!
Written by publisher on 2011-07-15 00:35:11
Thanks "Wow" and everyone for their comments good or um... immature. Lumino is happy you are reading even if you don't agree with us. Our writer Jordan, a guy by the way, had his own experience and obviously wasn't a favorable one. Regardless, we would love to hear about your experience from the festival in Chicago. Thanks everyone!! |
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 07:06:40
The most pathetic thing on this whole blog is the fact that you still use Myspace. |
Myspace
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 10:44:35
He uses myspace because its the place were all the pedophiles hang out. The Chicago festival was awesome. This guy is a pretentious, douchebag who thinks he writes for the New York Times. It's too bad he isn't man enough to respond to the comments on his article. Instead he continues his pussy actions and gets an editor to come defend him. What a little bitch |
A Million Fans
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 11:09:17
"A million fans" at the 3 day Chicago Caravan immediately takes away an credibility to this story and the writer.
Perhaps you're stealing lyrics from "Seek Up". Wait a second, you've probably never heard "Seek Up"!.
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Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 12:30:39
This guy is a fucking idiot. And nobody supports this. Love it! haha. dMb Caravan Chicago was AMAZING!! Go to hell ass hole. It was a music festival, what'd you expect. If i was an artist, I would not want you in my area either, that is why you got stuck with 2 tables and a thermos of water. |
Shithead
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 13:22:48
The reason DMB dumped crap on Chicago is because of people like you dick |
I dont like DMB either...
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 13:36:55
But you're still a giant tool. This is like some snot nose little kid crying because he didn't get invited to the entrepreneur expo for running is 20 cent L3mon/de stand |
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 13:40:54
Can't Stop >>>>>> OP |
You need a tissue Jordan
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 14:15:53
Grow a pair and stop crying like a little bitch |
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 15:17:31
While you do point out some legitimate issues with how the festival was set up and run (e.g., the line for water), to place the blame for all of your disappointments on Dave Matthews is very lazy. You correctly mention the fact that it is probably not all his fault, but you should have then found out whose fault it was. Music festivals are not planned by the bands themselves, not even ones such as this that are focused around a single band. Managers, production companies, and third-party contractors are to blame or credit for just about everything other than the performances themselves. |
Eat My Ass
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 15:32:58
Like Dave or any of the artists there want this dildo hanging around their families and friends so he can write in his shitty magazine that no one reads. Fuck you for getting into the festival to begin with and complaining about it. No one gives a fuck about how the press is treated except for the press. Look at the type of shit you write about the artists.. and you want them to bend over backwards for you? Eat a bag of dicks. |
Written by Guest on 2011-07-15 16:32:52
 That is all. |
Are you kidding?
Written by Guest on 2011-07-17 17:06:06
I apologize on behalf of the Dave Matthews band for not creating an air conditioned or professionally catered area for the press to conduct the same interview that has been done with the Bands Manager about 500 times now. Press of a music festival is dead. Everything anyone wants to know can be seen on the band's facebook or tweets. No one cares what Dave Matthews feels about the old steel mill site. Here was there...He was playing..that's what he does. Of course he is going to think it was a success regardless of anything else; he made a few million bucks. |
Idiot
Written by Guest on 2011-07-29 13:58:15
Can I have the 2 minutes of my life I spent reading this crap back? "Boo-Hoo I didn't get to hang with the musicians, so I'll look up the word Hypocrite and bash a fest." Get another job that suits your whiny bitch ass. |
