Sunk Costs

Photo by ironically named Flickr user, Smile Regardless.

An illustration: Radiohead fans who arrive late (that is, not early enough) to Nissan Pavilion during a Biblical flood are told that the roads inside the venue are flooded. Fans wind up circling the venue for hours waiting for access (all the while, it rains even harder). In comments here, readers relate stories about watching from the lawn, where they are exposed to the elements, and falling ill afterward. Pneumonia and hours idling in the car aren't worth the price of admission!

It did all make for a laugh during "Paranoid Android" ("Rain down, rain down/Come on rain down on me"), at least under the enclosed part of the auditorium. Which is where I was—sort of up in the front. And I had a great time! Though I had some difficulty getting the personal seat warmer to work. Live Nation, if you could look into that?

One more pun, karma police: Does the fallout from yesterday's failed show mark a watershed moment? Fans and promoters have always clashed but it's never been over carbon and rarely over structural access. It's not just that the roads were flooded—fans are saying they shouldn't have to take roads. The band's saying it's irresponsible to take roads. With both bands and fans complaining bitterly about the choice of venue, how long can promoter corporations like Live Nation hold out?

Another bitter point: Ticketmaster charged every fan—who saw the show or not—a $6 parking fee. When I am king, they will be first against the wall.