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
OneChris
August 15th, 2010
11:16 pm
Chastain did what was the rules and so if she wanted to pull that then next time go to the Fox or another arena but that is a neighborhood there so that is only fair to the neighbors. Feel sorry for all the people she shorted since she gets paid either way!
Played Out
August 15th, 2010
11:35 pm
Personally, I think the ‘late game’ is so played out. You can dress it up and call it ‘fashionlaby late’ or call it exactly what it is–rude! Erykah, as much as I enjoy her music and buy it, obviously did not recieve the memo that being rude to fans is just simply ‘played out.’ We all have options and her response to the fans who sat outdoors at a very hot Chastain Park, is simply just rude. Afterall, how long does it take to get a mohawk ready?! I blame her managers and handlers. Someone needs to shake her up and let her know that when she’s ‘timed out,’ we call you ‘played out!’
vuduchld
August 16th, 2010
12:11 am
You suckers out there keep buying her music and going to her concerts so I don’t feel sorry for you at all. I mean let’s face it, she isn’t all that in the first place. But you suckers keep her employed…lmao
Craig@ CD Warehouse
August 16th, 2010
2:12 am
Let’s see, a .38 special fan commented on Eryka Badu? Then “R” made a comment about Chastain being a great location in the middle of a residential neighborhood?
You people in Atlanta are hilarious! You want this to be a “party town” without having a party. Again, hilarious!
Btw, this is why I attend Concerts like Franky Beverly & Maze, Babyface and After 7! They show up on time and Maze has more hits than this woman could only dream of having.
Kevin
August 16th, 2010
3:22 am
I still don’t see why there is so much bashing of the venue. Having worked for major venues and one of the largest promoters in the nation there are a few things that people may not understand.
First when an artist’s management chooses a venue, they are mainly looking for a venue with two criteria, 1) Is the desired date available? 2) can the artist sell out or come close to a sell out of the venue (empty seats are wasted money) If an artist can sell out Chastain but can not sell out a larger venue such as Lakewood, they will choose Chastain. Smaller venues are cheaper to book. Also to be considered is that if a tour is traveling to amphitheaters, it typically does not carry it’s own stage. When playing an arena such as Gwinnett or Phillips, you are required to bring your own stage and rigging which adds to the cost of the tour.
When an artists management is signing contracts with venues they are made aware of all regulations including noise and curfew regulations. They are notified again when the tour manager arrives at the venue at the load-in time for the show.
Having the plug pulled is the sole fault of the performer and if I paid for a ticket, I would be disputing the charge or demanding refunds from the artists’ management.
oh and @LoveLiveMusid, I have worked at Lakewood for the last 4 seasons and I can guarantee that no show goes past 11pm In fact, this year Dave Matthews cut it close and was about 25 seconds from having the plug pulled. Bands are notified by the production teams through their monitors or timers on stage of their time remaining. Ms. Badu has no excuse.
Ms. G.
August 16th, 2010
4:38 am
No wonder Erika B shyts on her fans. I can’t believe some of you people are blaiming the theater and not HER. She obviously doesn’t give a crap about ya’ll, otherwise, she would bring her ass on stage on time. You guys keep putting up with it, she should do it AND take your money too. Only she won’t be doing it at Chaistain. I agree with the person who said she should have not been paid in full. I would say, “and give her fans 1/2 their money back”, but some of you like being disrespected by a so-called diva. Props to the fans that refuse to put up with her crap. As bad as the economy is these days, NO ONE is worth getting paid in full for doing half a job.
terri
August 16th, 2010
6:51 am
how is she a jezabell
Charlie Ball
August 16th, 2010
7:18 am
FYI, Lakewood is located in a residential area as well. Just not residents that anyone on this forum would give a damn about…
Charlie Ball
August 16th, 2010
7:34 am
Another example of Atlanta getting too big for its britches. We strive to be a world-class city, talk a good game, but don’t want to do what it takes to provide world-class entertainment. No JazzFest bc of the effing grass at Piedmont. Chastain is in a residential area, boo-hoo. What a joke.
Rude
August 16th, 2010
7:40 am
Craig@ CD Warehouse, yes a 38 Special fan commented on EB. Good music is good music and good shows are good shows. And I damm (sp) sure expect to get my moneys worth!
I saw Little Richard and Chuck Berry at Chastain a few years ago. Little Richard was ON FIRE but ol’ Chuck was just going through the motions.
CPT
August 16th, 2010
8:26 am
Craig@ CD Warehouse, you attend concerts from acts such as After 7, Frankie Beverly and Maze and Babyface because you want to see talent from artist who respect their fans. I too have seen all three of these acts. I spent several years working at the Fox Theater and saw my share of concerts from artists of all types of music. It’s not the venue, it is the artist. We pay to see ego’s and that is what we get. This has nothing to do with Chastain being in a residential area. It has been that way forever. And every once in a while an ego gets in the way.
“You people” sounds like your implying that wherever it is you come from is better. BS. Atlanta has plenty of good shows and venues for people to choose from. Don’t categorize Atlanta like we don’t know music. Take a look at all the folks in the industry that live here. In fact, some of the artists you mentioned live here. Check fact homie!
Besides anyone who knows anything about people knows that black folks are always late. CPT baby.
DontlikeBadu
August 16th, 2010
8:50 am
Chastain is in the middle of an upscale neighborhood. It has always had an 11 pm curfew. Badu knew this, her mgt new this, her fans new this. If she was a class act she would have started at 8pm (like most artist do). Trash!
C
August 16th, 2010
8:52 am
C’mon! What did you expect?! If you watched her career and/or attended her concerts before, you know our girl, Eryka Badu, has often been subject to … um… last-minute things that … er… just comeup… or “someone got me upset just before the show, so I was delayed”. Combine that w/the “Chastain Way”, no suprize here. Chastain is still a wonderful venue – one that I maintain w/many hella-fun memories… and, that Eryka… as unexpected as some things can be w/her, I still enjoy her music and her “uh-oh, what’s she doing/saying/ranting-about now” shows.
jj
August 16th, 2010
9:06 am
I’ve tried Chastain twice, and will never go back. I understand the noise issue with the neighborhood, and I don’t require a lot of volume. But when it is hard to hear a rock band, even from the seats, it’s the wrong place. And the crowd! The show is THEM – not the music. That’s the worst part of the night!
And I agree – the start time should be dependent on how much the artist gets. Everyone should get a generous refund on their way out.
Exador
August 16th, 2010
9:09 am
Went to Chastain once. I will never go there again. It’s all about the audience talking over each other. You can’t hear the artist. I’m surprised any big name artists play there. How insulting to try and entertain while your audience just gabs away.
madsmom
August 16th, 2010
9:25 am
“Being on time has never been Erykah Badu’s thing. She is notorious for being fashionably late and yes, even rudely late.”
It seems that consistant bad behavior is overlooked and accepted. Bad behavior is still bad behavior. If you enjoy the music enough to overlook the bad behavior, pay your money and go. If not, stay home.
blkshepherd
August 16th, 2010
9:37 am
Dont really know whos at fault here. I suspect its Badu though. When Diana Ross came to Chastain it was my first time there. I have to say I was Extremely annoyed with the audience dragging their tails in there so late. The show did not begin until 8:50 didnt really kick off until after 9pm but I suspect it was the audience taking forever to set up their little picnic tables with their food wine and standing around chatting. No Doubt Ross was on time but refuse to come out and sing to a bunch of folks with their backs turned to her setting up picnic tables. If I were going to perform I sure as hell would not set foot on that stage until every one is Seated. I dont play to somebodys BACKS! So, I dont believe it was Diana being late I believe the Audience was Late getting their behinds set up. I was pissed as arrived two hrs before the show but when Ross finally did hit the stage I forgot about the late start. And her show completely lasted its full course. Ross dont have open acts. As for Badu her EGO appears to be a lot Larger than what she puts out. Apparently she has a fan base as the concert was sold out accourding to this writer but I doubt I wont be shelling out any coins to see this Self absorbed, person who is no where near level of Diana Ross Aretha Franklin or Patti Labelle. Those are true Legends
Don F.
August 16th, 2010
9:45 am
We need the same rules at Verizon Wireless in Alpharetta.
scott
August 16th, 2010
9:52 am
who would spend money anywhere at anytime to see that hoodrat peform or to look at her??all you have to do is get on Marta to see the likes of someone like this!!!want to spend money well worth it??thats the one and only legendary DIANA ROSS!!!never fells to give you your moneys worth and the ultimate in class and sophistication that black women can learn from …DIANA ROSS WROTE THE BOOK ON CLASS..now she needs to put it in print in a book and put it in a lot of young black womens hands..quick!!!!
Lakewood Resident
August 16th, 2010
9:52 am
FYI everyone….Lakewood is in a residential neighborhood too! So, we expect respect and require an 11pm cutoff. The decibel requirement is higher, but those who have gone over it have been fined. The residents work hard with the City to make sure it is enforced. We also constantly have to fight to make sure the venue is improved and trashed is removed appropriately. So, please respect ALL neighborhood venues in the city. I love Erykah, but she was dead wrong to be that late and I am glad I had other plans and couldn’t make the show, because I would have been pissed too!
MommieDearest
August 16th, 2010
10:00 am
@godoggo
If you recall correctly, I have no wire coat hangers left. I used the last one to beat the heck out of my daughter. *turns snark off*
ant banks
August 16th, 2010
10:07 am
anyone who suggests lakewood is an effin’ idiot. lakewood won’t let you bring ANYTHING IN. badu needs to get her butt to the show on time. i love her music, but come on man. lakewood? are you serious? chastain you get to bring in food, alcohol, blankets, water, whateva….lakewood? ha!!
Courtney
August 16th, 2010
10:16 am
I don’t have a problem with the venue. Ms Badu is the problem. She should really strive to be on time. Treat people the way you would want to be treated. One of the best concerts I saw at Chastain was a couple of years ago when New Edition performed. They were on time and gave me my money’s worth and then some. They were so classy!!! Wish they would tour again as a group.
TruthBurnz
August 16th, 2010
10:21 am
Booo on boycotting Chastain….I agree its a lovely place, and one of the better places to relax and enjoy music in Atlanta. we need to remember its in the middle of a residential area….we don’t want music blasting in our backyard past a certain time. Ms Badu just needs to get her booty to her job at the designated time. I don’t blame Chastain for pulling the plug on her…..Do better Erykah or you can take a window seat back to wherever they accept this
Tammy Downs
August 16th, 2010
10:26 am
Black people are always late. Especially ghetto black women like me. Oh yeah?? Say it to my face!
Jami
August 16th, 2010
10:28 am
I hate it when people pay money to see an artist perform live and that singer, rapper, instrumentalist, is LATE! If the concert is supposed to start at a certain time and it is printed on the ticket when it is purchased, there should not be any DELAYS. Mariah is included in this complaint as well. To keep people who paid money waiting for 10,30,60, 90 minutes is unacceptable. I do not care if the band has to set up or if you have to warm up. Get it to the point so it can be done in a five minute time period and stop being rude, inconsiderate, disrespectful, to the people who helped make you RICH!
SVW
August 16th, 2010
10:31 am
My girls and I were there too! We were so excited this being our first time at Chastain and seeing Badu. She was so late, and we sat next to a group of gay men eating Popeyes chicken and constantly talking and using there cells! Also, me and my girls like to groove and dance and the folks around us seemed so uptight and would not let the funk Erykha was bringing move them! With all that said we had a good time until they shut her ass down! I thought that was completely uncalled for, but she was super late, if your opening act can be on time so should you! I don’t think I will go back to Chastain for anything they way they shut the city down at 11pm sucks as far as Badu goes I will have to wait until she returns to Atlanta and hopefully performs at the Fox, I love concerts there;)
ACE
August 16th, 2010
10:32 am
Chastain sucks!!! Plain and simple
Payattention
August 16th, 2010
10:37 am
OutonLeave…It said she was the MAIN act, not opening act
OneFreeMan
August 16th, 2010
10:38 am
I WAS THERE…I am a huge fan of Erykah Badu…Now she knows. Chastian is not the BEST venue for artist like Ms. Badu, she should play joints like the Masquerade or The Variety Playhouse…time doesn’t matter in those places.
I’d do it again…as a matter of fact, I will be at Chastain again THIS FRIDAY for Anthony Hamilton and they will probably have to turn his mic off.
Dirty Skillet
August 16th, 2010
11:08 am
I for one had a ball. On a night calling for a 60% chance of rain, along with the decent price of tickets, we enjoyed a majority of a set that was awesome. Sure, I would have liked seeing the remainder of the show as everyone else, but I enjoyed what I did experience. I paid much more money going out later that evening and for over priced drinks; now that’s something to complain about. Look forward to her back in the A.
Aha
August 16th, 2010
11:21 am
Erykah is my fave singers but she should know better. I saw her 5 years ago as part of the Sugar Water tour at Chastain and she was the last act. She had to cut if off then because it was 11 p.m.! She shouldn’t book at Chastain because she’s the type of performer who can go into the wee hour of the morning and we, her loyal fans, would stay with her.
ken
August 16th, 2010
11:35 am
Lydiasdad, i am so sick of you insensitve angry white folks always bringing up “race” grow up man and don’t sound so angry. Did you not get enough hugs as a child..
GG
August 16th, 2010
11:46 am
I am so glad I did not pay for those expensive tickets to see her. I am a huge fan, but concert tickets are not worthy of my cash nowadays. The only celebrity that I will ever shell out $100 for is Michael Jackson, but unfortunately I can no longer do this.
uhoh
August 16th, 2010
11:55 am
Did she go to an Atlanta Public School? Prolly why she cain’t read the contrak.
CL
August 16th, 2010
11:56 am
I saw her at Midtown Music fest before and she was late to that too, an hour late at least. She did put on a great performance but the mics were turned off then just like this show. It actually turned out pretty cool. She came into the audience, sat of the shoulders of two guys and the entire crowd sung to finish out the song. Classic! However, I’d hoped that wasn’t a normal thing for her being so late but I see its pretty common.
ELEATHIA FROM BHAM
August 16th, 2010
12:10 pm
LIGHT OFF MIC OFF …SHE LOOKED LEFT AND IT WAS OVA!!!!!!IN THE BEGINNING WE ALL THAT IT WAS SOMEKINDA TRICK… WE BOUGHT TICKETS ALMOST 2MONTHS AGO AND WAS LOOKNING FORWARD TO A CONCERT OF AT LEAST 2 HOURS ONLY TO FIND IT TO BE THE CONCERT OF 1 1/3 OF THE HOUR…HER PREFORMANCE FOR WHAT WE DID EXPERIENCE WAS ON POINT UNTIL SHE LOOKED LEFT.. LIGHTS OFF MIC OFF. BBBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOO CHASTAIN!!!!!
She'sadumb@ss
August 16th, 2010
12:24 pm
Anyone that has half a brain (along w/ their crew and management) is advised and will KNOW that Chastain shuts the mics off @ 11pm on the dot. I can’t agree with some of the other comments that Chastain sucks as a venue – it’s actually (atleast to me) one of the BEST venue’s I’ve ever been blessed to enjoy. Most concerts there – you can bring your own food and drinks (alcohol). The surrounding trees and open sky makes you feel like you’re in someone’s back yard enjoying a BBQ with friends. It’s a venue that if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing – I HIGHLY recommend. Erykah should appreciate and respect her fans and give a 50% refund. If she’s too busy drinking down a bottle of Hennessy to come out and do her job and sing then she needs to own up to it and issue a refund.
timthebrave
August 16th, 2010
12:26 pm
I really like Chastain. I went and saw My Morning Jacket this year and Ben Harper a couple of years ago and thought both were great. With the rock set up you get more people that are into the music
SamEloves
August 16th, 2010
12:26 pm
Thank you Atlanta for another “laughter filled” lunch hour from all of these hilarious posts. Forget the comedy show just read the AJC blog. I love this town.
Frederick Monroe
August 16th, 2010
12:27 pm
In a phrase…This concert sucked!!!!! One of the most unprofessional events I’ve been to since I moved to Atlanta!! She never really connected with the audience. I couldn’t really appreciate all of the profanity being used. Well never attend another Erykah Badu concert again!!
The Standard
August 16th, 2010
12:38 pm
Ouch!
Chastain is a nightmare. I can’t see why people actually pay to go there. It’s disrespectful to the artist and attendees that are there to actually see who’s performing. Chatter, people running around and dear LORD the parking nightmare – you’re lucky if you don’t miss complete acts with the parking! I’ve gone once to a friend’s show in the last 5 years. You basically have to pay me to go there. Verizon is MUCH NICER as was Stone Mountain Stadium that never really had the right backing. I’d like to see the shows at Chastian go more to Verizon. I’m sure Chastian’s neighbors would agree. Not to mention, anyone remember a few years back when a little news blurb came about the Chastain hadn’t passed a fire inspection in some time? I guess the chitlin circuit is still alive and well with venues like Chastian.
JerryT
August 16th, 2010
12:41 pm
Since when did people go to Chastain to actually listen to the artist?
The irony is sublime. The late artist is rude? How about all the patrons who don’t even listen to them?
Red
August 16th, 2010
12:46 pm
I won’t attend concerts at Chastain – I agree with others, the people around you only come to talk, drink and eat expensive take out. If I see someone coming to town I want to see, if it’s at Chastain, I won’t go, don’t care who they are…she knew she was wrong, but just doesn’t care about her fans…
J. J.
August 16th, 2010
1:00 pm
Right on Chastain…Residental neighborhoods for rules…DIVA ATTITUDES DO NOT NEED TO SHOW UP AT THIS VENUE…Respect those who pay for the show, better yet, respect yourself. Time is important and some people have a habit of ignoring it.
slwbr
August 16th, 2010
1:07 pm
Look you’ll bottom line, she was late! At Chastain that should never be allowed. At 10:45 when she was like why did you’ll turn down my music, I knew that it was time to go. But I continued to sit in my seat to get my “what I paid” for, a performance. At 11:00, I was not shocked. As a matter of fact, I cannot remember being in my seat at 11:00 at a Chastain Concert. The rules are clear. If you have neer been to Chastain then I’m sure you were shocked. But as for me…like I said to someone at the park….Chastain don’t play that…they will cut you off at 11:00…regardless of who you are or who you think you are!
BigTee
August 16th, 2010
1:11 pm
I agree that it’s Erykah’s fault and not Chastain’s. I have seen her several times before at other venues in different cities and she was NEVER on time! I think her behavior is rude and inconsiderate to the people who pay their harded earned money to see her. I will NOT be attending any more of her shows!
Mikkie
August 16th, 2010
1:40 pm
I was there on Sat night. Erykah knew the rules. The rules are listed in any contract to perform at any venue regardless of whether the venue is located in a residential area or not. Erykah performed at Chastain in August 2009 so Chastain’s rules were nothing new for her. She should have been on time, period. It’s just plain rude to have your paying fans wait on you, especially in GA heat for over an hour. That being said, I truly enjoyed the part of the concert that was performed however if her standard is to be “fashionably late” I don’t think I’ll be supporting her concerts anymore.
Dr Fever
August 16th, 2010
1:41 pm
Who are y’all talking about? Most of you need to learn to spell.
Netta
August 16th, 2010
1:52 pm
This is behavior is exactly why I didn’t buy tickets.