|
Post by sequesteredinuk on Jan 10, 2022 8:57:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the replies guys, it's nice to get some kind of feel, even if it's a very small sample size, on how people feel.
It's a political football to an extent that I'm uncomfortable kicking to be honest, whatever the Hold Steady choose to do won't please everyone, just as how government's act won't. You've ultimately got to do what's best for you, just as The Hold Steady have to. I'm not interested in politics in music, to the point where there are some bands and individual artists I don't go see even when I agree with their political stance. I don't think gigs should turn into political rallies. The unified scene includes those we don't agree with politically or philosophically so I, for one, would prefer to keep governments varied handling out of these discussions. That's just me.
There's a couple of things that need clearing up written above however, there is no mandatory quarantine in England as some believe. There's been cancellation by some artists, The Streets, Frank Turner, a few more , but there's actually more concerts in this dead zone of January & February than there generally is. I've got tickets for The Bunnymen, The Libertines, The Stranglers and Ross Noble (comedian) all before Camden is scheduled. IDLES begin a tour this coming Sunday. So bands are playing, local authorities, central government and the venues themselves aren't intervening, isn't that all we ask?
The poster who said that he didn't feel it was the best idea to go to a gig right now is absolutely entitled to his views, like I said before ultimately it should be left to.the individual. Since September 1st I've been to 15 gigs, 8 in the States, 7 in the UK. Just as many sporting events as well. Just this Saturday gone I was at a football match with over 51,000 in attendance. So that tells you how endangered I feel. But if someone else is uncomfortable they shouldn't go.
The same goes for The Hold Steady. I won't think any less of them if they decide not to come to London this year. But I believe it's a watershed moment as I think that next year things won't have changed. There'll be another variant, probably much more potent than almicron, so we might well be having these same discussions then. The band cancellation/postponement policy in the past have been dictated by restrictions being in place. So this time the ball is in their court so to speak. Cancel if you wish but you'll be cancelling until the end of time in my opinion.
I tend to agree with the suggestion out forward by one poster that perhaps postponing Camden 22' until the summer might be a good idea but the band have shown no inclination to rearrange other than knock the dates back a calendar year, LA, Toronto, Melbourne, all put back a full year. Its a nice idea but I don't think it'll happen.....if they do I'll be at all of them. I'm not sure if Melbourne will ever happen personally.
Happy New year everyone, I hope to see at least some of you down the road.
|
|
tbob
True Scene Leader
Posts: 548
|
Post by tbob on Jan 10, 2022 22:29:50 GMT -5
I’m optimistic now. I wasn’t at all a few weeks back but the closer we get the less likely a cancellation is I guess. I agree that if you don’t feel comfortable then don’t go. That’s fully understandable but it doesn’t mean everyone feels the same. I can’t wait to get back to Camden. 2020 may have been more dangerous or whatever but it was also brilliant. I haven’t been too troubled by the pandemic but like most of us my life has changed because of it. I don’t get to do what I want so much and my propensity for catching the fucking thing means I’ve seen less of my parents than I usually would but I’ll see my Mam for her 69th birthday later today and when I tell her I’m off to London or Nottingham or Birmingham or Bristol or wherever my heart directs me she’ll call me a bugger and I’ll ring her and tell her I’m fine when I’ve reached my destination. It’s all about choice and I choose love, laughter and music. And alcohol, obviously.
|
|
tbob
True Scene Leader
Posts: 548
|
Post by tbob on Jan 10, 2022 22:40:01 GMT -5
As nice as it sounds I can’t see them changing it to the summer either. Rebooking three nights at such short notice would be nigh on impossible and as previously mentioned their m.o. has been to put it back a year and I can’t see that changing if they do pull the shows. We may get a Brooklyn Bowl online show at U.K. friendly times though?
|
|
|
Post by muzzleofbees on Jan 11, 2022 2:40:04 GMT -5
I feel a bit numb to the entire thing. It's just so hard to imagine going abroad to watch three shows right now. Not in the way that I'm afraid or concerned about the risk, it's just literally hard to imagine actually doing it.
I think I'm gonna decide a couple of weeks before the actual dates, taking into account both the situation in UK and the current restrictions in Norway.
|
|
Rene
Cityscape Skin
Posts: 3
|
Post by Rene on Jan 11, 2022 13:20:39 GMT -5
Hi everyone! Hopefully it will be able to go ahead as planned. This will be my first time seeing them. Had to cancel the 2020 weekender the day before... I will be flying in from The Netherlands for the weekend and hope to meet some new people and share the experience. Quick question; I am looking for a ticket for the sunday show at the Moth Club. Is this the place to ask? I can't see anything about ticket selling on the FAQ (just registered).
|
|
tbob
True Scene Leader
Posts: 548
|
Post by tbob on Jan 11, 2022 18:35:23 GMT -5
Hi everyone! Hopefully it will be able to go ahead as planned. This will be my first time seeing them. Had to cancel the 2020 weekender the day before... I will be flying in from The Netherlands for the weekend and hope to meet some new people and share the experience. Quick question; I am looking for a ticket for the sunday show at the Moth Club. Is this the place to ask? I can't see anything about ticket selling on the FAQ (just registered). The Moth Club was notoriously difficult to get tickets for. I must admit I lucked in. I wouldn’t give up if you genuinely want to go though. If you’re in London that weekend anyway just keep your eyes peeled on here or around the venue. This scene truly is unified.
|
|
Rene
Cityscape Skin
Posts: 3
|
Post by Rene on Jan 12, 2022 13:54:04 GMT -5
Hi everyone! Hopefully it will be able to go ahead as planned. This will be my first time seeing them. Had to cancel the 2020 weekender the day before... I will be flying in from The Netherlands for the weekend and hope to meet some new people and share the experience. Quick question; I am looking for a ticket for the sunday show at the Moth Club. Is this the place to ask? I can't see anything about ticket selling on the FAQ (just registered). The Moth Club was notoriously difficult to get tickets for. I must admit I lucked in. I wouldn’t give up if you genuinely want to go though. If you’re in London that weekend anyway just keep your eyes peeled on here or around the venue. This scene truly is unified. I was suprised to see how tiny the venue is. But yeah, worst case I wait outside the venue for a while and if not succesfull it won't be a big deal. Thanks for the advise!
|
|
|
Post by charlemagne on Jan 13, 2022 13:26:39 GMT -5
I appreciate all of these updates. I'm American and have tickets to the Friday and Saturday shows and much like the above poster couldn't snag a ticket to Sunday night at Moth Club, though I'd love to go. I haven't bought my plane ticket yet but there are no shortage of reasonably priced flights from Dulles to Heathrow, so not too worried about that. Just waiting until closer to the date to make sure there isn't a cancellation. You figure they'd let people know a few weeks out at least, right?
|
|
|
Post by sequesteredinuk on Jan 13, 2022 19:02:40 GMT -5
I appreciate all of these updates. I'm American and have tickets to the Friday and Saturday shows and much like the above poster couldn't snag a ticket to Sunday night at Moth Club, though I'd love to go. I haven't bought my plane ticket yet but there are no shortage of reasonably priced flights from Dulles to Heathrow, so not too worried about that. Just waiting until closer to the date to make sure there isn't a cancellation. You figure they'd let people know a few weeks out at least, right? You would think a few weeks out they'd let people know. That would be reasonable. I was talking with some mates today about all this and cancelled European tours by various artists kept getting brought up as a reason for pessimism. Maybe I'm looking at things incorrectly or I'm wishing rather than thinking? Time will tell, but to me there's a world of difference between a European tour, or even a UK tour, and playing three nights in London then going home. that's why looking at other bands cancelling or postponing tours is irrelevant to The Hold Steady situation I feel. I'm still hopeful. No fucker got tickets to the moth club mate. Except for tbob, he got one, he found a four leaf clover before logging on the computer that morning......these things have a habit of turning up, if we can't get in we'll all meet at a pub across the road from the moth club, drink until we have no regard for consequences then storm the door. January 6th 2021 will have nothing on us. 😉
|
|
|
Post by ilockyer on Jan 19, 2022 16:37:51 GMT -5
We're now just a fraction over 6 weeks out from the shows. Numbers here in the UK are reducing fairly rapidly from what they were only two or three weeks ago, so that's a positive sign. Our "government" certainly seem to think so, as all restrictions will end again a week tomorrow. I did feel more confident in these shows happening before the announcement today, and that keeping things as they were for another couple of weeks would be better. Who'd be a politician or tour manager in covid times though? If these shows happen, I'll be there. If they don't, I'll be disappointed but I'll understand (and be even more livid with myself that I didn't just throw money I didn't then have on a trip to Brooklyn last December). I'm about 60% confident we'll be paying over the odds for a drink in the Ballroom on 4 March though.
|
|
robs
Hoodrat
Posts: 297
|
Post by robs on Jan 24, 2022 15:29:45 GMT -5
I've now taken the plunge and booked travel and accommodation for me, my mum and 2 kids. In some respects I'm in a relatively no lose situation, as whatever happens I'll get to have a weekend with my Surrey-based family. I was feeling positive up until about an hour ago when Band of Horses announced they've kicked the can down road from March. But as folk have said, this isn't a tour so I remain hopeful.
|
|
tbob
True Scene Leader
Posts: 548
|
Post by tbob on Jan 24, 2022 20:07:28 GMT -5
I was just having a scout about for a Saturday ticket for a friend and I couldn’t get one. Every online site, including the Ballroom, was sold out. Could still buy a Friday ticket though. Not to get too optimistic (after all these times haven’t been particularly conducive with such thoughts) but maybe those slow ticket sales were just people waiting to see what happens. And after all an avowed sinner starting to believe is THS as fuck!
|
|
|
Post by muzzleofbees on Jan 25, 2022 5:19:44 GMT -5
Still very conflicted about going or not. Of course, it's something different coming from abroad to watch the shows, but the restrictions both in Norway and UK are heading towards it being totally OK. I guess it comes down to a feeling of wheter it is socially acceptable doing it, in some way or another.
I went to my first proper rock'n'roll show since The Weekender 2020 on Saturday, and even if it was a seated event, it felt amazing. A Norwegian band called Fangst, if any of you are interested. Their song Hjertet on Spotify is really, really good, even if you don't get the lyrics.
|
|
|
Post by sequesteredinuk on Jan 25, 2022 6:45:58 GMT -5
I never really considered slow ticket sales as a consideration into whether or not the weekender would happen tbob, that was until very recently. I've got one mate who believes it's pivotal in whether the shows go ahead or not? Perhaps I was a little naive in thinking outside of the dollars and cents of it all? Maybe? News of the sold out sign going up can't be a bad thing can it?
My views on the whole thing remain the same Muzzle, if you're conflicted I would stay home. That my (unasked for) advice. I'm rarely conflicted about anything personally as far as entertainment goes. If the show is on and I can go then I'm going. That's it. Socially acceptable or not. Do what's best for yourself mate.
As for the Band themselves. I don't know what more you can ask for than no restrictions? If they don't make the trip this year I believe they'll never come again! No news is good news in this situation I think. though No cancellation or postponement announcement as of yet. I think the shows will go ahead now.
|
|
|
Post by charlemagne on Jan 25, 2022 7:17:20 GMT -5
With the recent news about the UK dropping the testing requirements and restrictions, I'm actually more concerned about my ability to get back into the U.S. than I am with attending the show. Fully vaxxed/boosted here, have been going to my neighborhood bar regularly as it is. Haven't tested positive at any point, knock on wood. After my first trip to London in 2019, I told myself that if I could get tickets to a London weekender in the future, I had to go. Have only seen the band twice, once in Richmond, once in Philadelphia, and it was just incredible both times. Hoping for the best, but finally trending a bit optimistic. Still may wait another couple of weeks to snag a flight just to be exceedingly safe, but really hoping to mix it up with you all in March.
|
|
|
Post by nosferatu on Jan 25, 2022 9:22:00 GMT -5
Totally agree that this should happen. The ticket sales support it, the lack of restrictions support it. I’m boosted, had it at least once already so at this point I really don’t care about getting embroiled in sweat and wet confetti for the first time in forever.
It does make you wonder though, with all these other cancellations like Band of Horses whether/when the bigger bands who are actually touring from town to town or country to country start employing understudies.
I for one will put myself forward for Bobby.
|
|
|
Post by nosferatu on Jan 25, 2022 9:23:56 GMT -5
Still very conflicted about going or not. Of course, it's something different coming from abroad to watch the shows, but the restrictions both in Norway and UK are heading towards it being totally OK. I guess it comes down to a feeling of wheter it is socially acceptable doing it, in some way or another. I went to my first proper rock'n'roll show since The Weekender 2020 on Saturday, and even if it was a seated event, it felt amazing. A Norwegian band called Fangst, if any of you are interested. Their song Hjertet on Spotify is really, really good, even if you don't get the lyrics. I would have no problem socialising with overseas travellers in London, especially seeing as the band is flying from the US!
|
|
|
Post by twistedkitemike on Jan 26, 2022 9:50:45 GMT -5
Hello Folks,
I was not around on the times when tickets for The Moth Club went on sale, or at least for the minute they were on sale!
I haven't missed a UK gig for ages, so mildly peeved.
If anyone has one or two spares, please message me! I will also throw in (as well as paying for the tickets) the merchandise package that I bought in error!!
Cheers
Mike...................
|
|
|
Post by repoman on Jan 29, 2022 16:12:38 GMT -5
Don’t want to jinx anything but I’m confident of the Weekender going ahead. I work in the industry running two venues and it’s been….interesting. It’s true that multiple tours are continuing to reschedule and this press release from LIVE, one of the main industry bodies gives the overview: HereHowever, it is also true that whatever is said publically, a good number of these tours are rescheduling for sales related reasons, not anything directly Covid related. It may be reported that someone in the band/crew has come down, it’s usually sales, and it’s demographically based. We have lost a tour with a “heritage” artist - and therefore more cautious 60-70 year old audience - because caution at the time tickets went on sale meant that sales didn’t hit where they should have been and promoters got cold feet. THS is very different. A band with a super loyal fan base that now visit the UK on e a year can easily sell out 3 nights and c3500 tickets. It’s a quick in/out without an additional 20 dates at risk. I’m booking my train ticket next week and I’ll see you at the soundcheck on Friday
|
|
bigontheinside
Midnight Hauler
If you don't know the words, don't sing along
Posts: 1,478
|
Post by bigontheinside on Jan 29, 2022 18:06:11 GMT -5
It will be interesting to see what the vibe of the crowd will be like, if the shows do go ahead. Anyone who's been to a Weekender before will know those shows always have a sweaty crush of a mosh pit. I am personally dying to be back in that this year, but I don't want to make others discomfortable. When I saw Squid in september, no one was wearing a mask and everyone was getting up close and personal in the pit. I felt safe because I was double vaxxed and tested before and after, but things were admittedly slightly different then. I can tolerate wearing a mask but standing still at a THS show would feel weird to me. Hopefully the numbers drop a lot in the next month and things feel a little less risky so everyone can have as much fun as possible.
|
|
robs
Hoodrat
Posts: 297
|
Post by robs on Jan 30, 2022 13:54:05 GMT -5
It will be interesting to see what the vibe of the crowd will be like, if the shows do go ahead. Anyone who's been to a Weekender before will know those shows always have a sweaty crush of a mosh pit. I am personally dying to be back in that this year, but I don't want to make others discomfortable. When I saw Squid in september, no one was wearing a mask and everyone was getting up close and personal in the pit. I felt safe because I was double vaxxed and tested before and after, but things were admittedly slightly different then. I can tolerate wearing a mask but standing still at a THS show would feel weird to me. Hopefully the numbers drop a lot in the next month and things feel a little less risky so everyone can have as much fun as possible. Yeah, I'm not sure how I will react as I am normally front and centre for THS, but have been very cautious throughout the pandemic. I went to three gigs in September/October last year. Accompanied my 15 year old to see the Snuts (twice, they are pretty good in a Radio X way) - very young, maskless crowd having the best time whilst I cowered at the back with my mask on. Also went to see the Waterboys, which was 80% old and masked up! I think I'll just be happy to be there - I'm interested to see how it will be as it it will be first foray south of the border since, funnily enough, March 2020 - it has a nice symmetry about it...
|
|
|
Post by sequesteredinuk on Jan 30, 2022 19:22:14 GMT -5
It will be interesting to see what the vibe of the crowd will be like, if the shows do go ahead. Anyone who's been to a Weekender before will know those shows always have a sweaty crush of a mosh pit. I am personally dying to be back in that this year, but I don't want to make others discomfortable. When I saw Squid in september, no one was wearing a mask and everyone was getting up close and personal in the pit. I felt safe because I was double vaxxed and tested before and after, but things were admittedly slightly different then. I can tolerate wearing a mask but standing still at a THS show would feel weird to me. Hopefully the numbers drop a lot in the next month and things feel a little less risky so everyone can have as much fun as possible. I suppose you can only go by shows these previous few months to have what a crowd would be like, it's only an indicator as it's a different crowd of course, but I saw Sleaford mods in three different locations and the crowd were no different than previous years. Fontaines DC was a wild mosh pit in October. I don't think the vibe will be any concern or any different personally. In New York in December there were one of two people I encountered that wanted social distancing when it wasn't possible in a sold out club. They were the exception to the rule though. Most fans were happy to be out and accepted the surroundings.
|
|
mafee
Clever Kid
Posts: 94
|
Post by mafee on Jan 31, 2022 4:54:35 GMT -5
Booked my flights yesterday - now just to sort accommodation - surprisingly I'm in a situation where I have to confirm numbers, normally it's just myself, brother and sister in law who go over but some friends/casual fans seem to be keen to get back to normal with events and travelling etc. who might be joining too.
I can't imagine I'll be wearing a mask at the show for the heat alone, and the fact my glasses would be constantly steamed up! I think for a rock show you just have to accept it's back to normal and if that's not something you're comfortable with then consider giving it a miss this year.
|
|
alvie
Clever Kid
Posts: 66
|
Post by alvie on Jan 31, 2022 6:06:59 GMT -5
I may have a spare Sunday ticket. Though there is a slight catch, I need a Saturday ticket which is also sold out!
The ticket belongs to a friend of mine who has two for Sunday only, but his wife can no longer attend and he's hoping to make the Saturday.
So if anyone has a spare Saturday they might want to swap for the Sunday, let me know!
Wanted to put it out to everyone here first and foremost.
Look forward to seeing you all there.
|
|
Rene
Cityscape Skin
Posts: 3
|
Post by Rene on Jan 31, 2022 13:02:09 GMT -5
I'll keep an eye out for an extra Saturday ticket and let you know if I find one!
|
|