Concert Production: Managing NOT to be a fan.

I can remember the date well.  Mainly because it was my Alma Mata's Savannah State University's Homecoming.  This homecoming was special because it marked the first time in my short career of concert production that I was not assigned to set-up and load-out.  I was so excited that I was finally getting the chance to showcase what I had learned.  Today, November 12, 1994, I was a production assistant.  I can almost hear the laughter.  It may not sound like much to those who have been is the business for a while but, to a college student, that was a BIG deal. My duties for this day was to manage the backstage areas.  By doing this, it meant that by default, I would have a lot of face time with the artists scheduled to perform.  And lo and behold, two of my favorite artists, and the hottest artists out at the time, were performing that night.  Outkast and Wu-Tang Clan were in the building and, I must admit, I was a little star struck.  That was strike one.  Now that I have done this more than once or twice, I see the importance of placing your personal feelings, positive or negative, aside.  The problem stated when Method Man arrived at the venue solo while that rest of WU went back to the hotel.  So, Method and myself get to talking industry and his new album Tical,  pre-released that very day, and one thing lead to another and I found myself doing things that normal college student do.  However, as a professional, it was out of line.  This one seemingly harmless event set in motion a roller coaster of conflict for that night.  However, I believe in the code in with we live by "what happens on tour, stays on tour" so I won't go into details.  Just know that whenever you do industry, keep it business.  Don't be a FAN.