Viva Las Vegas/shifters Car Show ~ Rest In Peace

I went to Viva for BOTH the cars and the music. I made it out there 3 times in the earlier days. The first one was like going to heaven (2001). The second one was great too. By my third one in '05, it had been invaded by a bunch of "tough guys" and jacket clubs. It didn't really make me want to go back anytime soon. Even then the music vs the car show was pretty apparent.

Good luck Axle. I hope you can reinvent the show back to the early days. I know it will rock.

 

Wow... what a bum deal too... Tom had invited our band to play Viva this year as well... The traditional crowd is not a fan of our music, but Hot-Rodders usually love us. We always play hot-rod-a-rama... and that is by far our best show. This really concerns me because like I said our fan base is not the traditional crowd.

Well if you are doing a show in vegas and need a band... we'd MUCH rather play your show. Let us know... band@jukejointgamblers.com...

anyhow... that's really a bum deal... hope all goes well.

-Drew

 

If you're not into being a concert promotor, i dont think competing with the overall VLV is the right thing to do. If i was in your shoes, i'd spend my efforts on the important part and focus & hold the Anti-VLV car show right across the street from the VLV event. We all know where the good cars and car folks will be.

You'd then draw crowds from VLV, across the street to the better car show, where all the real car guys cars would be-- and then i'd expect that the VLV's car show would die out and be short lived. Victory and point made.

This would also allow folks who want to hear the music to walk across to VLV for that. To me, the music is secondary to the cars-- but i like it too.

I think that way draws the right lines-- and sends a strong "dont tread on me" message to the VLV guy that shouldnt pretend his way into a lame car show.

Just my opinion. No matter the case, my car will be parked in the Shifters show.

-scott noteboom

 

No surprize here. I'v heard the bands bitching for years about being treated like shit and getting shit for money. Kinda makes you wonder why every year the price of wrist bands go up but there is no improvement on the way the show is run. I will still atend as its a great way to see bands that only tour a certan part of the country. Do I think this will hurt Viva yes but I can only hope Tom Ingram will take this wake up call and return Viva to what it was. Hell I guess everyone in the know goes to Greenbay anyway!

 

I want to set the record straight on the fact the flyers do not have The Shifters on them. The original artwork did have The Shifters on it. I have that artwork if anyone wants proof. When Axle told me he wanted to do another car show elsewhere I decided to hold off on the printing and asked the artist to prepare an alternate flier for me. So I had two pieces of artwork ready to go while discussions continued with Axle. As soon as it was obvious that there would be no resolution I told the printer to proceed without The Shifters name. That was around the 21st August. The fliers were delivered on the 27th August. Then the mailing company proceeded to mail them out.

As stated before, I am not going to get into an online argument with Axle or anyone else. I will only continue to correct facts. I would also like to say that if anyone has any direct questions to me about this situation that they would like me to answer, please go ahead and post them here.

Finally, as far as bands are concerned, bands are paid varying amounts according to which slot they are playing. I will agree that some of the afternoon bands do not get paid a lot. That is because they play in the afternoons. Bands playing in the evening or night get paid more. This is no different to any other show in any type of music. In fact in some scenes bands pay to play and ticket prices are way higher.

 

Why don't you read the rules?

Why don't you post an intro?

 

Why did you join the HAMB simply to defend your name?

There should be a screening process.

 

Are you referring to HAMB rules? If so which one am I breaking?

I assume you mean an introduction to myself? If so, I will do that.

 

Sorry man but the intro rule has been gone for a while, it is suggested though. But I think everyone knows who Tom is.

The bummer on all of this is I was planning on making a big VLV/Roundup vacation in my Buick. If Axle gets his show together I may still make Vegas, otherwise I'll just hang in Austin. I had a blast at VLV for a couple years then it got kind of lame. Guess all good things come to an end.

 

I joined for 2 reasons. Yes, one of them is to defend myself. Wouldn't you? The second is to let you know details for the VLV car show.

 

Don't be sorry, If I'm a jackass then let me know. Sometimes I need to be told. But I think the intro rule should come back. I don't know who Tom Ingram is. I've never met axle for that matter. So maybe I'm being harsh, but it just appears like Tom joined our little message board for reasons other than his love of traditional cars. I give him credit for not talking shit. But it sounds like he is insinuating that somene is lying, although very subtly. And if you end up in Austin zman, lotso beers on me!

 

Axle, I was planning on making my first trip to Viva next year. But that just ain't gonna happen now. Whatever you end up doing I'm there. So make it a good 'un!

 

Neither of those two reasons have anything to do what this board is about. Ryan didn't set this board up so people like you could promote yourself to put money in your pocket. I have an ad for the side work I do in the HAMB O DEX but I also contribute to the board. Something I see you not doing.

You have 5 posts, all in this thread. No one but you is benefiting from you posting on here so I think its time you packed your bags...

 

In short, "Don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya"

 

Well said!

What's happening, you agreed with me and Chris (Unionvillehaunt) both in the same week.

 

Tom, this is a traditional hot rod forum, if you want to sell tickets and sell us the idea that VLV will be the same without the shifters you are waisting your time, We know better. The fact that the flyers were done so quick shows that, there was a sense of urgency on your side and that's O.K on the business world, HOWEVER with us, it shows that the issue was resolved in your mind long time ago and that the shifters were just told there are not invited to the party recently. I think VLV needed to be redone, yes, but it's not the shifters fault, YOU know that. It has a lot to do with you, THE MONEY you collect is just as good as blood money because it doesn't matter were it comes from with you. My thoughts on this, I was holding back, but now I think is time to say it. BUSINESS over friendship and peoples livelyhood is at stake, No worries you will not sway the true hot rods/leadsled fans and the music you are booking is gettin lousier every year! that will do you in soon! Mack G.

 

Well then, a tip of the top hat to Tom Ingram for uniting the East & West coasts in disdain. He's a Uniter, not a Divider. ha ha

 

Mackster, you are entitled yo your own opinions but I must also stand up for myself. The matter was not resolved a long time ago. I waited on printing flyers. In fact I had the artwork in June with The Shifters name on but held off on the printing until we know what was happening. I never told The Shifters they were not invited. Axle told me he was going to do another car show. I left printing the flyers for as long as possible in case it could be resolved. Every year I print the flyers at the end of August to give out at The Hollywood Showdown on Labor Day weekend.

As far as the music goes, many people would disagree with you. Many will agree with you. I am sure every one of the bands would totally disagree with you. Music comes down to personal choice. I can tell you though that every year the cost of booking the acts gets higher. If I was just into the money I would be booking non rockabilly bands. I could get double the crowd for that.

I am not trying to sway anyone. All I am doing is answering any comments regarding me that need to be answered. That's all. I am sure you would do the same.

 

In all fairness I have to say thank you, Tom, for booking the reunion of the Dave & Deke Combo. That, the Comets set and seeing Deke and Larry Collins on stage together was worth the price of the wristband. But as far as the car show goes, I'm siding with Alex. Not only because he's a friend, but because he's a car guy. If his show is on the same weekend as yours, I'll walk on over and make up my mind if you can throw a car show then. If you book someone I'm crazy to see, I'll even buy a wristband. But my car will be parked with the Shifters. Last time I looked at the VLV flyer, I didn't see anyone that turned my crank, but maybe next year.

PS, I have met you several times, Tom. I'm not one of the Dress Up Kids, so you weren't very friendly, but that's OK. I wasn't looking for a new pal. I simply was asking about some of your shows. I've been into that music since you were shitting yellow and nursing at mom's breast. I love that stuff still, but the "Scene" is why I don't get out to see very many of your shows. However, when you get someone that I want to see, I'll be there. Dressed in Levis and a T-Shirt. I won't be buying a Ricky Ricardo jacket, just so I can chat you up.

This is our virtual Garage. You're hanging out with us. We ain't hanging out with you.

 

WOW, you know I used to HATE chili phil (only because he said something a long time ago about me, I hold a grudge forever, MY problem) but as of late, NOT anymore, but He could have NOT said it better......
...
This is our virtual Garage. You're hanging out with us. We ain't hanging out with you...

I always liked Tom, because what I thought he was putting on a"rockabilly and hotrods" show. I am not down in that area so my eyes are "foggy" from NOT being there, but I am starting to see the "other side" of the money making business!! I guess that is why I am NOT rich! I do this "love/lifestyle" because it is in my blood!!! Not to make a buck!!! Maybe I don't even have a right to post on this subject, but ....I wanted too.....Ken

 

Went for the first time to this past event. Just want to say thanks to "The Shifters" for wanting to move forward. I was not impressed with the WTFabilly drama scene. I was not going to attend another VLV but after reading the initial post, I look forward to attending the new and improved Shifters car show..

 

Our posts are getting a little repetitive. Might be a good time to click the ol' virtual padlock in this can o' worms, huh?

 

This is very sad news for me and my wife to hear. You see we went to the 2005 VLV, it was a really special time (we got engaged during the event). We are from Florida and flew out there for the event. And when I say event I am diffidently including the car show in the event. You see as many of us on the board feel the same the car show was the draw period. The fact that it is a music event also was a good marriage of like items. Other than getting engaged the car show was the highpoint of our trip. Every evening we would walk out to the parking deck to see what cars were coming in before the show. The anticipation was great (wish the show would have been several days long).

This trip made a big impact on the two of us. So much so that we are building a classic 50 ford and were planning on driving out from Fl to the show in 09. I guess we will have to wait until the Shifters find a new venue and make our plans then.

Tom, I do have to tell you that I think you may be missing a larger part of your target audience than you think. I have to agree with what Axle said about the music, we loved the show atmosphere and did enjoy some music shows (maybe 6 or so the whole event).

Axle you have my vote, I am sure it can always be done bigger and better and I am sure you guys can do it. You have good leadership and good vision so keep it that way

 

Tom Ingram will go away if this thread gets closed. The comments aren't productive. Mods, PLEASE??

 

Very good point, how do we do that reporting thing?