Rashawn's Gorge Instagram Post

[OneSweetMonkey]

Originally Posted by resumesomething

I have very little sympathy for famous people, because most of the time it's the life they chose to lead. But I would hate to have everything I say and do picked to pieces. No one can live up to the righteousness that is expected. Best case Rashawn worked really hard this weekend to pull something off when most others would have cancelled, and is/was emotional and proud of what he accomplished. Or perhaps he is arrogant. Either way, who cares?

#NotMyBandLeader

[zrroot]

Not a fan of what he brings to the sound, that being said who knows where the band would be if he was never brought in


edit: this is referring to rashawn not buddy

[Cscottrun]

If the stories that people have told about RR are true (and I do believe most of them), then he may deserve a lot of the hate he gets. No, I can't repeat them because I don't remember them, but the general theme is that he doesn't treat fans nicely.

With that said, he is the "musical director" and he is important to the band.

[OneSweetMonkey]

Originally Posted by CapnHani06

A bizarre narrative/pipe dream that these vocal Rashawn haters seem to have is that they feel that Rashawn is STILL only temporary and they can't wait until DMB finally drops him. But homeboy has been in the band for 16 years. Which is over half the time of the band's entire existence. Which is nearly as long as LeRoi himself was in the band. And he's contributed an absurd amount to the band in that time, least of which is the actual music he plays (which is still hugely significant). At this point, if you "hate the sound Rashawn brings" you hate DMB. Full stop.

Edit: I recognize that this post is not totally on topic of this silly OP, but to me that's the underlying message. Like Rashawn is still somehow the outsider and how dare he claim credit for this, lest he upset the band.

Sad but true. I don't hate Rashawn, myself. But I will always live in a place where I wish they would just bring back the original sound of the band. I don't wait for them to drop Rashawn, because I know they won't. But I will never consider him a true member of DMB. Why? Because I'm petty.

That being said... it is kinda annoying seeing him say things like "This decision is the best one I've ever made for this Band". I respect what he's done. But it's Dave Matthews Band. You're not an original member. Stay your lane.

/rant

[dontdrink36]

Originally Posted by Gunz

I’m not sweating over it. Just offering an opinion- which I thought this place was for. To discuss things.

You are correct. I'm doing the same.

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

If the stories that people have told about RR are true (and I do believe most of them), then he may deserve a lot of the hate he gets. No, I can't repeat them because I don't remember them, but the general theme is that he doesn't treat fans nicely.

With that said, he is the "musical director" and he is important to the band.

Most of the RR haters are hating because of the music and his role as the director not the way he allegedly interacts or feels about fans.

[Cscottrun]

Originally Posted by dontdrink36

You are correct. I'm doing the same.



Most of the RR haters are hating because of the music and his role as the director not the way he allegedly interacts or feels about fans.

Seems a bit of a mix to me, if not a cumulative thing, but maybe I've read some of the posts wrong (admittedly, I did not read every single one). In any event, he's responsible for a lot of cool things the band has done or at least plays a big part in them. There are multiple instances where he's directed the band on stage and it seems pretty obvious if he wasn't there with them, the songs wouldn't have been played. A couple off the top of my head:

-Raven at Spac in 2018 - He directs Buddy from across the stage.
-JTR Dallas 2019 (not on the setlist) - Based on videos I've seen, Dave looks pretty hesitant to play it without practicing but has a chat with RR and they proceed to play it.

There's plenty more. We've all seen the behind the scenes video of Rashawn coming up with segues before the opening show in 2010. He also now covers a bunch of Boyd's parts. I'm fairly certain Dave has gone on record in an interview stating that Rashawn is the reason why certain older songs that haven't been played come back (liberations).

Quite frankly, I think the band would be lost without him. But maybe that would be a good thing and they'd reset and figure things out? I don't know.

[HonestDenver1]

I think the wording just proves he’s in charge of this band. Take it or leave it.

[crashintonickdm]

Rashawn is the worst musician in the band in terms of sound. He offers nothing pleasing to the ears

Band would be so much better if he took a hike

[Route_2]

I don't mind RR because he cares, maybe more than any other band member.

I wouldn't be against putting a governor on the ability to play higher notes on his trumpet, though.

[TBMichigan]

Originally Posted by Route_2

I don't mind RR because he cares, maybe more than any other band member.

I wouldn't be against putting a governor on the ability to play higher notes on his trumpet, though.

those high notes make my ears bleed

[Alpine416]

Rashawn's biggest flaw is that he does occasionally respond to haters and let's them know he sees some of the shit they talk. He would be better served to not change at all, be as arrogant as he damn well pleases and then not give one iota of care about what the peanut gallery has to say about it.

[RSSR]

I do love the horns DMB brings in as guests. I'm guessing Rashawn and Jeff have a huge say on that. Probably like the big names Roi was able to get on stage with DMB.

[Route_2]

The trombone player from Dumstaphunk was amazing. Maybe RR should try learning some other horn instruments.

[RSSR]

Originally Posted by Route_2

The trombone player from Dumstaphunk was amazing. Maybe RR should try learning some other horn instruments.

He was specifically the one horn I enjoyed the most at my Gorge shows this past weekend.

[nolan8or]

Originally Posted by Route_2

The trombone player from Dumstaphunk was amazing. Maybe RR should try learning some other horn instruments.

That dude was on another level! One of the highlights of N1 for me.

And I also like Rashawn, but I'm never a fan of bragging about yourself like that. Not a super humble comment to make, but whatever, Buddy has been a great addition to the band and played his butt off this weekend. Buddy MVP!

[joshg]

If you're great, I think humility is stupid. Just keep being great or else you have no recourse for the shit storm after you drop off.

[Sniper15]

Does anyone have stories about Rashawn being a dick to fans? I've never heard about him being rude to DMB fans

[joshg]

Originally Posted by Sniper15

Does anyone have stories about Rashawn being a dick to fans? I've never heard about him being rude to DMB fans

Yeah. Storytime please.

[monizzle145]

Originally Posted by Sniper15

Does anyone have stories about Rashawn being a dick to fans? I've never heard about him being rude to DMB fans

To be fair some DMB stalker fans deserve to be treated like crap the way the stalk and annoy band members in public. One thing to walk up and see someone outta nowhere another thing to stalk hotels and bike routes.

[adamreichle22]

Saw Rashawn's post reposted on whatever DMB family FB page I happen to follow, and the comments in response to the post ranged from everything to people being previously unaware of the "band director" moniker and the fact that Rashawn "recommended" Buddy, to others condescendingly explaining that Dave appointed Rashawn "musical director" years ago. All kinds of wild statements (Rashawn is the de facto musical decision maker in the band who is in charge of deciding guest spots on studio albums ) were made.

Now I'm well aware of the "band director" reference but I never read into any more than assuming it was an off the cuff comment by Dave in a random interview saying that Rashawn remembers everyone's parts and obscure songs because everyone else in the band is too lazy for that. I'm also aware of the fact that Rashawn was the prior connection between Buddy and DMB, so nothing about his post really surprised me. I'm a pro Rashawn guy generally and understand the value that he brings.

But what is it with this fanbase's propensity for taking an innocuous informal statement and just running with it? Yes Rashawn was responsible for recommending Buddy and giving Jeff the crash course back in 08, but how did that turn into him having more creative control in the band than Dave? Point me in the direction of where I can read about the specifics of his elevated job title and I'll admit I'm wrong. But otherwise this reeks of the same re-writing of the narrative that happened with Roi and how he was the "band arranger" (something that was widely debunked, imo, if you go back and listen to the Norlander/Lillywhite pods).

The flights of fancy are definitely more of a trademark of the DMB family crowd but sometimes it can trickle down over here. I swear some of these people write DMB fanfic porn in their spare time.

[Titotimmy]

Links to fanfic porn, for a friend please

[stlbluespower]

My most profound non-musical decision I have ever made on this site is to ignore the crackpots, like those posting in this thread.

[Bernie41]

Originally Posted by monizzle145

To be fair some DMB stalker fans deserve to be treated like crap the way the stalk and annoy band members in public. One thing to walk up and see someone outta nowhere another thing to stalk hotels and bike routes.

Couldn't agree more, the DMB stalkers are creepy.

Btw big fan of your youtube channel. Your post-show reviews are awesome.

[OutofDarkness]

Rashawn Derangement Syndrome

[RSSR]

The FB family go out of their way to ignore this place, yes they respond negatively about this place but only after being prompted by some one here posting there. Only this place cares what they have to say, and not vice versa. Weird.

[YankeesDMB41]

There is a certain portion of this fanbase that treats DMB like a religious cult. I can't look away.

[Route_2]

Originally Posted by RSSR

The FB family go out of their way to ignore this place, yes they respond negatively about this place but only after being prompted by some one here posting there. Only this place cares what they have to say, and not vice versa. Weird.

Originally Posted by YankeesDMB41

There is a certain portion of this fanbase that treats DMB like a religious cult. I can't look away.

And people is cults don't care about people not in the cult unless they are fucking with the cult, so RSSR's post in not surprising.

[RSSR]

Originally Posted by Route_2

And people is cults don't care about people not in the cult unless they are fucking with the cult, so RSSR's post in not surprising.

Thanks for proving my point. I almost never post there.

[willndmb]

It is funny to me that so many people think because Ross is “musical director” that the band couldn’t survive without him.
He adds nothing of value, sound wise, and the band did just fine - in fact you could argue much better before he got involved.
Does he add director value, I am sure but to make it out like he is the reason DMB is where they are so to speak is laughable imo.
He also is the least talented on stage imo and Jeff could blow him off the front if he wanted too.

[jaymas9]

Originally Posted by Cscottrun

Seems a bit of a mix to me, if not a cumulative thing, but maybe I've read some of the posts wrong (admittedly, I did not read every single one). In any event, he's responsible for a lot of cool things the band has done or at least plays a big part in them. There are multiple instances where he's directed the band on stage and it seems pretty obvious if he wasn't there with them, the songs wouldn't have been played. A couple off the top of my head:

-Raven at Spac in 2018 - He directs Buddy from across the stage.
-JTR Dallas 2019 (not on the setlist) - Based on videos I've seen, Dave looks pretty hesitant to play it without practicing but has a chat with RR and they proceed to play it.

There's plenty more. We've all seen the behind the scenes video of Rashawn coming up with segues before the opening show in 2010. He also now covers a bunch of Boyd's parts. I'm fairly certain Dave has gone on record in an interview stating that Rashawn is the reason why certain older songs that haven't been played come back (liberations).

Quite frankly, I think the band would be lost without him. But maybe that would be a good thing and they'd reset and figure things out? I don't know.

If the band literally needs RR to do all those things, that's disappointing. No reason why musicians the caliber of Dave, Carter, Fonz, Tim, and Even Jeff can't fulfill all of that and more.

That's not to take away what he's done and how LeRoi seemingly felt about him. But liberations, arrangements, motivation to try something they are uncomfortable with etc., should not fall squarely on RR to drive. Doesn't even make sense to me. That stuff should come from the OG members.

As it relates to Buddy, I'm sure that post is getting unfairly dissected, and obviously the weekend was an amazing feat to pull off and they couldn't have done the same thing without Buddy...but the most musically defining thing RR has done? I mean he helped facilitate the outright replacement of an iconic part of the DMB's sound. Not a knock on Buddy or Ross as musicians...but why didn't he, I don't know, bring in the best violin player he knew instead?