The show must go on
Jeff Golden: News Editor
Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: Op/Ed
It seems like the ACE spring concert has always been controversial. When ACE brought in the All-American Rejects and Something Corporate two years ago, there were grumblings about the "emo" nature of these bands and that they only catered to a small niche of UNCW students. Still, the concert was successful, even though I bought my ticket a few hours prior to the event-at the door-so it couldn't have been sold out.
And, of course, last year, there was the fiasco with Kanye West. He was a legitimate superstar, especially in 2006, and by all means should have been a smash hit; however, due to his arrogant attitude, political comments and various other reasons, his concert was not well received at UNCW.
I don't think blaming ACE for their choice is the right course of action. They did their research, took polls and thought Kanye would be a success. They probably didn't know at the time he would make his negative comments about President Bush. The problems with online ticket sales didn't help the cause, either.
Everyone has a different taste in music. No matter who ACE brings in for the spring show, if there even is one at all, there will be students who will complain. Instead of trying to please everyone, ACE should just try to rotate who they bring in. Bring in a rock band one year, a rapper the next year, then a comedian, then an acoustic singer/songwriter. And looking back at the past few years, it seems like this is exactly what ACE is doing.
I must say the prospect of having no spring concert is disturbing. It's a big event in the life of a UNCW student, up there with Wing Fling, Full Tilt and homecoming. No one says the spring concert has to have a nationally famous superstar; if all you can afford, ACE, is a second-tier performer or a local band, then bring them in instead. Just don't cancel the show altogether.
Oh, and just do normal box office ticket sales, please.
And, of course, last year, there was the fiasco with Kanye West. He was a legitimate superstar, especially in 2006, and by all means should have been a smash hit; however, due to his arrogant attitude, political comments and various other reasons, his concert was not well received at UNCW.
I don't think blaming ACE for their choice is the right course of action. They did their research, took polls and thought Kanye would be a success. They probably didn't know at the time he would make his negative comments about President Bush. The problems with online ticket sales didn't help the cause, either.
Everyone has a different taste in music. No matter who ACE brings in for the spring show, if there even is one at all, there will be students who will complain. Instead of trying to please everyone, ACE should just try to rotate who they bring in. Bring in a rock band one year, a rapper the next year, then a comedian, then an acoustic singer/songwriter. And looking back at the past few years, it seems like this is exactly what ACE is doing.
I must say the prospect of having no spring concert is disturbing. It's a big event in the life of a UNCW student, up there with Wing Fling, Full Tilt and homecoming. No one says the spring concert has to have a nationally famous superstar; if all you can afford, ACE, is a second-tier performer or a local band, then bring them in instead. Just don't cancel the show altogether.
Oh, and just do normal box office ticket sales, please.
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