This has been fun. Thanks to all of you who have responded to my blog post about the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, which will be the opening act for the Rolling Stones on Sunday night at Cessna Stadium.
I was completely underwhelmed by Tuesday’s announcement. And, though many of you have written to suggest that those of us who feel this way at least give BRMC a chance before making a judgement, it’s not about that. This is about having an opportunity to see another big-name act with the Stones. The anticipation had built during the past couple of weeks with rumors of a big-time band or solo act coming to town to accompany the Rolling Freaking Stones.
Since yesterday, I have listened to a few songs by BRMC. And they sound good. This is no doubt a quality band. But it’s a no-name band. I was listening to the morning show on T-95 this morning and even Phil and Hank were criticizing this choice. It creates no buzz. Now, you can argue that simply having the Rolling Stones is plenty enough buzz on its own. And that’s a pretty good argument.
I am excited about this concert. The opening act doesn’t make or break the deal for me. I would have preferred to see someone I had heard of, obviously. But I’ll be there to hear BRMC with an open mind.
4 Comments
I am not sure why everyone is so surprised by this choice. The build-up and speculation of having a “big name” open for the stones was not created by the stones, it was created by people speculating who they wanted or who they “heard” was going to open. The Stones and their promoters maintained from the beginning that they would have young up-and-coming rock acts open this leg of the tour, which held true for the Euro dates prior to this. Oh well, at least the Stones recognize the need to promote more than just the top 40 crap that is played on most radio stations. I am not surprised Phil and Hank criticized it. They probably wanted Metallica or Nickelback as that is the only thing t-95 seems to play anymore. Ok, that is my rant for the day and I, like you Bob, would enjoy the show no matter who opened because I payed my money to see the Stones, not the opening act.
Bob, you’re right. I saw BRMC in Portugal and they suck.
When BRMC hits big on MTV and gets a cover on the Rolling Stone, are you going to say, “Playing Wichita was their big breakout?” If some of those bands mentioned had been the choice, the concert would have to start at 12:30 p.m. so the show would be over in time for them all to get their senior citizens discount on the early bird special.
Personally, I’m jealous that you guys get BRMC as an opener. And it’s a little disheartening that you would choose “big name” music over “good opening band.” Big name? How about Clay Aiken?
My guess is that you’re promoter is a pretty savvy music buff, as Peter Hayes from BRMC, before this band, was in another band called (drumroll, please) The Brian Jonestown Massacre, who will forever live in infamy thanks to a documentary called “Dig!”