The new super-headliners and the fans that love them: Vampire Weekend, MGMT, Arcade Fire
Vampire Weekend, MGMT and Arcade Fire played the big stages this summer. How did their young fans respond?
By David Malitz
This summer, three young rock bands -- Vampire Weekend, MGMT and Arcade Fire -- made the leap to super-headliner status. All three played to big crowds at Merriweather Post Pavilion and I was there for each of them. Vampire Weekend was my favorite, MGMT was my least favorite, but we’ve covered the music plenty already. How about the people who were at these shows? Here’s a brief comparison.
Band’s attitude towards its fans:
MGMT: We hate you.
Vampire Weekend: We love you as much as our shoes.
Arcade Fire: We really respect how much you love us.
There were lots of teenagers on:
MGMT: Drugs.
Vampire Weekend: A first date.
Arcade Fire: The waiting list at Brandeis.
Reaction when band plays most popular song:
MGMT: Three dudes take their shirts off, high five each other.
Vampire Weekend: Four girls scream, sing along and double high five each other while jumping up and down.
Arcade Fire: Must. Tweet. Now!!!
Overheard in the crowd:
MGMT: “Where’d you get that glowstick necklace?”
Vampire Weekend: “My first three periods suck.”
Arcade Fire: “Hey, is that Bob Boilen?”
By
David Malitz
|
September 16, 2010; 11:30 AM ET
Categories:
Riffs
| Tags: Arcade Fire, MGMT, Vampire Weekend
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What about My Morning Jacket? Great show in May at the Merriweather - I believe their first outdoor arena show in the D.C. area.
MMJ's attitude toward its fans: We love you, most sincerely.
There were lots of teenagers on: Weed (very few stimulants, if any).
Reaction when band plays most popular song: Hard to say, since MMJ doesn't have one song that towers above the others. The whole set was well-received.
Overheard in the crowd: "Great opening band. What were they called again?"
Posted by: Miles_Standish_Proud | September 16, 2010 11:43 AM | Report abuse
"The waiting list at Brandeis."
Alright that actually made me laugh
Posted by: agl132 | September 16, 2010 12:10 PM | Report abuse
"MGMT: We hate you" Hate is a strong word, Mr. Malitz, since i wasn't there did the band come out and defecate all over everyone a la GG Allin or spit on people throughout the crowd a la Johnny Rotten? What would make you use the word hate?
Posted by: TrixieCarolina | September 17, 2010 7:36 AM | Report abuse
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