Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

The first thing my friend Steve M (one of the most energetic and down to earth guys I know, who happens to live around the corner from Jones Beach Amphitheatre in Long Island, NY and has been coming for almost 20 yrs to see Jimmy Buffett at the beautiful oceanfront venue… (I know that’s a mouthful, but it’s all relevant to the story)…


What did you think of the show Steve says to me?


A set-up question often used by musically-minded friends before revealing their “cards” on what they thought of a show both attended…


Before I the answer that question…

LET’S REWIND 24 HOURS TO THE TAILGATE

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

I’ve been told that Jimmy Buffet buys a liquor license for the day to cover the consumption that happens on the state park each year when he comes to town.


Whatever he does, it is incredibly effective, because the typical aggressive and dick-ish security guards back off everyone and let the tailgate party run its course….


Eventually the show will start and then 2 hrs later end and everyone goes home.


I mean the annual crew brings in a bands, tents, etc. EVERY year to put fuel on the beach party fire.


What a celebration it is. Parrothead Paradise for a one day each year!


Here is a clip and some photos of this year’s behind scenes I snapped with me iPhone…

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

I woke up that day so happy that it was Buffett at Jones Beach Day, that I started (loosely) a campaign to make it a state holiday.

BACK TO THE “WHAT DID YOU THINK” Question posed to me on the afternoon after the show… 


I said “Steve, I thought Jimmy was a lot short with the set list and frankly kinda flat.  He looked tired and was definitely missing that extra back-up singer and probably a horn or two.  “


I also heard on Margaritaville Radio on Sirius that instead of his customary (and true to character) arrival to the venue by boat… he took a helicopter minutes before scheduled.


Steve M than says, “I couldn’t agree more. He mailed it in.“

Jimmy Buffett @ Jones Beach (Aug. 18, 2015) Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

As profound a statement as that is, I agree. Buffett did not show up with his “A” game and mailed it in.


Between Steve and I, we had participated in…


(yes, that term again, I use for what some people call going to a concert… I like to participate in the show.  As crunchy as it may seem, I do believe the audience vibe is important and all in attendance play a role) 


… more than 30 Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band shows.


Of the 30 plus shows, this is the first time either of us had seen James William Buffet (now 68 years old) mail it in.  A mortal sin here at the Thunderbird Ranch.


Interesting enough, when I spoke to other friends about the show who don’t love Jimmy… they all assumed that Buffett has been mailing it in for years that that he was all pomp and circumstance and no substance.


To set the record straight, that couldn’t be further from the truth.


BUT, this is a bad sign for us, the Jones Beach faithful…


So, my message to Mr. Buffet is:


Get your shit together Jimmy or start playing the casino circuit.


Better yet…. 


Buy THE METS and let’s have some real fun bringing old time national league baseball back to stay for good in NYC!!


Flap your wings Jimmy!