Okay, so, I was there in the front row at Rock The Ruins that night and I'm SO GLAD you didn't walk off. Forty5, the folks who run the venue, REALLY fucked over ticket holders across the board and aren't above robbing them, either. They added the center stage "VIP" standing room GA corral just this year, which is complete bullshit. It's an additional upcharge, so that's why hardly anyone was there. It was embarrassing, and a shitty cash grab. They also screwed over the folks who paid a premium to sit in the first couple of rows on the right side of the stage, which for some reason got shoved BEHIND all the left side VIP seats. BTW, I paid extra for my seats because I'm old AF and have a broken foot and wanted the option to sit. I ended up standing and dancing the whole time anyway. I'm happy, if my bones aren't. And I'm also SUPER cognizant of my privilege, of being able to actually afford ridiculously-priced tickets to see my favorite band.
I was also at the Murat show in 2018 and it was one of the best days of my entire life. Those two hours and two encores went by SO FAST. I wish I could do it all over again. Thank you SO MUCH for coming back to Indianapolis, and I sincerely hope you will return despite the run of bad luck. We the fans love and appreciate all of you and have nothing whatsoever to do with greedy concert promoters and their hundred different ripoff concert ticket tiers.
We were at Rock the Ruins as well and ended up standing alongside the "beer garden," as Colin called it, so that our 9 year old could see. She had such a great time.
We also were at the Murat show in 2018, and we were thrilled with the performance but bummed with our fellow attendees up in the balcony. We were two of like...4 people who stood up. I just can't go see the Decemberists and sit the whole time. I need to move and dance!
I was gonna say the same thing! The energy in the room and the show itself were amazing even though it was the hottest indoor show I’ve ever attended. Was looking forward to the write up!
It got skipped on social media coverage as well...Given that was the show I had to skip (i.e., the one I'd have gone to if family obligations worked out), I was looking forward to the vicariousness of photos at least. This is Mitten State erasure!
I've been to 10 shows in the last 20 years - I can certainly agree! I've had to pick and choose my concert opportunities this year, and I've gone with a couple other long favorites that I haven't seen as frequently.
You forgot Royal Oak! I'd love to hear your account of it. I have to say that I have been to a great many concerts, from big acts to small (including seeing you in 2022 in NY), but your show in Royal Oak was by far the best concert/show experience I've had the pleasure of being apart of. I'm not sure that anything will ever top it. We were in the front row (a first for me), which allowed me to notice that I apparently have the exact same guitar strap as Funk! Your energy and interaction with the crowd was perfect. In most of my experiences, bands may make occasional statements to a crowd, but you radiate a genuine expression of gratitude and caring for your fans. We felt seen by the band. Meant for the Stage was beautiful and you came so close to walking down to my wife and I, but alas that did not occur! Thank you for the music, but also for recognizing how much your fans care about you and the band.
PS: Shoutout to the venue security who were passing out water bottles for free, I've never in my life received anything for free at a venue!
And heaps of gratitude for The Machine Shop. How lucky am I that the benevolent dictator of my all-time favorite band keeps a tour diary? Happy to see the story unfold and be part of it sometimes when the singer addresses his audience. And learn about showers and laundry situations.
Can't wait for the second leg... and oh my god, this amazing album that's been unfolding.
It's so true! As soon as the tour diary comes into my inbox I instantly read it. It's always such a joy. I'm biting the ends of all my fingertips off waiting for this new album! What we've heard so far is so freaking good.
We love your music for years and follow you on Instagram and Machine Shop. Read your books and posters. We felt a little hurt because we were just so thrilled you added the show. We got VIP seats because we so enjoy your performances . We were at all the shows in the past you mentioned.
Thank you for a great evening . Please come back to Indy. so many people who love you guys will be there, its that important to us. Yourre friends.
Colin - as a recent Decemberists devotee (circa fall 2023) thanks for the great shows and sharing your tour diary. Perhaps the road / rockstar life is not quite as glamorous as one might imagine it to be, but it seems like you and the band had fun - we sure did! Rest up - see you in LA.
You’ve all been so gracious and wonderful to all the fans 😭 Thank you for these updates, for giving it all out there, for releasing some of what I think is the best music y’all have ever put out! Can’t wait for the 14th!!!
While “Joan” is doubtlessly an exhausting song, I do have a selfish hope you’ll play it at both Arizona shows. It’s certainly one of the finest pieces of music you all have ever made. It’s a stunning statement about how faith can be weaponized and how abhorrent elements of history can be repeated. It’s my new de-facto lullaby for my daughter. It’s an inspiration to be as a teacher and an aspiring musician. Thank you for this gift of a song, and please consider playing it for us Arizonans. :)
Despite the pit debacle the Indy show was amazing. First time i ever popped for front row tix and was so worth it! Grateful for every opportunity to see you all play.
Your band IS scientist rock.
Okay, so, I was there in the front row at Rock The Ruins that night and I'm SO GLAD you didn't walk off. Forty5, the folks who run the venue, REALLY fucked over ticket holders across the board and aren't above robbing them, either. They added the center stage "VIP" standing room GA corral just this year, which is complete bullshit. It's an additional upcharge, so that's why hardly anyone was there. It was embarrassing, and a shitty cash grab. They also screwed over the folks who paid a premium to sit in the first couple of rows on the right side of the stage, which for some reason got shoved BEHIND all the left side VIP seats. BTW, I paid extra for my seats because I'm old AF and have a broken foot and wanted the option to sit. I ended up standing and dancing the whole time anyway. I'm happy, if my bones aren't. And I'm also SUPER cognizant of my privilege, of being able to actually afford ridiculously-priced tickets to see my favorite band.
I was also at the Murat show in 2018 and it was one of the best days of my entire life. Those two hours and two encores went by SO FAST. I wish I could do it all over again. Thank you SO MUCH for coming back to Indianapolis, and I sincerely hope you will return despite the run of bad luck. We the fans love and appreciate all of you and have nothing whatsoever to do with greedy concert promoters and their hundred different ripoff concert ticket tiers.
We were at Rock the Ruins as well and ended up standing alongside the "beer garden," as Colin called it, so that our 9 year old could see. She had such a great time.
We also were at the Murat show in 2018, and we were thrilled with the performance but bummed with our fellow attendees up in the balcony. We were two of like...4 people who stood up. I just can't go see the Decemberists and sit the whole time. I need to move and dance!
That is absolutely appalling behavior by that venue. I heard about it from some other folks too. I'm seething on everyone's behalf. Total garbage.
Your well restrained response to an appalling situation in Indy is respectable. And also, fuck them!
As an escaped Hoosier, I second that sentiment!
The wine, the shirt, the triumphant yet exhausted look in your eye: quintessential Colin in that last photo. “YOU” are eternal, good sir!
May your break be ideal, and I hope you all get to have some well-deserved rest back out here in this fickle PNW weather. See you in July!
Colin, you skipped Royal Oak 😞 We had an amazing time in spite of almost succumbing to heat stroke.
I was gonna say the same thing! The energy in the room and the show itself were amazing even though it was the hottest indoor show I’ve ever attended. Was looking forward to the write up!
It got skipped on social media coverage as well...Given that was the show I had to skip (i.e., the one I'd have gone to if family obligations worked out), I was looking forward to the vicariousness of photos at least. This is Mitten State erasure!
I’m sorry you had to miss it!! It was a great show but honestly, I have never been to a bad Decemberists show!
I've been to 10 shows in the last 20 years - I can certainly agree! I've had to pick and choose my concert opportunities this year, and I've gone with a couple other long favorites that I haven't seen as frequently.
"you" are eternal!!!!!!
You forgot Royal Oak! I'd love to hear your account of it. I have to say that I have been to a great many concerts, from big acts to small (including seeing you in 2022 in NY), but your show in Royal Oak was by far the best concert/show experience I've had the pleasure of being apart of. I'm not sure that anything will ever top it. We were in the front row (a first for me), which allowed me to notice that I apparently have the exact same guitar strap as Funk! Your energy and interaction with the crowd was perfect. In most of my experiences, bands may make occasional statements to a crowd, but you radiate a genuine expression of gratitude and caring for your fans. We felt seen by the band. Meant for the Stage was beautiful and you came so close to walking down to my wife and I, but alas that did not occur! Thank you for the music, but also for recognizing how much your fans care about you and the band.
PS: Shoutout to the venue security who were passing out water bottles for free, I've never in my life received anything for free at a venue!
Seeing as you’re a Woman in Country, I think we need a Colin Sings Dolly. It was fun reading about the adventure, excited to you all in July, July!
Oh my god, YES
Any thoughts on the Royal Oak show??
And heaps of gratitude for The Machine Shop. How lucky am I that the benevolent dictator of my all-time favorite band keeps a tour diary? Happy to see the story unfold and be part of it sometimes when the singer addresses his audience. And learn about showers and laundry situations.
Can't wait for the second leg... and oh my god, this amazing album that's been unfolding.
It's so true! As soon as the tour diary comes into my inbox I instantly read it. It's always such a joy. I'm biting the ends of all my fingertips off waiting for this new album! What we've heard so far is so freaking good.
We love your music for years and follow you on Instagram and Machine Shop. Read your books and posters. We felt a little hurt because we were just so thrilled you added the show. We got VIP seats because we so enjoy your performances . We were at all the shows in the past you mentioned.
Thank you for a great evening . Please come back to Indy. so many people who love you guys will be there, its that important to us. Yourre friends.
Colin - as a recent Decemberists devotee (circa fall 2023) thanks for the great shows and sharing your tour diary. Perhaps the road / rockstar life is not quite as glamorous as one might imagine it to be, but it seems like you and the band had fun - we sure did! Rest up - see you in LA.
You’ve all been so gracious and wonderful to all the fans 😭 Thank you for these updates, for giving it all out there, for releasing some of what I think is the best music y’all have ever put out! Can’t wait for the 14th!!!
Joining the chorus of folks who want to know your thoughts on Royal Oak!
While “Joan” is doubtlessly an exhausting song, I do have a selfish hope you’ll play it at both Arizona shows. It’s certainly one of the finest pieces of music you all have ever made. It’s a stunning statement about how faith can be weaponized and how abhorrent elements of history can be repeated. It’s my new de-facto lullaby for my daughter. It’s an inspiration to be as a teacher and an aspiring musician. Thank you for this gift of a song, and please consider playing it for us Arizonans. :)
Despite the pit debacle the Indy show was amazing. First time i ever popped for front row tix and was so worth it! Grateful for every opportunity to see you all play.