But we're making it one. Stuck in the '80s ("mired" is more like it) guy Steve Spears came up with a great idea for next Thursday's Weekend section: a battle royale among the dozen or so musical acts coming to Tampa Bay soon in a whirlwind of concerts.
First prize: Being named THE concert to see. Second prize: Set of steak knives. Third prize: You're fired. (Thanks, Glengarry Glen Ross.)
Of course, Spears thinks he can rig the fight by taking REO Speedwagon (who rocked in the '70s before synth-selling out) and choosing to square off against my guy -- the mango maestro, the tropical Toscanini, the one and only because nobody else could be so damn cool, Jimmy Buffett. (At least he didn't get his name from a truck.)
Isn't that just like an '80s guy; bringing a knife to a gunfight.
Anyway, I'm putting out a call on the Coconut Telegraph to all Parrot Heads, asking for their best reasons why Jimmy (friends call him that, and we're all his friends) is the only concert anyone should be concerned about seeing. Apart from the home-state advantage, that is.
I listen to Radio Margaritaville (XM-55 or Sirius-31) every day for my Jimmy fix. Sent a note to program director Steve Huntington asking the station to spread the word among Parrot Heads worldwide about the Jimmy vs. REO throwdown. Hoping that millions will visit this blog and leave some thoughts, just to let Spears know the magnitude of the whoopa$$ keg he just tapped.
Check out his argument by clicking here. Don't let me down, sun-drenched ladies and gents.
Steve Persall is the movie critic for the St. Petersburg Times. He was conceived behind a drive-in movie theater his father operated and raised in projection booths and concession stands. He doesn't care how you did it up north.
Oh, I guess I better mention I'm talking about Jimmy for those that weren't sure.
Posted by: Jimmy Buffett Tickets | April 24, 2009 at 08:31 AM
That is a funny comparison! They're both old, but there's only one good, and popular band in this comparison.
Posted by: Buffett Tickets | April 24, 2009 at 08:30 AM
Heard it from a friend, who heard if from a friend, who heard it from another Buffett's in town....hey that's the Coconut Telegraph!!!
Posted by: 3v3ts | April 21, 2009 at 07:16 PM
don't even try
Posted by: you can't stop them | April 21, 2009 at 02:40 PM
Buffett all the way!
Posted by: Bethany | April 21, 2009 at 02:27 PM
Holy cow!
I can't believe we're even having this discussion...
How many REOHead clubs are there?
Look, I kind of like some of their stuff, but let's be honest; REO Speedwagon hasn't been relevant in 20 years.
Buffett is an institution (with most phans belonging in an institution)!
Frequent new material, millions upon millions of freakishly loyal phans, sold-out shows EVERY summer, the Margaritaville Empire...
This is no contest!!!
Jimmy is the Poet Laureate of fun-loving, sun-loving,flip-flop wearing, big-hearted party people everywhere.
Posted by: Chad's got a Carribbean Soul and a Texas Heart... | April 21, 2009 at 01:25 PM
I believe Spears' Bedazzler spandex is a bit too tight.
Posted by: Steve Persall | April 21, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Phins Up! Even my daughters request Buffett music!
Posted by: Parrot Head | April 21, 2009 at 12:00 PM
REO doesn't play here often? They're here about as often as Buffett. Try exhaling more often, Parrot Deads.
And for the record, they've each sold about the same number of records.
Back! Back to your rayon wardrobes, you twisted freaks!
Posted by: Spears | April 21, 2009 at 10:35 AM
There is no contest. Buffett has fans from 6 to 60 or older. Most kids have never hear of reo. Go Jimmy
Posted by: Deee Jay | April 21, 2009 at 08:25 AM
REO, Styx and .38 Special at Rio Tinto in May.......$30.00.
Jimmy in Vegas every October.....Priceless.
Posted by: gina | April 20, 2009 at 02:37 PM
Have you speedwagoners ever been to a Buffett concert? Just got back from Atlanta and there is NO contest...talk about a tailgate party!!! ALL DAY LONG! Such a phun loving group and we do PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! Such a following as you've never seen. Join a local Parrothead club somewhere and see what the phuss is all about!
Anita/Smoky Mountain Parrothead Club
Posted by: Anita Byers | April 20, 2009 at 01:03 PM
We'd love for JB and his phans to visit Caliente Clothing-optional Resort. Parrotheads enjoying skinny-dipping in luxury. REO fans, not so much. Angye Fox, Caliente PR Director
Posted by: Angye Fox | April 20, 2009 at 11:30 AM
BUFFETT all the way! Actually I like them both,(or at least liked REO in the 1980's) but since I didn't know REO Speedwagon was even on tour, and I've been to the last 20 or so Buffett tours, I guss that says it all. Does REO have a new song, or is it the same concert I would have seen in 1982? (LOL) Anyway, hands down, has to be BUFFETT!
Posted by: John P. in Baltimore, MD | April 20, 2009 at 08:08 AM
david kennedy, if you paid 3 times the face value for a ticket then perhaps you are as much of a "genus" as your beloved jb.
Posted by: don in tulsa | April 20, 2009 at 02:39 AM
Happy 420 to all Parrotheads
party at 4:20am, 4:20pm, and all day 4/20
feed your head
http://hightimes.com/gallery/
Posted by: 420 | April 20, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Well considering REO hasn’t really performed much here lately should tell you a lot. Jimmy’s been performing on a regular basis for as long as I remember. Now im not a REO fan but I have been to A LOT of concerts and the BEST times EVER have been to see Jimmy. The outfits people wear, the drinks you drink to the friends you make, there is nothing like it. Also like to point out, as long as I have been going to Jimmy’s concerts there has always been a great mix of people in the crowd. You will see kids to senior citizens, classy to the dress up in grass skirts and coconut bras (men to J). But everyone, no matter what walk of life is there to have fun. AND FUN WE DO HAVE!!!!!!!!
John, Jackson TN
Posted by: john mcbrayer | April 19, 2009 at 05:16 PM
100 COMMENTS
Posted by: Hot 100 | April 19, 2009 at 01:00 PM
You won Mr. Parsley.
Posted by: parrotheads forever | April 19, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Quaker Steak & Lube is a helluva good time! Everybody come.
Posted by: Jimmy Fan | April 18, 2009 at 05:27 PM
Come Out & See What All The PHuss & PHun is about!
The Tampa Bay Parrot Head Club would like to invite everyone to our Pre-Pre Concert Party at Quaker Steak TODAY!!
Saturday April, 18th
2 great bands are playing
2PM to 5PM The Beach Bums
6PM to 10PM Jimmy Parrish and the Ocean Wave Trio
$15 all you can eat, BBQ Pork, Hot Wings and the sides.
Proceeds going to Save the Manatees!
Saving Paddy Doyle - "It's Up To You" CD's will be available for purchase to benefit SMC www.finsup.com
Posted by: Mango mama | April 18, 2009 at 12:31 PM
REO is great to listen to, I've enjoyed their music for years, and I don't want to put them down, but they are no comparison to Jimmy.
I like all of what was said by Leigh Ann. Everyone comes together yearly to share their love of the music and the feeling it brings. Everyone you meet, even if it was for the first time, seems if you've met them before. Everyone is so friendly.
All these people, who are part of this amazing group, are special in their own way. They care about causes in their community and the world that needs them. They take their own time clean our beloved beaches, raise money for the Manatees, put together packages for the military, and many other projects that they have contributed to. All while having fun doing it.
Jimmy Buffett doesn't live the life he did in the past, but his music has spawned a wonderful, peaceful state of mind that has spanned decades. This feeling is hard to come by in the world today. Something you can have in common with others and enjoy being in it. Sure, we all look a little crazy, but it's good to be crazy sometimes.
If you've never tried it, you should.
Posted by: Teri DeBlasio | April 18, 2009 at 10:40 AM
One other comment. Check with Ticket Master and see if they sold all the REO tickets in five minutes to scalpers! I had to pay three times the face value for my Buffett tickets ten minutes after they went on saleT
Posted by: David Kennedy | April 18, 2009 at 09:45 AM
This must be some kind of joke to even compare REO Speedwagon to the lyrical genus Buffett! Even my Wife whom has had to listen to Buffett for the last 27 years tremendously enjoys Buffett concerts. She says "Wow He really enjoys his job"
Posted by: David Kennedy | April 18, 2009 at 09:32 AM
Is this even being discussed? REO Speedwagon? I am an avid boater and invite guests onboard all of the time- I just can't imagine a day on the water with REO Speedwagon playing. Also, look at the range of ages Jimmy attracts- at any one of his concerts you will see those from age 18 to 80- Does REO have a following like that- I don't think so!
Posted by: Brian | April 18, 2009 at 08:32 AM
Let's all meet at Margaritaville cafe and discuss whose fans are the most loyal. We can toast with
Margaitiaville Tequilla,
Since REO speedwagon does not have a eating establisment or a booze named after them, I rest my case, Jimmy Buffett rules.
Posted by: Tony Diamond | April 18, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Buffett any day! And I graduated in 1985.
Vivacious Val in NH
Posted by: valerie | April 17, 2009 at 09:42 PM
REO, Buffet is just horrible. Every time one of his songs come on the radio i want to just drive into a wall.
Posted by: Brad | April 17, 2009 at 08:17 PM
JB crap , Reo great music
Posted by: John | April 17, 2009 at 07:44 PM
i love the fact that so many people wish they could live their lives via escapism the way buffett sings but he really DOESN'T live his own life that way. i'll stay in reality and take the non-hair metal of reo any day. at least i don't have the urge to vomit when i hear their music.
Posted by: don in tulsa | April 17, 2009 at 07:34 PM
Gotta go with Buffett all the way!!
Been a PH since the 70's and still
going strong.
Bev - TBPHC
Posted by: Bev Gilliam | April 17, 2009 at 07:22 PM
Ive gone to my share of both REO in the 70s and Bubba concerts since the 70s..and after pondering for sometime to write this i have one thing to ask..
What do you wear to a REO tailgate??
hmm..
Buffett WINS..FINS DOWN..
Posted by: PHred | April 17, 2009 at 07:20 PM
I was a huge REO fan and would see them again BUT.......... Buffett has a much bigger following! I've traveled to 5 different states to see Jimmy and am getting close to my 40th concert. I wouldn't do that for REO. Buffett has fans that meet yearly in Key West to celebrate and listen to his music. We meet monthly for club meetings. We have tatoos related to his songs. We have our houses and patios decorated "Buffett" style. We have our licence plates made to spell out his songs. No doubt, Jimmy is the winner when it comes to fans.
Posted by: Leigh Ann Corley | April 17, 2009 at 05:35 PM
REO is not a hair band. Neither is Jimmy, since he has none left. Same with the rest of his hippie following.
Posted by: Spears | April 17, 2009 at 05:19 PM
You have to be kidding, right? I'm not sure there are many too many REO SPEEDWAGON'S fans still alive? Plus the band broke up 15 years ago, while Jimmy is still going strong.
This is a fairly easy question...just attend ONE BUFFETT PRE-CONCERT parking lot party and you will have your answer. After a few Margarita's "Ski-Shots" you will want to become a Parrot Head for life.
Posted by: Larry Norman, LAPHC | April 17, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Not to say that REO fans aren't loyal, I'm sure they are, BUT...are you kidding? I was at the Atlanta concert last night and there were as many fans there JUST for the tailgating as there were fir the concert! I saw THREE generations of fans at the show, Grandpa and Grammy, Mom and Dad, and the KEETS! Sheesh...REO who?
Ya really wanna have contest? Bring somebody armed to the fight. I think KISS would have had a better chance then REO Speedwagon!
Posted by: "Rock-n-Roll" Joe LaBella | April 17, 2009 at 03:20 PM
Ummm , Buffett. Easy.
Posted by: Matt Fritch | April 17, 2009 at 02:48 PM
Buffett is the BEST! Best music & best fans! We are everywhere doing everything we can to party with a purpose. Concerts sell out in a flash to absolutely devoted fans. Don't think REO does that. Jimmy keeps putting out new music as well to keep his fans eagerly waiting for the next CD to come out. No contest here!
Posted by: Carissa | April 17, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Hellooooooo fellow Parrotheads!
Buffett is a way of life that is communicated through his music. I have met lifelong friends through the Tampa Bay Parrothead Club.
I don't see any clubs called the REO'ers or Speedwagonettes out there!
So, no contest - Jimmy wins!!!
BootyBoop
Posted by: Dorothy Bedlin | April 17, 2009 at 01:12 PM
STEVE:
IF YOU WERE TRULY CONCEIVED IN A DRIVE IN THEATRE, THEN CHECK OUT THE BUFFETT VIDEO TITLED "TAKE ANOTHER ROAD"
IT SHOULD MAKE YOU FEEL AT HOME.
BY THE WAY, WHAT OR WHO IS REO SPEEDWAGON?
I KNOW WHEN I TURN ON THE BUFFETT TUNES I'LL BE OK.
CAN YOU SAY THE SAME FOR THOSE OTHER GUYS?
BEST REGARDS FROM A PARROTHEAD OF THE 70'S AND ON.
Posted by: Frank Martinoli | April 17, 2009 at 01:07 PM
As a former member of the Tampa Bay Parrot Head Club and lifelong parrothead who is raising a new generation of parrotheads in my sons, I gotta go with Jimmy on this one.
REO is a great 80's hairband with a hand full of great songs, but it can't compare to the decades of music pumped out by Buffett. You can't compare an 80's hair band playing state fairs and small music halls to a man whose music has spawned a lifestyle, a new musical genre (TropRock)and has sold out HUGE music venues year after year for decades.
Parrotheads are almost rabid in their following. Sure you get the plastic parrotheads who aren't as interested in the music as much as the "get drunk and screw" attitude. The vast majority of parrotheads out there give their time and money to great causes and do great work while partying with a purpose, not to get a good buzz but to make the world better. But there is the other side that want the party atmosphere and the "parrotics" that someone else has already mentioned and some clubs are better at that than others. For the most part, the parrothead world (and it is world wide) are out there enjoying the tropical lifestyle (even in 6 foot of snow) every day. Can the REO fans say that?
When was the last time you saw a group of REO fans out picking up litter or raising money for the National Stroke Association or the breast cancer awareness? Parrotheads do it every day!
Posted by: Rachel | April 17, 2009 at 01:03 PM
And WE get that frustrated REO apologists can easily crumble under the weight of Parrothead Power.
Got a note from one of Spears' college buddies who said: "Tell him to take his epic trash elsewhere (Inside joke. Did you know Steve was a wannabe 80’s rocker? Explains a lot.")
I can see him with that Flock of Seagulls haircut.
Posted by: Steve Persall | April 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM
You know, I actually GET IT that Parrot Heads like Buffett. Oh, what a shocker!
I still equate a Buffett concert roughly with "The Brady Bunch Goes to Hawaii." Cute at first, but more eye-roll inducing with every bad pun.
Now, please go back to dry-cleaning your Margaritaville shirts and de-lousing your grass skirts.
Posted by: Steve Spears | April 17, 2009 at 12:10 PM
I have been to see both REO and Buffett and there is no contest. Going to see REO Speedwagon in concert is just that a "concert" . It's fun and you will leave having had a great time. But when you go see Buffett it is an experience not just a concert. It is a comming together of a community, brotherhood, a sisterhood, a fellowship. From the pre parties in the parking lot to the 2nd encore of Margaritaville you transform into someone else. Someone who wears nothing but flip flops and hawaiian shirts. For that one day, there is no mortage, there is no college tuition,there is no dealine there is just you and a thousand just like you that knows every word to every song. I am very much a REO fan but to compare them to Bubba is blasphemy. No one can touch Jimmy Buffett!
Posted by: Ellen Rivera | April 17, 2009 at 10:55 AM
REO who? Jimmy Buffett is a life-long, life-style!
Vince Mazzara
Tampa Bay Parrotheads Rock !
Posted by: Vince Mazzara | April 17, 2009 at 10:40 AM
Bubba hands down. REO? Isn't that an worn out opening act for other has been groups?
Posted by: David B. | April 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I WOULD MUCH RATHER BE WASTING AWAY IN MARGARITAVILLE ANYDAY OF THE WEEK!!! GIMME A BREAK WITH ANY COMPETITION BETWEEN REO AND BUFFETT..YOU OBVIOSULY HAD ONE TOO MANY MARGARITTAS YOURSELF TO WRITE SUCH AN ARTICE!! PARROT HEADS UNITE!!!!
BOTTOM LINE IS THERE IS NO CONTEST!!
Posted by: JACKIEO | April 17, 2009 at 10:30 AM
JB of course. How could you even compare a group that had some success in the 80's to a performer that has spawned the parrothead nation and a lifestyle embraced by all ages and walks of life. Mention JB to even non Parrotheads and they can name some songs he has done. REO can't say that. And by the way JB still sells out every concert he puts on. Scoreboard Jimmy.
Posted by: David B. | April 17, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Can REO inspire that tropical state of mind? I think not. Buffett inspires many to dream about living the life. Does he still do it? No, but I've seen pictures of him living it in his early years and have heard many wonderful stories from Captain Tony too.
Sorry Spearsy, I too am occasionally stuck in the 80s but BUFFETT ALL THE WAY!
Posted by: kelypsoul | April 17, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Buffet all the way. REO is good but JB runs the gammit of age groups. We have more Phans and Phiends that we have met all over the world just by being parrot heads. JB's music is for everyone. His books encourage my granddaughter to read she loves his children's books. His music encouraged a whole new grenre of music called Trop Rock. His beliefs include giving to chairities, encourage environmental projects,and teach us Parrot Heads community service is the basis of humanity. JB all the way!
Posted by: Nannawind | April 17, 2009 at 08:58 AM