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
Sudden Impact
August 16th, 2010
1:53 pm
It had been a number of years since I attended a concert, prior to attending Saturday’s concert. Me and five of my best friends attended the concert with great anticipation after spending approximately 480.00 on our tickets, not to mention other associated expenses. Prior to arriving “On Time” for the concert, we had been warned that all concerts held at Chastain end promptly at 11:00 due to the local ordinance. How can we have been informed while Erykah wasn’t????? It was clear that Erykah had no regard for the hundreds of dollars that her fans spent nor the local ordinance which called for a strict 11:00 stoppage. It was all about getting somthing(our money) for nothing for Erykah this past weekend. I should have bought the CD. Chastain is a great venue and has no responsibility for Erykah’s disregard for hers fans or the rules of the venue……
someone
August 16th, 2010
1:55 pm
i’ll never attend a badu or chastain event. NEVER. and i love concerts.
blkshepherd
August 16th, 2010
2:07 pm
Dr Fever and other Spell Police. We are NOT having our blogs GRADED for Extra Credit nor are we in Class. If you have a problem with people spelling and grammar heres a suggestion, DONT READ IT! No ONE WILL CARE. especially those that you claim mispelled or whatever. Again We are NOT in class. Since you have nothing better to do but look for perfect spelling and grammar go Kick rocks or fly a damn kite!
If you want perfect spelling and grammar go to the library and read a Book! And get your no life behind of the blogs.
As for Ms Badu, I can just barely stand watching her on TV. shes’ much to full herself. She thinks shes a Diva,and Over used word, sorry girlfriend when you have 30 or more years and been around longer than the early 90s just maybe and I do mean MAYBE. I will even watch you on TV. Otherwise I wouldnt paid two bucks to see her. Late or on time. Diana Patti Beyonce I Will go and See them Any day because I know I am going to get a Real Show. Not some fool in a crazy hairdo stuck on herself. She’s a damn joke.
Thea Gaillard
August 16th, 2010
2:11 pm
I am sorry for the fans this happened, but for the artist, glad it happened. I experienced a similar situation with a Chaka Khan-Patti Labelle concert I attended at the Coliseum in Columbia, SC. Chaka Khan opened for Patti and took stage almost an hour late! She sang old songs, sounded out of breath and was looking & sounding ROUGH to say the least. She had the audacity to take an additional 45 minutes to introduce members of her band. I was absolutely livid!!!!!!!!! Everyone I spoke to was in disbelief and was glad she left. Patti Labelle was awesome, which made up for some of Chaka Khan’s craziness. Mary J. Blige was nearly an hour late as well taking stage at the North Charleston coliseum then she only sang for like 2 hours if that. My stance~ I haven’t gone to a concert for anyone in over a year. I am putting my money towards my retirement
Jeffery Tatum
August 16th, 2010
2:41 pm
Erykah is notorious for being late but she is a great performer. We don’t know her reason for being late. If she just sat back there until she felt like it is one thing but we don’t that.; I love Badu and i have not missed an Atlanta concert yet and don’t plan on missing one. She is fabulous live.
The Standard
August 16th, 2010
3:02 pm
Just had a thought… I’ve often wondered how the artists that aren’t at Chastian from the mid-afternoon actually get in with the traffic. It’s taken me 3 hours easily of just sitting in my car listening to the show I should be watching. Maybe Erykah literally could not get into the venue before 9:50!… I’m sure that regardless of who, that’s been an issue.
Melissa
August 16th, 2010
3:48 pm
I agree with Mark7. And I am a die hard Badu friend. Me and my 6 friends were partying the entire time when the woman next to us got nasty and asked me to sit down because I was in her way. It’s a concert folks! Stand up dance sway feel the music and the artist. If you wanted a quiet night at home to chat with your significant other stay at home. She even went to get “security” to ask me to sit down. I kept dancing and probably danced even more as a result of this. People go to one of these snooty Atlanta lounge I’d you want to be seen on the scene. ! And Badu come on girl stop doing is like that!
Christina
August 16th, 2010
4:09 pm
Chastain is a fabulous venue under the stars! and one of the best that Atlanta has to offer! No other venue comes close in class, not Verizon, not Mableton house, not lakewood which is to entertain masses. So when you want something upscale, you need to acknowledge it as such and adapt. I think the venue was great for Erikah and perhaps next time she will consider that she must be there on time. Nevertheless, the show was still great and fans did get to see and hear her non stop and enjoy the atmosphere and delight in their food and drinks!
Kevin Hayes
August 16th, 2010
4:23 pm
The bottom line is that Ms. Badu needs to grow UP and stop this diva bit. She is a great talent, when she’s not tripping, and she needs to respect her fanbase. Chastain is the best place in Atlanta for a concert. Period!
Ms. Badu thinks she is larger than she is. If she keeps this up, her fan base will come to realize that she is just not worth it.
i_am_soulstar
August 16th, 2010
4:26 pm
Unfortunate circumstances
ACE
August 16th, 2010
4:35 pm
She’d better call up Tyrone. Because he knows how to tell time.
jc
August 16th, 2010
4:40 pm
Never heard of her before, BUT no matter who the artist is, my time and money is just as important as their time and money. RUDE and very unprofessional on any ones part.
ACE
August 16th, 2010
4:41 pm
If you paid to see this no talent hood rat, you got what you deserved.
Joyful
August 16th, 2010
4:50 pm
I was just as disappointed by the early shut down, but WOW… Anyone who actually saw the show knows that Ms. E Badu was FLOWING during the time she actually performed. I would rather see 45 minutes of an act as talented as Erykah than to see a ’studio artist’ who cannot sing, but covers with lip syncing and naked dancers. The woman was late, but it was well worth my time and money. I will always support Chastain, and I will pay to see Erykah anytime she is performing and I am able.
OneFreeMan
August 16th, 2010
4:51 pm
The rule is the rule….even though that rule is best suited for events where the ARTIST is following sheet music.
Tracey
August 16th, 2010
4:52 pm
Erykah does know the cut off time at Chastain. We went to see her with Jill Scott and Queen Latifah and she got cut off then too. So she knows how it works at Chastain.
OneFreeMan
August 16th, 2010
4:52 pm
Hey Joyful,
Ditto….
Ba-don't
August 16th, 2010
5:18 pm
Not me. I downloaded her album for free that night. I knew the words to every song she sang from “No Love” to “Umm Hmmm.” However, after Saturday’s show, I am now saying No! She got the last of my money on Saturday. Tacky!
Ericah Bad U
August 16th, 2010
5:37 pm
Now hold up Potna…I ain’t no cheap thrill…I’m Miss Badoo…you know the deal…If you want your money back I think you better ask…I think you better call TY-ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONEEEE!!!!!!
bambam
August 16th, 2010
6:42 pm
bad Badu bad
RHagans
August 16th, 2010
7:11 pm
did anybody look at what the name of the erykah badu tour is? “Out my Mind, Just in Time” tour. She let you know right up front that she ain’t right. it’s just that we are not paying attention. besides, no one made a big fuss like this when courtney love didn’t bring her @ss out until an hour and half late at the tabernacle a few months ago.
One Band No Sound!
August 16th, 2010
7:25 pm
Kudos ‘ATL’ers’ ! Pro or con (Chastain / Miss Badu’s performance), the comments posted here have been surprisingly, intelligent and thougtful. Might we attribute this to Miss Badu’s musical, spiritual strengths and/or to a rising, more intellectual ATL population… including those dreaded, “Northerners” ? Thanks, Miss Badu. : }
MAC
August 16th, 2010
9:00 pm
who?
llagaunda
August 16th, 2010
9:33 pm
First off Badu is my FAVORITE artisit in the world period!! We had great seats, my wine was kickin in. When she was cut off…I was like…ARE YOU SERIOUS? I did not know how late she really was because we were late looking for a parking spot. So when we stepped in, I was feeling real good because I didn’t miss any part of her show (LOL). I think I was more upset with Chastain than Erykah. I will continue to buy her music and go to the next concert. I wont go to Chastain ever again though. My two favorites are Jill Scott and Erykah….I still love you sistah. We really don’t know why you were late. I do think you owe your loyal fans an apology. Peace & Love
Ben Dover
August 16th, 2010
10:40 pm
I never heard of Badu before this article. Anyone who would spend any money on her after this fiasco deserves a kick in the groin. Let her get a real job like everyone else.However, Atlanta fans are rude and loud at Braves games, but uga football fans are the absolute worst. I suppose that Badu and georgia fans deserve each other.
So glad
August 16th, 2010
10:50 pm
I am happy I did not spend my money on this ticket. I would write her and ask for half my money back. Respect the fans.
Catherine
August 16th, 2010
11:20 pm
I was very disappointed that Badu, did not respect our time and money to get their on time, Chastian always had a 11pm shut off time, and she is playing in a very nice neighborhood, in Atlanta, if she would like a Diva entrance, then she came to the wrong location, I really like her music, did not care for alot of her new songs, and her undressing on stage. She seen to lose the person that had some class and came down very low level and because a little more ghetto, my disappointment of her performance and her lateness should take a look in the mirror, because the fans made her and they can take her away. No one is in disposable, so if you would like to become a foul mouth, no respectful person, this is my last concert, because I seen a beautiful, respectful woman once on stage and love you, but now we all make changing in our life, but we also need to see when the changing or bad and not good, God bless as you look in the mirror, as a woman and mother.
SMR
August 16th, 2010
11:40 pm
I thought Erykah Badu would be a great artist at Chastain. I was expecting to hear the sultry, funky soul music I came to know her for. Gone was the rich African vibe and nowhere were the lyrics that have you hanging on. Instead, there was a self professed and self important DIVA. We have a table at the stage in the orchestra and have seen many much bigger headliners arrive on time and give fantastic shows without having the plug pulled. I am no longer a fan of Badu whose music is now unrecognizable with the exception of some old Outkast songs she wasted what little time she performed on. Fans pay $600 a table at Chastain. I think that she should be embarrassed to have accepted fans money on a 30 minute open, an hour and a half of DJ mixes and her 40 minute spin on old 80’s and 90’s music with a couple of her new songs and none of her good ones fands knew her for. I emphasize “knew” as anyone who attended that concert should boycott her on principal. She doesn’t deserve or appreciate your loyalty. Chastain should keep her off the schedule going forward or include the noise ordinance fines in her contract so the fans with nothing better to do than wait 2 hours for her arrival will at least get their money’s worth.
late but still here
August 17th, 2010
9:03 am
That’s pretty funny, blkshepard used perfect grammar and spelling when ranting, then fell into something else during the comment section…
also pretty funny that when I saw REM at Chastain, NO ONE was sitting down, they rocked for 2 hrs., and there certainly was no problem hearing them over anybody’s chatter : )
CommonSenseRules
August 17th, 2010
11:12 am
Mz Badu would learn to check her Mickey Mouse if it started affecting her $$$. Knowing her rep, producers ought to write penalty clauses into her contracts. Oh, but wait. They don’t lose a dime — whether she performs 15 minutes or 50 minutes. Those running the show already have their $$$; Badu has her $$$. The only folks gettin’ shorted are the fans. You get what you pay for. Fans paid knowing they would be disrespected, and they got what they paid for.
k
August 17th, 2010
12:24 pm
I feel for the crowd at Chastain, but having seen her live the week before and basking in the genius that is, please believe sound or no sound Erykah is gonna keep making music and keep packing out shows…At our concert she braved the storm to still perform for us eventhough it was a lot of work for her stage and sound people to re-group. I guess the music will have to keep going on & on without those who were turned off…and yes the pun was intended!
Enjoyed the show
August 17th, 2010
8:25 pm
I personally enjoyed the show and felt that I got my money’s worth; I can’t wait for the chance to see her in concert again. I think her whole show was dramatic and high energy and my only expectation that was unmet was another act between her own and her opener — she took the stage around 9:50 in other cities and ended around 11:20. The author of this article probably did not know how long her set was supposed to be or what time she was due to hit the stage, despite our expectations. Even with the mic being cut, I felt that I had seen pretty much the entire show. I would recommend to any fan of good music to get out to see her if your budget allows for it.
Minxy
August 18th, 2010
7:35 pm
If I’m not mistaken, Badu and Staff were paid prior to performing…someone should check the “Earth Mother’s” rider – EVERYONE knows the Chastain Rules – it’s her managers responsibility to get the person who used to be humbled to play before five people at the Cotton Club to get her butt on stage on time. She herself has been a patron of Chastain on NUMEROUS occassions in years past – she knew the rules – she’s a DIVA now -