San Diego - Me, the Texting Guy???

OffMeGoes

Hey Everyone...this is going to bug me forever unless someone has a real explanation...the weirdest moment ever for me in this whole 20 year run with PJ occurred at the SD show last night...I was in the third row near the end, just met a couple that were totally huge PJ fans...we were sitting right behind the family with two small kids and before the show started, the three of us in row three had talked about how we hoped the crowd would be respectful etc...then, just a few songs into it, Ed literally had the angriest face I had ever seen him make and pointed right at me (tall, gray hat, curly hair...) with two fingers and said something to the effect of "hey dude in the third row, hope your text is important etc. etc. etc...." he went on, but my heart dropped and I lost what he was saying...I actually smiled and looked behind me because I didn't even have my phone on or out and I didn't even look down once after the show had started but to put a soda on the ground. So, when it first happened, I was convinced there was someone directly behind me that had been texting...but I was in the third row, and there was a rather large gap between the pit and the orchestra seats, so when I looked behind me, I saw everyone just looking straight ahead.....at me and at Ed....

Ed then kinda looked down and made a joke about how he shouldn't be so angry, but then paused a second, looked right backup and scowled (what I thought) was right at me, then said something else about kicking the "texter" out.....I was horrified and as he was staring in our direction I said to my neighbor that I thought he might have mistakenly thought it was me, or something had occurred that just didn't..., and she said he was joking and being Ed, and probably making a point....but I simply didn't get what the hell was going on, and as boohoo-me as this may sound to many of you, it destroyed my night.....I had no idea what it was or why he thought someone in the third row was texting...he wasn't 15 feet from me, so he could easily count three rows....at one of the breaks, the husband of the woman next to me said he thought Ed was pointing directly at one of the two of us and it made his heart drop too....he definitely didn't even have his phone, so we were just weirded out.. Anyway... Would love to know if anyone saw something I didn't, and if there was indeed someone behind me that had been a distraction or something. I cannot tell you how quickly it made the overwhelming excitement of the night and of being so close turn into a bizarre feeling of disappointment and sadness and almost anger because I am the last person that would ever be a distraction at a show....I am just one of those guys that doesn't allow any drunk frat kids, horrible dancing, horrible singing by the drunk chick at a show to annoy me too greatly, and certainly would never add a single distraction to a show....even to tell someone to be quite is adding to the mix, so I literally just felt like Ed took a big old slap at me for a mistaken reason...I knew I didn't do anything and that I am, afterall, just a buried footnote in the grand scheme of things, so I eventually "let" the buzzkill fade.... but all I could do for the rest of the show was look as attentive as possible and simply not enjoy myself...Saw him in Long Beach tonight, and he is just as amazing as ever......so, really, I just want to be able to look back and know that the one chance I had to be close to the music I love so much wasn't ruined by a mistake and an over reaction of sorts....it really would kinda send me away from this all with a negative moment, and I am hoping someone can tell me I missed something......so, if anyone knows what happened, please share.....

DewieCox

That seems like a really over the line thing for Ed to do. I think you took it way too hard, but he still really has no right to do what you describe, even if it's directed at the "right" person.

I don't get too excited about EV solo shows anyway, but reading all the reviews that mention him complaining about the crowd....it makes me glad I didn't go.

chime

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=162848&start=30

A post by Diego Dan in the fanview thread says he was sat next to the texter and gives seat location.

foursymbols

chime wrote:

http://community.pearljam.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=162848&start=30

A post by Diego Dan in the fanview thread says he was sat next to the texter and gives seat location.

Obviously not you then Ed was directing his rant at!! Hope this makes you feel better bout the gig, kinda felt for you bro after reading your post...

grizaham

DewieCox wrote:

That seems like a really over the line thing for Ed to do. I think you took it way too hard, but he still really has no right to do what you describe, even if it's directed at the "right" person.

I don't get too excited about EV solo shows anyway, but reading all the reviews that mention him complaining about the crowd....it makes me glad I didn't go.

Reading reviews about the crowd made you glad you didn't go??
Time to find a new band...

Beiber'd

:thumbdown: :thumbdown:

iamica

I wouldn't let it ruin your evening. Especially since you weren't the one who was texting.

DewieCox

grizaham wrote:

DewieCox wrote:

That seems like a really over the line thing for Ed to do. I think you took it way too hard, but he still really has no right to do what you describe, even if it's directed at the "right" person.

I don't get too excited about EV solo shows anyway, but reading all the reviews that mention him complaining about the crowd....it makes me glad I didn't go.

Reading reviews about the crowd made you glad you didn't go??
Time to find a new band...

Beiber'd

:thumbdown: :thumbdown:

Read again.....In every review I read there's a mention of Ed whining about the crowd. For the most part I can't believe that these people are causing that much of a disturbance that they need to be called out.

I wasn't that keen on going to see Ed, not b/c of the crowds but b/c I prefer the full band mostly, but I also find Ukulele Songs to be the worst thing any member of this band has put their name on.

OffMeGoes

iamica wrote:

I wouldn't let it ruin your evening. Especially since you weren't the one who was texting.

I know, it is really easy, (even for me now with some distance between the show/moment), to think it would be easy to say when it happens that "I know it wasn't me, so who cares..." But when the Man looks directly at you with two fingers pointed in your more than general direction (mind you, he said "dude in third row") I couldn't help but feel like I was in one of those Southwest commercials....wanna get away?? I sure as fuck did..... At first I wanted to raise my hand politely and say, (in a feeble and submissive voice) "sir, can I get some clarification and maybe a restart???" Then I thought, you know what, I went to HUGE lengths to get to this show from LA and got a family member to babysit for my 4 year old for the first time so I can enjoy a show (single father etc...) and it just got annihilated for no good reason....so that instinct of "well, he's pissed, but you know what, even though my phone wasn't out, if I had to check a text to make sure my son was okay, I would hope it wouldn't distract a performer that badly....so I got kinda bitter...." I get it, the flashes in Long Beach were god awful....but he didn't say a word....I agree with the policy and I respect it, and whoever texted and wrecked my night owes me three put ups, a beer and will not be receiving my christmas card this year...or next..... I really did let it go, so don't feel like I am here to bitch, I just really really wanted to put it behind me so everyone that replied and confirmed I had nothing to worry about, I thank... But one last time, F you to the person texting....I bet Eddie looking out more than once and seeing some douschebag in the """""Third row looking down at a phone that is illuminating his face would be infuriating... The old ladies next to me started texting or checking email half way through the show, so my heart dropped again.....then I was surrounded by bad dancing (the two ladies next to me paid 600 bucks a seat for their first EV/PJ show and one of them was the ONLY person standing during Wishilist and started dancing like she was accurately her age and accurately her given tone of white, but started to turn around to "AMP" up the crowd and displayed that her dancing also had an extra chromosome and a window with imaginary chocolate all over it that needed licking...... Believe me, the texting incident wasn't the only thing that made SD less than it could have been..... AND...anyone that wants more amazing stories, read on.....

Last night, I had a third row ticket, seat one....my quasi-girlfriend/ex came along, but was seated in row 14...I said she could do this, so it is my fault, but I also didn't think she really would...she asked the girl next to her if she wanted to upgrade to row 3 so we could sit together...so, this girl comes walking over and I was like, "oh, yeah, no problem...." HOWEVER...I had this weird feeling that the row I was in had something important going on, and the three seats next to me were empty......as I sat down way back in row 14, I looked up and Mike McCready walked into the building....my heart sank again, and my GF looked at my face,....I said, "uh, oh"....I bet he is walking to....yup, he is,....no,..yup...he is sitting right where I was.....!!!""""" And he did...he literally sat right next to where I had given up my seat.....LOL....I just thought, what the hell!!! Then it took about 5 minutes to say, hey, that girl that moved up to my seat is one lucky sucker and I hope she has an amazing time!!!! Besides, now I get to tell Mike the story today around 7:00 p.m., right after I watch him play the Star Spangled Banner from the infield at the Angels game... There is always another day!!!!!!!!

Matt

CServant

Matt, your last couple nights sound like a Seinfeld episode. At least you have some good stories to tell which will always make this an unforgettable experience. Any more shows on your agenda? Hopefully you had a great time regardless.

dimitrispearljam

did he said "why now u dont texting?"

i hope u feel better and was a mistake,a mess..things like this happens..hope next time,all be better..

bburpee

Man, what a drama queen. :roll:

If you weren't texting, he wasn't talking to you. Plain and simple. Why you would come type a litany of words to defend yourself is beyond me.

Every day 10c members come here and complain about douchebags at the show - no matter what show - and your implication is that Eddie should be above getting ticked off about that type of douchebaggery. F that. It's his show, if he's tired of fools texting, he has every right to embarrass them. At LB he blasted the SD crowd, so clearly he wasn't pleased.

Better Dan

bburpee wrote:

Man, what a drama queen. :roll:

If you weren't texting, he wasn't talking to you. Plain and simple. Why you would come type a litany of words to defend yourself is beyond me.

Every day 10c members come here and complain about douchebags at the show - no matter what show - and your implication is that Eddie should be above getting ticked off about that type of douchebaggery. F that. It's his show, if he's tired of fools texting, he has every right to embarrass them. At LB he blasted the SD crowd, so clearly he wasn't pleased.

If eddie appeared to be looking and pointing directly at him, I can see how the OP would have some concern.

Cradles Broken Glass

I understand, that would have ruined my night too. However, the best thing to do is shake it off. Eddie had probably just had his feel of cell phone lights in the crowd by that point and he just meant to make a point more than get onto you. Overall Ed is a really nice guy, but he is still Ed.

brianwilson

Very good point, DewieCox - pretty much every review does have Ed, or the fans, complaining about something/someone, whatever. Who gives a crap about someone telling you to find a new board - the elitest, hipsters are loyal to a fault (Ed's words/actions are gospel here!!... ahhahaha...

And to the Texting guy - sorry, holmes, it was lame of Ed to do that - not very mature of him, no matter who it was.

bburpee

Better Dan wrote:

bburpee wrote:

Man, what a drama queen. :roll:

If you weren't texting, he wasn't talking to you. Plain and simple. Why you would come type a litany of words to defend yourself is beyond me.

Every day 10c members come here and complain about douchebags at the show - no matter what show - and your implication is that Eddie should be above getting ticked off about that type of douchebaggery. F that. It's his show, if he's tired of fools texting, he has every right to embarrass them. At LB he blasted the SD crowd, so clearly he wasn't pleased.

If eddie appeared to be looking and pointing directly at him, I can see how the OP would have some concern.

Why? He wasn't texting! If a cop yells "You! Drop the gun!" and points at me, I'll be momentarily surprised (because I don't have a gun), but there's no way in heck I'm fleeing to the Internet to whine about the fact that *I* was mistaken and now I'm sad. The real story (from the SD thread) confirms that said texting guy did exist and was called out, so this is a complete and utter non-story.

Then again - so many folks at concerts think the singer is singing only to *them*, so this tremendous leap in "logic" was an inevitability.

neutron baum

Read again.....In every review I read there's a mention of Ed whining about the crowd. For the most part I can't believe that these people are causing that much of a disturbance that they need to be called out.

I wasn't that keen on going to see Ed, not b/c of the crowds but b/c I prefer the full band mostly, but I also find Ukulele Songs to be the worst thing any member of this band has put their name on.[/quote]


Really? I can't beleive you just posted that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but cmon Uke Songs is a Masterpiece. You must be on crack.

DewieCox

neutron baum wrote:

Really? I can't beleive you just posted that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but cmon Uke Songs is a Masterpiece. You must be on crack.

A masterpiece? Dark Side of the Moon, Yield, Z, Physical Graffiti, Abbey Road....Those are masterpieces and I could list 100 more. Ukulele Songs, at best, is a nice little collection of background music.

Empty Glass

Using a cell phone at an arena concert with lights going is one thing, but in a dark theatre it's pretty annoying having someone near you use a phone. It's a beacon of light that distracts people around the phone.

I do feel bad for the op for not enjoying the show the way he wanted, but if Ed called someone out, good for him.

By the way, I'm not an elitist and Ed's actions/words are not gospel to me as was mentioned prior. I'm just a dude who hates the "my phone is my life" world we live in.

mca47

Hey Matt, sorry you felt that way and sorry that a-hole who actually was drunk and on his phone had to be behind you.

I think I'd feel the same way.

That DOES suck about changing your seats only to have Mike sit down right next to your old seat!! :(

stickfig13

I think Ed is wrong here. If you don't want people texting and taking pictures then play in your living room. You're a rock star! People in the first 3 rows are most likely folks that have all your records, posters, boots, and box sets for the last 20 years.

Maybe this guy was texting someone from the board the set list...something along the lines of "OMG Present Fucking Tense!!"

neutron baum

DewieCox wrote:

neutron baum wrote:

Really? I can't beleive you just posted that. Everyone is entitled to their opinion but cmon Uke Songs is a Masterpiece. You must be on crack.

A masterpiece? Dark Side of the Moon, Yield, Z, Physical Graffiti, Abbey Road....Those are masterpieces and I could list 100 more. Ukulele Songs, at best, is a nice little collection of background music.

I agree that Yield is a Masterpiece, maybe calling Uke Songs that is a stretch. But as a hard-core Eddie fan, I appreciate his ability to make a limited instrument sound so cool and that he discovered what really matters within his art.

cbrunelle783

Wow, taken to the principals office by Eddie Vedder. That is a story to tell the grandchildren.

jervin007

DewieCox wrote:

A masterpiece? Dark Side of the Moon, Yield, Z, Physical Graffiti, Abbey Road....Those are masterpieces and I could list 100 more. Ukulele Songs, at best, is a nice little collection of background music.

I agree with you 100%. I have tried to get into the album, but it just won't grow on me. That could be because MMJ's Circuital came out around the same time and has monopolized my time. Personally I enjoyed Eddies 08 solo show much better, but understanding he was promoting Uke Songs.

youngster

Empty Glass wrote:

Using a cell phone at an arena concert with lights going is one thing, but in a dark theatre it's pretty annoying having someone near you use a phone. It's a beacon of light that distracts people around the phone.

I do feel bad for the op for not enjoying the show the way he wanted, but if Ed called someone out, good for him.

By the way, I'm not an elitist and Ed's actions/words are not gospel to me as was mentioned prior. I'm just a dude who hates the "my phone is my life" world we live in.

You know what else besides cell phones is annoying......when the ushers use their flashlights after the show starts to quiet people or help people find their seats. The first bunch of songs were uke songs and it was almost pitch black in there besides the low lights on stage. The fuckin ushers had no shame in shining their flashlights in peoples rows to help people find seats or shut people up. I swear the first 6 or so songs I kept seeing flashlights in the aisles near me. Must have been even worse behind me and up in the balcony.

kurtdiedforyoursins

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jul/06/roll-over-beethoven-let-vedder-tell-you-news/

Vedder, 46, began his performance with a solo version of Pearl Jam's "Can't Keep," which is also the opening cut on his "Ukulele Songs" album.

After his third selection, "Without You," he injected a welcome bit of decorum rarely encountered at concerts by rock stars, legendary or otherwise, when he addressed a boorishly inattentive concertgoer seated near the front of the stage: "Hey, dude in the third row. Who (are) you texting? It better be someone important."

Vedder then suggested that, if it was not of the utmost urgency, the concertgoer should cease texting immediately. (For the record, the exact wording of Vedder's suggestion was more direct and earthy than is usually heard in an orchestral concert hall.) "I'm sorry -- but I'm not," Vedder added.

When, a moment later, he muffed the instrumental intro to his fourth song, ""Broken Heart," Vedder snapped: "I (messed) that up. I'll text somebody."

A moment later, he quipped: "I've been thinking of putting out a record full of curse words, for children and toddlers."

Given to...

Wow.

I know I would feel the same way the OP did. Might even slink out under the cover of darkness.

Pisser that it dampened your night.