July 14, 1998

Hot as hell and muggy are just a few words used to describe WJRR's pre-4th of July event, Dependence day. As we drove to the concert, we could not help but notice all of the clouds in the sky - only to find out they were smoke clouds from the fires. At the entrance to the show security was tight, and we were told that if we left we would not allowed back in. By this time in the afternoon, it was already really hot and we were in need of cold frosty beverages, so we worked our way over to the long line of people thinking the same. Great plan! We stood in line for what seemed like an eternity in the blistering heat only to find out we had to have tickets instead of cash. So we stood in another line to purchase tickets.

After much needed liquid refreshment, we decided to walk around and check things out. The place was packed! Every one was partying and having a good time in spite of the heat. Then the crowd grew and grew in size until there was just no possible way to see the bands unless you were lucky enough to be on somebody's shoulders. All of the bands that played that day were great and they made it even hotter outside as people started to dance and crowd surf. I had a really hard time seeing the stage, but I could hear favorites like 7 Mary 3, and of course, The Honeyrods rocked. Once again these guys get better and better every time I see them. So many good bands played so hard in the heat, and they all really rocked downtown O'town.

To cool down and keep from becoming dehydrated, we spent a lot of time inside of the rain tents, and many really hot and incoherent people were coming in to get relief from the heat. I watched wasted folks were falling down or being escorted out, and there were just a lot of fights in general. A couple of times I could hear really intelligent remarks aimed at the police by some really intelligent people, like one guy who was told to quit climbing up the light poles - later he was in restraints and was being escorted out. And the police were telling him "Oh yeah? Tough guy, huh?" as he warned them to back off. Many others were either beating the hell out of each other or being carried away by the EMT. One could just stand by the entrance and count the numbers of people being escorted out.

The Black Crows kicked severe ass, and I think they know that they rock... I have not had the pleasure of seeing them live before, (even though I wish could have had a better view of the stage), but I really enjoyed the entire concert even if there were a lot of ass-holes who got so wasted that they make a spectacle of themselves. I can only say that I do not envy the folks who had to clean up the mess in the streets after the show. Maybe next year there will be more garbage cans and a better view. Until then let's keep rocking in O'town.

Woody Short Air Force Brat. I moved From Austin Texas to Orlando with my wife to go to Full Sail school, where I recieved my Digital Media Degree. Currently, I am interning at The Slant, working at Full Sail, and looking for a full time gig. I like to make hot salsa and, I love music as long as it is not pop. Other Articles I've Written