the planet of new orleans, part 3
At this point, it really is all about the iPhone.
After checking the merch table, I grabbed a gin and tonic and realized that I didn’t want to stand around for over an hour until the main show started. So, I found a bench to hang out on. It was as far as possible from the stage with no view, but perfect acoustics and perfect for just relaxing. Naturally, I had to check and see if email would work from in there (it didn’t, but not for interesting reasons).I also discovered that if you look like you’re not listening to the opening act and also not hanging out with friends, it raises questions in the minds of the venue staff. One very large and friendly security guy came over and cheerfully asked if I was with the show. That must be the impression you create when you surf during the opening act. He looked slightly disappointed when I said no, but perked up when I showed him the blog on the iPhone. It really is a great toy. Later, he offered to get me a stool for when the main show started. I guess since I wasn’t with the band, I must be mobility impaired. I declined, because no way would I be sitting through this show. Later, I found that showing the iPhone to a bartender will let you sit at the HOB bar after it closes, sipping gin and tonics while eavesdropping on recaps about scary fan drama. But that was much later.
I’ve already told you what the show was like, so now I want to show you the real power of the iPhone. The show was going full tilt, with song after song that really kicked. 
And I was in a great part of the venue - just enough room to move to the music and a really cool mix of people who were dancing, drinking, cheering, but 100% into the music. When the band started into this blog’s namesake tune, I was over the top. So, though I’m not usually a picture taking person, I whip out my phone to at least get some something to capture the moment. As you can see, the picture is worthless. But what was hilarious was the effect of this Kodak moment on the cool crowd I was in. Listen in to what my trusty little Olympus note-taking recorder grabbed. The pay off is in the last few seconds, but I give you plenty of cow-bell infused lead-up:[audio=http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/6/3/1140363/isthataniphone.mp3]I guess that shows the limit to Hicks’ ability to capture a crowd. But it made me realize two things: (1) I need to find more self-serving ways to use the power of this little attention magnet, and (2) taper-dna is spread far too thinly in this world…… to be continued.
posted by what at 03:24 am
I really do feel like a bit of a pusher sometimes…”Come on, just hold it. Doesn’t it feel good?”
While Felix (drummer for TH) was very interested, he wouldn’t bite on holding it. But I did get him to check out some of my cool custom album covers.
Ha hahahahaha!
I can’t believe the crowd favorite song was overshadowed for a second by a little ‘ol iPhone. Please, people! Get your priorities straight! T’s doing C2W at the NOLA HOB! And unlike me, you are THERE. Pay attention!
T&J, exactly what you said! I can’t believe someone actually had those coveted tickets and decided to do a little iphone research during THAT song. There’s no accounting for what some people will do! But, for you, What, I’m glad that iphone granted you access you might not have otherwise had - perhaps a possible iphone marketing strategy? (Not that any is necessary).
I don’t think the iPhone got me any access, but maybe it will. But don’t be too hard on the peeps on the recording - they got right back into the concert as soon as the pic was snapped. And, of course, there’s nothing about that picture to impress anyone.
infect with the world with taper-DNA. once bit with the worm, i imagine it stays within you. drop me some knowledge on the piece you’re using and at what distance. lightning doesn’t always strike but being prepared to bottle it on the chance that it does is the goal here.
how to pass through security unscathed is the other concern.
looking forward to the continuation on the tapering subject. (and if it’s simple as using that attention magnet to capture and record sound–wait, can’t be, you mentioned “Olympus”–then let it be known… a little slow here)
Those HOB gin and tonics just about did me in. Possibly because I was dehydrated from a 2 hour tour of the St. Louis Cemetery. I’m glad some music and videos were obtained by the stealth of the SP. My memories are fuzzier than a camera phone picture.