Unacceptable
During last night’s show in Barrie a physical altercation occurred in the audience forcing me to stop in the middle of Everything Is Automatic. When things of that nature occur, a lot of artists believe that it’s best to continue playing, but I’m not one of them. My reasons are very simple and straightforward.
First, as anyone who reads this website knows, I abhor violence and I simply will not tolerate it when I am performing. Further, I find it extremely insulting that anyone attending one of my shows, knowing how I feel about it, would disrespect me in such a fashion. I don’t care how drunk you are or what your justifications might be, it is simply unacceptable.
Second, given the day and age that we live in, and the fact that parts of this world are engulfed by conflicts that see the loss of innocent life on a daily basis, not to mention the deaths of our countrymen, I view such behaviour as entirely embarrassing. That it would take place at one of my concerts makes it reprehensible given my position on world events and my daily focus on the injustices suffered by millions of people throughout the world because of war and human rights abuses.
In conclusion, if you want to attend a show with the intention of getting hammered and starting shit – sell your ticket or burn it, either way I don’t care. Just don’t show up.
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June 10th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
WTF is going on in Barrie? First the attempted break-in of the tour bus and now hooliganism at the show? Sheesh!
June 10th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
One of your shows is the last place I would expect that.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I know… I never would expect that at a Matt show… but at the Fredericton, NB show there was a fight on the floor between acts.. the bouncers there quickly put an end to it and everyone was rockin by the time Matt came on stage… we were flabbergasted.. but it did not stop any of us from enjoying ourselves. and that show rocked!!
June 10th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
I could not imagine that at one of your shows, truly. Every single time I’ve attended one of your concerts I find myself in an considerable state of peace.
I think what you did, is 100% no doubt what should happen. I have trouble really trying to figure out what the hell they would have to fight about?
Like I said, Barrie is Bat country, you don’t stop there.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Dude… you’re three times a charm in this town.
Better get outta dodge, because it seems like things and people’s behaviour just keep getting better.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
This kind of behaviour is exactly why I didn’t buy tickets for your show- only because I am 5 1/2 months pregnant and was afraid that someone would be drunk and bump into to me or get into a fight, etc., and knock me over. Not that I have seen this type of stupidity at any of the 6 shows I have been to in the past, but I couldn’t take the cahnce. I am so disappointed to hear about this. I wish people would grow up and realize the reason they are there- to hear you sing. Not to get hammered and start a wrestling match. And another thing, I can’t even buy tickets for the event at Jackson-Triggs winery because I can’t drink for the next little while. So sad, but so worth it. My little one is already a fan- he kicks a lot when listening to music in the car (usually a Matthew Good CD). Hope that brings a smile….
Lise
June 10th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
People like this don’t deserve to be at the show in the first place - sensless idiots. Here’s hoping any London morons stay home.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
In late 2005, I saw one of your shows at the Commodore in Vancouver. Some genius punched me in the face after I tried to help up this girl who had fallen. I guess he thought I was trying something with his girlfriend… but isn’t that typical mosh pit ettiquette? Help someone up that falls?
Funny thing is I remember it being during Apparitions; and not the chorus.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
hear that Duane? we gotta throw down before or after the show. not DURING!
June 10th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I remember being at the Calgary show for the Put Out Your Lights tour, and you stopped in the middle of Buffalo Seven because of something that had happened, and had said pretty much the same thing you said in this post- that it was bullshit behavior and shouldn’t be going on. It takes a lot of guts for a performer to do something like that I think, and I applaud you for doing it then, and doing it again now.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Knowing that I won’t be hearing Near Fantastica this tour would make me want to punch someone too. But I use restraint ;)
June 10th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I love the fact that you always stand by your word. Since the beginning of time you’ve said it and meant it. And that is why your my favourite artists. You walk your talk!!
June 10th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Wow, that must’ve been extremely dissapointing to say the least. I couldn’t imagine getting in a fight at one of your shows. I’m just in way too good a mood the entire day for anything like that to happen.
June 10th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
On a side note: I am terribly sorry that my English has sucks ass these last few weeks. I am 7 months prego and extremely overtired. I will try to do my best to correct this after August, until then, no guarantees. I meant favourite Artist (singluar) the last post I meant (they’re sooo cool), please bring back the edit function, just temporarily at least???
June 10th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
your English is fine Becca. Relax. We’re all friends here.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
[quote comment="55059"]hear that Duane? we gotta throw down before or after the show. not DURING![/quote]
I think I’ve proven I’m not much of a fighter. But if you swing by the meet and greet before, the first Bud Light is on me, pal.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
OH there’s a few prego MG fans.. that is so awesome… congrats to you ladies!!!!! “Haven’t slept in years” will be your favourite song soon.. tee hee.. kidding……. sortof.
Anyhow, according to some magazine (can’t remember the name), the number one thing a grown man should not have is:
A BLACK EYE..
I believe it is for men over 30, and closer to 40…… but come on!!!!!! any man in their mid to late 20’s should be able to talk himself out of a black eye and walk away.. GROW UP!!!!!!
June 10th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Bud Light? Thems FIGHTIN’ words!
June 10th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
I’m not surprised at all that it happens at Matt’s shows. There are still a lot of “fans” (using the term loosely) who want to rock (man!) to Time Bomb, or Automatic for that matter, and who are totally oblivious to Matt’s diversity, his changes in direction, or even this blog.
But hey! Well done, Matt. I’ve seen you do it before at Stampede and Mac Hall. Needs to be done, for sure.
And looking forward to seeing you at Virgin Calgary!
June 10th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
OMG! The show last night in Barrie rocked! I thought the venue was pretty good in that it seemed more intimate and everyone had a decent view of the stage. I was just to the left of that mosh action and was very happy to see that you stopped and told them to Fuck off! Loved the clarity of your feelings b/c really, there is no excuse. We had a bit of funky action in front of us and while I tried to look over it [we were about 4 rows into the crowd on the floor] all I kept thinking was: I don’t belong here! Remember, I’m a Toronto girl who made a very bad choice 3 years ago! Nothing against Barrie ~ it’s just not for me…the air is great!
BACK TO THE SHOW: The Spades were great, your band was awesome and You, were no less than fantastic! I took my chances and lucked out: you signed my Hospital Music CD cover and took a pic ~ I’m still riding the wave and I have a permenant smile on my face! In fact, I haven’t kissed my better half yet [not husband: what's the diff after 15 years and 2 awesome kids?] and he’s looking perplexed :-0 He’s gonna have to wait at least another day ;-)
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
Be well.
June 10th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Hey Duane, meet’n'greet here in Cowtown?
June 10th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I was at that same calgary show. I remember people pushing and shoving up against everyone and not caring if they stepped on someones foot or whatever. I was glad that you stopped the show and said that to them.. I was very embarrased that such idiots would have the nerve to do that
June 10th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Wow…. bad night. That sucks, I really hate it when individuals choose to act immaturely like, its uncalled for.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I , for the life of me, will never understand why anyone would pay good money to see a concert or a sporting event and then get drunk. I don’t need an event to get drunk, I can do it anytime. It’s the nice thing about being an adult. Yes, I may have a beer or two before or during a show. But, the mature adult in me keeps in under check for many reasons. primarily… I would like to get my monies worth from the show I just shelled out hard earned cash to attend. secondarily, public, sloppy drunkeness is for 16 year olds who don’t know better, not for adults. If you can’t handle your booze, stay home.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Ugh, It took me some convincing, but I am now officially hating Barrie and very ashamed to live here.
I’m sorry Matt, barrie treated you like shit, and you don’t deserve it.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
I understand how you may consider something like what happened at your show in Barrie to be disrespectful to you, but on another note, perhaps words were said by some drunkard or obnoxious bastard that the victim of such abuse found to be utterly disrespectful to himself. You have to stay true to yourself and not let anybody walk all over you. People react differently to all sorts of situations. I daresay one of them, if not everyone involved, feels sort of foolish after the fact, but in that moment, you just sometimes never know how you’ll react.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I have absolutely no patience for (usually drunken) idiots who get into bar brawls, much less at a concert. I just don’t get it. As someone else noted, there was a fight just prior to you taking the stage in Fredericton, which broke out directly in front of me. (For whatever reason, one guy tossed a full beer smack in the other guy’s face, and then they were both on the ground. Bouncers got it cleared up just as the opening strains of Champions of Nothing started.) What I thought was most shocking was that about a dozen people pulled out cameras and cameraphones to start recording the proceedings. Nice.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
And then friends and family question my need to get the fuck out of this province.
[quote comment="55054"]This kind of behaviour is exactly why I didn’t buy tickets for your show- only because I am 5 1/2 months pregnant and was afraid that someone would be drunk and bump into to me or get into a fight, etc., and knock me over. Not that I have seen this type of stupidity at any of the 6 shows I have been to in the past, but I couldn’t take the chance. I am so disappointed to hear about this. I wish people would grow up and realize the reason they are there- to hear you sing. Not to get hammered and start a wrestling match. And another thing, I can’t even buy tickets for the event at Jackson-Triggs winery because I can’t drink for the next little while. So sad, but so worth it. My little one is already a fan- he kicks a lot when listening to music in the car (usually a Matthew Good CD). Hope that brings a smile….
Lise[/quote]
Something along these lines almost happened in Sarnia. My original tickets were front row wing, but I ended up selling them when my best friend couldn’t come. The friend I sold them to is also 6 months pregnant. Now, the majority of the audience got the message that the show is located in a proper theatre and kept seated. However, there was one group of girls who kept insisting to get up to dance, right in front of my pregnant friend and when my friend asked them to sit down, they tried to pick a fight with her. The kicker - after the show, she crossed paths with them again in the washroom, where they tried to slam the stall on her person.
People are assholes.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
I’m glad you stand up for your beliefs, Matt. I’m looking forward to an awesome, safe show here in Vancouver in a couple weeks.
June 10th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
Thank you for stopping the show, to get rid of the people who were being disruptive. Nothing worse then that nonsense starting when you are there to enjoy something so wonderful.
Your show was great last night!
June 10th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
I’m not surprised actually, there’s always the potential for idiocy to run rampant at any show, regardless of who’s playing. Though I do think fans primarily of MGB material as oppose to those that are fans of your solo work are responsile for that kind of behaviour. Of the 3 shows I’ve seen you play post-MGB, there’s never failed to be at least a couple people each time that would be confused about the lack of a band and/or the fact that you would be playing in support of a recent solo release, of which they weren’t even aware.
Like the guy at The Centre show in Sept. that yelled out “come to Surrey!” who was in the seat next to me, and seemed to be on a combination of drugs and alcohol. During the first few songs he was wondering out loud about where the rest of the band was. I mean really, why shell out the money if you don’t even know what you’re buying? As for showing up high as a kite, I won’t even start, though I am looking forward to the (hopefully idiot-free) Vancouver show this month.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
What in the hell is wrong with the people in Barrie? Sorry you even had to deal with this.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
See this is why i hate going to concerts is because of the assholes that start this crap! Seriously, why would someone spend money to go to a show to see a performer that does not tolerate violence and then start a fight, seriously what is up with these people? Now that all the people attending the concert had to get involved with it cause you had to stop the show because of these stupid people is unfair. I really wish that people would realize the concequence of their actions and realize that it effect others around them weither they meant to or not. Regardless of beer, drugs or whatever the excuse might be for these individuals, there is no reason for viloence at all.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Boreal, in my own personal experience, I have had way too much to drink before some concerts and I had been a fan for years of the artist… it’s how you react to alchohol.. I’m not an obnoxious person, nor did I start a fight, but I missed alot at the concerts in my younger days… it’s all experience… before the Rolling Stones 2 years ago, I had one cider. I didn’t wanna miss a thang. MG last year I was sick, so I never drank. These days I hate missing the set list. after 3 drinks, I’m well on my way to forgetting what songs were played.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
What’s sad to me is that there are those who actually think it’s perfectly fitting to do this crap. They are even proud when they do it and probably laugh and reminisce about it afterward, beer in hand. They have no regard for those around them or see how inappropriate it is to do this.
But are we surprised? I mean shows like Jackass thrive in our culture….it’s “cool” to get taken out. So it’s not even a question of shame…it’s another notch in the man belt for some.
Unfortunately, many who engage in this kind of shit don’t see it in any other light. There are those who go out and intentionally get shitfaced for the sole purpose of turning into assholes and ruining people’s nights. As I’ve said before, ass clowns. But they’re perfectly happy in that role, so it’s a hopeless situation.
June 10th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
You know, I really wish alcohol wasn’t even sold at your concerts period. The drunk idiots who carry on loud conversations while you play, who heckle you, who sing along horribly out of tune when everyone’s trying to hear you, the artist, sing (what a novel concept that is!)…
June 10th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Law of averages says this was bound to happen at one point or another. Concerts the general public = unpredictability.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
I know!!! Grow up though….. Like Deb. said, some do it to piss others off and ruin their night… I wish I was sitting with Dan at the Orpheum… Damn…..
I hope no one tries to sing Avalanche at the top of their lungs like at the Vancouver show.. I think I heard him from where Tracy was sitting and I was 16 rows behind her… ha ha kidding..
p.s. Deb, I am not sure where you’ve parked it tonite, so I’ll say this here, just in case you are reading this; I sent you an email to your flickr… still one ticket for the MG show for sale… lemme know if you wanna take someone with….. otherwise, I need to find you a nice gal or guy to sit with…
June 10th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
[quote comment="55067"]your English is fine Becca. Relax. We’re all friends here.[/quote]
Ahhh, thanks D, I was getting paranoid. :)
June 10th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I hate going to movies. I don’t like eating in restaurants. I don’t even like going to concerts*. All because it seems there is always at least one inconsiderate person there that will irritate, annoy, or just plain ruin the night. It happens so often it’s just not worth it to me.
* I did, however, go to see Dylan on May 24th. Nothing was gonna stop me from seeing him -for the first time- from my 3rd row-center seats.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
[quote comment="55097"]What in the hell is wrong with the people in Barrie? Sorry you even had to deal with this.[/quote]
Have you been to Barrie?
While I thoroughly enjoyed the show and my drinks by the way [there is nothing wrong with enjoying a drink responsibly], I was somewhat on guard: the 2 chicks in front of us were pretty much doing their own little dance, which to me looked like they were just holding eachother up and when they got tired, they literally leaned back on their man poles and “napped”. This was far better than having to listen to them and wonder if they were going to hurl ~ at one point, I did jump back b/c I thought it was coming! There were a few “men”, and I use the word loosely, who would just walk and stop right in front of us ~ good thing most of them were short. And then there was the chick beside me who was partying up a storm w/a full beer in hand, swinging and swaying away so much so that at one point I said, “If you’re going spill it, can you do it in that direction?”. She smiled in such a way I thought, Okay, don’t mess with her! Be afraid, be very afraid! Still, I had to kind of guide her beer-filled-hand to tilt the cup upright and thankfully she never noticed! She no doubt could have kicked the shit out of me and probably would…for fun. Yikes!
No matter where you go, there will be losers. It just seems that Barrie holds them well???
Regardless, it was a great show! Thanks!
June 10th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
This whole line of bad luck in Barrie for Matt really breaks my heart as a serious fan. As a long time resident of the area and a person who has recently purchased a home here, I hope you can understand that this sort of bullshit has and will occur in many places across the country (such as we have heard from other users talking about their bad experiences at MG concerts). This place really is a good town, there are a lot of good people here, along with bad ones that any town has, and I hope Matt and anyone else does not decide to avoid Barrie because of these actions. This is not to say that Matt ever suggested this incidence is typical Barrie behaviour, but I want to apologize to Matt for this shit and thank him for still putting on a killer show. I know after that I might have been tempted to not play a 3rd encore tune, but you did for the fans out there and we appreciated it! Thanks Matt and I still hope to see you in Barrie again!
June 10th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
[quote comment="55103"]You know, I really wish alcohol wasn’t even sold at your concerts period. The drunk idiots who carry on loud conversations while you play, who heckle you, who sing along horribly out of tune when everyone’s trying to hear you, the artist, sing (what a novel concept that is!)…[/quote]
That’s one thing I liked about the acoustic show I went to: no alcohol. It was, coincidentally, at a church auditorium, however. Many people I know act as though it’s customary to pre-drink, then get shit-faced at any rock concert. I have no idea why people would want to get so drunk they forget a show. Unless it’s Shania Twain.
One more thing… I’m pretty sure Matt does vocal improvisations when people start singing along at shows. At least, that’s the impression I get from some videos on youtube. They always stop right after he sings a few notes that ain’t on the CD.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Folks, it’s not a Barrie thing, and it’s not an Ontario thing. It’s just a few yahoos being stupid. And I have news for you - in junior high, where I teach, there are a hell of a lot more of the serious “I don’t give a fuck” variety coming through the pipes to cause me serious pause.
It’s not just happening at concerts.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
I wasn’t singling out a single town, nor saying everyone there was responsible either. I am commenting on those that were. End of story.
June 10th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
“In conclusion, if you want to attend a show with the intention of getting hammered and starting shit – sell your ticket or burn it, either way I don’t care. Just don’t show up.”
AMEN
June 10th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
This kinda shit bothers me; but it almost seems to come part and parcel in smaller hick (for lack of a better word) towns. As I mentioned in the original White Trash Ontarians posting, my wife witnessed somebody in a choke hold being dragged out of Le Skratch in Oshawa on Saturday night with Durham Regional Police as an escort. Seeing how tight security was at the door on Saturday by not allowing a pen or double-blister packed back pain medication pills into the venue, and the no gang colours sign over the entrance, I am truly surprised nothing happened there.
It’s unfortunate this happened in Barrie as I lived there for about 6 months a decade or so ago. Even though somebody mentioned that it seems part and parcel, I applaud your decision to stop the show right then and there. Too many artists just continue performing “accepting” (or condoning) this behaviour as part of what’s to be expected.
I remember seeing Big Sugar on their farewell tour in Toronto and no-less-than three separate fights broke out within a 15-metre radius of where me and some friends were standing in a ten-to-fifteen minute time frame during the end of the main set. By the time the second one had erupted, we’d already made the decision to leave because this was not a safe place to be. And as we were leaving, a third fight had broken out.
It’s great that people want to get loaded - and that establishments will continue to serve people WAY BEYOND their limit but screw that. I’m not interested in that; I’m there for the tunes and a good performance
What happened in Barrie is troubling and I agree with the person who posted the simple fact that your failure to play “Near Fantastica” would make me wanna punch someone (just kidding). Seriously, though, I’m glad you’re playing a lot of smaller venues but this behaviour seems to almost be expected and what you did was something that I think every other artist out there should be doing and I applaud you for that.
And you’re right, with all of the injustices going on in the world, the petty bullshit that causes these fights is unacceptable. And it’s safe to say that the people involved in that fight aren’t true fans who respect you as an artist; as a result, they screwed it for everyone else who was there for a good time (and what is an excellent show).
Hopefully things get better on the rest of the tour (but there seems to be a little bit of a trend here).
June 10th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
If this is how eventful Barrie has been, I wonder what Ottawa will be like this year!
Seems like people lose their minds once the electric guitars come out.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
[quote comment="55117"]Folks, it’s not a Barrie thing, and it’s not an Ontario thing. It’s just a few yahoos being stupid. And I have news for you - in junior high, where I teach, there are a hell of a lot more of the serious “I don’t give a fuck” variety coming through the pipes to cause me serious pause.
It’s not just happening at concerts.[/quote]
I fee your pain.. isn’t it awesome when they’re in shit and they turn around and say ‘I’m not talking about this right now”…..
I changed my mind about the black eye comment.
I think the second we all graduate, the term ‘we aren’t in high school anymore’ begins and you actually start to act your age…
June 10th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
[quote comment="55075"]Hey Duane, meet’n'greet here in Cowtown?[/quote]
Boreal, not in Kelowna, probably in Vancouver. and it looks like there will be two.. because I’m meeting Deb for the first time that night and asked Danno and his wifey to meet us too but I think he has a better party to go to.. Duane’s meet and “throw a Bud light on me literally” greet. Sorry Duane, couldn’t resist; you said ‘bud light is ‘on’ me’…
June 10th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
If there’s a meet and greet in Calgary, count me in.
June 10th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
And I’m looking forward to it too, t.
Gonna be a great night. No fighting, k? ;)
June 10th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
k
June 10th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Bar-Barrie-ans
June 10th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
ha ha ha. good one wsw
June 10th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
*clap clap*
Kudos to you for stopping the show. By stopping the music and bringing attention to it, you likely stopped innocent bystanders from getting hurt and may have even saved the hooligans from the physical consequences of their own stupidity.
It is unfortunate that there are people out there who can’t seem to have a good time without getting alcohol muscles and trying to start shit with people. Like you, I find violence to be such a primitive way to solve anything and everything, so it’s extremely distressing when it breaks out over nothing, especially in a venue where people are trying to take part in one of the few things that usually manages to bring all different kinds of people together. People like that would never start a fight in a place of worship, but apparently if it’s music bringing people instead of prayer, then it’s a-okay to act a fool.
It’s ignorant. But don’t bother trying to tell them that, because they probably can’t even spell it, much less know what it means.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I remember when you played here in Portland back in March there was a lot of yelling for a girl and her friends who had stood up in front to sit down. That almost got ugly but fortunately it didn’t. Good for you for stopping the show and acknowledging the altercation in Barrie! I think if people don’t stop and say that behavior is unacceptable than it’ll just keep happening.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
[quote comment="55088"]And then friends and family question my need to get the fuck out of this province.
[quote comment="55054"]This kind of behaviour is exactly why I didn’t buy tickets for your show- only because I am 5 1/2 months pregnant and was afraid that someone would be drunk and bump into to me or get into a fight, etc., and knock me over. Not that I have seen this type of stupidity at any of the 6 shows I have been to in the past, but I couldn’t take the chance. I am so disappointed to hear about this. I wish people would grow up and realize the reason they are there- to hear you sing. Not to get hammered and start a wrestling match. And another thing, I can’t even buy tickets for the event at Jackson-Triggs winery because I can’t drink for the next little while. So sad, but so worth it. My little one is already a fan- he kicks a lot when listening to music in the car (usually a Matthew Good CD). Hope that brings a smile….
Lise[/quote]
Something along these lines almost happened in Sarnia. My original tickets were front row wing, but I ended up selling them when my best friend couldn’t come. The friend I sold them to is also 6 months pregnant. Now, the majority of the audience got the message that the show is located in a proper theatre and kept seated. However, there was one group of girls who kept insisting to get up to dance, right in front of my pregnant friend and when my friend asked them to sit down, they tried to pick a fight with her. The kicker - after the show, she crossed paths with them again in the washroom, where they tried to slam the stall on her person.
People are assholes.[/quote]
Wow, that’s appalling.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Sacreligious… :0(
Ignorant assholes don’t when they are in the presence of Greatness…
June 10th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
WTF is with some people. Complete idiots.
June 10th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
[quote comment="55068"][quote comment="55059"]hear that Duane? we gotta throw down before or after the show. not DURING![/quote]
I think I’ve proven I’m not much of a fighter. But if you swing by the meet and greet before, the first Bud Light is on me, pal.[/quote]
I have tickets and can’t go. Sad me is sad. :(
Also… I refuse to go to Barrie. I used to think it was my Agoraphobia but really I just haven’t ever had one good experience there it seems so I avoid it.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:57 am
One can only hope for the decent Fans in Barrie that these occurrences will not lead to that city being ignored in Matt’s planings of potential touring in the future.
Why do there always have to be some stupid idiots ruining the whole event? Let alone the horror such riots regularely cause to those who are standing pent-up in the crowd with no way to escape getting involved totally unintended. I know what I’m talking about. Morons, really…
June 11th, 2008 at 2:05 am
[quote comment="55054"]My little one is already a fan- he kicks a lot when listening to music in the car (usually a Matthew Good CD). Hope that brings a smile….
Lise[/quote]
Sweeeeet ;oD I personally don’t have kids yet but I’m going to be an aunt by september for the first time and am totally excited about that. For me it’s still beyond anything apprehensible when I feel that little person move inside my sister’s belly ;))
All the best for you and your little one.
June 11th, 2008 at 3:52 am
I remember a few years back during the In A Coma tour after your set I almost got into a fight with a drunken idiot in the parking lot of the venue.
As is the case at many of your shows, a few hundered fans had lined up in the area surrounding your tour bus and were waiting for the meet and greet. The staff at the venue had set up somewhat of a barricade to prevent people from exiting the parking lot near where the crowd had gathered and one of the theatre ushers was posted there to ensure no one drove through.
Two obviously drunk and rowdy morons proceeded to hop into their pickup and attempt to crash the barricade right were the poor usher (who had to have been no more than 16 years old) was standing. The two idiots then proceeded to butt the front bumper of the truck right up against this kid, reving the engine as if to imply they would run him over if he did not let them through. Kudos to the usher for standing his ground even in an obviously dangerous situation. The passenger in the truck then attempted to threaten the usher with taunts of “I’m going to get out and kick your ass!”. Since no one in the area had the balls to stand up and say something, I knew it was time for me to tell him that he wasn’t going to kick anyones ass and to get in his truck and piss off.
That’s when he got out, tore off the jacket and I knew it was seconds before I was in a fight with this guy.
“YOU WANNA GO ME??!!” was what he kept yelling and I simply replied that no one was there to “go him” and he should get in the truck and leave. I’m 6′ 2″ and 205 lbs; I can hold my own especially against a drunken college kid but I am not a violent person. Venue security arrived before hands were thrown and crisis was averted. They two drove off and as luck would have it, were nabbed by Thunder Bay’s finest not two blocks from the venue for driving under the influence.
Shortly after, I got my chance to meet with Matt at the bus and told him the story. I still remember the look on his face as he shook his head.
There will always be idiots. There’s really nothing you can do to prevent it.
That’s my story.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:10 am
Well said, Matt.
June 11th, 2008 at 6:43 am
Yeah, I’m glad you stopped the show. Most of the time performers just keep going, and that says something about them (and about you for stopping). When I went to the Stones a few years ago with my sister and a friend of ours, she got up on his shoulders and some girl started punching her because it blocked her view. Whatever happened to just asking nicely?
June 11th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Matt,
I was up in the Rock 95 booth at the Roxx/Barrie show and can honestly say that I was impressed with the way you handled that situation. It’s unfortunate for those of us who truly were trying to enjoy the music; however, in spite of it all, you would never have known by your performance. I had THE BEST time! Thanks so much for putting on such a great show. I met you at the sound check and you were smiling and very nice considering what you had to put up with while you were here.
Just wanted you to know that not all of us are jerks.
L.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Wow. Well usually bad things comes in 3… so hopefully the rest of the shows go well!
I can’t wait to see the show at Arizona’s tomorrow. Aiming for front and center. When I went to the Massey Hall show, we got stuck way in the back on the second balcony built for people who are 4 feet tall apparently (couldn’t sit normally because the seats were so tight). Plus we were late getting to Toronto because we ran out of gas after my boyfriend decided that 0km left meant that he could drive around for 2 days without filling up so I missed getting an autrograph before the show… so I am making my boyfriend take me extra early this time! And I already look like i got punched in the face from getting my wisdom teeth out last week… so I don’t need to caught in any random fights! Fighting at a concert is just as stupid as when my boyfriend and I were at a club in Toronto (only becuase it was his friend’s birthday party…) and a fight broke out and somehow a bouncer took my boyfriend away in a headlock and he ended up with a black eye after being punched a few times. Apparently the bouncer didn’t do it… so I guess someone magically gave him uppercuts while he was in a headlock, face down.
Some people really have nothing better to do than cause shit. Maybe they should get a real hobby…
June 11th, 2008 at 8:22 am
My all-time favorite crowd move is the drunk chick/dude with a lit cigarette weaving and bobbing around without any regard to their surroundings, as you try to avoid getting tagged by the firestick. Lovely way to spend an evening.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I said it once and I will say it again, I knew something like this would happen, its just too bad because it ruins it for everyone else!!!!!
June 11th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Seriously, how can you say that you are a fan and go to Matt’s concert to fight and get drunk? How can you really enjoy a song when you are getting shit faced. (To tell the truth I would have loved to see Matt yell at the guy…) In Kitchener, it was so silent between songs that people had to yell to make it less weird. I would have if I could’ve, but I lost my voice from singing along…I really feel sorry for my friend who had to listen to me sing through the whole concert.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I don’t know that you can keep the people who are hard-wired into being drunken idiots from being drunk at the shows- if you ban alcohol, they’ll get drunk before the show or carry it in under their shirts. Perhaps if venues realized what dangers and potential lawsuits these morons are to themselves and the people around them, maybe they’d stop selling alcohol or start doing a better job of policing and keeping drunks out of a show. Hell, even when I went to the movies to see the U23D flick, a guy sitting next to me managed to sneak a six pack into the show. INTO A MOVIE. Jesus, I like a good drink as much as the next person, but come on….
June 11th, 2008 at 10:00 am
[quote comment="55155"][quote comment="55054"]My little one is already a fan- he kicks a lot when listening to music in the car (usually a Matthew Good CD). Hope that brings a smile….
Lise[/quote]
Sweeeeet ;oD I personally don’t have kids yet but I’m going to be an aunt by september for the first time and am totally excited about that. For me it’s still beyond anything apprehensible when I feel that little person move inside my sister’s belly ;))
All the best for you and your little one.[/quote]
Aaaaaw, just keep playing those tunes, guys!! Before you know it, you’ll be telling lies to your kid when you’re on the way to an MG concert… we won’t be telling our son we’re going to the ‘Matthew’ concert in 2 weeks, because he’ll be so mad at us for not taking him…. all in GOOD time!!!!
I love it when my kid says ‘mommy rico is a short man, just like me’
June 11th, 2008 at 11:45 am
[quote comment="55191"][quote comment="55155"][quote comment="55054"]My little one is already a fan- he kicks a lot when listening to music in the car (usually a Matthew Good CD). Hope that brings a smile….
Lise[/quote]
Sweeeeet ;oD I personally don’t have kids yet but I’m going to be an aunt by september for the first time and am totally excited about that. For me it’s still beyond anything apprehensible when I feel that little person move inside my sister’s belly ;))
All the best for you and your little one.[/quote]
Aaaaaw, just keep playing those tunes, guys!! Before you know it, you’ll be telling lies to your kid when you’re on the way to an MG concert… ‘[/quote]
I’m afraid I’ll never see such situation since it is very unlikely I’ll ever get a second chance to attend a MG Concert as I do not live on the north american continent. The real tragedy about that is that Matthew acutally played my hometown once! It was the european Beautiful Midnight Tour around May 2000 and I was somewhat excited when I heard the band would come over and honour my very hometown! Unfortunately I missed the acutal gig suffering from mononucleosis :(
But hey, I have the albums, I have this great website that keeps me up to date about everything essential. That’s more than enough.
June 11th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
[quote comment="55190"]I don’t know that you can keep the people who are hard-wired into being drunken idiots from being drunk at the shows- if you ban alcohol, they’ll get drunk before the show or carry it in under their shirts. Perhaps if venues realized what dangers and potential lawsuits these morons are to themselves and the people around them, maybe they’d stop selling alcohol or start doing a better job of policing and keeping drunks out of a show. Hell, even when I went to the movies to see the U23D flick, a guy sitting next to me managed to sneak a six pack into the show. INTO A MOVIE. Jesus, I like a good drink as much as the next person, but come on….[/quote]
Yeah, I like U2 a lot better when I’m drunk, too.
;)
June 11th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
I hope this doesn’t happen in Saskatoon next week…
June 11th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
[quote comment="55117"]Folks, it’s not a Barrie thing, and it’s not an Ontario thing. It’s just a few yahoos being stupid. And I have news for you - in junior high, where I teach, there are a hell of a lot more of the serious “I don’t give a fuck” variety coming through the pipes to cause me serious pause.
It’s not just happening at concerts.[/quote]
I hear ya…I teach highschool, and…well…fuuuuuuuuck….good luck to those of you hiring new youth. There are still good ones, but man are there more than ever bad ones! It all comes down to their home and parents, which on the average, are getting worse at what seems like an exponential rate…
June 11th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
That is worse than the drunk heckler who showed up to the acoustic show in Red Deer last year.
June 11th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
people are idiots. what more can i say? ..i’ll never be able to understand why certain individuals find it necesary to go to shows drunk and then start beating on everyone in the crowd. too many times ive gone to shows and came home bruised and sore all over for weeks. there have been shows where ive been trampled, where ive been burried, where ive been squished so hard it felt impossible to breath. and its those idiots that start it that really piss me off. i just want to be able to go to a show and hear the music i love while feeling that im in a safe environment. this is why i love Matt’s shows so much, i know that while im there, i’ll be ok. what happened in barrie is stupid and ignorant, not to mention disrespectful towards Matt. people really need to start smartening up, cuz they really ruin it for everyone.
June 11th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I don’t see much point to going to a show drunk or high, or doing much else in that state either. If I paid for tickets, I’d like to enjoy it as it’s supposed to be enjoyed, AND be able to remember it fully.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:01 am
I am never one that has a good opinion of Barrie, and this certainly corroborates my opinion. Not that I expected anything different from them.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Can’t fault you for stopping and especially during that tune. Imagine the irony of singing “Everything is alright!” when that shit’s going down.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
[quote comment="55297"]I don’t see much point to going to a show drunk or high, or doing much else in that state either. If I paid for tickets, I’d like to enjoy it as it’s supposed to be enjoyed, AND be able to remember it fully.[/quote]
I agree. On a similar note, I was at a concert last month and there were a few people around me talking through part of the show and that really ticked me off. If you want to talk, go somewhere else and do that for free. If you paid for a concert ticket, you obviously wanted to see someone perform so shut your damn mouth already. People like that ruin other people’s concert-going experiences. Talk during the intermission or before and after the show if you want, but not while someone’s onstage performing.
June 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
?sdrawkcab gnihtyreve gnipyt tnemmoc ym si yhw ..driew si sihtmu
June 12th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
[quote comment="55048"]One of your shows is the last place I would expect that.[/quote]
Especially during “Everything is Automatic”…that’s a CLASSIC!!!
June 15th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
I was at that show, and first of all AWESOME! Secondly, I think the problem was a bunch of college kids just using the show as a night out on a Monday or some sort of claim to fame. I was really upset by the amount of talking during the songs…I was 10 feet from the stage, and I couldn’t hear a word you said, even when the croud was hushed.
I am down for some massive passion and excitement for some tunes, but some tunes warrent silence - and that didn’t happen at all this night.
I see this all the time, and it is very annoying! Tickets sell out so fast these days, and when you are a die hard fan of live music like myself, watching others talk, or get plastered or generally use the music as a back drop to their sociallize, is extremely fustrating, know that die hards are missing out.
Let me please say though, as a true fan, seeing you guys in such a small, local venue was Amazing, and I really hope that a few losers don’t take that away from the rest of us!
June 17th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
Didn’t read all the above posts but sadly the altercation started because this guy tried to manhandle a friend of mine. He was told to back off, he then got all cocky,pushing people around and some guys had to try and handle him.He got out of hand and the fight broke out. It’s sad that you can’t even go to a show without having this sort of thing happen. Us girls were just there to enjoy a show by someone we admire so deeply. I must say that the venue was difficult for me because in such closed confinement people get edgy. We were pushed around,had beer spilt on us and it then this guy had to be so disrespectful. As much as that sucked your performance was breath taking and we thank you!
August 11th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
After reading above posts, and not finding out about this one till earlier last week and making an account for here, the altercation that happened while Everything Is Automatic, I was indeed the person who ended everything at the concert. During the song some immature men behind myself for some reason decided to start a mosh pit for some reason to this song, after jumping up and down for half the song and pushing everyone around them and spilling beer on everyone finally, they made one huge push which shoved half the crowd forward, and usually I do not care about this even though it is wrong, but the fact that I had my girlfriend in my arms and the fact that it almost made get trampled I turned around and shoved the guy to the ground, as his friends held him back he was immediatley thrown out by security the fact that it took this much to get this mosh pit at the concert stop is also unacceptable. So while I do understand your view on violence and have been to several of your concerts someone had to take a stand and it was me. So I apologize for what happened, but at anytime it happened again I would do it all over.