Antone's Nightclub
Good-bye, Austin
RECEIVED Wed., March 24, 2004
Dear Editor,
I simply could not be more disgusted by the news that band members in violation of the noise level ordinance were arrested in full view of their audience and that their fans were then pepper-sprayed for standing in defiance of the APD's draconian tactics.
"Live Music Capital of the World" indeed.
I believe this has sent a loud and clear message to SXSW attendees from around the globe; Austin does not support its local musicians and, in fact, seems to take perverse pleasure in treating them as poorly as possible.
I dearly love Austin, its vibe and its attitude, but gentrification has destroyed this city and reduced it to little more than a haven for corporate prostitution, yuppiefication, and goose-stepping rednecks with badges and guns.
Goodbye, Austin ... I'll always remember and love the way that you once were.
I simply could not be more disgusted by the news that band members in violation of the noise level ordinance were arrested in full view of their audience and that their fans were then pepper-sprayed for standing in defiance of the APD's draconian tactics.
"Live Music Capital of the World" indeed.
I believe this has sent a loud and clear message to SXSW attendees from around the globe; Austin does not support its local musicians and, in fact, seems to take perverse pleasure in treating them as poorly as possible.
I dearly love Austin, its vibe and its attitude, but gentrification has destroyed this city and reduced it to little more than a haven for corporate prostitution, yuppiefication, and goose-stepping rednecks with badges and guns.
Goodbye, Austin ... I'll always remember and love the way that you once were.
Brian Yates