Advertisement
It was about as close to an Acid Test as one could hope for, in 21st century Vegas. With a large, enthusiastic crowd of costumed revelers ranging in age from probably illegally young (they served liquor, lots of it) to older than us, plenty of drugs (apparently, and cladestinely), loud music (too loud), and varied entertainment with spinners, hoopsters, hipsters, and generally flipped-out far-out freaks mostly enjoying the scene, it lasted through the night. I didn't, quite, leaving around 4:00 AM for the solace of the conveniently close, walking-distance hotel and sleep.
The Bus, with fresh engine intact, a 305 and not the 401 as told, was there with time to spare, and picked me up at the chaotic Vegas airport Monday afternoon. An early evening panel discussion including John Perry Barlow, Rick Doblin of MAPS, me, and another luminary who I didn't know (and whose name & orginazation escapes my failing memory, with apologies) was well received by an enthusiastic crowd, as we regaled them with tales of the psychedelic past, present, and future.
Then began the parade of various bands, including, briefly the Pranksters. As usual, a large part of the crowd was fooled into expecting us to be another band, until they very quickly realized that, as a musical group, we are terrible, absolutely awful, and so we didn't last long (nothing lasts!). As the crowd grew quickly restless, we quickly and gracefully exited the stage, leaving in our wake a sigh of relief. Later, many came up to me and said how great we were. I realized they love our act, but don't want to listen to it; in fact, most can't stand to listen to it. That was fine, as it made it easy: a quick hit and outta there. Other acts were well received, and all in all it was quite enjoyable, especially for those who could stand the incessantly loud music and crowded space. I found relief hanging around the Bus in the parking lot, which was surrounded by a much smaller, quieter, but still enthusiastic crowd.
All in all, a success.
Some things not like an Acid Test: a crowd too big for the venue; intense, pat-down security; $40 tickets; many evicted for drunkenness (one for digging the music with eyes closed ("you're asleep, so you're outta here!"); bars, upstairs & down, selling expensive drinks; incessant "entertainment" by a parade of too many bands; getting paid afterwards (a good thing!).
They were still selling tickets, with a line to get in, at 3:00 AM!
-geo
The Bus, with fresh engine intact, a 305 and not the 401 as told, was there with time to spare, and picked me up at the chaotic Vegas airport Monday afternoon. An early evening panel discussion including John Perry Barlow, Rick Doblin of MAPS, me, and another luminary who I didn't know (and whose name & orginazation escapes my failing memory, with apologies) was well received by an enthusiastic crowd, as we regaled them with tales of the psychedelic past, present, and future.
Then began the parade of various bands, including, briefly the Pranksters. As usual, a large part of the crowd was fooled into expecting us to be another band, until they very quickly realized that, as a musical group, we are terrible, absolutely awful, and so we didn't last long (nothing lasts!). As the crowd grew quickly restless, we quickly and gracefully exited the stage, leaving in our wake a sigh of relief. Later, many came up to me and said how great we were. I realized they love our act, but don't want to listen to it; in fact, most can't stand to listen to it. That was fine, as it made it easy: a quick hit and outta there. Other acts were well received, and all in all it was quite enjoyable, especially for those who could stand the incessantly loud music and crowded space. I found relief hanging around the Bus in the parking lot, which was surrounded by a much smaller, quieter, but still enthusiastic crowd.
All in all, a success.
Some things not like an Acid Test: a crowd too big for the venue; intense, pat-down security; $40 tickets; many evicted for drunkenness (one for digging the music with eyes closed ("you're asleep, so you're outta here!"); bars, upstairs & down, selling expensive drinks; incessant "entertainment" by a parade of too many bands; getting paid afterwards (a good thing!).
They were still selling tickets, with a line to get in, at 3:00 AM!
-geo
posted by:
|
New York
|
Advertisement
Advertisement
