I bet you all expected a blog about surrogates and working out, didn't you? Well, I am going to save that for later. Today I want to talk about Keith Urban. You all remember him right? Mr. Nicole Kidman.
I sometimes wonder what goes through his head. Don't all of you? No, not how can he live with himself. I think he has a pretty nice crib that he can call home; basically anyplace that the wife decides where they are going to be.
I wonder what really happened to him and how does he feel about that?
In 2005, the real golden period for Keith, he seemed to be calling the shots, making the choices and having a great time doing it. Then there is Keith in 2008, he looks weary, haggard and discontented. The Oscars were quite telling. First, they were late, and we know this was on purpose for Kidman. The still photographs indicate a happy couple on the red carpet. Watch the video and you will see the same thing we saw at the movie premiere in London in November - the bubbling tension within Keith. Something seems wrong inside. According to all concerned he should be at the top of his game. He just won a Grammy, he has one of the most successful tours with Underwood and the promise of a great tour with Chesney, yet there is something gone. I don't think it’s a muse. I think there might be the realization that this is all he is and has. The man was always ambitious but that seems to have disappeared.
Keith was always cordial and polite to people, and now he hurries away from fans and is arrogant to the press. The only time you see a smile is when it is posed. Even the stage show isn't as fun as it used to be. In an earlier blog it was mentioned that Keith removed the sex from the show. But now it seems that he has removed the spontaneity and originality from the show, too.
There IS something else; where did Keith go? He used to say he didn't want band members who just show up. Well, Keith, it appears that you are just showing up in your public life. It makes one wonder what his private life must be like. But make no mistake about this blog. This is not a feel sorry for Keith Urban passage. I do not. He made his bed, he chose this life, and if he can't be satisfied in it that is his problem. He portrayed himself in the past as if he cared and maybe that was an act, but if this jet-setting, spoiled rich man is what he has become I am slowly seeing that I want no part in that. Do I hate him? No. Envy him? No. Feel sorry for him? I did in 2006, and for part of last year, but as he keeps choosing the Kidman path he is pulling away from the very people he may need in the future, the fans who want to see him succeed on his own by his own means. Do I think he can overcome his marriage and the glare of that light and be the musician he showed he can be? Yes. But before too long no one will be there when it happens, nor will they care. And that is exactly where I am today.
I sometimes wonder what goes through his head. Don't all of you? No, not how can he live with himself. I think he has a pretty nice crib that he can call home; basically anyplace that the wife decides where they are going to be.
I wonder what really happened to him and how does he feel about that?
In 2005, the real golden period for Keith, he seemed to be calling the shots, making the choices and having a great time doing it. Then there is Keith in 2008, he looks weary, haggard and discontented. The Oscars were quite telling. First, they were late, and we know this was on purpose for Kidman. The still photographs indicate a happy couple on the red carpet. Watch the video and you will see the same thing we saw at the movie premiere in London in November - the bubbling tension within Keith. Something seems wrong inside. According to all concerned he should be at the top of his game. He just won a Grammy, he has one of the most successful tours with Underwood and the promise of a great tour with Chesney, yet there is something gone. I don't think it’s a muse. I think there might be the realization that this is all he is and has. The man was always ambitious but that seems to have disappeared.
Keith was always cordial and polite to people, and now he hurries away from fans and is arrogant to the press. The only time you see a smile is when it is posed. Even the stage show isn't as fun as it used to be. In an earlier blog it was mentioned that Keith removed the sex from the show. But now it seems that he has removed the spontaneity and originality from the show, too.
There IS something else; where did Keith go? He used to say he didn't want band members who just show up. Well, Keith, it appears that you are just showing up in your public life. It makes one wonder what his private life must be like. But make no mistake about this blog. This is not a feel sorry for Keith Urban passage. I do not. He made his bed, he chose this life, and if he can't be satisfied in it that is his problem. He portrayed himself in the past as if he cared and maybe that was an act, but if this jet-setting, spoiled rich man is what he has become I am slowly seeing that I want no part in that. Do I hate him? No. Envy him? No. Feel sorry for him? I did in 2006, and for part of last year, but as he keeps choosing the Kidman path he is pulling away from the very people he may need in the future, the fans who want to see him succeed on his own by his own means. Do I think he can overcome his marriage and the glare of that light and be the musician he showed he can be? Yes. But before too long no one will be there when it happens, nor will they care. And that is exactly where I am today.
77 comments:
yep....that's about where i am now, too......just not giving a rip snort
very good blog!
You say there's no spontaniety? I was just at the Bossier City show and he did "Louisiana Saturday Night". He was energetic and very much into the performance and making sure we had a good time. One of the best KU shows I have been to. A fan gave him a onesy and it was adorable. I for one cant wait until his baby is born. Keith will be a beautiful father.
Ive been reading this little blog for a while and one thing is crystal clear. You, U Myths, are blind as a bat.
I think that describes urban perfectly, Urban Myths... he is simply just showing up now. Whether its showing up to kidmans photo shoot at an "undisclosed" location, instead of commiting to the Grammys, and then simply showing up to the Oscars, for no meaningful reason other than kidman decided to go. Certainly the co-touring with underwood relieves him of half the work of being on tour, if not more than half of the pressure of getting the fans to the gigs, to underwood. Urban seemingly only has to just show up, to a part time gig to boot. Later he just has to show up to chesney's gigs. It seems urban has come under the impression he can recieve it all, the continued fame, successful cd sales, chart hits with only a miniscule of effort he has ever had to exert in the past. So, was it the marriage to kidman? Is it the paparatz photos he just happens to be in that has him believeing he's got it made? Is it that he only gets his public feedback from monkeyland, where his newly formed flaws are simply deleted into oblivion? It seems urban is drinking from the same work out bottle kidman drinks from... and just look what it's done for her.
They say hate isnt the opposite emotion of love, ambivalence is. This ambivalence isnt very conducive to interesting blogs now is it? If you are ready to leave KU in the dust be my guest.
maclen, Keith is performing just as much as before Underwood went on tour with him. If anything Carrie isnt "carrie-ing" her load at all. The differences between how they interact and behave on stage is glaringly obvious. Just watch their "Umbrella" duet. And many reviews comment on how Underwood has a few things to learn from Urban about stage presence and engaging an audience. Who is buying seats to her shows? Mostly parents of young girls that are fans of the American Idol winner. Not hardcore country fans that are very loyal and very discerning as to who deserves their money. Unless Underwood ups her game she wont be headlining or co-headlining, for that matter, in the future.
If anything, Urban is doing a favor for Kenny, doing the stadium shows and putting butts in the seats. There's plenty of KU fans that are going to see KU and not for Chesney. I wont be going to the show in my area because its too impersonal, too large a venue and too much Chesney! Chesney is all fluff, no substance when it comes to a show. That would be my one complaint to Keith...stop doing Chesney stadium shows.
timtam,lucky you, you got to see Keith. I havent seen a show since last year and am going through withdrawls. Welcome here and dont be afraid to post more often!
RC:
If you haven't seen a show on the Carnival tour then how can you dispute the accounts of those who have and report the crowd thins at intermission when Carrie's set is done? Even Keith, in one of more pissy moods, commented on it one night by thanking the fans who stayed. Then, in a flash of the old Urban, he played nearly 3 hours and his guitar solos kindled memories of a man who used to perform from his soul instead of going through the soulless motions.
Those who doubt an audience can be tricked should reevaluate the number of marriages that survive--even thrive-- because the husband still believes he's hot stuff when the wife has simply perfected her imitation of Meg Ryan in a diner.
Keith fakes it exceptionally well but that means he's getting bored and a bored Keith does dangerous things.
When Keith was out with Kenny there was a growing perception that Kenny was getting uppity. In Keith, country fans saw a comet streaking across the Nashville horizon who was full of talent, passion and an eagerness to please his fans. Keith was always careful to come across as humble and grateful to the fans. That contrasted with Kenny's cocky demeanor and won a lot of Kenny fans over to Keith's side.
Kenny is astute and savvy. He tried to hold the entire audience by performing a big encore with all his opening acts. In those days you could walk out of the venue during intermission and listen to conversations around the merch tables and beer stands as fans decided if it was worth it to stay another 90 minutes to see Keith one more time for a few more minutes.
Timing--as well as his disastrous choices-- hurt Keith. About the time Keith was hooking up with Nicole and
listening to her criticism that he was too close to his fans and heeding her advice to be aloof..Kenny was reassessing his career after the close call of an annulment with Rene. An annulment on the grounds of fraud leaving many to think their suspicions of the country king were true. Kenny and his handlers set about making sure everyone knew Kenny was committed to country music, Nashville and the fans. There was never any talk about movies, international tours or expanding his musical repertoire. Kenny focused on the fans and music. He gave his fans what they wanted. He gave them Kenny Chesney. There never was an acceptance speech where Kenny forgot to thank the people he acknowledge gave him his career and the radio DJ's who played his music. Keith? He thanked Nicole and totally disregarded the people who actually bought his CD's, concert tickets and merchandise. He failed to thank his Mum-- his biggest cheerleader for decades.
Keith was taking a divergent path. He started walking down a road that would take him away from his core fan base and the support of the Nashville music industry. He was jet-setting to the front row of the Oscars and a couch at the Vanity Fair party; parading for the paparazzi on the streets of New York and talking about doing movies. The barefoot poet was putting on Armani suits and surrounding himself with professional bodyguards.
There's a reason Keith has never hired established acts to open his show. He reveled in what he did to Kenny. He didn't want it done to him. Deana Carter, Katrina Elam (who? ask many) The Wreckers (who no longer exist) -- just a few of the talented but non-threatening acts fronting for Keith.
Keith has felt the sting of losing an audience before co-headlining with Carrie. Pat Green may not be a big deal outside of Texas but he's "the man" in the Lonestar State. People left in droves after Pat finished his set. Some folks working for Keith stopped some of the people exiting the venue during intermission and asked them why they were leaving. They said they were there to see Pat; they had no interest in the pretty boy who played rock and roll and called it country.
Yes Urban Myths. I agree. Keith Urban made his bed and now when he gets out of it every morning he's Keith Kidman.
FAKING IT:
For another example of how convincingly Keith can "fake it" is the old band. What was happening on stage during those last days was far removed from the reality of what was coming. The audience at those last shows didn't have a clue Keith and his band was barely speaking off stage...that Keith was quietly hiring a replacement set of mostly studio musicians.
On stage they bantered and played and tore up the place. But ask the right person the right questions and you'd find out it was all an act. Keith was faking it. Not even that band suspected they were all about to fired.
And all of you are foolish enough to think people dont leave other people's shows early as well? Get real. Carrie could be co-headlining with any other artist and some of her fans would leave afterwards. I saw it firsthand when she was just opening for Mr. Male Vocalist himself Brad Paisley. An entire family with 5 kids, all teenagers, who came late during Jake Owen, left right after Carrie's set. The parents said "All right its time to go". They never had any intention of staying to see Brad. They left so quickly in fact one of the daughters almost left her CU tour shirt her dad had bought her on the arena floor.
Not everyone who loves country music loves KU. I can respect that since i dont love some of the most popular artists. Those people that left after Pat Green never liked Keith to begin with. But that does not in any way mean KU has no fans.
You cant convert everybody. I'm open to seeing anyone at least once. But if I'm not impressed I wont be coming back. Which is what happened with Chesney and Paisley. I'll be happy to see Dierks, Jake Owen, and Sugarland anytime.
If Keith opened for Kenny in a smaller venue I would go. And I'd leave when KU was done. And i know personally people who would follow suit. I guess that means Chesney has no fans either!
And by the way, after the annulment Kenny's handlers were making sure of one thing. And it had nothing to do with Kenny's commitment to Nashville. They needed to dispel the rumor he was gay. I dont believe it, but that little piece of gossip is still making its rounds.
RealityCheck said....
Keith is performing just as much as before Underwood went on tour with him.
I havent seen a show since last year and am going through withdrawls.
-----------------------------------
Need I say more?
"Keith has felt the sting of losing an audience before co-headlining with Carrie. Pat Green may not be a big deal outside of Texas but he's "the man" in the Lonestar State. People left in droves after Pat finished his set."
------------------------
If Keith didn't know WHO Pat Green was, and the fact that PG could fill a Texas stadium in his own right, then I'd be the first to stand up and say that Keith is a world-class idiot - and so are his management team and booking agents.
At the show I was at on that tour we were surrounded by Pat Green fan club members (because I was smart enough to buy MY seats from his fan club) and they all did intend to leave after his set (and we weren't in TX). Keith was of no interest to them whatsoever. btw - I became a PG fan for good that night.
I love the man dearly. It hurts to see him so miserable. Anyone who has been a long time fan can see the sparkle in his eyes are gone. He just looks dead inside. The eyes are our window to the soul. I am afraid KU has sold his to the devil.
May God keep him safe and bring him back.
I remember my first KU concert...this was with the "Old Band" of course. I was blown away! I had never seen someone with so much energy and fire. That smile that he got on his face when the crowd went nuts and he was just ripping it up on the guitar. It was genuine and sincere. I had seen him several times since and all had been good.
Until Dec. 05'. I had front row to this and was soooo excited. I mean the guy was taking off at this time and front row was nearly impossible to come by. Anyways he was AWFUL that night. Low energy, no charisma and that look of loving what he had done in his eyes was gone. I left disappointed to say the least. That was my last show. After that all the reviews from friends were the same. It had seemed like the fire was gone.
To this day he's doing and saying the same things on stage and the fire is still not there. Yes I know this you non-skeptics by talking to friends that have gone and had been longtime fans as well.
I often wonder if the guy we see before us now is who he always was and put out a fake image so people would buy it? Or if he has really changed since being with the Ice Princess? I struggle trying to figure this out. If he was always like this then I feel like a fool for buying into it. If he has changed recently just from being around her I feel sorry for him. Not for him personally but for the career he could have had. It seems like such a waste of talent to thrown down the drain.
On the topic of Kenny...I like him. He seems like an OK guy. You can tell he cares about his fans. Whether he did it to get the focus off his annulment or whatever he made an effort and it has paid off tremendously! His fans wouldn't get behind him if they didn't think he cared and put out good music and great shows. It's like whatever the guy touches turns to gold.
On the other hand though I'd like to thank Keith. Him being a complete idiot has helped open up my eyes to several other country acts that I may have ignored.
I have been to at least 3 shows in each leg of his current tour. I'm just amused by some of the silliness and nastiness of some of the posters here.
I have never seen fans "left in droves" after Carrie performed. There were some who left early, most of them younger fans and their parents/chaperones. This is understandable. What the naysayers and skeptics did not mention is that there are also many fans who came in just to see Keith. You can see empty seats while Carrie is performing.
Secondly, to say that Keith "just showed up" is a gross insult to Keith and his band who gave it their all in every concert that I had attended. There is ALWAYS something different in each show, be it a bonus song, the way they interact with their fans, or simply those extra dance steps or bouncing around the stage. How can ANYONE not see that there's a BIG difference in this leg of the tour with Carrie when Keith comes out to the audience at the end of the show to thank the fans, walk up and down the catwalk and the side stage to shake hands and sign autographs.
inittowinit, I'm not sure what you are implying, but the reason i am going through withdrawls is i missed him this year. I have seen him numerous times in the past but thats only because i was willing to travel. I used to live in a small town. It has nothing to do with how much or how little Keith is touring. I made a long-distance move recently and he was in my new city several months before that. So i missed him. Now he is coming here with Kenny's stadium show. I have no desire to sit in a venue that big and hear the roar of the crowd more than i can the actual music.
Its more and more evident to me that the skeptics, the hard-core Keith is ruined skeptics, live in their own bubble. Everything Nicole Kidman does is wrong or bad. And Keith has been secretly miserable ever since he got together with her. They want to ignore the reviews and the performances. Its definitely a case of "He *must* be unhappy because he's married to someone i cant stand."
Make no mistake placing your wants and demands on Keith is just as ridiculous as claiming that Nicole is Keith's master. The hard-core skeptics want to be the very thing they claim they despise.
realitycheck said.. only because i was willing to travel. I used to live in a small town.... I made a long-distance move recently and he was in my new city several months before that. So i missed him. Now he is coming here with Kenny's stadium show. I have no desire to sit in a venue that big and hear the roar of the crowd more than i can the actual music.
___________________________________
But see that's part of the problem you used to travel to see him and now that he's close but with Kenny, you don't want to sit through the rest of the nonsense too see him. I am not trying to put words in your mouth because I don't know you and everything going on in your life, it's just that those words stuck me because of how I am feeling. I have been to MANY shows and have enjoyed them all..even Atlanta but just because of the friends I was with..lol There was a time I would do whatever I could to see the man..whether that be at a show or somewhere on the TV voting my fingers to the bone so he could win. Now..not so much
I still love the man's music because he is so talented. I walk to his music almost everyday but I don't see alot of shows in my future and least not as many as I would have done in days gone by..I can't pin point what it is. I guess part of it for me is seeing the constant lies (spin) from Camp Kidman and see what a psycho she appears to be. And knowing he's going along with this for whatever reason..love..money..fame. If this is what make's him happy so be it but I don't see love it in his eyes nor his actions.
I know sometimes we, as you, can get carried away with our points and our feeling about KUNK but I feel that it's better that we are still here express our views. At least for now, we still care enough to have a view. What scares me , for him, are the fans that have just gone away becuase they feel their time, engery and dollars are better invested in another artist.
I wont go see any artist in a stadium setting. Ok maybe a group like the Rolling Stones because they are legends and i have never seen them live. But thats it. It has nothing to do with Keith and who the skeptics say he used to be versus now. It has nothing to do with wanting to give my money to "more deserving" artists. KU could be headlining the stadium and i would not go. I just dont care for that kind of show. With a venue that large it becomes more about the atmosphere and less about the music. I will continue to support Keith in every other way. If he comes my way again to a reasonable size venue then i will be the first in line for tickets.
I have seen this show 3 times now and this weekend I will see the Carrie end and in the summer I will be going to one of the Chesney shows. But I saw Keith pre kidman and yes he puts on a great show compared to others but compared to how he was in 04 and 05 this is a very pale show. I am sorry that he doesn't have whatever it was that he had before Kidman that made him wipe the stage with Kenny Chesney and make the audience high.
Hi Everyone,
I followed this link from another website and I was just wondering...what's the purpose of this blog?
I don't get it...I mean from what I gather, you were fans of Keith Urban but since he's got married to Nicole Kidman, you don't like him anymore. Wouldn't the proper...sane thing to do is move on to someone else...someone who will fill the shoes this man once did? Why create a blog to disect every facet of his life? You complain about how he's no longer the person you knew (which is kinda weird to me, seeing as except you are members of his immediate family, there's no way to know who the real person is) You go on and on about him, his wife and even his unborn child and you think this is a perfectly sane thing to do....just because you were once fans? Seriously?!!! Wow....just wow.
For my peace of mind...if nothing else, I hope you people are tweens and Teens. I'd hate to think an adult mind is wired like yours.
ACM nominations announced today:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
— Kenny Chesney
— Brad Paisley
— Rascal Flatts
— George Strait
— Keith Urban
TOP MALE VOCALIST
— Rodney Atkins
— Kenny Chesney
— Brad Paisley
— George Strait
— Keith Urban
CONGRATULATIONS KEITH!
"confusedanddeeplytroubled
Wouldn't the proper...sane thing to do is move on to someone else...someone who will fill the shoes this man once did? "
Well, sorry to disappoint you, but, we're not a bunch of teens/tweens...we are sane and well-educated adults....each entitled to our own opinion and the ability to state how we "feel" whenever and wherever we choose....We're no different than the moron on the EIB network that "spews" his sermon to those that sometimes have no thoughts of their own and consider him an "apostle".....
We've seen the changes in the man that scratched and clawed his way to the top of his profession...An extremely gifted musician who while fighting his own demons was drawn in by someone taking advantage of his weaknesses....
He WAS the ETOY in 2005 and from what I saw deservedly so....I've driven, flown and schleped across this country since September of 2005, and met some FANTASTIC people along the way, in order to be part of "the ride"....there have been performers before that have drawn my devotion, but NEVER like THIS MAN....but, I, like "shutupandsing" expressed, am growing weary of the "sideshow".....He's drawn emotion from me in the last (almost) three years that I thought I would never "feel" again...and he brought me back to "the music" something I hadn't enjoyed fully for some time....
We're disappointed that "the ride" is probably coming to an end....We have the right to express our disappointment anytime and use whatever means to do so....To all of you that choose to attack some of us on this blog"...If you don't like and/or appreciate our expression of our feelings, you can go elsewhere....IF WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN THE LOVE, PASSION AND SENSE OF LOSS THAT WE FEEL THEN YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND....I doubt that anyone now or in the near future will FILL HIS SHOES....
Wow Figaro you got that right. I have been doing the traveling thing since 2004 and have met some wonderful people in the process and have seen some parts of this nation.
Does it really make sense to keep watching the "sideshow", as you call it, if it makes you upset??? Participating in this blog means you are paying attention to NK. If you dont like her then ignore her and listen to the music. And if you dont like the music then i guess its time to walk away. I never liked Tom Cruise but i always liked Nicole. I could separate the two and enjoy her movies anyway. Fans of KU that dislike NK need to do the same.
The purpose of this blog, as previously stated by it's authors, is to highlight... to draw attention... to speculate... yes, to complain about the belief that urban's involvement with kidman will be the ruination of his professional career. And they believe that is a subject worthy of an online blog. Agree or disagree... speculate, theorize, and pontificate... someone may find it worthy of a response. But take my advice, and do not try and assume that people on this blog are either losers for commenting on it, or are just "tweens and teens"... because, recall, your commenting on this blog... and you know what they say when you assume?
Realitycheck, please reread both ShutUp&Sing's and Figaro's most recent posts. You probably need to reread every blog ever posted here. You have NO idea where we are coming from, obviously.
Great blog!
'nuff said.
urban_myths, i understand what they are saying. I just think its completely misguided.
And while Ive got your attention Umyths, i think its time to take down the Cindy Adams quote. You took down the poll where the choice Nicole was having a child naturally was the winner hands down. So i know you know how to delete things on your blog.
geeeeeeez, you're a bossy thing RC
urban_myths, i understand what they are saying. I just think its completely misguided.
No, if you understood, then you would understand it is NOT misguided.
And, it's not up for a vote as to what quotes and/or polls and/or pictures we leave posted on this blog. You see, this is a "skeptics" (oh! yes! that horrid word!) blog.
The purpose of this blog, as previously stated by it's authors, is to highlight... to draw attention... to speculate... yes, to complain about the belief that urban's involvement with kidman will be the ruination of his professional career. And they believe that is a subject worthy of an online blog. Agree or disagree... speculate, theorize, and pontificate... someone may find it worthy of a response. But take my advice, and do not try and assume that people on this blog are either losers for commenting on it, or are just "tweens and teens"... because, recall, your commenting on this blog... and you know what they say when you assume?
exactly maclen.....we "hard core" skeptics simply have a brain, and we are using them. and we also possess discerning minds, even though we're told repeatedly not to use them. we've got NK's number. too bad if somebody doesn't like it.
Reality Check,
You said "Keith is performing just as much as before Underwood went on tour with him. " Then you said you haven't seen a show since last year.
My point was that if you haven't seen a show in a year, how do you know he's performing as much? He isn't. I've seen him 8 times since August alone. I've seen him in 04, 05, 06 and 07 as well - He is going through motions now, but he ISN'T "performing" as much!! He is using the same lines, the same motions, the same songs, the same sticht over and over. I would hardly say that's "performing as much". In my opionion his shows have become much more about a routine, and much less about a performance. I'm not trying to be sassy about your not knowing that if you haven't been in a year. You said you're going through withdrawls and I understand and knew what that is like. I just mean however, that you commented on something that isn't really true, then said that you haven't been - that's all.
To all the non-skeptics:
1. Note that this site allows you to post your opposing point of view despite the incontrovertible fact that your view is polar opposite of what this site was created for. You take full advantage of the freedom of this blog so it's only fair you acknowledge the difference between this blog and your probable home base of NKU, Mates or Monkeyville.
2. It is not logical to come to a place titled UrbanMyths and be outraged that the ongoing theme of the blog and comments is the change in Keith Urban since his association with Nicole Kidman.
3. To assume the people who use this venue as an outlet for the disappointment, thoughts and feelings are tweens is ignorant. First, never assume anything. Second, it is my understanding that several who utilize this site have earned college degrees and beyond. They/we work in many walks including the country music industry. Those industries include country radio, record companies, CMT, GAC, Nashville network TV stations and the Tennesseean; touring support including lights, sound, set-building and storage and bus/truck leasing; plus public relations, management and legal firms. For those scoffing at that claim it would be wise to reflect on the number of people Keith Urban needed on his way up and the lives he touched who were affected by and supportive of his music.
It is highly probably some of the Skeptics sharing their sense of loss at what Keith Urban once was on this blog and others like it actually have an active and viable connection to Keith. For those once again rolling your eyes consider the size of the Carnival of Pain tour. All those people behind the scenes and on the stage have friends and relatives. How many people do you think are on the Monkeyville Inc. payroll?
On the flip side it's believable that some who come here with the opposing point of view have been asked or assigned to do so by their employers.
4. It is deplorable manners to come to someone else's "home" and demand they change something. Skeptic, Bunny or Worshipper-- the people who comment here are guests of the creators of UrbanMyths. It doesn't reflect well on your upbringing to be so rude to our hosts.
doublewide said...
"...exactly maclen.....we "hard core" skeptics simply have a brain, and we are using them. and we also possess discerning minds, even though we're told repeatedly not to use them. we've got NK's number. too bad if somebody doesn't like it."
Your right, doublewide, the resistance to what we have to say here seems so disporportionate to their claims that we are wrong, hateful, jealous, lying...etc...which is the reason I just like to state my opinions and ignore all the noise.... I"d feel too foolish continuing to argue over parsing of my opinions and thoughts... nobody has to like them...
realitycheck said...
ACM nominations announced today:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
— Kenny Chesney
— Brad Paisley
— Rascal Flatts
— George Strait
— Keith Urban
TOP MALE VOCALIST
— Rodney Atkins
— Kenny Chesney
— Brad Paisley
— George Strait
— Keith Urban
CONGRATULATIONS KEITH!
-----------------------------------
Yes, Congratulations Keith on your two nominations.
And to Kenny's 11
Kenny Chesney Leads ACM Nominees With 11
8 hours ago
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Kenny Chesney received a leading 11 Academy of Country Music nominations Tuesday, including entertainer of the year and top male vocalist.
Rodney Atkins followed with six nominations, including top male vocalist. Brad Paisley, Big & Rich and Sugarland all got four apiece.
Chesney also is up for song and video of the year for "Don't Blink" and vocal event for "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" with Tracy Lawrence and Tim McGraw.
Chesney received double nominations for artist and producer for "Shift Work" with George Strait, as well as for "Don't Blink" for single of the year and "Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates" for album of the year.
If Chesney gets entertainer of the year, the most coveted trophy, it would be his fourth straight win, tying him with Garth Brooks.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jZtbpNntIAe-saqw9lWFSbpi6jTAD8V6QP900
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Another reason the Skeptics are disappointed--Keith could have achieved that many nominations and more.
The counter argument to my statement is always-- 'Keith has a wife and more complete life now' True,Kenny doesn't have a wife but he's not going without and his jet, home and boats were paid for with HIS money.
Thank you berry hill!
If someone is considering pointing out that Keith won a Grammy let me remind you that he didn't care enough about that award to be present to claim it. He chose to hold Nicole's bottle of water at a her photo shoot over accepting that accolade and then he hid behind the lie that he couldn't go the Grammy's because he had to be at his Mum's sickbed.
PS:
You're very welcome Music!
"First, never assume anything."
I think all the skeptics need to take this advice. This blog is built on assumptions.
"Second, it is my understanding that several who utilize this site have earned college degrees and beyond."
I have a college degree but with all my experience Ive learned that higher education isnt necessarily a good indicator of knowledge or common sense in this country. And this blog proves it IMO.
"They/we work in many walks including the country music industry.
And your point? Most of what is stated about Keith and Nicole would require mind-reading. Even if you lived next-door to KUNK you wouldnt know half of what you claim to here. And i have never thought for one minute that it doesnt take other people to make an artist successful. Keith knows it as well.
"It doesn't reflect well on your upbringing to be so rude to our hosts."
They havent invited me. I havent paid a membership fee to post here and abide by "the rules". This is a public blog where people can come and go as they please. In fact I dont even know my "hosts". Is Umyths one person or really a group. And why wouldnt they want to take credit for their individual blogs by posting different names. I have no clue who they are.
Common sense would dictate you would take down an unproven allegation. Common sense would dictate they leave up a poll as long as the others regardless of the outcome. Common sense would dictate that if all opinions here can be expressed, fellow posters wouldnt be telling posters with the minority viewpoint to shut up or go away. UMyths other "guests" arent told to act appropriately and treat others with respect. I was told on this blog entry i needed to reread every post because i dont "get it". I can guarantee you Berry Hill that if a skeptic was rude to me you wouldnt give a flying fig. If you want only one way of thinking go create a private board and then everything can be sunshine and roses.
BTW Chesney's producer credits are a joke. Put the same old same old tropical instrumentation behind a song about shift-work? Its both predictable and puzzling. The first time my sister heard the song on the radio she asked me why the hell did he do that. I said its because its all he knows.
Kenny is getting into producing and songwriting (that syrupy Rascal Flatts song) but thats because he's worried the tight jeans wont fit forever.
To berry hill:
If you want to post rules, please keep it short. You come off pompous and full of yourself.
Oh and politeness would dictate that you address them to all posters.
I've never read a comment where the Skeptics have attacked the creators of Urban Myths nor have I ever read a comment by a Skeptic demanding Urban Myths remove something from THEIR blog. (that's like going into an acquaintance's home and asking them to throw out their couch because it offends the visitor)
Naturally I've seen comments that strongly, rudely and sarcastically defend points of view. But I've never read a comment where the CREATORS of Urban Myths were attacked by a Sketpic.
As for "flying figs"-- never seen that. To your point of defending a commenter being treated rudely-- my response is---- you get what you give.
I wasn't posting rules because that certainly isn't my place. I was venting my irritation at multiple examples of what I was taught constituted exceptionally bad manners. I'm not sure if Music is one of the Urban Myths founders or not but in contrast to your attack Music publicly thanked me. Again, it all depends on your point of view.
Odd RC that you would speak of common sense. I would suggest that none of us exhibit "common sense" by posting comments on this blog or any other. Certainly all of us have more productive things to do with our time.
Also common sense would dictate this blog is not and likely never will be, a positive Nicole Kidman or KUNK site. Common sense would lend one to avoid a place that is a source of irritation unless one is being paid or asked to take a certain point of view in an attempt to balance the scales on what is perceived as a hostile venue to the illusion of Keith and Nicole.
However, there's very little "common sense" to feelings and emotions and the need to express them. So here we are.
I would also point out that RC suggested Urban Myths go private to avoid dissenters. I don't speak for the UM founders but my observation is they are secure enough their views to keep THEIR blog open. There's enough "sunshine and roses" at Monkeyville and NKU.
As for Kenny's 11 nominations-- he has them. Kenny 11 -- Keith 2. That "syrupy song" recorded by Rascal Flats which Kenny had a hand in writing went to number one and stayed there a while. A number one is something that's eluded Keith for about two years. Or as someone working the tour told me, 'Keith hasn't had a number one since he hooked-up with that woman.' I'm not a Kenny fan but I respect what he's accomplished and he's done it on his own merit.
I believe Kenny is nearly 40 years old. Common sense would dictate that he'd be thinking about longevity in all aspects of his career. Keith's actions indicate his retirement plan comes from the perks of a contractual marriage to a much wealthier woman and a highly negotiated pre-nuptial agreement.
Bravo, Berry Hill! BRAVO!
inittowinit said:
"I've seen him 8 times since August alone. I've seen him in 04, 05, 06 and 07 as well - He is going through motions now, but he ISN'T "performing" as much!! He is using the same lines, the same motions, the same songs, the same sticht over and over. I would hardly say that's "performing as much". In my opionion his shows have become much more about a routine, and much less about a performance."
Really, you think his shows today are that much different from 04 & 05? That his schtick is scripted now and it wasn't then? I remember quite a different show from 04 & 05 then. I recall hearing the same jokes at the same exact times even back then. He read signs at the same exact time during the show. He was so predictable it wasn't even funny. And as to his 'performance' factor? I've seen up & down nights all through the years. I would say ALL performers have this affliction - especially if their fans are seeing multiple shows throughout a tour and have something to compare it to. Keith is not the only one this happens to. And, two people at the same show can feel things very differently. I know that I have attended shows with friends and have come away feeling that it was an ok show & my friends felt it was fabulous. So, to each his own.
And congrats to Keith on his ACM noms - he's lucky he's even been considered this year. He's still got a lot of work to do IMO to garner those accolades.
You know, I remember when Keith was the opener to the opener on Soul-to-Soul 1. It was just Keith and his acoustic guitar. What he made happen was pure and simple and magic. He didn't need the ginormous stage and video screens. Keith and his music were more than enough to hold the rapt attention of the audience. He had that undefinable "it" back then. I hope it's still within him but he's looked tired and bored on stage for a long time. He has to fall back on doing it by rote or he might not get through it. There have been nights he's had to be cajoled to do the show because he just "wasn't feeling it."
berry hill, you were dictating rules of behavior and you're right it was not your place. I don't care who else thanked you, I thought it was obnoxious and uncalled for. Mind your own manners and stop worrying what everyone else does.
undecided said...
berry hill, you were dictating rules of behavior and you're right it was not your place. I don't care who else thanked you, I thought it was obnoxious and uncalled for. Mind your own manners and stop worrying what everyone else does.
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I could suggest you follow your own advice. If I choose to be obnoxious it will obvious. Don't presume to tell me that I'm worrying about what anyone does. I'm not worried. I was, however, offended by a blatant example of bad manners based on the standards of my upbringing. Perhaps your parent or guardian didn't set the bar as high as mine did.
As I stated, you get what you give.
Thank you URBAN MYTHS for your support and a venue open for everyone to express their opinions.
berry hill, you are such a cliche.
I could suggest you follow your own advice. If I choose to be obnoxious it will obvious. Don't presume to tell me that I'm worrying about what anyone does. I'm not worried. I was, however, offended by a blatant example of bad manners based on the standards of my upbringing. Perhaps your parent or guardian didn't set the bar as high as mine did.
Why don't you just say "Your mama?" LOL!
Pompous.
Correction: The tour where Keith fronted for Tim and Faith was Spontaneous Combustion.
undecided said...
berry hill, you are such a cliche.
I could suggest you follow your own advice. If I choose to be obnoxious it will obvious. Don't presume to tell me that I'm worrying about what anyone does. I'm not worried. I was, however, offended by a blatant example of bad manners based on the standards of my upbringing. Perhaps your parent or guardian didn't set the bar as high as mine did.
Why don't you just say "Your mama?" LOL!
Pompous.
-----------------------------------
Beause saying "Your mama" would be rude.
Pompous? Personally I don't think so. That's your opinion and you get to post that in this forum unlike the Bunny and Worship sites where the choir all wears the same robe and sings the same note or they get booted out.
Pompous? Personally I don't think so. That's your opinion and you get to post that in this forum unlike the Bunny and Worship sites where the choir all wears the same robe and sings the same note or they get booted out.
Of course it's my opinion.
And I don't post on one sided sites and that's why I resent you preaching your rules like Foxy preaches hers. You weren't venting, you were telling non skeptics what to do. And this blog wouldn't get all the hits it does if non skeptics couldn't come here and question why a poll whose results do not reflect the Skeptic party line is taken down.
It's called discussing ideas. Nothing wrong with that.
I am going to propose a hypothetical which has nothing to do with Nicole's influence on Keith. Has anyone considered that Keith may like the struggle more than the reward? That the quality of Keith's work/performance is below the high standards he set himself because he is sabotaging himself. I know that it may sound crazy, he has everything he could want, but some people just aren't happy if they aren't struggling.
perspone - do you mean he put himself in another bad situation in order to write good songs in the future?
Maybe when Keith won EOTY it was a little of "be careful what you wish for" with him. He got what he wanted and then didn't know what to do.
Maybe when Keith won EOTY it was a little of "be careful what you wish for" with him. He got what he wanted and then didn't know what to do.
I think you may be on to something here. I heard him say in an interview pre-Nicole that he kept his awards at his mother's house because they (I think these were his words)stifled his creativity.
I've never read a comment where the Skeptics have attacked the creators of Urban Myths nor have I ever read a comment by a Skeptic demanding Urban Myths remove something from THEIR blog. (that's like going into an acquaintance's home and asking them to throw out their couch because it offends the visitor)
Naturally I've seen comments that strongly, rudely and sarcastically defend points of view. But I've never read a comment where the CREATORS of Urban Myths were attacked by a Sketpic.
As for "flying figs"-- never seen that. To your point of defending a commenter being treated rudely-- my response is---- you get what you give.
I wasn't posting rules because that certainly isn't my place. I was venting my irritation at multiple examples of what I was taught constituted exceptionally bad manners. I'm not sure if Music is one of the Urban Myths founders or not but in contrast to your attack Music publicly thanked me. Again, it all depends on your point of view.
Odd RC that you would speak of common sense. I would suggest that none of us exhibit "common sense" by posting comments on this blog or any other. Certainly all of us have more productive things to do with our time.
Also common sense would dictate this blog is not and likely never will be, a positive Nicole Kidman or KUNK site. Common sense would lend one to avoid a place that is a source of irritation unless one is being paid or asked to take a certain point of view in an attempt to balance the scales on what is perceived as a hostile venue to the illusion of Keith and Nicole.
However, there's very little "common sense" to feelings and emotions and the need to express them. So here we are.
I would also point out that RC suggested Urban Myths go private to avoid dissenters. I don't speak for the UM founders but my observation is they are secure enough their views to keep THEIR blog open. There's enough "sunshine and roses" at Monkeyville and NKU.
As for Kenny's 11 nominations-- he has them. Kenny 11 -- Keith 2. That "syrupy song" recorded by Rascal Flats which Kenny had a hand in writing went to number one and stayed there a while. A number one is something that's eluded Keith for about two years. Or as someone working the tour told me, 'Keith hasn't had a number one since he hooked-up with that woman.' I'm not a Kenny fan but I respect what he's accomplished and he's done it on his own merit.
I believe Kenny is nearly 40 years old. Common sense would dictate that he'd be thinking about longevity in all aspects of his career. Keith's actions indicate his retirement plan comes from the perks of a contractual marriage to a much wealthier woman and a highly negotiated pre-nuptial agreement.
you are so inside my head BH. excellent post! i want to thank you also, for what you contribute to this blog
berry hill, you were dictating rules of behavior and you're right it was not your place. I don't care who else thanked you, I thought it was obnoxious and uncalled for. Mind your own manners and stop worrying what everyone else does.
good lord, you bunnies are tiresome. you call out others for the same things you do.
just look at yourself and RC. talk about rude and demanding.
BH is correct. you need to learn some manners.
Doublewide, I am not a bunny. I have sided with the skeptics on several issues.I don't expect you to memorize my posts, but don't point fingers if you don't know where a person stands. Mind your own manners.
Doublewide, I am not a bunny. I have sided with the skeptics on several issues.I don't expect you to memorize my posts, but don't point fingers if you don't know where a person stands. Mind your own manners.
ok i apologize for calling you a bunny. wonder if you can do the same?
back to the subject being discussed...maybe the chase was what kept keith motivated career wise.
It would be pointless for UM to make the blog private. They already have a private forum that they hash this crap out in ad nauseum before the blog appears. They want a public forum for "others" to stop in and stir the pot.
Seriously? I don't understand why you non-skeptics can't just leave this place alone? It makes me laugh how bent out of shape you get when the Skeptics tell you how it is. If you don't like it take your asses somewhere else. Nobody is asking you to visit here or start fights...especially ones you'll never win.
I never called you names, doublewide, so I have nothing to apologize for. But I accept your apology.
And I think the chase motivated Keith career wise and personally.
The purpose of this blog, as previously stated by it's authors, is to highlight... to draw attention... to speculate...
in the next breath
But take my advice, and do not try and assume that people on this blog are either losers for commenting on it, or are just "tweens and teens"
LOL...Surely even YOU can see the Hypocrisy in the above statements. It stings when people make assumptions about who you are, hun? Right...but you have no problem setting up a blog to...how did you put it...to highlight... to draw attention... to speculate about someone else. Laughable!
"I remember my first KU concert...this was with the "Old Band" of course. I was blown away! I had never seen someone with so much energy and fire. That smile that he got on his face when the crowd went nuts and he was just ripping it up on the guitar. It was genuine and sincere. I had seen him several times since and all had been good. "
Uhh, that was the "coke" talking.
I think Keith has real substance abuse issued because he couldn't perform onstage unless he was high and didn't really know who he was without it. I believe he's finally come to a point in his life that he's figured out that music is a big part of him, but not everything.
_______________________________
"I still love the man's music because he is so talented. I walk to his music almost everyday but I don't see alot of shows in my future and least not as many as I would have done in days gone by..I can't pin point what it is. I guess part of it for me is seeing the constant lies (spin) from Camp Kidman and see what a psycho she appears to be. And knowing he's going along with this for whatever reason..love..money..fame. If this is what make's him happy so be it but I don't see love it in his eyes nor his actions."
Is this in part because his music isn't great anymore or you've lost that "newness" kinda feeling? For me I think when I first was turned on to Keith's music it was all about getting to as many shows as you could. The first 2 years I logged more than 20+ shows and each year after that it's gradually lessened...now it's only a couple times a year and I don't feel the need to fly all over the country to see him as I once did. It's not because I've lost the love of his music. I still thinks his music rocks, it's just that the "newness" has rubbed off...kinda like dating someone for the first few months. Also alot had to do with the hordes of great friends I met on his tours and still consider them my close friends now. It's just that the whole "monkey" fan club thing got old and obnoxious and seeing how some of those fans would behave at shows really disgusted me. It's why I refuse to get floor seats anymore.
i agree WT.....there are some nutty people in those crowds! (and before anybody goes jumping on me, i did not direct that comment at a poster on this blog)
good post, though, WT
And for the record, can we please stop the petty name calling on both sides? This bickering is grating my last nerve. I personally don't want to read posts about rules, who should post and name calling. Let's get back to the real issues this blog is made for.
And for the record, can we please stop the petty name calling on both sides? This bickering is grating my last nerve
mine, too. i will try to do better.
i will never forget my first KU concert either. a little festival out in the middle of nowhere. i walked back to the car, carrying my lawn chair in a total trance. i haven't found anything to equal the way the man was back then, since.
the passion, fire, enjoyment that he had for what he did was the most amazing thing i'd ever seen.
some days i have hope he'll be that way again....and somedays i just don't care anymore.
Well, as I once wrote in a past blog entry, the consensus seems to coalescing that urban is indeed, to put it nicely, in a "downward trend." And despite the ocassional hyperventilating newbie all gung ho to re-debate the already months old debated... well... knock yourselves out.
... But if there is one thing this blog can do for the visiting urban devoted who seem to feel a hysterical and urgent need to defend him at all costs and deflect all the criticism, would probably be better off pondering any of the reasons behind that criticizm. For if it turns out the so called sceptics are wrong, then what they're left with is continued material to point out on this blog... if the devoted are wrong, then they lose a musicians music and art and performance, that they seem so passionate about. So who does it seem has more to lose?
"So who does it seem has more to lose?"
You know maclen - everyone, including the skeptics, has his music to lose potentially. It's why they're here with this blog - we just have differing opinions on why things happen and on what is happening, that's all.
I don't think any of us want Keith to go away - for any reason.
inittowinit said...
"I've seen him 8 times since August alone. I've seen him in 04, 05, 06 and 07 as well - He is going through motions now, but he ISN'T "performing" as much!! He is using the same lines, the same motions, the same songs, the same sticht over and over."
i'm not trying to pick at you but rather understand. if keith is simply going through the motions, why would you see him 8 times in six months?
for about two years i saw him creep from the back of the stage, stop, and hold his hand to his ear; fall to the floor and continue to play lying on his back; do simultaneous backbends with chad; give the same performance of ytom; and sing the same "we'll go motorbike ridin on the harley that kenny chesney gave me, thank you kenny" line during "jeans on" and that's just for starters. this is nothing new for keith or his fans.
getaholdofurself said...
i'm not trying to pick at you but rather understand. if keith is simply going through the motions, why would you see him 8 times in six months?
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I saw him for those same two years to which you referred as well. And yes - there are things he repeats over and over even back then - that's nothing new. But - he added various covers, changed up the setlist, interacted LOTS more with the audience and while the shows were somewhat scripted, he made each one unique is ways.
Why would I still go 8 times? Because I happen to believe he still has more talent than anyone else I've ever seen. Even though I know EXACTLY when he's going to add that guitar rift, I am still in awe when he does it. Before however, it was different because the notes in the rifts were spontaneous - now it's the exact same thing show after show. That disappoints me, but I'm still there for his talent. Most people who've never seen him will still be blown away - he's still, even on a ho hum night, the best entertainer I've ever seen (and I've seen Kenny and many others) and I still enjoy his shows, his talent, and the music (but mostly the older music - the newer stuff doesn't excite me so much). Another thing for me is the friends I've met along the way - I have some very very good friends who I only see at a Keith Urban concert. Someday, Keith Urban may be dust, but the friends I've met will always remain friends to me. The past 8 shows have allowed me to reconnect with many of them and that's much more important to me than knowing the routine of any show. My only point in mentioning that Keith Urban doesn't PERFORM like before - is just that he DOESN'T. It has nothing to do with whether or not I think he's still talented, because I do - it's just disappointing to me to know what he is capable of and seems to lately have lost all spontonaity. The really sad thing is that I heard it from his own mouth that he was going to "change up" the show and even add a ranch song in now and again. To date, there hasn't been one ranch song added at a single show in over a year! And aside from pulling out Shirt, then replacing it again, removing Faster Car and Pain at a couple of shows, and adding and older song twice, there hasn't been any changes to the setlist.
excellent post inittowinit.....i completely agree with everything you just said.
i have been away for several days, but i'm back! did ya'll miss me?
i don't think i've seen the newest exercise photo ops.....i'll be back
inittowinit, i can better understand where you're coming from now so thank you for that.
i think we can all agree that 'scripting' is nothing new. that said, i don't think you're completely off base. i'd love it if he'd change up the setlist and throw some ranch back into the mix, but either way, i've never seen anyone better live. i've done brad paisley, whose music i love, the reigning eoty, and many more, but they don't have that certain something in their live performances that will ensure that i'll travel to see them or buy a ticket when they're nearby for that matter.
getaholdofurself said...
i've done brad paisley
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Well now, that's a scandal, right there! LOL
You are welcome for the explaination. I'm glad you understand.
inittowinit said...
"getaholdofurself said...
i've done brad paisley
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Well now, that's a scandal, right there! LOL"
HA! ;)
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