Blog #12: Tour Diary, despite what I said
Added 2024-10-22 18:02:32 +0000 UTCI want to share some thoughts about last night, but I'm not sure how. I'm not even sure if I can. I'm starting to suspect that letting people see what's in the sausage isn't good for hot dog PR...
I wouldn't really know what else to write about if I didn't discuss the challenges I face and the work I do, and the ways my efforts fail and succeed. I could talk about the placement of the merch table, our difficulties with City Winery's corporate operations in regards to their contract practices, priming the generator on the RV, and a million other moving parts that go into moving the production around. The lamps on stage are my own. One of them my girlfriend and I won for 100,000 points at Jenkinson's Pavilion Arcade. The other is from Amazon. The end tables they're on are from my bedroom. Is that what I should be writing?
I don't know. I don't want people to take my dry humor, flowery language, and flair for the dramatic too seriously or heavily. Work is work. It requires effort and problem-solving. I hope that the amount of time I spend in these blog posts explaining how much I love my job and the amount of focus I put on the learning experiences makes it clear that I'm just giving insight into the work itself. The sausage is still good, don't let your surprise at the ingredients let you think I'm about to go vegan. Every show has its problems and challenges, and if I'm doing my job you won't know it unless I tell you. Eh. Maybe that means I'm not doing my job if I write these blogs.
I've just been sharing the things I learn as I go. But something broke after last night's show.
I'm not sure if there's anything to be learned from it except that sometimes you can do everything right and still fail. I'm not sure I did do everything right, but I felt like not a single lesson I've learned could be applied. Everyone told me the show was great. My crew said that if that show was the worst time I've ever had on stage, that that's a really good sign. ...So yeah, I guess I got a really good sign last night.
I don't want to be that guy. I just want the same respect other performers seem to get. Last night was the first time in years where I felt like I truly and fundamentally didn't get it.
Honestly, maybe I haven't fully earned it yet. Maybe I haven't learned the right lessons or compiled the right skills to do so. To a certain extent, any element of the show I can't make work is going to be on some level reflective of my skills. Maybe my stage persona needs tweaking. Maybe I do the wrong things with my vocal inflections and gesticulation. Maybe I sat too often. Maybe I wore the wrong outfit. Maybe the hair and makeup make me look fragile in a way some audience members find tempting to try and break. I have no idea.
Nothing I've learned so far helped me last night, as far as I can tell. None of the new skills, methods, or perspectives seemed to work. They kept me on the stage, I guess. For those of you who weren't in the front rows and didn't see everything, I hope it wasn't obvious. But it took so much strength that I really wasn't sure I had, and so much focus on the back wall to power through and not walk offstage. This wasn't even a few heckles here and there. That doesn't really get to me at this point. This was an overwhelming number of people overwhelmingly close to me separating me from the rest of the audience, making it impossible for me to keep up the performance, and disrupting my work to an extent where the people who worked there were commenting on it later on. If it ever gets that bad again, I can't promise I won't just cut the show short. It's just too much.
To not get too explicit about who the problem was, I'll say this: please don't put toys on my stage while I'm performing. Please don't yell out at me over and over in the hopes that I'll hear you the tenth time. Please don't try and loudly guess what I'm going to say next while I'm delivering my material. If you're going to have a conversation with someone you're sitting with in the front row, please at least whisper. Please don't force me to listen to your comments. Please don't start a chorus of meme-quoting that derails the performance. If you plan on doing any of those things at any of these shows, or think you're likely to - please don't come.
I'm very apprehensive about tonight. I am doubting my abilities, I'm doubting my writing and my show, I'm doubting my decision to go on this tour. I'm clinging to the comfort that is knowing that after this show I can go home for a while, but I want to just be excited to perform. Gotta rediscover the spirit. That Nat King Cole song. Chin up, stiff upper lip, frown upside down, smile though your heart is aching. Those first tour diary entries where it was all just about how excited I was to learn and practice and make something I felt like I knew was beautiful - I need that back. How do I recover that strength and positivity? I need a win tonight. I need a real banger of a show, or the next month and a half of my life is going to be very, very hard.
Sorry for the negativity today. I just needed to say something. In case people don't know, here's just a sort of PSA:
It is essentially impossible to get a stand-up or actor's attention on stage in a positive way. If they did not actively seek your personal attention, like say during explicit crowd-work or an audience-participation improv show, you will only disrupt their workflow, offend them, and risk doing damage to the show for those around you. They don't want objects tossed onto the stage, they don't want you to tell them what to say or do next, and if you start loudly meme-ing mid-show they will resent you. If your reason for disrupting a show is not about getting the performer's attention - it is entirely impossible to disrupt a show in a positive way. You and your friends may have a giggle, but everyone else in the room is annoyed and the artist's ability to perform will be hindered.
By the way, please don't start misquoting me and making it seem like I had beef with any other shows or venues. Everything went as intended at the standing shows upon learning they were standing. Ottawa Tavern are amazing people and they did everything amazingly once we worked out the kinks with seating, and like I said I had an awesome time at that show. Sorry if my blog came across as too frustrated, someone got bad information from someone and it messed me up, but we managed and I truly adored the people there. Kalamazoo was fun too. I'm hearing that apparently there are people complaining about stuff at those shows, and I'm concerned that being candid about the challenges someone faces in my line of work is being confused for validating other perspectives that I don't know anything about.
I'm probably going to be easing up on discussing any on-stage audience-related stuff on here. I'm not looking to feed into anyone's idea that I hate my fans because I've been trying to openly discuss some of the challenges of having an audience. Nor am I looking to give people on the internet what they may perceive to be ammunition against other people.
I don't know what I'm going to be writing about in these, but I'll figure something out. There might be less of them coming up though.
I am begging for your good vibes. Last hurrah for tonight. This leg of the tour will go out with a bang. Be ready, Atlanta.
One of us has to be, yeah?
Thank you all for the support and for reading.
Much love,
-ww
(P.S. - one other thing - I heard that apparently people have started blurring their faces out of the photos they post from meet & greets because apparently if I re-post them creepy twitter accounts might start "archiving" them or whatever. So sorry about that guys, I won't be sharing anyone's posts anymore.)
P.P.S.
I just took a glance back at my previous posts... I can say I love my work and I'm just openly discussing challenges and lessons all I want, but the amount of time I've spent talking about the challenges is overwhelming. And it does not look like I love my work. I'm going to take some time away from these blog posts to figure out what I need to do from here. Because looking back at the last few entries, I can see how people could get the sense I'm having a miserable time. Or maybe I can see myself having a miserable time. I don't know. Gotta reconnect with my feelings for a bit and work through them. Gotta get grounded again.
Maybe I need to spend more time focusing on the positive and openly celebrating it. But that'll just feel like gloating. I just don't have as much to say or have as many thoughts about the positive things, because they aren't something I need to work through they're just me accomplishing the task. I'm not going to write a blog bragging about the victory of just doing the job right. But I don't want people to think I'm stewing in resentment, because I'm really not.
Maybe the only answer is for me to say nothing at all. I don't know. Anyway. Thanks again y'all. See you out there.
Comments
It isn’t you, and I haven’t figured the pattern out yet. The rudeness crosses genres. We appreciate you making your way across country.
The Momur
2024-11-02 00:38:06 +0000 UTChey! hope you’re doing well. i don’t think there’s anything wrong with discussing the challenges of a show, i think challenges are what diaries detail most in the first place. anyone who thinks you hate your job while reading them likely had that idea beforehand and likely lacks any understanding of nuance enough to change that. if you find it helpful to write it out, then do so — if it’s helpful to post it here, please do. i’ve been reading these during my work breaks in anticipation of the winter park show and they’ve been really insightful. thank you for sharing what you have so far :-)
Alex Touzet
2024-10-29 20:05:41 +0000 UTCwow... nah bruh, share as much as you want. you expressing your emotions and challenges so directly is beautiful in its own way. somehow it feels like a form of art, to just... talk. and let it out. feel free to step away from doing blog posts if you deem fit, but we're always here as a place for you to return to no matter what you have to say, or how much of it there is on your mind.
Happiness
2024-10-29 10:15:04 +0000 UTCI'm a little late, but i just want to express how incredibly you performed in Atlanta. I have never been to a such a beautifully crafted show, where I couldn't tear my eyes away from the stage (I have unmedicated ADHD so that's a triumph.) I heard some of those heckles, and it's unfortunate that some people resort to shouting things for attention. Despite those moments, it did not distract from your performance. I appreciate having been able to meet you and enjoy such a great concert. It's okay to be frustrated. No matter your job, you don't deserve that sort of disrespect and "complaining" is probably the best thing you can do to process your thoughts. It's also okay to revel in your accomplishments. We are here because we support you, and you're allowed to talk about your experiences in whatever way you want. You're human like the rest of us, and with that being said, you're doing an awesome job.
Sarah312
2024-10-28 01:41:06 +0000 UTCThis Atlanta show was the third time I've seen you play here and it really hit me that you've grown exponentially as a performer since your last tour, especially as far as stage presence and storytelling ability. A couple of my friends I came with used to be super active doing stand-up or improv here and I used to go to every ATL stand-up show/come from a media criticism background and man we all sat around outside after talking about how much we loved the show and how much you had improved- how we really want to see what you do next because your voice in vulnerable comedic storytelling interwoven with picks from your musical catalog is so strong/unique. It was a really impressive balancing act and felt fuller in a lot of ways than your other two shows I saw, even though I enjoyed those as well. I don't say that as if my opinion or the opinion of my friends should hold more weight than anybody else's, but more because maybe we have a lot of emotional investment/experience in comedy as art or whatever vs an average person- and because it's so fucking unfortunate if audience disruption made you feel unworthy of basic respect at all, or it took advantage of or made you doubt the vulnerability in your performance and how you present yourself– because you stand out to me very much as a uniquely capable storyteller on top of your musical abilities (which I already thought were impressive from the first time I saw you) and I genuinely loved the show. I think if you keep doing this, it is inevitable that the cringe memer freaks will fall to the wayside and realize they're not welcome, and your audience will mature as your art does. I hope in the interim people calm down and security can be more on the ball. My friends and I are all looking forward to seeing what you do next regardless. (Also apologies as I posted this in response to the wrong blog post and deleted it- it's fully in response to what I heard about the Nashville show elsewhere and to what you said above here)
Shannon Strucci
2024-10-27 22:23:11 +0000 UTCConcert etiquette as a whole has really been off the wall at a lot of venues since the pandemic. It's saddening. I was at the Atlanta show and it was amazing, you did fantastic and it was easily one of the best shows I've seen so thanks so much for coming this way! Best of luck on the rest of the tour <3
Joshua Vaughn
2024-10-26 07:49:52 +0000 UTCI just wanted to say I was at the Atlanta show shortly (perhaps) after you wrote this post. It was the best day of my life. It was my birthday that day and I was going through a challenging place mental health wise, and your story and music nearly moved me to tears. It's such a great time and I can't express how grateful I am for it.
Cynthia
2024-10-25 19:00:45 +0000 UTCI was at Atlanta, I just wanted to say it was an amazing show. I really enjoyed your story telling and music. I liked the hopefulness and optimism, it was what I needed at the moment. It felt surreal to listen to songs that have rocked my head phones for the last couple years in person. I hope you are able to rest well and recoup. Thank you for such a great show!
Raina Saha
2024-10-25 15:24:08 +0000 UTCThe 18+ rule wasn't just to avoid this, it was also because my material would be super uncomfortable to perform around kids, and they wouldn't even get half of it. But yeah, it's surprising, but not that surprising considering how many artists are talking about this sort of thing these days. Thanks :)
William
2024-10-24 16:54:42 +0000 UTCI get the whole point of the 18+ rule was to avoid this, but these disrespectful crowd members sound a lot like the third graders I work with. It’s a real shame someone can be alive for 18+ years and still not have learned empathy for another human guy. I could not imagine having this happen to me night after night and still be able to perform without having a breakdown on stage. You’re a real strong guy, Will, and what keeps happening to you is not normal or deserved. Enjoy your rest!
tootired1
2024-10-24 06:24:01 +0000 UTCFor what little consolation it may be, from the back/middle-ish of the room everything except for the "yippee" incident was inaudible. You responded so well that I thought most of the callouts were part of the show (without being able to hear the hecklers). I'm really sorry to hear that your experience wasn't a good one though, and I hope you'll give Nashville another chance one day
Aweegi
2024-10-23 20:46:27 +0000 UTCHey Will! I was supposed to go to that show but I had scheduling problems which bummed me out. Sad to hear it was like that. You’re a great artist and performer and it really is disappointing that some people can’t respect that
Ömer Özenen
2024-10-23 19:41:36 +0000 UTCIts insane to me that people think it's appropriate to yell stuff like that? It really sucks that putting up with that is part of the job. I'm hoping you have an easier time identifying and kicking out those people at your future shows 🫂
Ellina
2024-10-23 17:01:50 +0000 UTCI think I speak for a lot of people when I say that you haven’t come across as ungrateful or bitter in any of these tour diaries. Yes, heckling and disrespect are a sad inevitability when it comes to performing, but audience members also need to get in their heads that concert tickets don’t double as a free pass to make rude or gross comments, and that goes for any artist. I’m not going to pretend I know exactly what’s going on inside your head, but based on these tour diaries, I genuinely think you are stronger than you realize. If making it this far despite everything overwhelming you isn’t “coming to terms with disorder,” then I don’t know what is. Hang in there Will, we’re all rooting for you
Opticko
2024-10-23 16:28:00 +0000 UTCAtlanta went phenomenally! Lots of disrespect and heckles, but I didn't let them derail me and I put on one of the best shows of the tour!
William
2024-10-23 15:44:28 +0000 UTCThere's a very wide range! It varies from hippies and hipsters in their mid-late twenties to super online teenagers, and I even see a good amount of older folks who hear the 70's in my stuff now and again too. So yeah, it's very unpredictable how the vibe is going to go. I'm glad these thoughts don't come across as vitriolic. I am certainly very angry and feel resentment towards some of the individuals who disrupt the show, but I don't want to give the impression that I'm constantly walking around angry at my audiences. That being said, I'm as much here for them as they are for me, if not more so! This is a job and I have a job to do - and that's to give them, not myself, the best show possible! The joy is when doing one also accomplishes the other.
William
2024-10-23 15:38:55 +0000 UTCWe've been trying to! Last night a woman yelled some joke about showing the audience my dick, and when I called her out the security person was in the bathroom. So nobody saw who it was, and in a dark theater where I can barely see anyone, it's hard for me to know where to point and who to point them out to, and I can't spend more than a moment on a heckle without altering the vibe of the room in a way that I then have to work pretty hard to be able to come back from. But we're stepping up our game for the next round of dates. Gross comments are an immediate removal, no questions.
William
2024-10-23 15:33:07 +0000 UTCWhat I'm saying is that having struggles is the human experience, being vulnerable on a stage is hard and when people heckle or don't respect you in a moment like that it isn't easy
AverageTiredMusicStudent
2024-10-23 14:34:01 +0000 UTCI will say that seeing this helped remind me that it's okay when I make a mistake in my own performances, a week ago when I was told I had to perform my solo for my peers I was a jittery mess and now I'm excited to perform for them tomorrow
AverageTiredMusicStudent
2024-10-23 14:32:07 +0000 UTCI think your feelings of "positivity means I'm gloating about the bare minimum" might be why it is so hard to move on from a less than ideal hand received during a performance. I also don't think your statements here end up changing any behavior quite simply because the bulk of your fans, especially your younger and more hyperactive fans, don't subscribe to this. People may feel you "hate your fans" (not something that has ever felt true to me but thats just me idk...) because, at least in this case, the people who need to hear what you're saying aren't the ones hearing it at length (or at all possibly). All that being said, I think you deserve to speak your mind. I think it's really interesting to hear an artist talk about what the crowds and venues are like and how this all actually works, because its super insightful! I never thought about how every audience is surely different in ways not explained purely by area, or how the type of venue effects your shows, or etc. And anyone on here who may want to be a mucisian themselves some day may be able to learn from your experience. I do understand the desire to seem positive, but it seems like that isn't the focus of tour day to day experience right now, and you made a good point, work is... work! It doesn't have to be all positive right now if that isn't constructive *for you*, you don't owe us a glowing review of all our faces from up on stage yk? But if you feel you can benefit from being more positive or changing your perspective then please do!
Aaliyah McElroy
2024-10-23 01:39:17 +0000 UTCTake care of yourself man! You deserve to become a blanket cocoon for a while after this first leg. I'm sorry about all the bullshit people, I genuinely think lockdown ruined a lot of people's perception of social norms and they just never bothered to relearn 🙄 Sending you good vibes from our corner of Ohio!
Seance
2024-10-23 01:14:13 +0000 UTCgood luck out there!! can't wait to see the show!!!
digby anderson
2024-10-22 23:19:44 +0000 UTCHey I usually don't comment but god damn it. You work so fucking hard for this tour, you deserve respect, you deserve to complain, you deserve boundaries in your dream job because otherwise that'd be exploitation. I thank you for being transparent about this on your blogposts because being creative as a living is fucking difficult. I don't know how you do all the things you do in a day, and it only makes me appreciate the magic more, if that makes sense? Although as much as I enjoy reading your patreon updates please don't burn yourself out making updates. Will Wood is just one guy, some one's gotta look out for him, put the oxygen mask on him first etc. I hope you get the rest you need, and that the rest of your tour is less strenuous but all the more fun.
Alibonbonn
2024-10-22 22:30:43 +0000 UTCFor what it's worth, I only censored my face in the pictures I posted because that's what I always do. I'm sure there are plenty of other people just like me who do the same simply because they don't want to have their face on the internet :)
Satyr Bones
2024-10-22 22:21:56 +0000 UTCSending good vibes for tonight's show and hoping you get some much-deserved rest during your break 🫶🐀
Jack R.
2024-10-22 22:17:48 +0000 UTCI travelled from Colorado to Nashville to see the show last night, although I was in the back and didn’t realize how much disrespect was happening up front, the show was phenomenal. It was so worth the trip!! I’m deeply saddened by the behavior you witnessed. Time is precious. YOUR time is precious. Thank you for using it to do what you do, despite it all. Hoping you find comfort during the rest of the tour.
Kennedy
2024-10-22 21:37:12 +0000 UTCI never really understood people being rude and disruptive during a live show or performance like this, I could never think of doing I in a million years :P I guess some people really need to be the center of attention, and have some attitude problems to work out or something, idk.
Zack Bowden
2024-10-22 20:26:56 +0000 UTCi was at the nashville show last night at a front row table next to one of them ‘problem areas’ and i am so sorry you had that experience. if it makes you feel any better, the people at my table were talking about how well you handled the ‘yippee’ situation after the show and how it was the best concert they’d ever seen. last night was one of the best nights i’ve had in a while and i wish it could have been the same for you. take care of yourself and best wishes for the rest of the tour !!
Will
2024-10-22 20:17:50 +0000 UTCIt is natural of an artist to be more vocally critical about their work, especially as development of a project reaches later stages. Hell, in every profession it's only natural to focus on the "negatives" (areas of improvement!) when developing something. For example, at my job we're optimizing a design for a new construction project (I'm an engineer). Any one looking from the outside could see it as us ripping the old design a proverbial new one because we're "focusing on the negatives"-- but we're IMPROVING the design, at every step in every meeting we're not gonna take note on everything done right, that's a waste of time bc what's done right is taken for granted as just already existing in the design (like you said). It's troubling that people reading your blog posts may read too much into them, even though you've been explicitly clear in your intentions with them. It's also super important that bad behavior deserves to be called out, so don't worry about being overly negative if it's something that needs to be said. The rise in "memeing" concert experiences is frustrating me-- exactly a year ago Death Grips walked off stage on their tour because of things thrown at them and bc audience members participating in this huge meme and having absolutely no respect for the performance. Artists deserve more respect. YOU DESERVE more respect. That all being said-- please know that you have positive support out there despite a vocal minority. I for one really enjoy your tour diary entries-- they're very insightful and well-written. Though do whatever makes YOU feel more comfortable (it goes without saying). Your show tonight in Atlanta will be as amazing as it always has been! I hope your break is as restful and replenishing as you deserve and I'm sending out good vibes as much as I can through digital text!
Madison
2024-10-22 20:16:36 +0000 UTCAgreed, he's exhausted and discouraged. It's a shame, the show is so good.
Wendy Bullinger
2024-10-22 20:00:19 +0000 UTCVery well said
Wendy Bullinger
2024-10-22 19:58:33 +0000 UTCWill certainly seems to be casting pearls before swine at some of these later gigs😔 Hope things pick up after some rest and mental regrouping xx
Michael Dabrowski
2024-10-22 19:52:10 +0000 UTCI had just joined recently and am absolutely one of the people that might have taken your last post a bit too seriously. I love reading them, especially after being reminded that nothing is black and white, just because there were hiccups doesn’t mean the world ended. I bet the last show before you get to take a little break will be a banger.
Ella Warnke
2024-10-22 19:15:26 +0000 UTCI am unsure what is wrong with people. I don't know if it was Covid lockdowns the rise of social media or aliens with mind altering rays. I think it goes to people not interacting enough with others outside of screens. It seems like a epidemic of people throw random stuff on stage (or placing). At least no one has thrown their mothers ashes on stage like happen to one performer (I think Pink if I remember correctly). I look forward to seeing the show in Dallas. Have a good break and rest.
Lance Tidwell
2024-10-22 19:13:13 +0000 UTCI just wanted to say I’ve been really enjoying seeing your tour diary posts. I feel as though this perspective is important, and it’s not something you get to see in artists today. It’s an important side to talk about because people like those who are heckling and are completely disrespectful don’t understand that you are a real human being off stage. This is your job. I think it’s especially important right now, as many artists are struggling with complete disrespect from audiences. It is a shame people are reading these blog posts as “complaining”, as I have found them very interesting and unique. It’s a perspective I think people need to see more. Unfortunately, the lack of nuance on the internet, I understand taking a step back from them. Just wanted to let you know there are people who see the nuance and who are rooting for you completely, through the thick and thin. I hope you have a wonderful show tonight and have a refreshing break!
flynn
2024-10-22 19:01:11 +0000 UTCHey Will, I can't help but wonder why you don't just kick them out? Keep in mind that the rest of the audience is every bit as irritated at them as you are.
Gabriel P.
2024-10-22 18:52:08 +0000 UTCwill- from here, you seem exhausted, overwhelmed, and very much so in the process of overthinking yourself into panic---this show will be over by tonight, and you'll actually have time to BE exhausted for the first time in a while. you're not a different person than you were three weeks ago. I don't think anyone who knows anything about you (or, much more importantly, those whose opinions about you matter) is doubting how much you love your work. once you sleep in a dry, non-RV bed for a few nights, have an egregious amount of Chinese food, and smoke a bowl with brett, THEN I think you can decide if you're gonna spontaneously combust or not.
adrien
2024-10-22 18:45:13 +0000 UTCi hate how this has been more difficult than you anticipated. its not your fault, and it's not fair. you've garnered a rather unpredictable fan base over the last few years, at least from what i've observed.. and i have no idea why. i understand the concern about not giving the impression that you hate your fans - but your blog posts don't come across as vitriolic or offensive when you talk about your frustrations at all. idk. maybe a few would feel that way, but that's just how some people are. at the end of the day you're not there for them, they're there for you, and they should conduct themselves accordingly despite everything else. and from what you're expressing here, most of them do! do what you can. sending thoughts, vibes, and support as you tackle atlanta tonight.
erbse
2024-10-22 18:43:39 +0000 UTCOh dear. Take good care on your few days off. I have to say it, you look exhausted. ❣️
Wendy Bullinger
2024-10-22 18:43:13 +0000 UTCIt's unfortunate that the internet always tends to work in extremes. Nuance is often lost and communication is always skewed. I agree with other comments that say it never came off like you hate your audience or your job. You're believed, even if it isn't in 100% capacity. Unfortunately you can't help how people read you, no one can. But it's on THEM when they read you wrong enough (or just simply choose) to mistreat you. It obviously must be different when PR and parasociality is a thing, different in a way I know I wouldn't understand. But remember not to be too hard on yourself, if you ever find yourself doing that. You deserve to be respected on stage or not, regardless of persona. Wishing you strength, man. You got this.
Mia Martian
2024-10-22 18:40:41 +0000 UTCSending you good vibes for tonight, and the rest of the tour!
Nancy Delapenha
2024-10-22 18:38:16 +0000 UTCI was at the show last night and the amount of disrespect I witnessed from the crowd was crazy. Here's to hoping that the last show in this leg goes a lot better <3
Brittany
2024-10-22 18:37:22 +0000 UTCAhhh pricks gonna prick. Either they haven't read how it makes you feel so are not part of the 'die hard fanbase'. Or they have and don't care, again not part of the fan base. So tbf fuck em. Everyone else is there to see and support you, and I guarantee they will be as pissed off as you with the idiots and will be sending even more positive vibes your way. I reckon blog on, won't change the pricks either way, but the rest of us love it 😘 x
Aiyther
2024-10-22 18:34:48 +0000 UTCalso didn't touch on this part - but you deserve SO much more respect than you've been getting. just as much as other artists and maybe more - you've worked so hard to get where you are
sarah
2024-10-22 18:32:55 +0000 UTCi don't think the lack of respect is a reflection of you, your persona, or your work at all. there's always gonna be really, really sucky people and really, really sucky shows. at least you get a break soon!! just something to give you some time to process all of this. i'm sure the list of joys and stresses that come with projects like this is insurmountable, but we can all tell how passionate you are about it! don't stress! and i think it's really relieving to hear you talk about the struggles of touring - i feel like it's brushed off by a lot of musicians, dismissed, or ignored for the sake of making a tour/public persona look good. thank you for being so honest will!! it's important to be honest with yourself and your feelings too :) that's part of feeling better
sarah
2024-10-22 18:31:44 +0000 UTCDude, I LOVE my job and I complain about it all the time. Because I believe in what I do and care about the outcome of my work. I'm not a performer, but I work with the public A LOT and sometimes they're just very "the public" in a bad way. And sometimes I need to vent, and other times I have to work through what works and what doesn't out loud. Only you can figure out what you need to do to make your love for your work stick with you - as your audience we don't get to decide! But please hear the people here telling you that we support you as you are, however you decide to process. Peace and strength to you and your crew.
42Squirrels
2024-10-22 18:29:45 +0000 UTC"Honestly, maybe I haven't fully earned it yet. Maybe I haven't learned the right lessons or compiled the right skills to do so." You shouldn't have to earn respect. Unfortunately there will always be occasional people in the audience who don't understand that, but I promise you that you're an incredible performer and it is not your fault in the slightest. You're doing great, hang in there. I can't wait to see a show of yours myself someday. That being said, I'd respect your decision if you didn't want to tour again after this one.
raven
2024-10-22 18:28:21 +0000 UTCyou’re totally okay. personally, I’ve super duper looked forward to the tour diaries and I’ve never once gotten the vibe that you hate your fans — in fact, I LOVE it when artists and musicians call out problematic behavior and open up about what is so difficult about their jobs. makes them more human. crazy to me that people are thinking about this with such little nuance and ignoring the fact that you’ve established (so many times!) that you are having fun and enjoying yourself. all in all, I think most of us are just hoping you’re staying healthy and safe (as much as you can, at least) — no need to apologize. humans aren’t built for having these kinds of audiences or connections. I don’t think anyone really understands how to handle it well. I think some of this garbage is unavoidable, but perhaps most importantly, the asshole behavior is not on you.
harpsichord
2024-10-22 18:20:12 +0000 UTCIm sorry some people don't know how to act 🫂. Don't worry, we all believe you when you say you love your work, despite the challenges. We all worry a bit as well though, and I think it's okay to let people worry a little. There's only so much comfort I can send as someone who doesn't know you personally; but please. Rest up. I wholly support the notion of wrapping up a show early if you need to. You put so much love and consideration into your audience, please try to do the same for yourself. Those of us who are your true fans care about seeing you healthy and well, just as much (if not more) than we care about getting a good performance. Good luck out there.
Ellina
2024-10-22 18:16:07 +0000 UTCAlso posting what you don’t feel comfortable with people doing may help a lot. Apparently this stuff isn’t a given
Just Another Cryptid
2024-10-22 18:15:00 +0000 UTCSee you soon!!
Sightseer
2024-10-22 18:14:46 +0000 UTCNah, man, you DO deserve the same respect other performing artists get. You didn't do anything wrong to not get it, at least to my untrained eye -- it sounds like a lot of people have forgotten how to act in public. :( I hope your time off is what you need, I'm sending you good vibes from Texas 🫡💜
Miles H
2024-10-22 18:14:10 +0000 UTCThis paragraph - starting with "it is essentially impossible" and ending with "the artist's ability to perform will be hindered" needs to be on a giant standing sign as people walk in. I don't know what these attendees are thinking but I also loved how happy and excited you were at the start of the tour, and I hate that anyone is making this so hard for you.
Christa
2024-10-22 18:12:39 +0000 UTCwishing you positive energy and good rest. it must be exhausting to think how much of the tour you have left to commit to. it can’t be easy knowing you have all that left and can’t back out of it :(
dino
2024-10-22 18:12:01 +0000 UTCIt’s not your fault people don’t know basic concert and theater etiquette. Your persona could be completely insane and you would still deserve respect. I won’t pull out the armchair psychology on people I don’t know but I’ve def noticed behavioral issues in some of these spaces in a way that bothers me way more than anything I’ve seenin hardcore punk concerts. You’re not alone or wrong for feeling this way. The bad ones are just the loudest ❤️
Just Another Cryptid
2024-10-22 18:11:00 +0000 UTCSending good vibes! Seeing you live was incredible and I’m sorry the experience on your end has been such a roller coaster.
The Green Kasey
2024-10-22 18:10:03 +0000 UTC
