Is This Accepted Behavior The Norm For Popular Musicians?

WHY IS THIS THE NORM?

Today I was reading another apology from a popular country artist, who recently had a little too much to drink before his performance at a music festival that is put on yearly by country music artist Luke Bryan, called "Crash My Playa.' Bailey Zimmerman put on a terrible performance and fellow musicians were standing behind him saying, 'hey...it's okay. Live and learn.' Basically, Now you know. Don't do it again...right?

It takes place every year in Cancun, Mexico, and thousands of people spend money to spend time relaxing in the sun, and rocking out to their favorite artists at this venue.

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DISRESPECTFUL OR FINE?

Elle King was recently at The Grand Ole Opry for a show about Dolly Parton and was trashed. She made lots of drunk comments and apologized a few months later. Dolly wasn't mad and asked us all to give her some grace. We always do.

I'm not judging these people's character, and I'm not directing my disappointment at any particular artist. We see this time and time again, and usually, there is NO apology.

Regardless, this has been the standard for musicians across all genres; not just country music, since I can remember.

MINNESOTA CONCERTS AND OUTDOOR FESTIVALS

Here in Minnesota, festivals with multiple popular artists are booked all over our state all summer long so people can get out, listen to some great music for a weekend, and cut loose.

These concertgoers spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars to see their favorite artists, expecting that the money they spend is going to bring them the very best. Yes. They drink. It's their vacation and they should be able to enjoy the show however they want to.

But I think performers owe those people a great show above all else. I want the performers and musicians to have a great time; but why does it have to involve intoxication? Why?

Why is it tolerated by anyone? It just keeps happening again and again. It's disappointing and disrespectful to the people who come to support their musical careers.

WE WORK HARD FOR OUR MONEY

We work hard for our money. Sometimes the tickets we get are our only escape from tough times. Think about the cost of concert tickets these days. If I'm going to spend a months rent watching my favorite artists, I really want it to be memorable. So...what's the deal? I don't want my memory to be, "Did you see how drunk they were?"

We hear about the pressure that these musicians are under, but regular people have challenges too; and if we would show up to our jobs this way, we'd be let go. Period. I've played in bands all my life and The Kelly Cordes Band had a rule. Two drinks maximum until after the third set; as long as you had a ride home.

I'm looking forward to all of the great performers who take their jobs seriously. I'll be out in a field singing with you and cheering you on when summer rolls back around.