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I thought it was about the music
- By Michelle Ramirez
- Trail Staff Writer
- I have been going to local shows since the age of 14. All of my friends are or were at one time in several bands in the local music scene in Cheyenne.
For a solid four years all we thought about was going to the show on weekends and even making the occasional venture to Ft. Collins or Denver, Colo., to see a good band.
Feeling quite deprived in Powell with a little to non-existent music scene, and I ignore country music entirely, I was excited to hear about the Concert for a Cause in Billings. I had even seen a few of the bands on the bill play in Cheyenne before.
I do not look like your typical punk rocker or “scene” kid, so naturally I get the occasional sideways glance from a few concert-goers. That doesn’t bother me in the least. I know what I came for.
My favorite spot on the floor during a good set is front row, preferably out of the path of the mosh pit, but usually smack in the middle destruction zone. Yeah, I have been kicked in the back of the head and smacked around and knocked over, but I never say a word. I know that if I want a good spot up front, I have to sacrifice my comfort and protection from radical hardcore dancing.
Out of all the concerts I have been to, and I have seen a few rough shows in my day, the concert in Billings was by far the worst display of inconsiderate “dancing” I have ever seen. Punching and kicking that would usually grant someone a good kick in the pants at any other show was blatantly ignored by the staff and everyone else there.
I never really understood the connection between hurting yourself or others and live music, but I always figured I would just stay out of it and take each kick and shove with a grain of salt. It looks cool, right?
I saw a guy get punched right in the face and he just stood there and took it. If that were me, it would have gone to fisticuffs. You just don’t punch people in the pit. Period. I don’t care what show you are at or what band is playing or how hard you think you are. People paid to come see the music and rock out, not get hurt by some jerk that thinks he can get away with it because he or she is drunk or just… a jerk.
I am all about having a good time and rocking out and boy howdy, all you moshers go to town. The point I am trying to make is don’t deliberately try to hurt people to try and get a rise out of the crowd.
All aside, the bands I came to see were excellent. Man, I am just disappointed about everything else. Especially considering the sole purpose of the concert was to benefit cancer victims.
- Trail Staff Writer