I've really enjoyed reading the differing responses on my Monday story about the Saturday concert at Kellogg Arena. The fact that some people thought I was promoting the behavior and others thought I was knocking it down and trying to make live rock 'n' roll too taboo for Battle Creek (the latter must not be Rock Column readers) tells me I did a good job maintaining objectivity. It's unclear how I felt about the thing.
But the differing perspectives is also an interesting statement on the human mind, I think. More than once, I received an e-mail that said somewhere in it: "What concert were you at?" And in each of those
e-mails was a different take on what ulterior motive the missive writer that I had.
While this frequently happens to us journalists, it's never been so starkly contrasted for me.
So, I want to get more perspectives. If you were at Saturday's concert, send me an e-mail and tell me what you thought of it. Tell me what you thought of my story and how the show was depicted.
My e-mail is jhinkley@battlecr.gannett.com. Write "Buckcherry" in the subject lines and make sure to put in your name and hometown. I'll share your comments here on this blog. Keep it short.
Also, if you have any photos, send them along, too. Let's keep the conversation going.
In the meantime, here's an e-mail from an C.J. Hubbell. It's unedited:
Mr. Hinkley,
WOW, What a great article to to encourage future rock bands to come to Battle Creek. Are you Kidding me???? Have you actually been to a concert in the last ten years?
Yes, what you described about the events of the Saturday show at Kellogg arena are consistent with ANY typical rock concert, yes, it maybe unfortunate but hey, that is part of the rock concert culture. Do I necessarily condone it, no. I have been to more concerts in my 35 years of age than I can remember. Yep, I enjoy a great concert with a beer in hand, that's part of the experience!!! I am sure there were many other people doing the same. Yes, there are people using Marijuana, yes, you see people that over indulge. Anyone that has ever been to a rock concert would have to conceded these truths.
However, you have singled out a SMALL majority of the typical concert goer.
My problem with your article is this.............. You must not be a rock music fan, or at least don't want it in Battle Creek because I am guessing any parent in this town would not allow there 17 year old child to ever go to a show in this town again after reading your article.
Once again, I understand journalism is to try and bring the reader into the event but, you portrayed one single rock show in Battle Creek as a drunken, drug induced may lay. WTF?
Seriously, and I quote "The smell of sweat, beer and marijuana perfumed the air. Arena crews were dispatched here and there to mop up vomit."
What ever happened to a reporter reporting the positives of a show?
"The Bands where electric" "The crowd was energized" "What a great night for the Kellogg arena to host some big named acts"
No you chose to high light the absolute worst of a good thing to come to downtown in the midst of it needing night life entertainment the most.
Sad. Very sad.
I will also say this, I am sure the promoter of this past show has/will read your article and is most likely thinking, Hhmm Guess we won't be coming back to Battle Creek next year. I will check with them because if they haven't read I will make sure they do.
C.J. Hubbell
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