Kids At A Wilco Show

[lovecontagious]

Maybe I'm a jackass (okay, I probably am) but I was a little bit annoyed with all the kids, when I went to see Wilco. If you want to take your kids to a concert, go take them to They Might Be Giants, or something like that. There's a time and a place for kids but it isn't a rock concert.

But I just don't like kids in general, so maybe I am biased.

 

They Might Be Giants positively do NOT want kids at their shows, which is why they only sell tickets/play to an 18+ crowd. However, I don't understand this because, you're right, they definately cater their music to a younger audience.

[KevinG]

Maybe I'm a jackass (okay, I probably am) but I was a little bit annoyed with all the kids, when I went to see Wilco. If you want to take your kids to a concert, go take them to They Might Be Giants, or something like that. There's a time and a place for kids but it isn't a rock concert.

But I just don't like kids in general, so maybe I am biased.

 

They Might Be Giants has instituted a no kids policy at most of their shows, which I think is reat. They still do kid shows from time to time, but they realized that a rock show really is no place for kids.

 

As any parent can tell you anytime you take your kid anywhere you have to be cognizant of you children and the people around you. Young kids will undoubtedly get bored no matter awesome you think the show is. When you take you kids to a show your enjoyment of said show is secondary and you have given up your right to enjoy the show. That is not to say you won't enjoy the show but don't exepct it. You have to make sure your kids are safe and happy, and the people around you are also cool with having a kids near them. Not saying you have to everyone that it is ok for your kid to be there but make sure your kid is well behaved and respectful of the other concert goers. But don't expect the people around you to cater to you or your child if they are around you.

 

Kidsmoke's bathroom story is how not to act with a kid at a show, (while I think you're great and all I am gonna take you to task on this one) . If your kid has to pee it is cruel to make her wait, and rude of you to move her to the front of the line after the set is over. People with children think they are above some rules because they have a kid with them. This ain't so.

[fatheadfred]

They Might Be Giants positively do NOT want kids at their shows, which is why they only sell tickets/play to an 18+ crowd. However, I don't understand this because, you're right, they definately cater their music to a younger audience.

 

I instigated a friend of mine into this statement:

 

"You know, I don't hate kids and someday I would even like to have one, but why in the f*** would you bring a little kid to a Wilco show? Concerts are not a place for 5 yr olds. That one douchebag was bragging that his 9 yr old had been to 30 shows, better not put that kid next to me at a concert. And another thing, why is it that people on VC consider you an a-hole if you get drunk at a concert? Isn't that half the fun of going. I think these VC f****** are a-holes because they are the douchebags at these shows who just fuckin stand there like dam tree and then give you the evil eye for having a good time. I hate these people. Next time I see them with one of their kids at a show I am going to get as drunk as I can and curse up a storm, just for hell of it. Thanks for a great start to the day.

 

Am I wrong here, what do you think?"

[Tweedling]

I took both of my kids to ZZ Top about 6 months ago. It was good for them to see how crazy a concert can get. I thought the old band would draw a more laid back crowd but I was in for a surprise. By the end of the night my children witnessed a fist fight, a girl passed out with medical attention and a couple of BIG bras thrown on the stage. They took it very well and I was proud of them. These were the very things I got to see when my mom took me to concerts with her when she was 21 and I was 5. Today not much surprises me at a good concert.

[fatheadfred]

I took both of my kids to ZZ Top about 6 months ago. It was good for them to see how crazy a concert can get. I thought the old band would draw a more laid back crowd but I was in for a surprise. By the end of the night my children witnessed a fist fight, a girl passed out with medical attention and a couple of BIG bras thrown on the stage. They took it very well and I was proud of them. These were the very things I got to see when my mom took me to concerts with her when she was 21 and I was 5. Today not much surprises me at a good concert.

 

Dude, taking a kid to ZZtop is cruel. Why would you do that? Poor kid.

[mountain bed]

Dude, taking a kid to ZZtop is cruel. Why would you do that? Poor kid.

[Tweedling]

Dude, taking a kid to ZZtop is cruel. Why would you do that? Poor kid.

No a Radiohead concert would be cruel.

[M. (hristine]

I instigated a friend of mine into this statement:

 

"You know, I don't hate kids and someday I would even like to have one, but why in the f*** would you bring a little kid to a Wilco show? Concerts are not a place for 5 yr olds. That one douchebag was bragging that his 9 yr old had been to 30 shows, better not put that kid next to me at a concert. And another thing, why is it that people on VC consider you an a-hole if you get drunk at a concert? Isn't that half the fun of going. I think these VC f****** are a-holes because they are the douchebags at these shows who just fuckin stand there like dam tree and then give you the evil eye for having a good time. I hate these people. Next time I see them with one of their kids at a show I am going to get as drunk as I can and curse up a storm, just for hell of it. Thanks for a great start to the day.

 

Am I wrong here, what do you think?"

My kid is better behaved and more respectful of people around her than drunks.

 

Drunks do things like dive off stage on to innocent bystanders and screech at the top of their lungs into the ears of people there to hear music. All she does is dance.

[RaspberryJam]

I think I'm taking one or both of my kids to Portland. It will be the first for both of them. It's an all ages show with free tickets for the shortest ones so I'm going under the assumption that the band and/or the venue is cool with it. I'm totally fine with staying at the back and not staying for the whole show. I've seen plenty of kids and families enjoying themselves at outdoor concerts. I know plenty of douchebaggery abounds, but maybe it is a good lesson for them to see nonfunctioning adults alongside their functioning parents. Maybe if they want to have all ages shows they should designate a family area (near the back) where we don't have to worry about people smoking, getting drunk, or being assholes; and they sell juiceboxes along with the beer. We go to so many music related events without them, and Wilco concerts are pretty much the friendliest of the ones I go to, so I think its fine as long as we act respectfully toward the kids and the other concert goers.

 

That said, if I am not there with my kids, I don't want to see kids up near the front, that is just not the place.

[fatheadfred]

My kid is better behaved and more respectful of people around her than drunks.

 

Drunks do things like dive off stage on to innocent bystanders and screech at the top of their lungs into the ears of people there to hear music. All she does is dance.

 

Otis never screamed, nor did he stage dive. He calmly walked into his cell.

[DPuents]

Wow...Didn't expect so much feedback for my question...Thanks to all for your replies...You have certainly giving me some things to consider. If I do take my son, my thinking was this...

 

It is a baseball stadium so I would stay out of the field (GA) area. I don't think he would be too keen on being right in the thick of the crowd and seeing some of the negative responses, I really wouldn't want him near those people anyway...If I could easily spot the kid-friendly fans, I would gravitate toward them so where a nametag if you go saying "Kid Friendly"

 

Understanding a typical 8-year old antsy-ness, I would stay in the seats where we would have some space and he could walk up and down the row of the seats yet still be able to see a clear view of the stage. Would also be in a spot with easy access to the bathroom. If he gets more comfortable as the show goes on, maybe try and move down a bit...I also wouldn't go with the mindset that I'm staying for the whole show...

 

Here's a thought: At Church they have an area where parents can go with younger / noisy kids...maybe Wilco shows can setup a similar area! Ha!

 

Thanks again for your replies to this interesting thread....

[lovecontagious]

I instigated a friend of mine into this statement:

 

"You know, I don't hate kids and someday I would even like to have one, but why in the f*** would you bring a little kid to a Wilco show? Concerts are not a place for 5 yr olds. That one douchebag was bragging that his 9 yr old had been to 30 shows, better not put that kid next to me at a concert. And another thing, why is it that people on VC consider you an a-hole if you get drunk at a concert? Isn't that half the fun of going. I think these VC f****** are a-holes because they are the douchebags at these shows who just fuckin stand there like dam tree and then give you the evil eye for having a good time. I hate these people. Next time I see them with one of their kids at a show I am going to get as drunk as I can and curse up a storm, just for hell of it. Thanks for a great start to the day.

 

Am I wrong here, what do you think?"

 

 

Well now...I have to say, I'm quite impressed with how articulate your friend is. He uses such vivid adjectives and creative nouns. He sounds like a well-educated adult. I'm also impressed that your friend goes to concerts to get hammered. I thought for sure that someone would want to go to a concert to hear music and remember their experience the next day; however, I must be wrong. Who knew? I would love to encounter this friend of yours at a concert. My child, to whom he is referring, will most definately be accompanying me. I really hope he can live up to his dreams by drinking more than his body is capable of digesting and giving my daughter a proper lesson in how to use interjections, adjectives and creative nouns. My daughter will be the model student and completely absorb his lesson about proper concert going skills and figurative language. I must warn you, however, when your friend falls down in his drunken stupor, most likely, it will be *my* daughter who will be the one that is concerned with his well-being and offer him assistance. She is extremely tenderhearted like that. I hope your friend will not be offended by her compassionate behavior. You're lucky to be able to call this person your friend. He's a real winner.

[fatheadfred]

Well now...I have to say, I'm quite impressed with how articulate your friend is. He uses such vivid adjectives and creative nouns. He sounds like a well-educated adult. I'm also impressed that your friend goes to concerts to get hammered. I thought for sure that someone would want to go to a concert to hear music and remember their experience the next day; however, I must be wrong. Who knew? I would love to encounter this friend of yours at a concert. My child, to whom he is referring, will most definately be accompanying me. I really hope he can live up to his dreams by drinking more than his body is capable of digesting and giving my daughter a proper lesson in how to use interjections, adjectives and creative nouns. My daughter will be the model student and completely absorb his lesson about proper concert going skills and figurative language. I must warn you, however, when your friend falls down in his drunken stupor, most likely, it will be *my* daughter who will be the one that is concerned with his well-being and offer him assistance. She is extremely tenderhearted like that. I hope your friend will not be offended by her compassionate behavior. You're lucky to be able to call this person your friend. He's a real winner.

point proven

[Sandoz]

It is a baseball stadium so I would stay out of the field (GA) area. I don't think he would be too keen on being right in the thick of the crowd and seeing some of the negative responses, I really wouldn't want him near those people anyway...If I could easily spot the kid-friendly fans, I would gravitate toward them so where a nametag if you go saying "Kid Friendly"

 

Understanding a typical 8-year old antsy-ness, I would stay in the seats where we would have some space and he could walk up and down the row of the seats yet still be able to see a clear view of the stage. Would also be in a spot with easy access to the bathroom. If he gets more comfortable as the show goes on, maybe try and move down a bit...I also wouldn't go with the mindset that I'm staying for the whole show...

 

your plan sounds great. as long as you accept the facts that (1) you cant be up front or in the crowds (2) you have to be prepared to leave if your kid requires it (3) you must also be respectful of those around you without kids, you will have a great time.

 

some venues are definitely more kid-friendly than others; an outdoor ballpark in the summertime sounds like a perfect venue. my kids go to concerts often, but only if i think it will be a fun and safe environment...and they are only 2 and 4 yrs old.

[ih8music]

I've taken my kids (5 & 3) to a handful of sporting events - hockey, basketball, baseball, etc. - and there you have plenty of drunken fans, disgusting facilities, foul language, and loud music/noise (NHL/NBA, at least). They've always had a blast and I've never felt like I was putting them into harm's way - nor did I ever feel that their presence there did anything to prevent the people around me from having a good time.

 

That being said, I can't imagine taking them to a rock concert anytime soon. Not sure why i'm drawing the line there, but it just feels like the wrong environment for a small kid.

 

Perhaps it's because I'm one of those guys who likes to have a few beers and 'let loose' at a concert... don't want to lose that and have to act like a mature parent there!

[kidsmoke]

They Might Be Giants has instituted a no kids policy at most of their shows, which I think is reat. They still do kid shows from time to time, but they realized that a rock show really is no place for kids.

 

As any parent can tell you anytime you take your kid anywhere you have to be cognizant of you children and the people around you. Young kids will undoubtedly get bored no matter awesome you think the show is. When you take you kids to a show your enjoyment of said show is secondary and you have given up your right to enjoy the show. That is not to say you won't enjoy the show but don't exepct it. You have to make sure your kids are safe and happy, and the people around you are also cool with having a kids near them. Not saying you have to everyone that it is ok for your kid to be there but make sure your kid is well behaved and respectful of the other concert goers. But don't expect the people around you to cater to you or your child if they are around you.

 

Kidsmoke's bathroom story is how not to act with a kid at a show, (while I think you're great and all I am gonna take you to task on this one) . If your kid has to pee it is cruel to make her wait, and rude of you to move her to the front of the line after the set is over. People with children think they are above some rules because they have a kid with them. This ain't so.

 

Well, in my lighthearted story-telling I have clearly given the wrong impression, so let me clarify: first, this was not a tiny child, but an 8-yr-old. Any younger and I wouldn't even have considered bringing her. Second, this is a child who, at this age anyway, always "need(ed) to pee"...hence our earlier precautionary bathroom run. My actual comment to her when she said that was more along the lines of an exasperated "Really need to? Or can you hold it?" She assured me she was ok.

As for the bathroom line, in no way did either of us ask to be given front-of-line status, it was simply that, seeing a child, all the sweet motherly ladies said to her, "Honey, why don't you go ahead of me?" and when one did, they all did. It was very sweet and not "expected" in the least. Just one of those kindly moments that Wilco seem to bring out in their fans.

 

Trust me, Kev, had she needed to go, we'd've been through that crowd like Homer Simpson on a snowplow.

[phish907]

I have takem my dughter since she was 9 or 10. She is a month or so away from 16 now. Always has been a good experience. I do watch the venue I take her to. She meet Jeff and the gang in Pittsburgh one summer and they played her favorite song " Forget the Flowers" by her request. Very cool expience!!!

[uncool2pillow]

You aa a parent will know when and if you take your child to see a showl The artist or band matters as well as the venue...

At age 4 you should be subjective, that is our job to be. As teenagers, well we cannot sheild them from all the world holds...

I have no intention to shield them once they're teenagers. I just hope I've imparted good taste...

[Maddie Hope]

I have no intention to shield them once they're teenagers. I just hope I've imparted good taste...

As a teenager we will still try to shield them, it's just natural. However, as teenagers we are not our kids hero anymore, we become the outsider. All we can hope for is we implant good taste, good judgement. Why you start young...

[Lammycat]

If the venue allows kids and you want to take your kids too bad for anyone else who doesn't like that. Ear plugs and general responsibility given, it's nobody elses concern.

[double A-ron]

I have seen tons of kiddies at Shelburne and Tanglewood, just keep em off your shoulders. At Shelburne, Jeff commented on all the children, then had a dance competition. FYI all you parents and KEVING. Our general dumb asses will be at Portland and Lowell smoking tons of chronic and drinking beer because thats what we like to do when we listen to Wilco. Also, don't forget that Jeff was a "pot head" too, he just coudn't handle edibles. Don't be a hypocrite!

[calvino]

If the venue allows kids and you want to take your kids too bad for anyone else who doesn't like that. Ear plugs and general responsibility given, it's nobody elses concern.

 

Exactly. And if people don't want to be around kids, don't go to an All Ages Show---Stick with the club shows.

[fatheadfred]

I have seen tons of kiddies at Shelburne and Tanglewood, just keep em off your shoulders. At Shelburne, Jeff commented on all the children, then had a dance competition. FYI all you parents and KEVING. Our general dumb asses will be at Portland and Lowell smoking tons of chronic and drinking beer because thats what we like to do when we listen to Wilco. Also, don't forget that Jeff was a "pot head" too, he just coudn't handle edibles. Don't be a hypocrite!

 

smoke em if you got em!

[KevinG]

I have seen tons of kiddies at Shelburne and Tanglewood, just keep em off your shoulders. At Shelburne, Jeff commented on all the children, then had a dance competition. FYI all you parents and KEVING. Our general dumb asses will be at Portland and Lowell smoking tons of chronic and drinking beer because thats what we like to do when we listen to Wilco. Also, don't forget that Jeff was a "pot head" too, he just coudn't handle edibles. Don't be a hypocrite!

 

 

Hey I used to smoke pot and get way f'd up at concerts. It is fine if you want to do that, got nuts. My point is that maybe it not something an 8 year old kid should be exposed too.

 

That being said, you are a douche. You are the type of person I hate when I go to concerts, more concerned with how much beer you can drink or when your buddy is gonna stop bogarting that joint. You are probably load and screaming "Gun" after song. I know I was that guy, I was a douche. Then I realized that I didn't remember the show I was at and didn't enjoy myself at the show. I tried a show sober (or enough beers to be happy but not wasted) and I had a hell of a good time. Am I a hypocrite, probably. But I grew up, I realized I had more respect for others around me and the band then to get black out drunk at a show.

 

Like I said it is fine if you smoke pot and drink at show, but for godsakes don't be that guy. Be respectful of everyone around you. We all paid 50 bucks to see Wilco not have you throw up on our shoes. The problem is that every pot smoker and drunk I know (and believe me I know a lot) are inherently selfish, but they think they are not.

 

Sorry to go off, but you called me out A-ron.

[fatheadfred]

So last night a 'Mom' pulled a punk move. We talked to this gal & her 15 y.o. daughter before a show. She was pimpin her daughter out as a cool kid that likes cool music. The nonverbals were telling me the daughter would've rather been cruisin' the strip looking for boys. Anyhow, the show is closing down. Corby Shaub, geetarist, is handing the setlist to my wife, this broad lurches from 4 rows back and takes the motherfucker. I see the broad a little later and ask her if she was aware Corby was giving the setlist to my wife. She replies, "yes, but my kid wants it." What a ho! The friggin kid could probably care less, but to the mom her kid is so important that she sees that behavior as ok.