Beech Tree News Network

I just read an article chronicling a concert where Peter Frampton briefly stormed off stage mid-concert because a cameraman put the camera on a fan in the audience holding a Frampton Comes Alive album while Frampton was playing a guitar solo.  He reportedly grabbed the camera and tried to take it away from the guy.  He came back and finished the show rather half-heartedly.
Just so there’s no age discrimination here, I read another story where Alternative group Arcade Fire had a dress code for one of their concerts.  Yes, a dress code: no hats, t-shirts.  Apparently everybody was supposed to be dressed like they were going to prom or a wedding or something.  That’s just stupid. 
I like Jimmy Buffet’s philosophy.  He encourages you to wear beachwear at his shows.  Okay, I probably wouldn’t go to a concert wearing swim trunks and flip flops.  But it’s nice to know you can.  In my opinion, a dress code is for work, not play.  It’s certainly not for a concert. 
Going back to the Frampton thing, people hold up album covers at shows all the time.  And the cameraman probably just wanted a crowd-shot and was going right back to Frampton.  I’m sure he wanted a camera on his solo, knowing how artists have some narcissistic tendencies (present company included). 
That’s why I don’t bring anything to concerts to hold up.  A. I don’t need to be called down.  B. (and perhaps most importantly) Who wants to keep up with a poster, album, cutout or CD for the trip to the show and 2-4 hours of the show? Not me.  I’m constantly feeling for my phone and wallet to make sure they don’t get stolen.  You think I want to keep up with anything extra? No way!