22nd
People that are fifteen, sixteen, seventeen years old, music is their life. And the idea that they can’t go see a band because they’re not old enough just doesn’t make any sense at all. To me, playing a show where people under the age of eighteen or under the age of twenty one are not allowed in is the same thing as not allowing women in, or Asians. It’s a significant part of the population that’s been ruled out for what reason? I’ve never played a show, knowingly at least, that wasn’t all ages. Music is for all people, that’s clear. And I don’t know why other people would ever accept conditions that were set by an industry as insidious as the alcohol industry. Why is music treated as a sideline to a party? To just getting fucked up, I just don’t understand it.
- Ian Mackaye
Amen.
Love ian
Agree and dissagree.
Agree - music IS for everyone. Music is life, love and blood.
Dissagree - At the age of 24, where I am now, it would be so nice to be able to have that moment with a favorite band where I don’t have to deal with the girl screaming beside me, or the guy who thinks he is hot shit, pushing everybody around because he is taller. It would be SO nice to be able to have a legitimate conversation with a favored artist without a random girl running up and pushing me out of the way so she can talk about her panties with him. You’re under-age, sweetheart. He does NOT care about your panties. I mean, sure, at a 21+ show, you are still going to have that, but at least that girl probably won’t walk away talking about:
A. What a bitch I am because he has chosen to speak to me over her and her panties.
B. What a dick the artist is because he doesn’t care about her panties.
If you want to throw it out about how the only people who attend 21+ shows are only there to get wasted, take a look at ANY show. It’s not just 21+. At least at a 21+ show, you know the kids aren’t drinking.
Also, if you have ever had a drink in your life, you have supported the “insidious” industry.
Just some thoughs on a fan perspective. I’ve been in the seat of the 21 & under, wishing I was at a show…but having been to all ages shows AFTER being 21+, I semi-long for the 21+. I’m in-between…but, again, I don’t care about your under-age panties…neither do the artists. Maybe Justin Bieber?
(via yelyahwilliams)
