Was anybody at the Dallas gig?

[marquis]

Hi there,

Apologies for hijacking your forum. I'm from the UK music magazine NME and we're running a news feature on what's been happening with KoL over the past couple of days. Basically, we're looking for people who were at the gig in Dallas and who would be up for answering a few questions about it - how Caleb's voice was faring during the early part of the gig, what the crowd's reaction to his walk-off was like, what your own take on events is, that sort of thing. It wouldn't take up too much of your time, and your participation would be greatly appreciated - we're not looking to jump to any conclusions, we just want some eyewitness reports of people who were there. If you reckon you might be up for it, please PM me.

[charmer72]

Well, even if this guy is legit, which I doubt, judging by their track record, if you post anything in response I'd prepare to have your words distorted out of all proportion. NME's pretty much the tabloid newspaper of the music press these days...

[marquis]

I assure you, I'm perfectly legit. I've interviewed the band on many occasions over the years, and have always got on well with them - I'm a fan, and I certainly don't have an axe to grind. Like I said in the post, all I'm looking for is eyewitness reports from people who were at the show, because we want a bit more to go on than poor-quality cameraphone footage. I promise you, it's nothing sinister or untoward - I've got no interest in distorting people's quotes, nor am I stupid enough to do it when they've got what they actually said in writing!

So again, if anyone can help me out with this, it'd be much appreciated. If doubts about my legitimacy are what's stopping anyone from getting in touch, Google my name - Barry Nicolson.

[charmer72]

Okay, so if you get on so well with the band, could you not contact them for an update?

You mentioned not wanting to distort anything... I think a look at the quotes from people like a 'source' or 'insider' in your recent articles about the band speak volumes...

[Erin]

He's not looking for the band's opinion but wants to know how the fans experienced the gig. NME might not be my fave magazine either, but give the guy a break. He's legit.

[charmer72]

Erin, it certainly wasn't my intention to give anyone a hard time personally- this guy has posted as a respresentative of NME magazine, and I'm just not a fan of their tabloid tactics. I don't feel the band need any more dodgy speculation right now, especially when all reports are likely to be distorted in order to create maximum attention..

This is my opinion, which I have a right to express, others have said as much. Anyone who has seen recent articles will get an idea of how NME interpret 'fans' opinions of the band.

Pointing out that this guy is obviously desperate to get a story and using this forum in an attempt to do so isn't malicious, it's simply stating a fact.

[marquis]

...which is precisely why I'm looking for the opinions of fans who were actually at the gig. Listen, I'm not trying to cause any aggro here and feel free to hate on the NME all you want - I know it's practically a sport - but everything I've ever written about Kings of Leon has always been from a fan's perspective. I've been going to their shows since before the first album came out, so please don't accuse me of attempting to stitch them up. Trying to canvas the legitimate opinions of people who attended the show - rather than, as I've said, relying on shoddy cameraphone footage - is hardly 'tabloid tactics.' In fact, I'd say NOT attempting to do that would qualify as 'tabloid tactics.' Just sayin'.

[marquis]

I can assure you I'm not 'desperate to get a story.' The story is already out there! The opinion of someone who was at the Dallas gig is not going to be front-page news, believe me. It's context, something which will make the eventual piece a more accurate reflection of what went down.

I came here precisely because I wanted input from genuine fans of the band, not casual commenters on the NME website. If you can tell me what's so terrible about that (and please don't resort to your previous argument about distorting quotes, something I've never done in ten years as a music journalist, no matter who I've been writing for), I'm all ears.

In any case, thanks to anyone who took the time to read this post, and thanks to charmer72 - it's been a long, long time since I got into an argument with anyone on a messageboard. I wish you all the best.

[charmer72]

Marquis, throughout your entire original post you use 'we' referring to the NME magazine rather than yourself. I myself work for a nationally recognised company and understand that when I am in my professional capacity, I am their ambassador. If someone aims either praise or criticism of them in my direction, unless they're being personally insulting, I don't take it personally.

It is of note that you made this request here and not on the forum on the official KOL site- if you are looking for a representative sample of fans I it seems odd you would not have posted there also. You say the story is 'already out there'. It has been out there for almost a week, with countless comments made already by press, fans and casual bystanders, so I don't think it's of any help to the band to drag it out any longer.

I notice in a recent article on the NME website you state that when you contacted the band's representation for information they declined to make any further comment. Because my original statement wasn't a request to engage in a long-winded debate (I just wanted to state my opinion), I'm going to politely do the same.

For those who want to do something to show their support for the band, here's a facebook page I came across where you can post positive messages:

www.facebook.com/pages/Counting-on-the-Night-for-a-Beautiful-Day/155071064571510

[marquis]

Sigh. OK, let's call it quits. As it happens, though, I spent a solid hour on the official site the other night PM-ing people who had been to the gig. Rather than do the same here, I figured what the hell, I'll post a thread. I won't be making that mistake again.

[thekid]

The guy just wanted a little info from people who attended the gig, what an ordeal!

[kolftw]

wow what a lol this turned out to be. The guy from NME was being very polite but some people are such asses around here! Stop being so overly protective over a band who wouldnt piss on you if you were on fire!

[Julie]

Pretty sure if I was on fire they'd piss on me... Maybe not though. Wait, yeah they would.

Everyone just get along!

[sarah///]

i think this is why a lot of people avoid this forum now

[errylou]

^yep.