Celebrity News, Blogs and Photos

By Brian

July 27, 2007 4:10 PM | Link to this

Fine them if they run over. They can afford it!

By Brian

July 27, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

It was disgraceful the way B. B. King, who is now 81, and may never appear here again was treated. The sound ordinance is a recently added contrivance to appease residents near the amphitheater who purchased their properties knowing full well an outdoor music venue was in the neighborhood. Shame on Atlanta.

By Heather

July 27, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

I was there.. didn’t think it was too bad except he really sang very little.. talked a lot, however it was entertaining. It was surprising that he just didn’t seem to be on for very long. He didn’t want to continue but said he was under a curfew and had to wrap things up. Al Green, however was phenominal. He gave a rendition of Amazing Grace that made your hair stand on end. Great concert, despite being cut off. I certainly don’t blame the residents though for wanting a cut off on the music.

By MyThought

July 27, 2007 4:17 PM | Link to this

I feel that the location of the venue is really inappropriate … why have such a venue placed smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood when, we know, most # people can be very anal when it comes to certain city ordinances?

It’s like throwing a house party be having to end it when the baby goes to sleep. BORING!!!!

By MyThought

July 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I feel that the location of the venue is really inappropriate … why have such a venue placed smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood when, we know, most # people can be very anal when it comes to certain city ordinances?

It’s like throwing a house party but having to end it when the baby goes to sleep. BORING!!!!

By Rusty

July 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Seems to me they’re getting fair warning. The law’s the law.

By MyThought

July 27, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

I feel that the location of the venue is really inappropriate … why have such a venue placed smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood when, we know, most # people can be very anal when it comes to certain city ordinances?

It’s like throwing a house party but having to end it when the baby goes to sleep. BORING!!!!

By G

July 27, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this

I felt so bad for him! That ended, what was an otherwise wonderful evening, on a very sour note. Pulling the sound on the band is one thing, but he wasn’t even playing, just saying goodbye and goodnight. I thought there was a policy in place that would allow the artist to continue, but at a pricey rate for every minute past 11 that they play?

By Mocha-choca-latte-mama!

July 27, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this

Unplug the great BB?? Atlanta is a joke!! More importantly, this city is full of primadonnas that are wound so tight, there heads spin at the slightest blip on their morality radar! Get a life people. Music is an earned right for all humans. Just another chink in local governments armor…. this definitely has given many artists and patrons alike, the blues!!! Just keep playing the music and paying the fines!!!!

By Dan

July 27, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Fine them and pull the plug ! I live next to a meeting hall that rents to people who blast the music in violation of all ordinances unfortunatly in dekalb only the ordinance unit can issue a citation for noise and of course they only work M-F 9-5 They actually just recently called me regarding a complaint I filed in 2004!!!! then never called back

It’s not really that hard to follow the rules I wish dekalb would enforce them like chastain

By ruthie

July 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

It was not Chastain, as a venue, being mean to B.B. King. They are simply obeying the law. If you have a challenge with the 11pm noise ordinance, me thinks you should be talking to the residents of that area who requested it in the first place. I am a fan of B.B. King as well, but the law is the law!

By TouchDown

July 27, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

BB King is an entertainer and entertained. Al Green is a perform and he sure did perform! The folks that live near Chastain can afford to live where they choose. They chose near an outdoor concert venue. What would 1 or 2 minutes past 11pm effect anything. Gave him 10 and 5 minutes warning - how about a 1 minut to wrap up and not rudely cut off the mike. You could not get the mikes right for the horn section for his entire set. The least you could do was let him say goodnight, Conlon, especially for those prices.

By Thelawisthelaw

July 27, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

The law is the law, yeah right. Most people don’t drive below the speed limit, they don’t even stop at stop signs, but you better turn that sound off at 11:00 pm.

People are all hypocrits, they obey the laws they want to obey.

By Dan

July 27, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Other venues require artists to pay the fines themselves if they break curfew instead of pulling the plug. The Chastain approach is a good way to p** off patrons and artists alike. I second the “shame on Atlanta.”

By LB

July 27, 2007 4:32 PM | Link to this

The ordinance is silly. People who don’t want to hear Chastain’s concerts should have enough sense not to buy a home there. Just like people shouldn’t buy homes near the airport and complain about flight noise. This is a city. Cities have noise. They should move out into the boring ‘burbs if they need absolute silence at 11 p.m.

By zippy

July 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

It’s like the people who buy a home near an airport and then complain about noise. You can’t have it both ways.

By zippy

July 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

It’s like the people who buy a home near an airport and then complain about noise. You can’t have it both ways.

By gypsyangel

July 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Unforgivable! Hey - did the Boss show up??

By Mike

July 27, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea: start the shows earlier and fine the artists a large, fixed amount of $ for every second THEY violate the time limit. They’ll never have to pull the plug again.

By tbd

July 27, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this

Hey MyThought — an inappropriate location? The venue was built in 1944 — before a lot of the homes in the area. Which came first?

By toni

July 27, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

When artists such as Brown or King or Clapton, Raitt, Young or any other legend is ending their set, let THEM end it. It is bad enough that audiences clown during sets. Come on now, Chastain. Offer a “legend” a waiver to the law and pay the damn fine. These folks are the last of the best. Can we respect some true art form and performer(s?

By jd

July 27, 2007 4:37 PM | Link to this

I think the 11:00 time limit should be changed to 12:00. This will allow ample time for all to enjoy the concert and extra time for it to end. Everyone should be happy.

By Nathan

July 27, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this

B didn’t start performing until 10 p.m. and played maybe 4 songs in the first 45 minutes. The remainder of the time he told rambling stories while his band played in the background. Along with many of the other attendees, I left before the concert was over (about 10:45 pm). I love B.B. King and admire his career and contributions to The Blues, but it’s time for him to stop doing concerts. I didn’t expect him to put on a concert like a 35-year old B.B. King but I did expect more. He’s a great Bluesman but I wish he’d preserve that which makes him great by not putting on concerts if he can’t deliver the music. I felt sad walking out because I missed what could’ve been a great performance. That Chastain pulled the plug wouldn’t have been a problem if he had started earlier and/or not wasted time. Even Chastain neighbors deserve to sleep.

By Mark

July 27, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

Personal I love Chastain. Chastain is in a neighborhood. That neighborhood is very nice. It is nice because it is safe. The area is safe because the residents invest in their neighborhood. Concert goers like to feel safe. The residents around Chastain absolutely deserve peace at a reasonable hour. If an artist needs to entertain into the wee hours, there are more appropriate venues.

By RMcConnell

July 27, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

They should follow the 11:00pm curfew but use some disgression in order not to be rude. Someone should have gone out on the stage and in a graceful way handled things. They should have someone around capable of this.

By Mark

July 27, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Personal I love Chastain. Chastain is in a neighborhood. That neighborhood is very nice. It is nice because it is safe. The area is safe because the residents invest in their neighborhood. Concert goers like to feel safe. The residents around Chastain absolutely deserve peace at a reasonable hour. If an artist needs to entertain into the wee hours, there are more appropriate venues.

By Unfortunate

July 27, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

The Chastain venue should be moved period. Atlanta is a sprawling city with more than enough land to move it somewhere else. The residents complain about the noise but have no problem spending the money that it brings to their neighborhood. How many people that live in the neighborhood actually attend the events? Or are they afraid of their dirty little secret getting out?

By Mark

July 27, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Personal I love Chastain. Chastain is in a neighborhood. That neighborhood is very nice. It is nice because it is safe. The area is safe because the residents invest in their neighborhood. Concert goers like to feel safe. The residents around Chastain absolutely deserve peace at a reasonable hour. If an artist needs to entertain into the wee hours, there are more appropriate venues.

By bunch-o-bozos

July 27, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

You people who whine about those that live near Chastain being able to afford to move make me sick! I assume you voted for Kerry and Edwards too! The law states that 11pm is the cutoff, the “artists” are informed of this, so there should be NO surprise when the mikes get cut off.

Whining about being held to the letter of the law is no different than the speed limit signs being posted, and then you being surprised or p*ed off when the cop tickets you. What a bunch of whiners!

By Shawn

July 27, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

It’s ridiculous. Like Dan said, fine the artist if that’s the case. Pulling the plug is rude and disrespectful. Chastain pull the plug on Frankie Beverly and pulled him off the stage. WTF is that…??? Prince played the Fox and went over and they fined him but never pulled the plug. Also, just because something is the law dont mean it is right or the right thing to do. Like thelawisthelaw said, people are hypocrits and do what they want. We all know what the real deal is about out there at Chastain… Plain and simple. I use to go to about 3 to 4 shows a yr and I’m down to about 1 show due to this. And as much as they charge you to see a show out there, you would think they would at least let the complete show finish out.

By Melissa

July 27, 2007 4:45 PM | Link to this

I was at a Frankie Beverly concert a few years ago when they pulled the plug. I understood, but still thought it was rude. I agree with making them pay fines for going over, say, a 15 minute grace period. Like mortgages…it’s due on the 1st, but no late fees are charged until after the 15th.

By roma

July 27, 2007 4:46 PM | Link to this

This was the second concert I attended this summer that was cut short due to that silly noise ordinance. Given that the tickets to Chastain events are not exactly cheap, I leave them feeling ripped off. Sadly, I think I’m done with Chastain. Fortunately, there are other venues for my entertainment dollar.

By Lucille Willoughby

July 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Atlanta has the tightest ass of any major metropolitan area in the USA.

By JM

July 27, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this

Errrr. BB was awake at 11pm! Chastain rules - get over it - that old fart had no idea what was going on anyway. I’m Out…

By nuts to chastain homeowners

July 27, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

WOULD THEY HAVE CUT OFF HILARY CLINTON? WOULD THEY CUT OFF GEORGE BUSH? DOWN WITH THE CHASTAIN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION.THESE PEOPLE SHOULD MOVE.

By Real Deal speaker

July 27, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Can’t your contrite myopic minds realize that rich whites don’t want concerts @ Chastain any longer? When the Doors and Alabama performed, there was no ordinance but as soon as R&B and hip-hop started to rent the venue, they suddenly needed a law for 11:00 sound shut off. I think black artists should find another venue. As a proud African American;I will NEVER frequent the venue again!

By Real Deal speaker

July 27, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Can’t your contrite myopic minds realize that rich whites don’t want concerts @ Chastain any longer? When the Doors and Alabama performed, there was no ordinance but as soon as R&B and hip-hop started to rent the venue, they suddenly needed a law for 11:00 sound shut off. I think black artists should find another venue. As a proud African American;I will NEVER frequent the venue again!

By don't blame the promoter!

July 27, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

Don’t blame the promoter or the artist. The issue is the neighbor’s aren’t very neighborly insisting on the noise ordinance. The lay is just plain stupid. The amphitheatre was their before the houses… Why would you build/buy a house next to an outdoor amphtheatre and then complain about the noise? Duh!!!

By Real Deal speaker

July 27, 2007 4:49 PM | Link to this

Can’t your contrite myopic minds realize that rich whites don’t want concerts @ Chastain any longer? When the Doors and Alabama performed, there was no ordinance but as soon as R&B and hip-hop started to rent the venue, they suddenly needed a law for 11:00 sound shut off. I think black artists should find another venue. As a proud African American;I will NEVER frequent the venue again!

By MaccaDave

July 27, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

The location of Chastain Park in a neighborhood is unfortunate, but when you have a musical diety on stage such as B.B. King, use some common sense. If he is simply saying goodbye, let it be and then shut it down. For the people who live in the neighborhood, you are lucky you can hear some of the best acts ever to grace the airwaves without paying a dime. If you don’t like living there, then move. I would gladly love to know Chicago or Ringo, or James Taylor was a stones throw away, and I would sit on the front porch, crack open a cold one and enjoy the show, and wave goodbye as the limo drove by the house. If you moved into that neighborhood after Chastain Park was built, you knew what you were getting into. The law is stupid, and needs to be at least midnight.

By Debbie

July 27, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

The 11:00 p.m. ordinance isn’t that odd. I live in Peachtree City where we have an outdoor amphitheatre as well which also has the same ordinance. I’m from New Jersey originally and I can remember going to concerts in New York and even there, some of the concerts had to be cut off at 11:00 depending on location.

B.B. King being cut off while saying goodbye to the crowd may seem exzcessive, but Chastain has to do for one what they do for all. I saw Elvis Costello at Chastain one year who was allowed to have 12 encores!

Yes, the residents of the Chastain area were aware of the Amphitheatre before they bought their homes, but they were also aware of the ordinance that went along with it. They’ve already agreed with the fact that they are going to hear music - of many various genres - every Friday and Saturday night for 9 months of the year. I don’t think asking those musicians to end their show by 11 is too much to ask.

By the way, I just saw Keith Urban at Phillips Arena and his concert ended at 11 as well.

By Pamela

July 27, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I live in the Chastain area and if the ordnance is 11 pm so be it. Change the start time to 6 pm, five hours is more than enough time to jam.

By Nathan

July 27, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this

Yeah, Real Deal. The rich whites are all against R&B, hip hop, Mike Vick, Councilman Willis, the Black Mafia Family, Genarlow, OJ—and YOU.

Ever consider not “frequenting” the United States? :)

By Phil

July 27, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

The problem is multiple performers on weeknights. A single performer can finish by 11 but multiple performers are cut short. I have attended several concerts with multiple performers and the first act only plays 30 minutes which is ridiculous and the final act is rushed or cut off. Keep to single performers on weeknights and put multple performers on weekends only when I believe the curfew is later.

By Gimmeeabreak

July 27, 2007 5:09 PM | Link to this

Hey Real Deal speaker … Here we go playing the race card again - The noise ordinance is in place for ALL artists and is enforced every night there is a concert. The residents around the park got the ordinance b/c of NOISE issues. If you have to play the race card, please get informed and educated about what you’re talking about. Stick to your promise and never go there again!!!

By Red

July 27, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

Gee…it took surprisingly long for someone to turn it into a “race” thing.

By Lex Luthor

July 27, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Conlon is a prick. He runied Music Midtown by forcing people to buy three day passes then booking one day’s worth of good shows.

By PTC DAWG

July 27, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

I’m glad I saw him at the Fred. A nice golf cart ride down, and he started at around 9. He did talk a lot, but all in all, I thought the show was excellent. It was about an hour and 40 minutes long.

“The Fred” also has an 11 PM curfew, and we seem to do fine with it. Opening acts, start right at 8 PM. and the Main act is usually on stage by 9.

By Tyree

July 27, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I bet if it was Mix Jagger or sum other crazy a$$ cracker, they’d let ‘em play on. B.B. King and Mike Vick both been hated on cause they black. Damn with a last name like King, you’d think this down been known not to mess wit folks. Sheeeet.

By Don KeBallz

July 27, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

Relax people, Vick will be playing for the Falcons next year. Remember Ray Lewis?

By Troy Chastain

July 27, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this

You don’t just move the amphitheather to another location. It’s practically a historic site. It’s a wonderful place and a part of the heritage for the FEW of us who actually remember Atlanta 40 years ago. The people of Atlanta now are a bunch of wussies!

By Monica

July 27, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

I just completed a graduate research project on park ordinances. They are very in depth rules that need to be followed. I spent many hours making sure theses laws were applicable to the current park I was researching, as well comparing the ordinances against ten Metro Atlanta Parks. The venue, and artists agree to follow them, and are aware of the consequences in not following them. You can’t blame Chastain employees for following the law. There are strict penalties for violating the law. I respect Chastain for doing their job in this situation.

By Ripdog

July 27, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

I realize it’s an ordinance but sometimes out of respect to certain people, you just need to disobey certain ordinances and accept the consequences.

By drew

July 27, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this

I’m surprised anyone noticed that they pulled the plug…

I quit going to Chastain many years ago, after a James Taylor show that was drowned-out be the rude, inconsiderate, and self-absorbed “fans” who apparently attend Chastain in order to see, be seen, and socialize. It was embarrassing, and I swore that night I would never go back to Chastain. I’ve been true to my word for 12 years, so far.

I wish they would close the place down so that I could see some of the artists who seem to play exclusively at Chastain.

It’s a shame such a beautiful venue can be ruined by a bunch of selfish and inconsiderate asses.

By brent

July 27, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

Buckhead snobs will steamroll anything that gets in their way.

By Jill

July 27, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Laws are made to be molded - with common sense and courtesy to each other. If the folks who bought homes in the area find music in the air offensive after 11 pm they did not do their research. It’s their responsibility to buy earplugs.

By jeffisgoofingoff

July 27, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

This is typical for an ITP neighborhood. What thinking plannner would put such a venue near old Atlanta neighborhoods full of cantakerous greedy prejudiced people? We, in the OPT neighborhoods are looking forward to getting all those disgrunted artists in our appropiately planned and zoned venue.

By lynn

July 27, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

Sure wish I lived in the neighborhood that borders Chastain….a free concert would be nice…very nice.

By madmang

July 27, 2007 6:12 PM | Link to this

It was embarrasing as I had been telling an out of town friend what a great venue Chastain was. It certainly seemed like an insult to a legend to cut him off as he was clearly saying his good-bye. At least those clown-cops who clear people out by blowing their whistle to clear out the crowd weren’t annoying us. I realize that they have a curfew and he acknowledged it, but to be so anal about it. What struck me as odd was that while his microphone was cut off the bands amps were still playing.

By edward

July 27, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Hey bunch o bozos…ever think that maybe the neighborhood developed there AFTER the venue was there? Talk about whining!! If you dont want noise after 11pm, DONT MOVE WHERE THERE IS AN OPEN AMPITHEATRE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do these people even think about what might be near them when they move? Or is it because the location is so “prime” and they need to be looked upon as “prime location landowners”? Do you need your ego stroked too? How ridiculous! If you cant stand the heat, leave the kitchen. If you cant stand the music, move(or dont move to) from the band!!

By edward

July 27, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Hey bunch o bozos…ever think that maybe the neighborhood developed there AFTER the venue was there? Talk about whining!! If you dont want noise after 11pm, DONT MOVE WHERE THERE IS AN OPEN AMPITHEATRE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do these people even think about what might be near them when they move? Or is it because the location is so “prime” and they need to be looked upon as “prime location landowners”? Do you need your ego stroked too? How ridiculous! If you cant stand the heat, leave the kitchen. If you cant stand the music, move(or dont move to) from the band!!

By edward

July 27, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Hey bunch o bozos…ever think that maybe the neighborhood developed there AFTER the venue was there? Talk about whining!! If you dont want noise after 11pm, DONT MOVE WHERE THERE IS AN OPEN AMPITHEATRE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do these people even think about what might be near them when they move? Or is it because the location is so “prime” and they need to be looked upon as “prime location landowners”? Do you need your ego stroked too? How ridiculous! If you cant stand the heat, leave the kitchen. If you cant stand the music, move(or dont move to) from the band!!

By gene taylor

July 27, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this

I have performed (with The Fabulous Thunderbirds) on many shows at this venue. Many other similarly sized and situated sites have the same such noise ordinances. However, in 33 years of international touring — with many bands, in many countries and at many facilities — I have never seen a venue that is more rigid than Chastain. Pull the plug on B.B. King?!?…..while he was thanking the crowd at the end of the show!?! Well, “Sig heil!”. Atlanta…..”Sig heil!”

By Jill

July 27, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this

Chastain - the thrill is gone.

By gene taylor

July 27, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

I have performed (with The Fabulous Thunderbirds) on many shows at this venue. Many other similarly sized and situated sites have the same such noise ordinances. However, in 33 years of international touring — with many bands, in many countries and at many facilities — I have never seen a venue that is more rigid than Chastain. Pull the plug on B.B. King?!?…..while he was thanking the crowd at the end of the show!?! Well, “Sig heil!”, Atlanta…..”Sig heil!”

By Fed-Up

July 27, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

Why oh why must every blog on the AJC’s website always come down to being race related. As an African-American who has ushered at Chastain Park, the sound is equally unplugged on every artist playing the amphitheater if they go past 11:00 PM. The promoters need to do a better job, when they have multiple artists performing on the show, so that the event starts earlier.

I’ve been at concerts at Earthlink (now back to being called Center Stage) and they stop concerts at a certain time there too (Rahsaan Paterson last year is an example). He was singing away, in the middle of a song, when they pulled the sound. The audience was not too happy and neither was he.

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

My turn to speak. I know what I’m talking about because I worked at Chastain on the Sound Crew for many years.

First, Peter Conlon is 1000% correct. There is a STRICT 11pm cutoff. No matter who you are or wish you were. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Next, there is a very STRICT volume restriction. No matter who you are or wish you were. NO EXCEPTIONS! In fact there is a very expensive and complicated computer system installed that monitors the volume levels of the entire performance. No matter who you are!!!! This data is available to the artist and their production team. It is kept on file as a matter of record.

THE RULES AT CHASTAIN DON”T BEND FOR ANYBODY!

As for the location of the venue… Yeah it’s in a fancy neighborhood. That theater has been there for decades. It’s part of Chastain Park and is certainly an Atlanta tradition. The place is without a doubt the BEST place to see a concert in town… unless it rains, then it sucks.

I’ve read all kind of stupid postings on this topic in this blog today. Those who live near that venue know what the deal is. They have loud concerts there in the summer. Duh…. Those performers who play there know the deal…11pm sharp or you’ll be cut off. NO EXCEPTIONS!

I can’t believe some idiots even yanked out the race card. GROW UP YOU MORONS!

Business is business. A contract is a contract. Believe you me, those artists are making a ton of money that night. Nobody is getting screwed.

Here’s an idea… Start the gig ontime and finish ontime. No matter who you are or wish you were. NO EXCEPTIONS!

By CommonSenseRules

July 27, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Everyone knows the agreement.
Perhaps the plug-pulling practice should be put in bold caps in the contract, or, perhaps, when earlier acts run over time, their plugs should be pulled.

By GT Bill

July 27, 2007 6:40 PM | Link to this

You say shame on Atlanta…of course you do not say shame on BB. He should take responsibility for going long, ignoring the warnings, and having the plug pulled. It is not Atlanta, Chastain, or even the resident’s fault, the fault lies with BB King and his staff. The fans are the people that lost out, I feel bad for them, but they should blame Mr. King.

By Jabadowitz

July 27, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

BB King should go to jail for three days for not complying with the law. Just because he is rich and famous does not mean that he can do whatever he wants.

I’m kidding. Lighten up people. There is a war going on. Does this crap really matter to anyone with a brain?

By Jill

July 27, 2007 6:41 PM | Link to this

Hey aloha vamp;

Talk about anal.

Did ya’ll ever let them play beyond 11 before that law was passed?

Maybe you should join the Marines.

By Chuck

July 27, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this

I was at the final Atlanta James Brown show, as well as last night’s B.B. King show. It was truly a disgraceful way to end the evening for folks who have devoted their life to making us happy. I also remember when Chastain pulled the plug on The Doors a few years ago before they had performed Light My Fire! It was only 10:30! The explanation I received was that the park was told that the band was going to sing a certain # of songs. When that # was reached, the lights were turned on and the band was silenced. One more note about last night. The “security” folks blew loud whistles(similar to what you hear the Gestapo do in movies)until 11:30pm in an effort to remove any people remaining in the venue. So it’s wrong for soft spoken BB to say goodnight, but OK for “security” to make racket for an extra 30 minutes! If Conlon did quote “the law” as the reason that the plug was pulled, perhaps he can explain why merchandise tables were allowed to stand in the walkway by the bathrooms during the recent Stevie Nicks shows. This same walkway was ordered to remain clear at all times by the fire marshall(the law). Of course, we all know the answer is “money”. Last night was one of those times that you “take one for the team” and pay any fine necessary to show respect to a legend. In this case our “pitcher” left the ball on the mound and forfeited the game….

By Debbie

July 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

This comment is to Drew - you said you haven’t been back for 12 years because of the rude ‘fans’. You may want to give it a second chance. There were a lot of people that felt the same way, so now Chastain asks the Performers if they will allow food, tv trays, etc. during their performance. (There was a rash of problems with people getting so drunk, they were throwing food at the bands!!) If the performers say no, then you can’t bring it in. Without all the tables, candles, full bottles of wine, etc. brought in with coolers, people are staying a bit more sober and not making such fools out of themselves. It seems like even when they allow the coolers, people have calmed down.

Give it another try. There’s too many good bands there to give it up.

By Tyree

July 27, 2007 6:45 PM | Link to this

You want some cheese with that whine, cracka?

By TTKK

July 27, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this

Pull the Plug—it’s bedtime for most people. Go to Lakewood Fairgrounds to have those black concerts!

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 6:50 PM | Link to this

Hey Jill,

Wanna get backstage?

By Sonny

July 27, 2007 6:51 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of idiot posters. I love BB and the blues as much as anyone and I’m certainly a night owl normally up till 2-3am and am in my 40’s but I can tell you it’s insane to think an outdoor venue in a neighborhood should be rocking after 11pm. You still can’t get everyone out of the area around midnight if it ends at 11 thats plenty late enough. Besides if it was left to the “artists” and alot of them could care less about anyone else, like a lot of posters here, most are a bunch of liberal idiots who don’t have a clue and it’s just me me me with these folks anyway. The moron that said it was a black thing is a good example too, is there anything to you morons can’t bitch about if you don’t like the rules don’t go. It is a very reasonable rule given the location.

By Stoned Mountain

July 27, 2007 6:52 PM | Link to this

This is truly a tempest in a teapot.

By Manners??

July 27, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

Chastain is easily my favorite place to see concerts here in ATL, but I definitely understand the curfew / noise ordinances. It is a shame that they cut off a legend like BB, and I think there has to be a better way to handle that. My main beef with Chastain would be the people that talk loudly or yell into cellphones (why take a cellphone in to a concert??? I haven’t a clue) while totally oblivious to the fact that folks around you might actually want to hear or see the show. I know that it is sort of an unofficial tradition to be social at these events, but how about being polite. They should ban cellphones from these events like they ban cameras.

By Lyn

July 27, 2007 6:59 PM | Link to this

From a older native Atlantan- The amphitheater was originally a venue for plays- being the original Theater Under the Stars. The neighborhood has been there the same length of time as the park and amphitheater. The concerts started slowly back in the 70’s and got more and more popular over the years. The neigbors have every right to demand a noise ordinance in their neighborhood.

By Lyn

July 27, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

From an older native Atlantan- The amphitheater was originally a venue for plays- being the original Theater Under the Stars. The neighborhood has been there the same length of time as the park and amphitheater. The concerts started slowly back in the 70’s and got more and more popular over the years. The neigbors have every right to demand a noise ordinance in their neighborhood.

By Lyn

July 27, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

From an older native Atlantan- The amphitheater was originally a venue for plays- being the original Theater Under the Stars. The neighborhood has been there the same length of time as the park and amphitheater. The concerts started slowly back in the 70’s and got more and more popular over the years. The neigbors have every right to demand a noise ordinance in their neighborhood.

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this

Here’s the true deal:

Chastain - 11pm

Phillips Arena - 11pm usually. Gigs can go later but it get real expensive.

HiFi Buys/Lakewood - supposed to end at 11pm. My experience since 1991 has been varied. I once did a gig there for Kiss104.1 “Flashback” that didn;t end until 1:30am. This was approx 3-4 years ago.

Tabernacle - Whatever the customer wants to pay for.

Gwinnett Arena - I haven’t spend too much time there. Knowing what I’ve heard and been told… see Phillips Arena.

Other 2nd rate venues around town … Whatever you want to pay for.

Sorry about my spelling… I’m working RIGHT NOW AT ANOTHER ATLANTA CONCERT!

By John

July 27, 2007 7:08 PM | Link to this

“The law is the law”. If the entertainer knows this going in there should be no question as to why it happened. It’s the ignorant people who question everything.

By Rita McCrary

July 27, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this

The oldies are not getting any younger!!!! Let them continue as long as they are preforming well!!! Let’s let them life their lives to the fullest in Hot Lanta!!!! Rita an oldie but Goodie!

By H. G. Smith

July 27, 2007 7:33 PM | Link to this

We’ve lived 100 yards from the amphitheater since 1963… 25 years before Peter Conlon contracted with the city of Atlanta to conduct very loud and numerous concerts in neighborhoods of affluent homes. After big sounds, traffic is the second problem. The city council loves the money and the prestiege. The taxpayers (neighbors)are the victims. There is no peace and quiet in this community from April 1 to October 31 each year for the last 25 years. Upwards to 70 concerts per season. Look it up. There is no sound ordinance surrounding the Chastain Park amphitheater.

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

To: Lex Luther @ 5:13pm

Yeah… Peter Conlon is not a nice person. However, he is da Man in Atlanta. Alex Cooley is gone dude.

ALL PROMOTERS ARE A**HOLES. That’s how they make their $$$ and get good gigs.

TO: the other blogger with an opinion

Welcome to Rock ‘N Roll. These catz have been doing this gig for a long time.

Anybody who thinks this business is for weaklings and “polite” people needs to rethink SHOWBIZ.

Everything is about money. The band wants to get paid. The production crews must be paid. The engineers, technicians and stagehands must be paid. The security has to get paid.

Concerts aren’t fun and games… they’re business.

99% of people who go see a show have no idea what it takes to make the gig happen. That’s fine. We prefer it that way.

By Jerry

July 27, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

Gotta pull the plug.

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this

Mr Smith,

The sound ordinance deal is with your neighborhood association. As I understand it, the bulk of the deal was negotiated with The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. In fact, most concerts during the summer are sponsored by ASO.

I have seen, read and understand the agreement… Have you sir?

I’m sorry you don’t like the concerts but you are just one voice. With all due respect, you should talk with your neighbors and do a little homework.

Residents who choose to live intown, near Piedmont Park, face the same situation but much worse.

Truly and with all due respect Mr. Smith. Please understand.

By Deniece Oehmsen

July 27, 2007 8:02 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe all this up roar over pulling the plug on B.B.King.Where is everyones priorities.He knew the rules and should go by them. If you make exceptions for one then you have to make exceptions for everyone else.Then you have no rules. And the people that have complaints about Atlanta,you are free to move just like you suggested the people move that live by Chastain!!

By Deniece Oehmsen

July 27, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe all this up roar over pulling the plug on B.B.King.Where is everyones priorities.He knew the rules and should go by them. If you make exceptions for one then you have to make exceptions for everyone else.Then you have no rules. And the people that have complaints about Atlanta,you are free to move just like you suggested the people move that live by Chastain!!

By Kuta

July 27, 2007 8:20 PM | Link to this

Pulling the plug is quite rude.

Why not also provide a 1 minute warning so that the performer can REALLY get their last comments in for the night? I can totally see someone wanting to squeeze in another song at the 5 minute mark, so giving them that one last warning would at least allow them to exit the stage gracefully while providing the maximum amount of entertainment.

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

Kuta,

Overtime begins at exactly 11:00:01

That’s time and a half pay for everybody. We got there at 8am.

Understand?

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

the performers get plenty of warnings.

they know when they’re going over!

a lot of player just dont care. they figure they’re a star and nobody would dare pull the plug on them…. WRONG!

you’re finished at 11pm. no matter who you are or wish you were.

welcome to showbiz….

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this

the performers get plenty of warnings.

they know when they’re going over!

a lot of players just dont care. they figure they’re a star and nobody would dare pull the plug on them…. WRONG!

you’re finished at 11pm. no matter who you are or wish you were.

welcome to showbiz….

By kove

July 27, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this

Unfortunate: Are you nuts? Have you ever been to Chastain. Where is all this money you say is being brought into the neighborhood? The only revenue goes to Chastain and then some amount to the general coffers of Atlanta. The neighborhood doesn’t get any special cut and the traffic is way too great for people to go to local businesses of which there is exactly one: The Horseradish Grill. They aslo are not donating to the neighborhood.

By donna schindler

July 27, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

This whole country has lots its sense of grace and tolerance. We are humans, and not perfect. Let’s be humane. Instead all I hear about is No Tolerance. This policy should only apply to criminals, not to children in school, or 80- some year old musicians. People need to use reason and look at the situation at times.

By John

July 27, 2007 8:48 PM | Link to this

LAW SHOULD BE: Any song that begins by 10:50 can complete. All artists then get 5:00 to say goodbye/thank you after the completion of the last song. All sound should stop between 11:00 and 11:10. Any sound produced after 11:10 is fined $1000/minute, rounded up. Any sound produced after 11:20 is fined $2,000/minute, rounded up, and so forth…

By BJohnson

July 27, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this

I understand if you were there before Chastain was there and you complain, cause you’re not young anymore and need your sleep. If you moved in that area to say you’re by Chastain but complain about when the concerts start, well that was your fault move to the rest of Atlanta that doesn’t have an concert venue in earshot.

By alohavampire

July 27, 2007 9:04 PM | Link to this

Hey John,

That’s cool. How much of that $$$ gets to me?

Who and how do I collect? (remember… I’ve already been on the job for approx 16hrs)

1 or 2 minutes … I DON”T CARE.

I would hate to be the guy to “pull-it” on BB King. BUT… There are a lot of “stars” who think they can just go on and on until whenever they please.

How are we as techs supposed to draw the line?

THE ANSWER: You’re done at 11pm. NO EXCUSES. NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE.

Sorry to be such a dild* but that’s showbiz.

LoL and Sincerly, Sound Guy and Lead Tech In Charge of Everyfricken’ thing

By modestd

July 27, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this

Most of you people are freaking stupid. There are not that many venues around Atlanta where the artist play through 11 p.m. IF he knew it its his fault. IF he only played 4 songs in 45 minutes and talked the whole time and you are p** because Chastain pulled the plug, you should be p** at him for not being a performer. People live around chastain because it is a nice area with a good location. So shut up about complaining that the people that live around there are whiners and knew what they were getting them selves into. Your argument has no merit. Idiots take a Logic class.

By New Edition Fan 4 Life

July 27, 2007 9:39 PM | Link to this

Having seen many concerts at Chastain including several AWESOME New Edition concerts I know going into it that there is a time curfew. Yes I get mad when opening acts take up to much time, but I know when I buy the ticket to look at the line up.

Chastain is the most romantic concert venue ever!! I understand the curfew and at times have been sad when my boys (New Edition) had to cut the concert short.

But I would rather see a good act (NE, Hall & Oats, Chicago, Frankie Beverly, etc.) anyday with an 11pm curfew versus seeing them at Philips!!

Chastain - Ambience, beautiful outdoors and I can bring my own Martinis.

Philips - BAD SOUND, horrible food and watered down drinks.

Long Live Chastain!!!

By lhsalum1975

July 27, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this

I have worked in many outdorr arenas in my life and I am a proud former resident of Atlanta. I remember when Chastaine was “Theatre Under The Stars”. But after working in 20 or more gigs worldwide, Chastaine is the ONLY place that has a noise ordainace. This is because the rich, Westminster-Lovett King ans Spalding crowd that decided to move their in the 1970’s has put the squeeze on the city to inact a curfew. This is why Frank Sinatra refused to play there after 1988. Atlanta and Concerts South ought to give up on it.

By njp

July 27, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this

Legend or not, The law is the law and the acts get plenty of warning.

By tmack

July 27, 2007 10:18 PM | Link to this

I live in Chastain, am relatively young (32) and also went to the concert. As a park resident we spend considerable amount of time and money to keep the ampitheater open. You are invited to our community and should respect the rules. The biggest crime is that if entertainers started on time, they wouldn’t need to go over.

By RMcConnell

July 27, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Golly, who are the idiots who say don’t buy a home near a venue. Chastain did not play this type of music years ago. These people bought homes at Chastain not knowing the City of Atlanta would treat them so badly. It is reasonable to stop at 11:00PM but Chastain needs to have someone available to go out on the stage and stop music in a more appropriate manner with apologies to artists.

By RMcConnell

July 27, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this

Golly, who are the idiots who say don’t buy a home near a venue. Chastain did not play this type of music years ago. These people bought homes at Chastain not knowing the City of Atlanta would treat them so badly. It is reasonable to stop at 11:00PM but Chastain needs to have someone available to go out on the stage and stop music in a more appropriate manner with apologies to artists.

By Me

July 27, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

Tell them you will shut them down at 11pm, then, shut them down at 11pm. What part of this don’t you understand.

By Michael

July 27, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this

There are some real idiots on this BLOG. The rule says the concert stops at 11pm. So it stops at 11pm. Where is the disconnect?

By Claude

July 27, 2007 11:51 PM | Link to this

Peter Conlon….. little man big wallet. Alex Cooley was the nice one in that duo. Now this monkey boy is reaping the benefits. And! do not forget his stool pigeon Ruthie! “Yes woman” working it But yes, ELEVEN O’ Clock! pull the plug. They know this, do not get Petey fined! He needs that cash ton buy more cool clothes……I am not bitter by the way ha ha

By JawjaHillbilly

July 28, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this

I think the concert goers should storm the stage, take over the lights, and jam till the po-leace arrive..

Then make bail, rent a large room, and party till you yap up beer and barbycue!

Well, I’m sure I’d put my tail between my legs like everybody else and peacefully go home…

Nice thought though…

By Andrea

July 28, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this

Wow, that’s bizarre to criticize Chastain or the neighborhood. BB (who I love) and his managers knew what the deal was. How long do y’all think he had the right to rock on after the deadline, despite the fact that he knew what it was and what would happen? Who gets to decide how long various artists get to keep playing after they’ve agreed to quit?

Wouldn’t it make more sense for BB’s crew to say, “Hey, they turn off the sound at 11:00, maybe we should actually get started when we said we would?”

By Greghard

July 28, 2007 3:23 AM | Link to this

The noise ordinance is a bunch of crap designed to coddle the rich bitches along Lake Forest Dr. How about this: no NEW production numbers start after 11PM, but allow the tunes being performed to finish…and if the performer’s saying his farewells, at least allow him to get them out. In other words: a little Common Sense?? Nah, this is Amerika, it’ll never happen.

By Danny

July 28, 2007 3:48 AM | Link to this

Listen, you idiots that don’t like the 11 p.m. curfew and you race card playing knuckleheads, if BB King was playing in a TV show, he’d be cut off for running over or at least his image would be.

There are restrictions that all artists and their managers…and fans..know about when booking a Chastain Park venue. They know of the 11 p.m. end time and that it’s strictly enforced, so do us all a favor and shut the hell up with your whiny, anti-Buckhead resident, race baiting crap. Next time you go to Chastain, try to remind yourself that the show will end promptly so you won’t get your pannies in a wad.

By Atlguy

July 28, 2007 4:04 AM | Link to this

I’m a bartender…you all sound like the whining customers that beg for a drink after last call. Last call is last call! I guess it’s not the case for “famous” people…give me a break!

By kenneth

July 28, 2007 4:39 AM | Link to this

It is the law but more importantly, the city of Atlanta doesn’t want any nightlife or any artist to come through. It is demonstrated time and time again by these types of incidents and by not allowing DJs to spin after 3AM at night clubs. The City of Atlanta doesn’t want any culture to enter. Major artists are being pushed to outside counties that don’t have these ridiculous laws. Just a few weeks ago an international DJ, Starkillers, were spinning at Verve Lounge and the city shut them down for a noise violation. Atlanta should be honored that they are here and work with the artist, not against them. 3AM closing times for bars are some of the earliest in the country. A few shootings have caused the whole city to suffer. It is just a disappointment and a sorrow to everyone that lives here.

By rob f.

July 28, 2007 5:43 AM | Link to this

gene taylor July 27, 2007 6:29 PM

Lol… This thread was godwin’d at 6:29PM. I was thinking before I read this, I wonder when this’ll occur.

Anyhow, seriously all you stuck up birds who complain about noise, let me tell you, I live about 1 mile from a baseball stadium, sometimes the games go over, fireworks around 12-1am. Do I complain, nope. Let people enjoy themselves and stop being such jacktards. I for one do not care, and I for one do not care about your lame homeowners associations. Dynamat your walls if you wanna live near an ampitheater, other that that, shut the heck up. Why is it new orleans that got ravaged… I wish a tornado would rip through these pompous uptight “Get off my lawn!” jerks’ neighborhood. They deserve it.

By Glenda Ali

July 28, 2007 6:06 AM | Link to this

I can understand it being a ordinance,but when you have such once in a lifetime “Legends” performing,I’m sure some extended “grace’ can be given to them!!!

By Eric

July 28, 2007 6:36 AM | Link to this

Why any artist would want to play at Chastain is beyond me to begin with. There is nothing like a venue with yuppie wannabes who eat wine and cheese with their backs to the artists. As for the 11 PM cutoff, it is quite amazing that people moved to the area knowing full well that a functioning amphitheater was located in the neighborhood. Oh well, enough bad incidents, and hopefully these artists will move on to alternate venues that allow their talent to be appreciated, not barely paid attention to by a bunch of phoneys.

By Rob

July 28, 2007 7:27 AM | Link to this

They can only be fined so many times before they start losing entertainment licensing and vendor permits.

By h_charles

July 28, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

All of you bashing residents of Chasatain are absolute idiots.

THIS IS NOT SPECIAL TREATMENT OF CHASTAIN — THIS IS A CITY OF ATLANTA NOISE ORDINANCE.

ANY concert within the city limits MUST end at 11.

Chastain residents shouldn’t be treated special, but they should be afforded the same benefits of the law everyone else in the city gets.

By budman

July 28, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

I travel to other cities for my work. You get a totally different prospective of Atlanta after you get away from it. I have a total love/hate relationship with the worlds largest hick town Atlanta. I was in Charlotte NC this week and was over whelmed by the acceptance of live music at lunch time.Why Atlanta will run off street musicians is just beyond me,but as Jim said ” When the musics over turn out the lights…turn out the lights.”

By Ms. Miami

July 28, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this

The ordinance should stay as is, they new when they built either The houses around CHASTAIN or CHASTAIN around the homes what was going to happen. Adhere to the ordinance.

By Heather

July 28, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this

At 11:13 pm, I would rather have heard BB saying good night than the three gunshots from across Roswell.

And Al can sing to me all night!!

By Chris

July 28, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this

“Legends like King…” The only reason people are raising a stink about this is because it is BB King. If it was a real legend like Paul McCartney or Styx, or anyother of their demographic, the self entitlement crowd would not be screaming about anything.

By dana

July 28, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this

The concert was GREAT! BB King is absolutely wonderful to see and hear. Chastain, however, is another story. It’s less about the noise ordinance - I can understand it, though I do not like it. I’ve seen some great perfomances there, but I’ve also been annoyed beyond belief by rude attendees who should have gone to Starbucks instead. I LOVE BB - always have, always will. But next year, I hope he chooses a venue who values the artists. And I’ll be there, listening, laughing, and loving every moment of his performance!

Chastain is no longer the venue of choice in Atlanta. The Mable House is a much better choice for outdoor shows.

Oh, and Chris, BB IS a legend. Your ignorance is showing little one…

By Rocktour

July 28, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I haven’t read all the comments but they seem to run equally in both directions.

Let me tell you a story…

Years ago I was driving the bus for Mary Chapin Carpenter and we were doing a show at Villa Montalvo in Los Gatos, CA.

Villa Montalvo is a state park at the top of a mountain and used to be the Governor’s mansion.

With it’s winding drive and low trees, you cannot get trucks to the loading area so at the time all the gear was offloaded onto a smaller stake bed truck and hauled to the stage.

That night after the show, all the trucks and buses had been placed at the designated loading area at the bottom of the hill. Mind you there were no engines running and it was a residential neighborhood.

About halfway through the load one of the neighbors and his wife came around weilding a baseball bat and demanded that the crew stop and continue in the morning.

He didn’t care that we had to be 400 miles away in the morning to set up another show. All he cared about was his sleep. Remember, no engines running.

They argued with production for 30 minutes while the loading continued and was finished.

Come to find out, this guy and his wife were at the show.

Atlantans are easy compared to some others.

Now, every venue that you play generally has a curfew. If the Chastain curfew was moved to midnight the the show would only start an hour later.

Tour and production managers are told very clearly upfront at load in that there is a strict curfew. A few choose to ignore it and are either fined or the plug is pulled.

BB has been doing this for a very long time and he knows the consequences.

By luvchastain

July 28, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this

i want to set the record straight that there is no ‘chastain’ profitting off the summer concerts…there are 3 promoters who are the ones profitting, they have exclusive rights to the dates that the City ordinace allows. When you buy a ticket a portion goes back to the City to pay for the maintenance of the park-just a few years ago they totally redid backstage-which is awesome. Any way, you’ve got Conlon who now is Live Nation, youve got the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and then theres the other promoter who is the minority business in the agreement. All of these groups are chaperoned at each concert by a PAID City employee who has to be at the venue until the concert is over (and then some). That employee makes sure that everyone follows the rules (sound, curfew,etc) -well maybe they are more of an observer who makes sure the promoters do as they agreed to in contract. Including PULLING THE PLUG AT 11pm no matter who you are!

The rules suck and as both a performer and a promoter everyone has had to adjust to them. When the ASO is rehearsing with an artist they (per the sound ordinance with the neighbors)only get a short 1-2 hour reheasrsal to get it right so they can sound great for the paying public-in Symphony Hall they have at least 2-3 chances to practice.

we are lucky to have such a neat venue, I just wish it could be used again for theatrical performances

By Uncle Tom

July 28, 2007 11:14 AM | Link to this

Whats new?

A non white black ignores the rules for everyone

I want to cry, but I got over it.

Uncle Tom

By Pam Harrington

July 28, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

The artist who perform need to abide by the regulation that Chastain has in place. Chastain is a beautiful venue and the residence who live in the area need to be respected. If you have no guidelines, it will get out of hand. Thank you Pam Harrington

By robin

July 28, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this

Chastain Park should be bulldozed and made into a real park. The stupid noise ordinance ruins any concert because you can’t hear the music the way it was intended to be heard-LOUD!

By robin

July 28, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Chastain Park should be bulldozed and made into a real park. The stupid noise ordinance ruins any concert because you can’t hear the music the way it was intended to be heard-LOUD!

By Bubba Bluffton

July 28, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

I’d bet the ranch that less than 10% of the people in this blog have lived in Atlanta more than ten years. Here are some facts: Chastain was originally the sight of “Theater Under the Stars” and not a concert venue. In fact Northside, North Fulton and D** High Schools held their graduation ceremonies there for years. I grew up in the area in the 60’s and 70’s before the housing density became what it is today. The lots were larger, the homes farther apart and there weren’t McMansions sprouting everywhere. The only school was W.F. D** High School (now Sutton Middle)The area around Chastain and North Fulton Golf Course were much quieter and much more affordable.
Today during the concert season, there are sometimes four (4) concerts a week. That’s four nights of overwhelming traffic, littering, and noise, not just from the music but from those attending the events. Those who live in the area have a right to their privacy, security and peace after 11 pm. The BB King concert was scheduled to begin at 7 pm—four hours is enough for opening acts and the headliner.
Why don’t you transplants just shut up?You have no concept of the neighborhood’s history and apparently are as inconsiderate as those who talk during the entire concert. If a similar venue were built in your community, you would be the first on your street to start screaming about your property rights and impact on your neighborhood. 11 PM is late enough. 11 PM is the law. Show some respect for those who are subjected to more concerts every year and the invasion of thousands of strangers. You people need to be slapped.

By Nik

July 28, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this

If the Chastain stage crew hadn’t taken FORTY-FIVE minutes to change over from Irma Thomas to Al Green, then maybe BB could have been treated with some respect. It was disgusting to see.

By Nik

July 28, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this

The problem was that the plug was pulled on him MID-SENTENCE by these Chastain people. You all seem to think that he wanted to play 3 or 4 more songs. It would have taken all of 15 seconds for him to be finished. Whose clock decides when it’s precisely 11, anyway? This was a case of very poor judgement by Chastain.

By Bigfeat

July 28, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this

the venue needs to continue to respect its neighbors. everyone knows the rules. shut them off.

By Southern Gal

July 28, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe some of the comments!! Perhaps Chastain could give the performer a warning — say about 15 minutes prior to the show ending by either an announcement or a flashing light, whatever, so that the performer can cut it off appropriately. Out of respect for everyone … if the performer has been informed that the show is to be over at 11:00 pm every means should be taken to adhere to that regardless of whether you are a legend or not (if it means adjusting the performance). Being a legend doesn’t entitle you to break the rules/contract. Chastain should inform patrons that the show will end promptly at 11:00 pm whether on the ticket or with signs, especially for first-time patrons. For those who have actually been there when the “plug” is pulled you know so stop complaining. If you don’t like it take the first Exit out. There are other venues in Atlanta . . if the performers don’t like it . . then go there. It seems to me that most everyone knows about this, Chastain makes every effort to inform the performer so what is the big deal???? Get over it. Oh yea, who are the performers are continuely get the plug???

By Ben Robinson

July 28, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

I remember when power went off at 10PM! The artist should be respectful of the folks that live near Chastain. It would be different if the artist didn’t know about the cutoff time, but I’m sure Chartain doesn’t want the embarassment of cutting off an artist without ample notice.

By gweilo

July 28, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Classic case of a little bit of power going to the heads of the people with the plug pulling power. You can picture them, huddled in the back, counting down the seconds so that they can show everybody how important they are.

By SlowhandKev

July 28, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

It’s not like it was a Megadeath or Funkadelic concert for crying out loud! There’s no greater exception to any rule than to allow an 80+ B.B. King a moment or two to say goodnight to his fans. I’d rather spend that night in jail than to be the one who pulled the plug on America’s Greatest Living Bluesman. I’d be a hero to the Atlanta Music Scene and have a great story to tell my children forever instead of becoming Atlanta’s pitiful version of Steve Bartman. I’ll cross Chastain off of any future events, dumb @$$e$…

By RFM

July 28, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

Yet another example of how people today want more law and order except for when it interferes with their own lives. Its the law, its in his contract, he was warned. For some reason he is above the law and the obligations to which he agreed? Its quite pathetic that we are even having this debate.

By Lathonqua

July 28, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this

Nobody likes what happened, but rules are rules. The great man should have been able to at least finish his sentence.

For those trying to make this a race issue, you are probably the worst “racists”. Always about being black for you. Shame you have to live your life that way. Ridiculous chip on your shoulder.

As for Chastain, great venue, but you have to respect people when your playing in their back yard.

By Fulton

July 28, 2007 6:11 PM | Link to this

See, that’s one of 3 reasons why I don’t go to Chastain. #1 The haughty, whine & cheeze crowd that’s so obnoxious; they TALK during shows! #2 When a band is feelin’ it, you can’t vibe under time constraints and that STUPID noise ordinace just KILLS an artists groove (11pm on a FRI & SAT nite???). The audience pays GOOD MONEY @ Chastain but yet, they can’t even enjoy the encore? #3 Most Chastain acts SUCK anyways (not B.B, of course) and the tix are too F’n pricey!! BOOO CHASTAIN!!!

By Hal

July 28, 2007 6:13 PM | Link to this

The poster who mentioned the long set up time was right on.I was there and there is no way Green’s set— or BB’s— should take more than 15 minutes to get into place with a professional crew who had already soundchecked. That would have added nearly an hour onto BB King’s time, more than enough to play a bunch more songs and even include some additional tired Viagra jokes. Also if King came out at 9:45 and did not give his band 15 minutes of pleasent but far from essential jamming time, he could have performed more of his show. There were a few people at fault here.

By Fulton

July 28, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

SlowhandKev Funny you should mention Funkadelic; that was the last time I went to Chastain….got backstage & hung out with the band all night long!! Those WERE the daze!!!

By Brandon

July 29, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this

I think Atlanta’s noise ordinance laws suck. That’s awful what they did to King, or any music artist. Concerts should be given exception to the rule because it makes Atlanta look oppressive, and as a city voted the most up & coming city for 25-34 year olds they have to understand there is a huge desire by their population to have music festivals. We should all encourage the city to curtail this law!!!!

By c

July 29, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

living near there for a while…you were more upset by the taffic than if a concert (esp. a legendary performer) ran over by 10-15 minutes. i think the venue needs to appreciate the people who go there, as it is the same people at every event it seems. and i really doubt the neighborhood is going to be setting an alarm clock to make sure that 11 means 11 and not a minute after.

By musiclover

July 30, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

The curfew and sound levels at Chastain are all part of a very complex political scenario revolving around the promoters, the neighbors and the City. Several years ago, one of the promoters circulated petitions to have the sound level and curfews changed. I guess most of you whiners were too busy whining and didn’t exercise your right to change policy. Now it’s a law and we are all stuck with it. Promoters, Artists and Patrons alike. As I understand it, there is more at stake than just a monetary fine. I heard there was a rule imposed by the City that if you violated the law three times you could never come back to Chastain. I doubt that “pulling the plug” is any big ego trip. Seems like you’d be stuck between a rock and a hard place to be kind to an elder statesman of music or risk losing your season at Chastain. If any of you punters had ever been back stage you would see that there is a HUGE sign backstage noting the strict curfew.

As for the race issue, I have witnessed the “plug” being pulled on Jewel, who is about as white as you get, so much for that theory.

For all of you who stated that other venues don’t have such strict curfews, well how many of them have a roof over them ? And the fool who is supposedly works in the industry that says no other venue has a sound limit. Boy are you wrong. Shall we start with the Hollywood Bowl ! The deal is, Chastain is in the middle of a neighborhood.The neighbors have rights, and have organized to protect them. Unfortunetly complacent concert goers didn’t exercise their rights when they had the opportunity. Chastain is still my favorite place to see an artist but I could live without the police whistles.

By mournlight

July 31, 2007 4:42 AM | Link to this

If the show on Saturday stopped because of an ordinance then that is BULL BOO. That venue pays bucks in property taxes, and since they do so, they should have some leeway about the sound. Midnight on weekends is NOT unreasonable. I payed over $300 for tickets for Marilyn Manson, drove 8 hours, and for that got 51 minutes of music. Thats hog wash. I was gonna come down in August for Korn but I think I’ll take me and my friends and our hotel business elsewhere. We got RIPPED off. And if it truly is the ordinance, then do more to get things rolling earlier. No excuse for it any way you look at it. NONE.

By Matouk

August 1, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

I cannot believe this much energy has been wasted on such an open and shut situation. The law is known to the promoter as well as the Artist’s management. What’s with this petty name calling and the pulling of the race card? I am shamed, not by Chastain or Live Nation, but by the ignorance of my fellow Atlantans.

By joe

August 1, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

I was at Chastain with my 4 year old son to see BB King, crazy i know, BB king was so cool as he finished up the show to handed my son (who was on my shoulders) his own necklace. It was a magical evening, just wish it lasted longer

By david lee

August 16, 2007 8:49 PM | Link to this