A tardy Erykah Badu learns the Chastain way
It’s never a good sign when the main act doesn’t come on stage until 9:50 p.m. At least not at Chastain Park Amphitheatre.
Maybe no one bothered to tell Erykah Badu before Saturday night’s show that as one fan put it “they don’t play that at Chastain.”
An hour after neo-soul (who’s sounding more rock than soul these days) singer Bilal left the stage, the only sign of Badu was a few members of her band tipping on stage to begin a smooth instrumental groove without her. Five minutes later, at 10 minutes till 10, the sold-out crowd got their first glimpse of Badu with her blonde mohawk fashioned hairdo.
For the next hour and 10 minutes, she put on show that was smoldering with funk, slick groves, and good old-school reminiscing. Just as she was about to put the show in high gear, the sound was gone. A startled Badu started checking her mic, before realizing she had been cut off for the night. It was after all 11:01 p.m. Fans started to boo as Badu took her final bow and exited the stage.
Yes, there are a million reasons why fans love Badu. Here a just three — along with one reason why she drives them crazy:
Free your mind. Without a doubt, Badu is one of the best lyricist out there. She gives you food for thought: I was born under water with three dollars and six dimes. She makes you check yourself: One day all them bags gone get in your way. So pack light. And she makes us laugh: You don’t ever buy me nothin’. See everytime you come around you gotta bring Jim, James, Paul and Tyrone.
New Amerykah Part 2 (Return to Ankh). Her new album, released last March, with its strong instrumentation, infectious hooks and romantic theme, reminds us of the Badu fans fell in love with after her debut album “Baduizm.” Hearing Badu perform it live? Priceless.
Way back. That’s where the 39-year-old Dallas singer took Atlanta Saturday night. Not just with her own songs like “On & On” and “Love of My Life,” but classic hip-hop beats like Whodini ’s “Friends,” Slick Rick’s “La Di Da Di” and N.W.A.’s “Life Ain’t Nothin…” By this point, you’ve forgiven the tardiness, thinking being on time is overrated if you can lose yourself in late ’80s, early ’90s for just a few moments. But then, you don’t really expect it to come to an end so soon, which brings us to the reason she drives us crazy:
Punctuality. Being on time has never been Erykah Badu’s thing. She is notorious for being fashionably late and yes, even rudely late. It’s not fair to fans that they spent more time waiting in their seats, than actual time listening to music from Badu. It’s not fair that just as you’re about to sway into “Didn’t Cha Know,” all you can hear is the audience singing. Silent microphone, just like that.
But rules are rules, and perhaps Badu should take to heart what she told fans early in her set:” Thank you for being patient. I don’t take it for granted.”
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183 comments Add your comment
Atlanta Ali
August 15th, 2010
2:57 pm
Whats funny is that ticket prices are up, venues, promoters, management, and booking agents are taking losses but disrespectful artists are charging more than they ever have to show up late, inebriated, or just not show up at all. Contracts have very little power when artists ignore them. By the time you deal with courts and litigation and pay your own attorney you barely break even as a booking agent. I think artists should show more respect to thier fans and the people who work hard to get them work in the first place.
Rich
August 15th, 2010
3:05 pm
Never heard of her.
LegalDiva
August 15th, 2010
3:06 pm
It’s amazing how far off topic some of you manage to take these discussions. Of course she knew what time the venue would cut her off, it was a part of her contract. Don’t make excuses for her. She had the entire hour that Bilal was performing to get herself and her mohawk together. If she wasn’t happy with the time constraints, she always had the option of choosing another venue. In the end, the people who live near Chastain got what they wanted: the revenue that the concert brought in and the power to tell patrons when to get out. The people who own and run Chastain got what they wanted and Erykah Badu got her fans’ money. The only people who got cheated were the fans who paid for a full concert but only got half of one and they already know who is to blame for that.
As far as the CPT comment, your ignorance is showing. Lateness is not a racial or cultural trait; it’s a lack of disrespect for other people’s time and it affects arrogant idiots of all shades.
Funny thing is, I have friends who speak endlessly about how “conscious” Ms. Badu is compared to other contemporary artists like Beyonce and Alicia Keys… All I’ll say is, I’ve never waited more than 10 minutes for a Beyonce show to start and I’ve always gotten my money’s worth.
dygytalkrazy
August 15th, 2010
3:13 pm
It’s totally disgusting and selfish of these entertainers ( notice I’m lacking the word Artist) to charge as much money as they do for seats and than they charge you even more for not performing the length of time they’re paid to perform. “BIG HEADS MAKE FOR FEWER FANS”. SHAME ON YOU! You’re now off my list of “So called entertainers”. Start singing in your shower to yourself ’cause you don’t seem to care about your fans.
Traci
August 15th, 2010
3:19 pm
11:00 is 11:00 Period.
When this ordinance went into effect almost 10 years ago. Concert goers didn’t really like it. Had to live with it. Chastain lives on.
Why is everyone up in arms with Chastain Park? This is not HER first time at this rodeo:
The rule is the rule
being late aint cool
If you keep this up
No one will come see your butt!
YoungerThan ThatNow
August 15th, 2010
3:19 pm
Why vent your anger toward the venue when the problem lies directly with the artist… and they fully know every policy and rule of the venue. I’d bet my mortgage that she received everything that her contract and rider demanded, and then some. But the part of her contract that was not satisfied was her start time and the time she was to be on stage. And it’s her fault!! The promoter and the venue kept their part of the deal but she short changed the ones that ultimately pay the bill… which is the ticket buyers. If everyone there demanded 50% of their money back it should come out of her percentage of gate receipts. But it won’t and she will continue pulling these stunts and her fans will continue to pay the price. She won’t get a nickel of my money.
Corey
August 15th, 2010
3:23 pm
I almost went to see her because I enjoyed her when she opened for Maxwell a few months ago. Even then she went past her time…a voice came over the loudspeaker at Phillips, tellinge her “the time is now …” We didnt get to hear Tyrone or Window Seat either!
YoungerThan ThatNow
August 15th, 2010
3:25 pm
And to everyone who is complaining about how bad Chastain is for a concert… answer this question. Who is forcing you to go and pay the ticket price while knowing beforehand that it is, in your opinion, the worst venue in the land?!? Nobody’s making you go… if you don’t like Chastain stay home or go watch the Braves! Ohhhhh… I forgot… Turner Field is the worst ballpark in the land too.
MommieDearest
August 15th, 2010
3:32 pm
I found it rather interesting that they kept pushing the “meet and greet passes” they were selling so that fans could pay to hang out with Erykah after the show. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it’s a bad look to come out late, only give half a show, then expect folks to pay MORE money to see you for a few minutes afterward when you’ve already wasted their money AND their time.
Even when she came out late, she could have still adjusted her show and edited out all the non-Badu songs to make sure the fans at least got to hear her big hits- Tyrone, Bag Lady and her current single Window Seat. I would have been perfectly OK with not having to hear her renditions of old school rap, Zapp Band, etc.. That was about 20 – 30 minutes worth of time right there. The fact that she decided to do her whole show and feign “shock” when she was cut off tells me that she just doesn’t give a crap.
Phucker Jenkins
August 15th, 2010
3:32 pm
I’m with you! That’s the last time I’ll ever spend my $$$ to attend one of her shows! And don’t get me wrong the portion of the show that we got was awesome!!! However it is just totally disrespectful to your thousands of fans that showed up in that hot humidity, spent there hard earned recession money, and dealt with the traffic that comes with a show at Chastain to be that tardy! It’s not Chastain’s fault people put that one on Ms. Badu!!!!
deb
August 15th, 2010
3:32 pm
@Corey- he/she is an IDIOT. What does the White House have to do with this venue? LOL!
Oliverga
August 15th, 2010
4:03 pm
I get the lyric of ” one day all them bags gonna get in your way” But help me on the “I was born under water” part.
jd
August 15th, 2010
4:04 pm
Ms. Badu knows the rules…… She played Chastain last summer or the summer before last and was told when the contract was signed the ordinance rules, and back then she started late and the sound was cut off! so don’t blame the venue, blame HER….. she knows. And i work with the booking company, so it is what it is….
1baddman
August 15th, 2010
4:04 pm
Is Chastain Park supposed to be a place singers or bands come out and perform or is it a large night club where people get dress up bring their high price wines (yawn) and talk loud, talk or text on their cellphones(why?);not even listening to the performers on stage and disturb other people who come out to enjoyed themselves.
hoodlum
August 15th, 2010
4:07 pm
She just sounds like another black artist who is so high on herself that she doesn’t give a damn about the audience.
POAD
August 15th, 2010
4:22 pm
LegalDiva can you please defend me in court? Your comment was great! The spelling and use of sentence structure was worthy of a Harvard Review article. You and Erika (white spelling) BadU have been on the same “Health Food” Diet I guess. Do you sell your Brownies to the public. I really want some for the next Chastain Show.
POAD
August 15th, 2010
4:24 pm
1baddman if you are so BADD why didn’t you Punch those loud people in the mouth so you could listen to the show?
carve29
August 15th, 2010
4:45 pm
I live near Çhastain and would love to see music there regularly. I see live music all over the city very regularly. The bottom line with Chastain is this…unless you’re a 50 something that is there to sip wine and chat with your friends listening to a mellow act, it’s highly likely that you won’t like it. I have seen probably 10 shows there and have really liked 3 or so. The others were too quiet (the band is in fear of fines due to decibel levels) and ended too early. Bands that rock and want to get loud (as they should) should play somewhere else (i.e. Tabernacle, Lakewood, and I guess Verizon). Just know what you’re getting into when you go there and try to be as close to the stage as possible. And…the artist should start on time so they have ample time to play their whole show. That is just a no brainer.
tommy
August 15th, 2010
4:50 pm
YoungerthanthatNow – no one is forcing us, it’s just disappointing when it’s the only way to see your favorite artists. Some artists continue to return to Chastain – and don’t play other Atlanta venues – despite the rudeness of the audience. I’d gladly go see these artists at the Tabernacle or the Fox or Lakewood, etc if they would play there, but they go to Chastain, and sometimes I’m willing to give the rude Chastain folks another chance in hopes it has improved. Some shows, the audience is fine, others, they are so rude, you almost expect the artists to walk off mid-set. Some have (Randy Newman, Dan Fogelberg, and others back in the 80’s/90’s). But, then two years later, they’re back.
Enjoy Chastain if you like chatter over your music. I just prefer to go hear a performer, not small talk.
Alive in GA
August 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
If you are being paid to perform; you should respect the patrons and appear on time. I always enjoy attending a live perforance at Chastain; but I refuse to continue to support tardy artist.
Mizzo
August 15th, 2010
5:02 pm
She’s so freakin’ full of herself.
I can’t stand her.
HG
August 15th, 2010
5:12 pm
fools pay for crap and get treated like crap. maybe next time you’ll spend your money on something worth it.
James
August 15th, 2010
5:19 pm
Once again, this is why I don’t even bother with Chastain. I’d rather not pay premium prices to listen to all the yuppie conversations going on around me. To bad these artist’s management companies don’t have enough respect for the artists or fans to book them at some place that’s known for music, rather than season-ticket wine-and-cheese picnic packages.
James
August 15th, 2010
5:19 pm
*Too
James
August 15th, 2010
5:24 pm
And POAD, really? You get your concert experience template from a scene in “The Big Chill?” Yikes. Chastain is PERFECT for you.
bigred
August 15th, 2010
5:25 pm
WELL ARTICULATED POAD!!!! A concert ANYWHERE is not a tennis match or a golf tournament where the behavior is dictated by tradition and etiquette! There are very FEW people who go to a concert by themselves! WHY NOT? Because it is about friends, family,good food & drink,ALL while listening to GREAT music! So don’t HATE on people who talk at concerts or Chastain! They are enjoying themselves and LIFE! Maybe those complaining about this concept should try it instead of whining.Or maybe your lives are just so pathetic you would rather have a bad time so you can B–TCH about that rather than telling your wife or friends at the end of the evening how much you enjoyed the experience! The noise ordinance is to protect people who live there.If that were you, you would want it enforced too! Two SOLID hours of music from anyone is getting your money’s worth>Badu should just be ashamed of herself for her arrogant attitude towards her fans that allow her to live a lifestyle that most only dream of! Patronize those who respect their fans>They are the ones deserving of it and not those who take their God given talent for granted and devalue their fan’s time as does Badu!
LydiasDad
August 15th, 2010
5:38 pm
She figured they’d change the rules for her because she’s black. Since they didn’t, that means Chastain is racist. The sheep fans will keep giving her money, no matter how poorly they’re treated.
peachyfuture
August 15th, 2010
5:40 pm
I refused to buy tickets to this show for this very reason. She pulled the same stunt the last time she performed at Chastain. She had the nerve to show up late as hell in grey sweat pants and a Jamaican t-shirt…like she was going to the corner store. I wad LIVID. They didn’t pull the plug but her band stopped playing at 11pm sharp. She has performed at Chastain a number if times (i’ve seen her twice there) and should be very familiar with there ordinances. I love her music but she totally disrespects her fans and the venue by showing up late. I will note that when she performs with other major acts she is punctual (ie., Jill Scott, Maxwell).
vb
August 15th, 2010
5:42 pm
that was not the 1st time they cut her mic off at chastain. i was there once before when that happened. at about 9:30 we did begin to wonder how much longer we’d have to wait but the show was great. hopefully we can catch ms badu at a different venue
Harold
August 15th, 2010
5:43 pm
Why anybody play Chastain beyond me. You aint gonna hear it over the gabbers running their dang mouths anyway so whats the point. Chastain should be shut down so people quit getting suckered, artists and fans alike
peachyfuture
August 15th, 2010
5:51 pm
Ppl talk loud and rudely regardless of the venue. What “quiet audience” concerts are you guys attending? Chastain cannot control the “noise” any more than the Fox or Phillips.
Anita
August 15th, 2010
5:51 pm
I saw Ms. Badu at Chastain two years ago and the same thing happened. she got mad and threw her mike at that concert when the sound was shut off. She should bring herself on state on time. I will never pay to see her again. She is so ghetto and unprofessional.
MommieDearest
August 15th, 2010
5:58 pm
Lydia’sDad:
“She figured they’d change the rules for her because she’s black. Since they didn’t, that means Chastain is racist”
Are you SERIOUS??? Nobody has mentioned race until YOU DID JUST NOW (well, if you don’t count that clown who made the white house reference). I think it’s obvious who is racist here…
Too many rude people
August 15th, 2010
6:02 pm
Yeah, too many rude people for me to go to concerts anymore. Not interested in rubbing elbows with trash or uppity wine and cheesers. I’ll listen at home or the car and not have to deal with the masses. And to what’s the best venue in Atlanta, while I like Chastain the best is with out a doubt the Fox.
POAD
August 15th, 2010
6:04 pm
Chastain Park got big because of the Classy setting. Man, I know Nina Simone, Monk, and Bird played in Jazz clubs that were far from quite while they played. I think you can hear glasses clinking and the wait staff on a live Nina Simone recording from the Midtown Bar & Grill in Atlantic City. Boy those people were rude. I guess once you are paid a lot of money everybody should just put on their first grade manors. CHASTAIN PARK is an OPEN AIR NEIGHBORHOOD BAR with expensive Talent on Stage. If you don’t get that then stay home.
Too many rude people
August 15th, 2010
6:04 pm
POAD is all over theses posts on any topic but always an angry jack-ass irritating all those subjected to reading his mindless dribble.
POAD
August 15th, 2010
6:14 pm
TOOMANY RUDE some people can relate to me. Try the Biz Buzz about Sea Island memories. Sorry you didn’t grow-up like I did. I am defending the people that made CHASTAIN GREAT, not the Bar Hoping Trash that leave panties on the stage. Chubby Checker said a few years ago about his show at Chastain. Those white people danced and partied like it was a wedding party. Bless then for really having fun. I think that was after a 89 to 93 show I went to with a girlfriend with.
POAD
August 15th, 2010
6:15 pm
TOO MANY RUDE why don’t you use the same name on all your Blog postings? Scared?
CL
August 15th, 2010
7:51 pm
In the sake of getting along, let’s all agree we have our own opinions (though we might not like some).
And to know Chastain is to love/hate Chastain. My first experience was in the 60’s when it was still Theatre Under the Stars. Dad took me and Big Sis to see South Pacific.
Can’t remember but prob in the 80s, Big Sis and I go to see Harry Connick, Jr. With all the talk, he finally asked his band to stop and told us, “It’s either you or me!” and I do believe he was ready to walk off the stage. I understand Garrison Kellar had some probs of late.
I enjoyed many rock shows in the 70s but it ain’t the 70s more.
I would suggest attending the No Table Set Up only shows. Then you won’t have the tables with the season ticket holders or their corporations who give the tables away for a meet n’ greet for someone out of town whom they’re trying to wine and dine.
Also, in Atlanta speak, this is the same as PDK. Which came first the airport or the homeowners?
For Chastain info, check it out:
http://livinggreenpages.com/georgia/chastain-park-conservancy/
Been there, through with that
August 15th, 2010
8:54 pm
Had season tickets for years. I gave them up after being soaked in rain for the umpteenth time. I had sold my extra tickets to a table to an acquaintance. The show never even went on. I found out we could get our money back and let the lady know about it since I felt bad about her loss. When I went to get my refund, she had gotten all 4 tickets refunded to her account, and then lied about it. She kept my 120.00 refund, and hers too. So much for doing the right thing. Some people are just real jerks.
No more sweating in the heat, ducking from lightening, listening to the idiot girl next to us yap on her phone, and walking 2 miles to park for me. If you want a great intimate venue, try the Ferst Center at Ga Tech. There are no bad seat and if your kids goes there like mine, tickets are $10 a piece with the added benefit of them coming with you.
Bonedaddy
August 15th, 2010
8:57 pm
I saw Willie Nelson there as well as Stevie Nicks, years ago. Front tables by stage. Willie winking at my wife all night. Sorry Willie. Good shows, horrible audience. People talked ALL NIGHT. Will not go back.
opinion
August 15th, 2010
9:15 pm
Outdoor concerts are a waste, unless it’s the 60’s and you are 17. Music needs walls and a ceiling to bounce off if the sound is going to be good. It never ceases to amaze me how Atlanta folks stand for these outdoor concert venues.
Billybob
August 15th, 2010
9:20 pm
What do you expect from someone like her….no class!
Pandora
August 15th, 2010
10:11 pm
I’m SO HAPPY I read this article..I know now NOT to attend ANY concerts at Chastain Park! I do know that they would have NOT had a choice BUT to refund ALL of my money!
Ya’ll should DEMAND ALL of your money back!
JT
August 15th, 2010
10:12 pm
honestly, I always enjoy myself so much at Chastain that I didn’t realize she actually came on late. Enjoyed Badu and Bilal but I was a lil disappointed when her mike got cut off – for real? Damn. Its probably my 6th time seeing Badu and my 2nd time seeing her at Chastain Park. She can never get all of my favorites in and I always leave saying “man, I can’t believe she didn’t do” this or that song. But I still always enjoy her show.
godoggo
August 15th, 2010
10:14 pm
Well “MommieDearest”……I’d be willing to bet all your wire coat hangers that Afro-merican Artist are more tardy coming on stage than any other race…..They have got to stop providing all that FREE Cognac, and Rum and Cokes backstage for these events. I can only recall one Afrocentric concert i’ve attended where they came on stage promptly…….Ice-T at Masquerade years ago…
BluePhi92
August 15th, 2010
10:16 pm
The one thing that grates my nerves is the over and incorrectly used term Diva that these so called ladies are applying to themselves!
Unless you are an Operatic Soprano, you are NOT, I repeat NOT a Diva! That is all.
Get Real
August 15th, 2010
10:50 pm
Shameful. She took people’s money and gave them half of a show. She’s been there before and knew the rules as do all patrons, promoters, managers and artists.
Be respectful of the rules and people who paid for a product. She was probably high. She showed up late and didn’t give fans an entire show. She should offer a partial refund but that would mean she’d need to be classy.
Real talk
August 15th, 2010
11:05 pm
Badu is a straight jazabell, in all sense of the word !!! Just ask Common !!!
TommyJack
August 15th, 2010
11:10 pm
Could have been worse, fans. She could have appeared in the nude. Yikes!!