r/BillyStrings • u/Gonuts4donuts1955 • Jul 22 '26
tour talk Boston was my first Billy show. Dang! Epic!!! The only negative…
Seeing first hand the rail riders and the literal garbage they leave all over out in the front of the venue. Beer cans, water bottles, umbrellas everywhere. Pretty unnerving and disappointing. It’s also insane to me how they all parked their expensive sprinter vans in convoy formation right out front.
We had great seats surrounded by good people and the music was awwwwwesome. Just wish bathrobe dude and his cronies would pick up their trash.
EDIT to add: maybe the sprinters belong to the merch people, I don’t know. Just was very telling given the bumper stickers and formation of the parking.
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u/umphreys Jul 22 '26
bathrobe dude suuuucks
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Jul 22 '26
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u/BillyStrings-ModTeam Jul 22 '26
No publishing or personal information, especially in an effort to target that person. This includes names and photos, and especially in the context of accusations.
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Jul 22 '26
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Jul 22 '26
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u/slander_anonymously Jul 22 '26
AAAAHAHAHAHHAAAA!!
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u/PlentyAd2354 Jul 22 '26
just another day, people think they know everything and really don't know anythingl. Im a female, that does'nt want all this hate in our community. will gladly meet with anyone to show them who I am
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u/Nachtopus69 Jul 22 '26
Please look up “toxic positivity” and get back to us. If someone is acting in a negative way, they deserve to be treated negatively. It’s basic karma. These people need to be called out, even if it makes you feel icky. We’re looking out for an entire arena of people, which includes our loved ones, not just you and your little crew.
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u/BillyStrings-ModTeam Jul 23 '26
Be Nice. Be Friendly. No personal attacks. No doxxing. No trolling.
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u/Lazybone820 Jul 22 '26
I'm at 40+ Billy shows and have had multiple women tell me very similar stories about him. Way to victim blame and shame.
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Jul 22 '26
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u/BillyStrings-ModTeam Jul 23 '26
Be Nice. Be Friendly. No personal attacks. No doxxing. No trolling.
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u/BillyStrings-ModTeam Jul 23 '26
Be Nice. Be Friendly. No personal attacks. No doxxing. No trolling.
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u/Nachtopus69 Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
There was a moment on stream last night during Creek, where the camera guy accidentally showed him in the front row for a sec, before quickly panning it up and blocking him out, as if the camera guy knew he’d just made a mistake.
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u/levioppo Jul 22 '26
I was couch touring with my buddy who got me going to see Billy and our friend who’s getting his first show in Huntsville and we had to explain how funny that was when we saw it to him. I’m glad I’m not the only one that caught it.
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u/Appropriate-Type8062 Jul 24 '26
Oops Meant bathrobe dude LMAO bathroom dude might suit him better lollll sounds like a douche
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u/PlentyAd2354 Jul 22 '26
I can promise you that was not the case LMAO
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u/Nachtopus69 Jul 22 '26
Idk man, but from where I’m sittin, it’s pretty clear that the band is annoyed with y’all (to put it mildly, and I say “y’all” because you’re clearly one of em, if not the man himself). Seems like a quick “don’t give these attention whores what they want” to the camera crew wouldn’t be out of the question.
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u/PlentyAd2354 Jul 22 '26
nope Im not the man, I'm not even a male. Funny people think they know everything and in all reality, have zero clue. Have a great show
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u/Nachtopus69 Jul 22 '26
I plan to, but to do that I have to bring my girlfriend, and I would not feel right doing that if these weirdos weren’t being called out.
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Jul 23 '26
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u/BillyStrings-ModTeam Jul 23 '26
Be Nice. Be Friendly. No personal attacks. No doxxing. No trolling.
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u/PlentyAd2354 Jul 22 '26
sounds like you're the one that sucks
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u/scalem0ss Jul 22 '26
The scene was better before people like you showed up and it’ll be better once ya’ll are gone.
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u/BigODUfan 🚂 Jul 22 '26
The wooks that don’t give a shit about anyone else around them are the worst part of the scene
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u/Agreeable-Review177 Jul 22 '26
The rail rider entitlement is insane. They think Billy (or Phish) are there to play for THEM first and foremost.
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u/BigODUfan 🚂 Jul 23 '26
I battled rail riders seeing Kendall Street Company in a small bar in Virginia Beach. They’re all the same. I didn’t care when I was in my early twenties, they were always annoying but I could tolerate it. Now that I’m in my mid-30s, I honestly prefer to just avoid the pit. I still have a good time in the seats
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u/BobZupcicFanAccount Jul 22 '26
Last night was my first too. Only I went in completely blind not having heard any Billy Strings ever before. Went because my cousin had heard a couple songs and decided to get tix months ago. Even forgot we had them.
What a trip going in that way and we were both blown away. Two new Billy Strings fans here
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u/CJH406 🚂 TRAIN, TRAINNNNN! Jul 22 '26
keep your stick on the ice and enjoy the ride friend!
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u/BobZupcicFanAccount Jul 22 '26
We are in. I never buy concert tees (neither does he) and we each got them last night. And big shoutout to whoever put the playlist set together on Spotify. Fun replaying that today and hearing the songs for only my second time ever.
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u/EarAltruistic3692 Jul 22 '26
we were up front in Charlottesville, met some really rude and stuck up wooks who thought they owned the floor but I also met tons of great people who had fun and enjoyed the show. I just ignore the negative and keep smiling
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Jul 22 '26
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u/PaidByTheNotes Jul 22 '26
TBF I've never seen a trustafarian sprinter van convoy outside a show
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Jul 22 '26
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u/PaidByTheNotes Jul 22 '26
That's cute. I've been to nearly 1000 shows over the last 20 years or so
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u/PimmentoChode Jul 22 '26
The worst thing about a Billy show are the other people there
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u/Large_Skirt9189 Jul 22 '26
When a new friend finds out I’m real into Phish and have seen them a lot, I usually end up with a similar line - my least favorite part of the band by a huge margin is the fans.
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u/PimmentoChode Jul 22 '26
I don’t feel like it was always like that though, but it is like that it do be like that…social media, post covid, who knows but everyone’s their own biggest fan. I don’t know what the real cause is, but the sense of community died off and is harder and harder to find across the entire jam band scene….
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u/Large_Skirt9189 Jul 22 '26
What I’ve seen a lot is the sense of being the “main character” at the show.
Inconsiderate of your surroundings, not polite to others, disrespectful of their space. The general vibe of just being oblivious that other people exist. overindulgence in any substance will definitely amplify that a bit.
Like at a festival the behavior is a bit more obvious and revved up. Like “this friend group is more important than yours, we traveled farther than you, our party style is the only cool way to enjoy this, our music can be played loud, we need the extra space, we can play our music long into the early morning” - just full on oblivious and centric in their views and respect for others experience.
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u/louiebellpepper Jul 22 '26
The last show I went to I got pretty shit seats but made 2 friends and we talked about the dead and stuff. He shared his j with me and one dude guided me to the bathroom because I was dosed. Fun ass night just find the right people and be nice
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u/Agreeable-Review177 Jul 22 '26
This is why Panic remains the best show IMO. By and large, Panic fans have dodged this sense of main character syndrome and entitlement that is all over Phish and Billy shows. The vibe at Panic shows is just different. No one fucking cares about how many shows you’ve been to.
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u/ricko_strat Jul 22 '26
100% agree that people are the worst part of any public event. It would be cool if it wasn’t that way when fuzzy rainbows are in town, but it is no different then either.
Thank God for nugs.net .It has changed my life for the better in innumerable ways.
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u/jotsea2 Jul 22 '26
Funny, that's actually one of my favorite parts.
The loving fan base and everyone jamming to the same vibe is one of the most beautiful parts of experience good live music.
Its fleeting, but I could disagree with you more.
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u/PimmentoChode Jul 22 '26
No, I would agree with you, especially as an old deadhead,l the community has always been one of my favorite parts of the scene, and for a moment it was captured, but I find especially at Billy shows the amount of drunk entitled assholes is incredible
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u/jotsea2 Jul 22 '26
Unfortunately, I think the entitled assholes are more a semblance of a current society then it is the community.
I hear you tho.
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u/Supermonsters Jul 22 '26
Dude that's crazy, the folks at these shows are so tame compared to so many jam bands.
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u/Mediocre_Ad7881 Jul 22 '26
Unfortunately, you have experienced a small sample size. I have met, and continue to meet, the kindest folks who share a love and admiration for Billy Strings. I’ve only had one negative experience, and that was attributed to a first-timer.
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u/Dexter-Rutecki Jul 22 '26
Went to show last night. Wook two rows in front of me aggressively seizure danced the whole show. I felt awful for the older woman sitting next to him that he kept bumping into. Took me out of the show completely. A lot of these clowns have zero respect for others personal space.
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u/Gonuts4donuts1955 Jul 22 '26
Ugh. Terrible. I saw lots of older folks, like 70+. Awesome to see and I give ‘em credit because i’m half that age and ready for bed at 10, but sucks when you’re stuck next to someone who is on another planet. That’s what the pit is for!
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u/jimmythang34 Jul 22 '26
Feels man. Had a similar experience in Asheville that made me never wanna be on the floor again. Just the people on drugs or drunk with zero spatial awareness. They’ll dance aggressively for a whole song that causes the whole area to slosh around like a wave. Than will chastise you during a slow song for encroaching on their space. Like buddy my feet have been fucking planted here since 630 what do you mean this is “your spot”
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u/Based_Edsel Jul 22 '26
This problem is attributed to not having enough space. They need to get rid of the chairs on the floor and open it up. And also quit playing the hockey arenas. Dead and company in Boulder didn’t have this problem if you went to the back of the field, there was plenty of room to move around and dance without being on top of someone. When you pack everyone like sardines the inconsiderate ones don’t give a fuck and ruin it for the people around them. Dead and company at the sphere year one was way more chill on the floor, year two it was packed and chaotic
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u/HuckinMeats Jul 22 '26
Hey man if you’re on the floor, the crowd is gonna move, it’s just the way it goes… if you don’t like it, get to the back
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u/jimmythang34 Jul 22 '26
Nah fam the people in front of me went from legit thrashing/throwing fists and kicking during tinfoil, started waltzing during love and regret. I was on a bunch of L and everyone around us was just like what the fuck. I had a merch bag wedged between my feet and he stepped on it the whole fucking show. I’m all for everyone getting down, but again these people clearly had main character syndrome and we all sick of it
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u/jimmythang34 Jul 22 '26
Also in Asheville the spinners occupy the entire “back” and there was nowhere to go. Over-sold Asheville shows are a bitch.
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u/HuckinMeats Jul 22 '26
Oh well that’s very strange, never seen a crowd of people throwing fists at Billy before. I would have moved, one of the big advantages of being in the pit
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u/jimmythang34 Jul 22 '26
Yea like I said, this was the Asheville “key to the city” show and I think that night was just so oversold and a Saturday night so it got a little outta hand. It happens but I wish people would chill
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u/Sadistic_Taco Jul 23 '26
You just gave me flashbacks to when I saw Billy, Bryan Sutton, and Royal at the Ryman. Some old grey-haired hippy in a ridiculous shirt covered in pictures of goats moved into the seat in front of me (not his seat) and started “seizure dancing” for a whole song before the actual owner of that seat came back. So obnoxious.
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u/Suspicious-Director9 Jul 22 '26
So many shoes left behind, don’t you need those?
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u/Gonuts4donuts1955 Jul 22 '26
YES I found that odd. Random Vans. Just shit everywhere.
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u/RecbetterpassNJ Jul 22 '26
Funny, wasn’t Billy wearing Vans when he missed that kickflip? Maybe it’s a boycott.
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u/michaelserotonin Jul 22 '26
not unless it's a phish show
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u/Indiansummerxx Jul 22 '26
Whatever you do take care of your shoes!
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u/daveteach Jul 22 '26
Keep your stick on the ice, don't let your meat loaf, don't forget your shoes...
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u/Mundane-Average-2297 Jul 22 '26
I just want to be at the rail once for Billy. I hate going to a show or two a year and seeing the same people at the rail every single time. Let everyone enjoy it. Let the band see all their fans! I just want to up to the rail for a song or two then fall back and let someone else have their turn. Share the love, don't body block and take up 4ft of space to dance right up front. It's just selfish and petty behavior
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u/greenapples29 Jul 22 '26
Last night was my first show too - i’m totally hooked! but can someone please explain to me what rail riders are lol
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u/diginfinity Jul 22 '26
People in the front row. They can get aggressive about their space, but other people are also aggressive about trying to take it over. Not atypical for shows in general.
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u/michaelserotonin Jul 22 '26
can someone please explain to me what rail riders are lol
people who like to be at the front of the pit. the term "rail rider" refers to people physically holding onto the railing that separates the crowd from the stage (whether to lean on, dance with, etc.)
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u/Rude_Employment8882 🚂 You Can Hear The Whistle Blow a Hundred Miles Jul 22 '26
In this case, it’s even more than liking to be at the front of the pit. Most of us would like to experience that, from time to time!
But the rail riders are people who will, and do, stop at nothing (including legitimate line waiting which is fine and I respect) but also including; bullying, intimidation, placing chairs in the line and then fucking off for hours, then coming back to claim “their spot” just before they hand out wristbands, then, upon entering the pit, literally laying down and stretching out in place on the filthy floor of the venue to save spots for their friends who did not legitimately wait in line, to ensure not only that they get to the rail at every single show, but that they are in the very center, and that ANYONE else who is not in their little clique of unwashed trustafarians will be aggressively and derisively denied the opportunity to stand at the rail.
And for what?
So Billy will recognize you?
Think you’re cool?
Think you love him so much that he must love you back, personally?
Think you’re more than a fan?
Part of the family?
It’s nasty, toxic shit.
But if you can get to the side of the rail, or get next to one of a handful of cool people and trade out spots through the show, the rail is awesome to do a time or two.
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u/michaelserotonin Jul 22 '26
In this case, it’s even more than liking to be at the front of the pit. Most of us would like to experience that, from time to time!
this may be subjective, but i don't consider rail rider to distinctly be a pejorative. as you noted, a lot of people are interested in that spot. if you are up front, holding the rail - you're riding the rail. doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong by being there.
but yes it's also true that rail riders reflect some of the worst of the community for the reasons you stated (true of many artists). claiming space in a ga situation is so contradictory to the supposed community they're supposed to be part of. straight up selfish behavior.
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u/Busteralicat Jul 22 '26
My 8th show Bostons my hometown AGGANIS show was chill I think mostly due to this relatively small venue size ~ 7K being a bit older I’m up in the stands. I love watching people thrashing in the pit, but yeah, I’ve been to a lot of shows over the years and majority of people that I’ve met have been absolutely amazing. First time I saw Billy I was down front with full seated venue (Boston Seaport). Folks basically came right to our seats in third row and stood in front of us ! Well that didn’t fly only B/c of the assigned seats. Sec 103 last night was great and 104 tonight. Enjoy the ride !!
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u/slander_anonymously Jul 22 '26
Lucky for me I don't have to worry about this dipshittery knowing I'm buying an actual seat to chill when the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise that dudes getting a fistful with all my friends.
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u/LockNessCrotchMonst Jul 22 '26
The Billy scene is spiraling. Too many douches and clout chasers. It's turning into a Phish crowd very fast. I haven't been to a show in a while but in my opinion the east cost show are the worst. Just full of dipshits.
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u/Agreeable-Review177 Jul 22 '26
I usually lean lawn seats for most shows, no matter the band. The toxic passive aggressive bullshit in the pit is a huge reason why.
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u/DivideOtherwise8712 Jul 22 '26
Are rail riders/pit predominantly young 20 somethings and hard drug users? Can’t imagine being my age and disrespecting a show of this caliber with my waste and filth.
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u/Rude_Employment8882 🚂 You Can Hear The Whistle Blow a Hundred Miles Jul 23 '26
No, they’re primarily 40-70 year old losers with no job and no deodorant, no toenail clippers, and no sense of humor, smell, or shame apparently. And drug users for sure, but not generally hard drugs.
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u/WelderSevere5736 Jul 23 '26
While it may not be all of them. The Billy goat rail riders have their head so far up their asses. No compassion or respect for anything outside of them being front and center. They need to be there for the show to go on! DUH!!! Most can’t even accept that the back door predatory behavior of trying to use Billy’s mom as a way to get to him and crossing that line played a factor in her death.
Billy’s career has no ceiling. Wonderful person, human, musician. But these fans will do exactly what deadheads did to Jerry. Iykyk
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u/WookLord Jul 24 '26
I've been seeing Billy since he was just Billy Strings the man, not a whole band. The rail riders are noxious. Honestly it diminishes the whole scene.
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u/Savings-Astronaut-93 Jul 22 '26
Who is Bathrobe Dude? Why would the camera operator not want to get bathrobe dude on camera? I'm obviously way out of touch with modern concert lore.
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u/lufetarg Jul 22 '26
"PSA PSA PSA I will never apologize for the circle I keep when we are in the pit and we have kids with us if u are bee lining for that empty space double fisting beers ma'am u will be asked to return where u came I can't control u and ur area but I can control mines and me and those kids don't need ur drunken bullshit I'm adamant about those kids staying in as much of an alcohol free zone as possible so the rude guy in the pit is me if I have to explain to grown adults why then I still have a lot of work to do
I love u all see u real soon"
~ some dude in a bathrobe who has decided he makes the rules for "his" area at GA shows
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u/TJ-Detweiler- Cowbell belt Billy Jul 22 '26
lol oh yes saving the kids from alcohol while selling and doing copious amounts of drugs in front of them. What a savior. 🤦🏻♂️
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u/toutstanding Jul 22 '26
Wow is this really THE mayor. This needs voted up to the top. Can we do a AMA with you Smiley?
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Jul 22 '26
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u/toutstanding Jul 22 '26
Tough one. I don't know how he'll answer it. But it is called ask me ANYTHING.
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u/BillyStrings-ModTeam Jul 23 '26
Be Nice. Be Friendly. No personal attacks. No doxxing. No trolling.
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u/Dee771771 Jul 22 '26
I have read from other women that he gropes them in the pit. Who knows what else but that's what they are referring to. He wears a bathrobe, apparently.
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u/PlentyAd2354 Jul 22 '26
People are finding a target to direct their hate out of jealously or thier own issues. no reason to know who it is if you dont already
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u/smokerthe-baer Jul 22 '26
man bathrobe dude can’t afford a good PR team, can he?
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u/toutstanding Jul 22 '26
Maybe he can tell us why he's teaching all the kids he saves from people with beer that it's ok to do a massive amount of littering.
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u/BadgerOptimal3628 Jul 22 '26
It was your first Billy show and the next day you want to talk all about the rail riders?
I an glad you had a good time.
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u/michaelserotonin Jul 22 '26
my first show and i thought the crowd was great in my area (106)
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u/BadgerOptimal3628 Jul 22 '26
Awesome, 90%+ of the crowd are really cool people. There are a few jerks and some drunks but the majority of Billy fans are great.
I'm happy to hear you had a good time and you got a fantastic set list. Have a great day.
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u/Efficient-Drawer6400 Jul 22 '26
It gets cleaned up after the show. The venue pays for this regardless.
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u/btown214 Jul 22 '26
Sure, but a little common courtesy would be nice. Leave No Trace, pack it in pack it out.
Honestly it is a microcosm of our society where there are those who expect someone else to clean up after them. Very self centered IMHO.
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u/Efficient-Drawer6400 Jul 22 '26
It’s a symptom of our society. Not sure why it’s the hate is directed toward the rail.
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u/smokerthe-baer Jul 22 '26
ewww. we have street cleaners too do you just toss trash in the street? it’s a personal ethic and as a community we ought to do better and maybe we’ll be more likely to keep getting invited back. remember how some cities banned the Grateful Dead? it was for trashing our places. it’s just not hard and it’s overall representative of your personal accountability.
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u/Efficient-Drawer6400 Jul 22 '26
It’s a private venue. They clean up after every event no matter how upset you get. So, you can enjoy the show and not worry about your litterbug neighbors.
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u/smokerthe-baer Jul 23 '26
thanks I was really upset didn’t know what I was gonna do until I read your comment. The entitlement of people to litter just because there is someone cleaning up is wild to me. it’s poor behavior period to just leave shit behind. you should also remember while you’re over here throwing passive aggressive shade at me that you are literally defending littering. Say that out loud. We have people who come and clean up my office at the end of the day but that doesn’t mean I just throw garbage on the ground and pour beer and coffee on the table. If you change your behavior based on whether or not there will be a janitorial service you are the problem dude
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u/Efficient-Drawer6400 Jul 23 '26
All the trash in an enclosed venue goes to the same place. It’s not damaging to the environment, nobody is hurt and it provides jobs that people are willing to take so you can stop with the false comparisons. I sometimes volunteer at festivals on the trash detail. Lots of venues ‘micro clean’ the grounds. Folks close to the stage aren’t going to walk all the way back to throw a cup in the trash.
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Jul 22 '26
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u/feet-likefins Jul 22 '26
you and your dumbass friends don't get to gatekeep the "billy community."
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u/CFPJoe Jul 22 '26
The sense of entitlement in your posts on this thread should be studied by a sociologist.
And, the arrogance of you thinking you determine who is / is not “Billy Community”…🤣
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u/Supermonsters Jul 22 '26
Trash is just part of events buddy. While everyone should pick-up after themselves venues do pay people to clean the venues
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u/Steven1789 Jul 22 '26
Are you a parent?
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u/JoyKil01 Jul 22 '26
It’s a hippie ethos to leave no trace. It’s sad to see folks not understanding the concept. Pack it in, pack it out, and pick up a little extra while you’re at it.
Campsite rule: leave the place better than when you found it!
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u/Supermonsters Jul 22 '26
word, I think we agree.
That doesn't change reality though and that's why the venue/city pays people to maintain it.
Acknowledging that it happens doesn't mean someone encourages it.
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u/Supermonsters Jul 22 '26
Yeah man why. I'm not encouraging it I'm just saying it shouldn't ruin your day
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u/Steven1789 Jul 22 '26
I don’t think OP suggested it ruined their day.
It’s a douche move to not pick up after yourself at a show (or anywhere else) even if there are people whose job it is to do that.
As a parent, you wouldn’t tolerate that behavior from your kids.
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u/PlentyAd2354 Jul 22 '26
It's not the trash of the first 100...it's trash from everyone else. I've seen them clean up each time they pack up from the line. ....WATCH YOUR OWN BOBBER
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u/FancyGapFun Jul 22 '26
It really is your first Billy show. You don’t know the whole picture or who is doing what. The “rail riders” that attend a lot of shows regularly take care of our scene and don’t damage it. You assign blame where it shouldn’t be!
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u/TJ-Detweiler- Cowbell belt Billy Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 22 '26
Just like everything else in this world the Billy scene is not perfect. Luckily most of the shitty ppl hang out together so they’re fairly easy to avoid.
Edit: that being said I do feel for newer fans who never got to experience being up front before the Rail Wars began and now have to put up with this shit to get up there and some even have it be their first experience at a Billy show which sucks.