Well, once again the Bermuda Triangle that exists over eastern South Dakota claimed another victim. This time it was Firehouse. It seems when a band announces there will be a show in this part of the state they make it as far as the state border and poof the show gets cancelled. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trashing Firehouse. This is their livelihood and if tickets don't sell well a business decision must be made. The only acts that seem to be able to get past the border and actually play here are country and christian groups, and oh yeah. Brittany Spears...Yippee! I blame this on several factors. 1. Being that the venue in which Firehouse was to play has never had a rock group play, therefore, is inexperienced in promoting the show. Although it is a great place with not a bad seat in the house. 2. The rock station that the promotion was to be aired on thinks that Metallica was the only band that existed in the 90s, therefore, is the only band from that era to get played. Not once did I hear the Firehouse show promoted, but hey, I wasn't listening 24/7 so somewhere in there I could have missed it. At least it was listed on the station's website. 3. Then there is the major newspaper who has an entertainment editor that when giving any type of review and/or announcement regarding any bands that came from the late 80s and 90s makes you feel guilty for admitting you even liked any of those bands; And how dare you attend a "hair band" show! Well, it is in my opinion that those who have labeled bands as such, have since watched most of their hair flow down the drain and are bitter at what they have lost so it must be the hair bands fault. Be honest people, it just wasn't the bands in those days that had big hair. If we look back at pictures of ourselves then, we ALL had big hari! It was the sign of the times, and not just the men and women who played in those bands. 4. This is a biggy! It was opening weekend of Pheasant hunting season. Not only does anyone who owns a gun and calls themselves a hunter were out this weekend, but our state population rose a few 100, 000 as well and were not interested in attending rock show even if they had known about it. Putting all those factors into play, the show was doomed. Like the saying goes, If only hindsight was 20/20 this fan would have again attended one of the shows in another state. Unfortuately, I was looking forward to having a show that was almost at my back door and not having to drive 2-7 hours to see them. With that said, this fan hopes that Firehouse doesn't give up on South Dakota altogether and will try again to play here someday. In the meantime, take care and God bless.
Elaine |