Wanted, Rolaids for an unfortunate PR person

File this under, "Might want to listen to the band you book before inking the contract."

I went to the Counting Crows concert Saturday, which kicked off the opening of the latest massive commercial development to be added to my fair state. The Crows played for free to open The Legends, which is basically a cookie-cutter "lifestyle center" (think all the other suburban shopping blacktops found across the country) smack dab next to Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabellas, The Kansas Speedway and other large structures my constitution suggests I avoid. Well anyway...a sweet sense of validation and a big laugh on the count of whoever booked the band came midway through the concert.

As most people who have a radio know, the Counting Crows covered the popular Joni Mitchell song, "Big Yellow Taxi," a couple years back. It's a good song, lyrics follow:
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot
With a pink hotel, a
And a swinging hot spot
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don't know what you’ve got ‘Til it's gone
They paved paradise
And put up a parking lot

The irony fairy delivered. Hee hee. As we're standing in a huge parking lot supporting a huge development project, I felt sorry for whoever's job would be up for grabs after the song's last chords.

A former colleague and PR diva turned my way as this happened, both of us horrified by the unfortuante - yet completely predictable - scene.

Crows' lead singer Adam Duritz took some shots at the event organizers, who (LOVE THIS) REQUIRED in the contract that Big Yellow Taxi be played. I was all evil smiles.

I felt that huge burn in the gut that comes from watching a train wreck as Duritz appropriately ribbed the organizers. I'm taking quotation liberties here, but you get the gist: "Anyone think the fact that we're all standing in a huge parking lot is funny?"

Yes, most of those in attendance, other than the few that had anything to do with the event, laughed out loud.