By brenda Tucker

February 16, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

If Mrs. LaBelle’s comments are accurate, let the truth be heard. The Civic Center should be clean and presentable at all times. No one should blame Mrs. LaBelle or anyone else for telling the truth.

By Rasta

February 16, 2009 7:28 PM | Link to this

The Civic Center is morphing back into Buttermilk Bottoms.

By justine

February 16, 2009 9:03 PM | Link to this

See this is what happens when a city has only two (2) mid-size venues = The Fox and the Civic Center. Perhaps she was telling the truth, but that was not the place. People paid good money and people wanted to see a show not hear her complain. Perhaps this is why LaBelle broke up the first time.

By I was there.

February 16, 2009 10:33 PM | Link to this

It was Valentine’s Day and everyone was ready for romance and good memories. Then, she dropped the BOMB!!! Everything got serious and quiet and she started backpeddling saying ” the Civic Center needs to change things like President Obama has”. Silence. Then she says ” yall know I have Diabetes and Menopausal mood swings”. The huge diamond rings and thousand dollar outfits didn’t agree with the ‘poor little old me’ act. This great entertainer briefly forgot her purpose. No doubt the venue needs a serious makeover, but the customers paying $56 to $86 per seat didn’t come to discuss that. We came to sing the songs and to see PATTI LABELLE AND THE BLUEBELLS. My mother always said “you kids don’t laugh at old people because you never know what you will be like when you get their age”.

By vern50

February 16, 2009 10:45 PM | Link to this

common thing for Patti. She did something similar at Essence Fest one year. Patti went off on a lady on our row (row 4). Told the lady she was messing with her groove and if she was not going to enjoy the concert, she should not have sat so close to the stage. Problem was, the lady was in a body brace!! She stood up and Patty was mortified. She tried to apologize and give the lady flowers someone sent her. For me, the damage was done. I lost respect for Patti and probably never will have good feelings about her again.

By A Lady

February 16, 2009 10:51 PM | Link to this

Miss Patti is a major superstar and I’ve seen her perform many times at venues including Phillips Arena. She deserves the respect of having a clean venue and I’m certain she would not have made a “fuss” if it was clean. She is a classy lady. Would you want to perform in filth and try to ignore it?

By Me

February 16, 2009 11:25 PM | Link to this

Could be worse, many many years ago Gladys Knight mike acted up. She started over, half way through it did it again. She threw down the mike, walked off stage without completing one single song and never returned.

By Tee

February 17, 2009 7:15 AM | Link to this

FINALLY…I hope someone will take note of Ms. Patti’s comments and fix up that place. I hate the civi center! Don’t make it over, tear it down and rebuild a new civi center.

By Snoopermom

February 17, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this

I can’t decide if the person (?) in the middle picture is Cher or someone from KISS.

By CJ

February 17, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this

I think Atlanta can do without Ms LaBelle quite nicely. Hopefully she won’t have to put up with “such horrid conditions” and we won’t have to put up with such bush league comments.

By Jim

February 17, 2009 8:34 AM | Link to this

So, Ms. LaBelle, how were things the last time you played Phillips Arena?

Oh, wait, that’s right, y’all couldn’t fill that place if a hurricane hit and it was the only dry land around.

Sorry you’re on the way down honey, get used to it.

As for the venue, how about you take the initiative host a couple of free “help the civic center” concerts, or is that too much to ask?

By AJ

February 17, 2009 8:36 AM | Link to this

Amen to to Tee! I took my family to see Paula Deen there a few years ago as a surprise for my mom’s 60th birthday. I was completely embarassed from the parking lot, to the building. I will never go to another event there. Disgusting.

By ForMatureAudiencesOnly

February 17, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

I COULDN’T AGREE MORE WITH MS. LABELLE. WHY? IT’S BLATANLY CLEAR. WHY IS IT THAT ONLY AA ACTS PERFORM THERE? THE ACOUSTICS ARE HORRENDOUS. THAT PLACE IS A DUMP! YOU WILL NEVER SEE A WHITE GROUP PERFORM IN THIS VENUE. SHE HAD EVERY RIGHT TO COMPLAIN! AND THE CITY OF ATLANTA SHOULD BE ASHAME OF THEMSELVES!

By TruthHurts

February 17, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

thank goodness for people who are willing to say what everybody is thinking - she had no choice - she had to get it off her chest - call it tough love - the Civic Center is a dump and it needs a good spring cleaning - Patti is an international superstar and a national icon - she’s the best of the best and her standards reflect that - the promoter was blessed with a sold out show - i’m sure there were enough advance sales to indicate that the show would be sold out - with that being the case a private cleaning crew could and should have been brought in to make sure it met Patti’s standards - there are enough day laborers out there looking for work to have that place spotless in one day - i hire day laborers all the time and they do a super job and they are not overly expensive

By mm

February 17, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this

I agree with Patti Labelle 100%. The Civic Center is in need of a make over. Free tickets are the only reasons, why I would visit the Civic Center.

By Musykluvah

February 17, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

I’m glad Ms. Patti put in out there. Backstage at the Civic Center is horrible and someone of Ms. Labelle’s caliber should not have been subjected to that. Truth be told, Ty and the Extreme Makeover crew Home Edition needs to come in and do major work! I’m speaking from experience of being an artist’ guest backstage several times in the past 3 years and I wouldn’t even sit back there let alone eat or drink. I’m amazed that city officials are clueless about the situation and how they were surprised when Ms. Patti put them on blast. They need to step up their game and upgrade immediately before they start to lose performers. There are other venues in the area that will accomodate without the “pets” running around.

By GaThespian

February 17, 2009 9:09 AM | Link to this

The Cvic Center was….and still is..one of the worst accoustically structured buildings in the world. Take it from someone who spends their life working sound and video for arenas and theatres. Back in 1968, when it was brand new, Frank Sinatra was doing a show and his crew told him that he couldn’t be heard in the back. He left the show and didn’t return. When TOTS was there, a performance of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers had to be cancelled because of the sound system. The architech who designed it never had any training in theatre design, so no wonder it sux.

I take issue with a previous writer. There are alot of great performace halls in Atlanta…Clayton STate University Spivey Hall…GSU’s Rhodes Theatre…the theatre at GT…14th Street Theatre

By zeke

February 17, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

Who cares what this over rated untalented nut thinks??

By JT

February 17, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this

Zeke, is that all you could come up with?? Back to the issue, if anyone has been to a civic center in just about ANY city, they’re all designed the same exact way! Acoustics are terrible and they are old and somewhat dilapidated. I have no doubt that what patti said is true, or why else would she have said it? She has many, many other things to do than to create lies to tell. It is what it is…when a person is used to CLEANLINESS, things like this stands out to them.

By JT

February 17, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

Zeke, is that all you could come up with?? Back to the issue, if anyone has been to a civic center in just about ANY city, they’re all designed the same exact way! Acoustics are terrible and they are old and somewhat dilapidated. I have no doubt that what patti said is true, or why else would she have said it? She has many, many other things to do than to create lies to tell. It is what it is…when a person is used to CLEANLINESS, things like this stands out to them.

By E.John

February 17, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

You go girl! The place is a dump,saw Maze and Frankie Beverly New Years 2006! Tear the joint down!!!!

By E.John

February 17, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

You go girl! The place is a dump,saw Maze and Frankie Beverly New Years 2006! Tear the joint down!!!!

By tye

February 17, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

I don’t blame Patti one bit. She deserves to perform in a clean place. She has every right to complain. She mentioned rats and roaches, that is just disgusting. Atlanta is just a dirty and filthy city. Down right disgusting. I’m so glad I am moving out of here. I can’t stand it.

By Its about time

February 17, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with Patti. I am a native New York Lady and I have refused to be entertained at the Civic Center. Its like a high school auditorium. I can’t understand why they have not invested in this place. I only venture to the Fox for entertainment. Call me a snob…but, I just can’t expose myself to the Civic Center after my first visit….

By NOT SURPRISED

February 17, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this

Well…its surely doesn’t take Ms. Labelle to establish that fact that the Civic Center is an embarrasment to the city of Atlanta, and to have such a respected mans name on the building is a travesity. The building is not deserving of A class entertainment and that is probably why A class entertainment hardly if ever plays the building any longer. I am personally not familiar with many of the acts that frequent the venue any more. The Lion King is pretty much forced to play the building because until the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center was built, there was not a another stage in Atlanta to house the show excet for the civic center. Shamefully, most of the beautiful theatres that actually used to exist in the city either burned down or have been torn down to make room for new structures over the last 40+ years. Thankfully, the FOX THEATRE still stands as a monument to those forgotten palaces. The line in the article: “THE CIVIC CENTER IS NOT A NEW BUILDING AND NO MONEY IS SPENT TO UPKEEP IT” was a damning comment from a city official, and to me, pretty much affirms the condition of the building. I for one am not a proponent of tearing buildings down for the sake of tearing them down…but unless the city plans a major overhaul of this venue…its time for it to go. The auditorium is simply too big, the balcony seats are so far from the stage that you feel as though you are in another zip code, and the acoustics are deplorable. In no way is this a fine representation of a first class arts venue for the city of Atlanta…its a shame for Atlanta, that Cobb County picked up the ball at the right time and built a state-of-the-art venue that attraced our beloved ballet and opera out of the city proper. The City, once again, missed the boat. Re-paving the parking lots there does not a first class venue make. Do us all a favor and rid our skyline of this eyesore..Ms. Labelle you are right on track, and its a shame that someone of her talent and legend has to be the one to stand up in front of almost 5000 people and say what she did. She is correct 110% and Atlanta audiences deserve better. Anyone that has the nerve to defend the condition of the center fits into one of the following categories: has never been in the building, is blind, enjoys old run-down, filthy conditions, or lives in a trailer. A FREE ticket wouldn’t get me in the place.

By L. McCoy

February 17, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

Should Patti have went there? Yes. Why? Because they have been performing since before I was born. They should have comfortable accomadations. They probably felt like it was 1964! DO NOT BLAME THE GIRLS(well, Patti) for telling! They were not expecting those backstage conditions! SARAH AND NONA were like ” Oh Pat, no you didn’t!” I was there! Although I felt a little taken aback by Ms. Patti’s slamming the Civic Center, we all know how she is - SHE ALWAYS KEEPS IT REAL AND SAYS THINGS FROM HER HEART!! And the sound sucked- could barely catch Sarah and Nona’s vocals-Patti’s mike was fine. Nona is wonderful! I LOVE THEM! Exiting the parking lot was a sad experience. I did not know the Civic’s reputation-I’m from Michigan! I just wanted to see Sarah, Patti and Nona. I had a great time and know EVERY song they did. I’ll always pay to see my girls!

By Charlotte 2 Atlanta

February 17, 2009 12:01 PM | Link to this

I was there. She had a right to a clean dressing room where she could eat her food and not regurgitate it becuase of rat droppings and roaches. Yes, I paid nearly $100 for a ticket, and I would think some of my money would have went toward accomdations for the star I came to see. I was with Patty all the way. But, if you every really go to Atlanta and take a look at the city, you will see it is not all it is hyped up to be, so I was not suprised when she talked about how ghetto (my words) the backstage area was. But on another note, patti is one of those rare performers that still believe in “the show must go on”. she was sick as all get out up there, but she kept drinking her juice to try and keep her diabetes regulated so she could get through the show, even if that meant, leaning on the piano to sing. I love her, and the people of Atlanta should take her advice and demand better from their city.

By Charlotte to Atlanta

February 17, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this

I drove from charlotte to atlanta to see patti, and I was ticked that I spent nearly 100 dollars to a ticket, and yet the city of Atlanta could not give Patti better accomodations. This woman somehow got through a showing having a diabetic attack becuase she could not eat her food without rats and roaches running around her. Atlanta is so over hyped. If anyone goes there and open their eyes, they will it is just one big arm pit, and I’m afraid Charlotte is heading that directon, but I truly hope not. Patti had every right to vent, I would have to If I had to do a hour and a half show sick as hades. I mean, the woman had to lean on the piano for support becuase she did not have the strength sometimes to stand up and sing. Ridiculous.

By GWM

February 17, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this

OMG! I can not believe this is happening. Patti Labelle has the nerve to complain about a concert venue? What about the people who paid money to see her? I had great seats a couple of years ago to see the “great” Patti Labelle. It was a birthday gift, and I couldn’t wait. The opening act was fantastic. (Charlie Wilson of the GAP band was the opening act)

All I can say is that if it was not for him, the entire show would have been a waste. Patti came out for the opening number, and could not hit the notes. She complained and whined on stage that she was not feeling well. She asked the audience to pray for her while she was on stage and had her backup singers cover her songs. If she was the A class entertainer that she thinks she is, she would have refunded the money to all of us paying to see and hear her sing, not her backup singers.

What a Diva! Thankfully Mary Griffin was one of her backup singers. She should have headlined instead of some pathetic washed out has been crying on stage and looking for pity!

I got your pity, Patti, now where’s my money? How about performing for free when you can sing the songs you are known for, and have the people that attended that washed out show get in for free, since you already got our money.

If the venue was that bad, think about what you can do to help it, not degrade it.

By Way

February 17, 2009 12:26 PM | Link to this

The Civic Center has horrible acoustics, partcularly for women singers. The high and mid-range notes are sucked into the barn like space of the Civic Center, never to reach the audience ears.

By Preston Elliott

February 17, 2009 2:05 PM | Link to this

I am truly sorry to hear about Ms Labelle’s expereince. But she could not be more wrong about the Atlanta Civic Center! As a person with intimate knowledge of the Civic Center (both as patron and promoter)I have the utmost praise for the venue. Over the last 15 years I have promoted numerous concerts and plays and thoughout that time I have never seen an untidy bathroom, dressing room, lobby area or no trash around my seat. Nor have I ever seen any roaches or mice.The management and staff do a outstanding job in maintaining this 40 year old theatre. I am on record as a avid supporter of the Atlanta Civic Center. My hats of to Mayor Franklin, City Council and City Bureau for choosing such professional people to run this building. I am now planning my next next concert….Guess where it will be?

Preston Elliott The Elliott Group Ent.

By Don Perry

February 17, 2009 2:13 PM | Link to this

Ms. Lablle is correct on her statement about the Civic Center. A friend of mine sings with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. I had the chance to visit her backstage after the show in her dressing room, (If you can call it that) The walls were filthy, carpet torn and molded, chairs falling apart. Where is the $1.00 that they add on to the ticket fee for facility charge, it sure isn’t being spent on the Civic Center. With the status that Patti Labelle and Labelle have, this show should have been at the Fox Theatre.

By Don Perry

February 17, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

Ms. Lablle is correct on her statement about the Civic Center. A friend of mine sings with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. I had the chance to visit her backstage after the show in her dressing room, (If you can call it that) The walls were filthy, carpet torn and molded, chairs falling apart. Where is the $1.00 that they add on to the ticket fee for facility charge, it sure isn’t being spent on the Civic Center. With the status that Patti Labelle and Labelle have, this show should have been at the Fox Theatre.

By James

February 17, 2009 8:44 PM | Link to this

Patti La WHO??

By Toni (Billups-Randall)Jazz (Manieson)

February 18, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this

You know, my daughter (Tpoche Billups),sent this link to me all the way in Ghana, West Africa. As I read the posted comments it brought back plenty of memories. I’ve been away from Atlanta since 1997, living in Ghana. There was a time I was really proud of Atlanta’s Civic Center. Yes, the acoustic were really bad. I remember complaining about it. But I was still so proud that I even got married on the outside across the water fountain with a violin player and horses and carriages. I believe back then the late John Riddle (my old high school ceramics teacher at Los Angeles High) was keeping it pretty together. I found some of the comments very amusing however, their was a lot of truth in what many people said. Although I’m no longer in Atlanta, this is our place and we as African Americans should take it upon ourselves to do something about making a difference. We have enjoyed some great performances there, bad acoustics and all. But now it’s time to do something. Even if it takes having another country like Japan to help in remodeling, renovating & redecorating the place. (That’s what they did here with our National Theatre). Our Civic should reflect beautiful art pieces, Artist portraits, a gallery, beautiful clean dressing rooms, fresh odors, comfortable seating and anything that has to do with uplifting the postive images that have and still play, patronize & support the once beautiful & elegant edifice that really houses a lot of creative energy. Just as performing artist have lead things like “We are the World,” there should be something held to “Save & refurbish the Civic Center.” I’d even be willing to come a few months and help with organizing an event that could make a difference. I’ve been blessed with Ghana’s # one Jazz Club and I certainly don’t mind doing something to give back. Even if it is just my time. Our place should be just like the Kennedy Center in D.C. or the Lincoln Center in N.Y.,. P.S. Craig P. if you’re reading this get in touch with your cousin in Ghana! I’ll do something or at least try! My grandmother always said,”if you can’t say something nice about something or someone don’t say anything at all!” I’ve added my own thing to it and I believe doing something about it even if it’s a little something.Every little something adds up!

By The truth all the time

February 20, 2009 12:01 AM | Link to this

Ms. Pattie seems to have the same act everywhere she goes from what I have read. She came to ATL years ago and I went to see her. Her entire performance included her complaining about how hot it was on stage and keep in mind, she had several fans blowing on her on the stage. She forgot the words to her own songs and started singing other people songs. I said after that that I would never pay that kind of money to go see her again.

Also, my father told me a story about Ms. Pattie coming through the airport in ATL and after departing from her plain she went to her limo and had the window down. When she say my father coming to her limo to say hello, she rolled up the window as though her was just a nobody and she didn’t want to be bothered.

People have their days, but her bad behavior seems to be a pattern. I will never pay to see her again.

By The truth all the time

February 20, 2009 12:07 AM | Link to this

Patti Labelle performed at a venue that she could afford. she had to split that money 3 ways. I am sure Patti has performed at the Civic Center before.

By Keeping It Real

February 20, 2009 9:05 AM | Link to this

The Civic Center does need an upgrade.However, Patti’s management must have known where the gig would be located. At this point in her career, she should be glad that some people are willing to pay 60 bucks to see three old women prance arouud the stage in weird outfits. Get real.

By L. Spigner

February 20, 2009 10:04 AM | Link to this

I have frequented the civic center on numerous occasions. Yes the venue is old, but this is no excuse for it to be not maintained and suitable. Backstage reminds one of stepping back in time. Audiences rarely ever know that dressing rooms in most older venues are just glorified large closets. Whatever revenue that is put into venues like the civic center are allocated to just about everything in front of the stage. Backstage is primitive. No entertainer should have to put up w/pets, dirt and odors.
More importantly, understand what entertainers, shows, plays etc. etc. cater to. Who mostly frequents the Civic Center? I am almost willing to bet that minority consumers support most of the entertainment that is booked at the civic center. Another case in point; second class accomodations for seemingly second class citizens. We deserve better this is 2009 [not 1964]. City management as well as those that have reponsibilty at this venue need to take heed. Shut the civic center down, renovate, update, & clean up the place. Those expensive tickets justify a reputable venue. Patti was telling the truth

By Jazz

February 21, 2009 11:39 PM | Link to this

Patti was telling the truth. For those that have a problem with what she said about the place, they should think about the fact that they paid good money and are sitting in a garbage dump. But they sound like the dump is just FINE for them. For those who like eating their steak on garbage can lids, sorry if the the truth hurts, but everyone does NOT like that. Patti was glad that people paid good money to hear them sing, but it wasn’t just about HER being accomodated well and in a clean environment, it was about you ALL that come to see an A1 performance too. I guess some people don’t care HOW or WHERE they view a performance. If they are prepared to give 100% why should they get only 20% in accomodations?