Grizzly Bear @ The Pabst Theater: Blue Ribbon Vision

June 8, 2009 - Pabst Theater - Milwaukee, WI
www.pabsttheater.org
Our entire staff eagerly awaited Grizzly Bears return to the Pabst Theater this past June. Some of you may have been at their previous performance at the theater on October 7th, 2009, despite Wilco playing across town. That evening Grizzly Bear drew a few hundred fans willing to take a chance on a band on the rise rather than a rock and roll heavyweight.
On the eve of their return to the Pabst came the announcement that their new album, Veckatimest, had just debuted at #8 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart. As huge fans of the band, we saw the announcement reason enough to celebrate, so we got them a cake. (twitpic.com/6xktt)
Prior to Grizzly Bears return to the theater, we attempted to contact a band representative in hopes of securing a Blue Ribbon Vision video shoot. But with press obligations that come with such a great debut of one of the years best albums and a busy tour schedule, we had no luck. On the night of the show, however, as openers Here We Go Magic were winning people over on the Pabst Theater stage, we approached Grizzly Bear bassist Chris Taylor and politely asked if his band would be down for a quick video after the show. Obviously, we were thrilled to hear him say he liked the idea and would check with the rest of the group. After a brief discussion with front man Ed Droste, it was set they would do it. We were extremely elated and nervous!
We invited some staff and a few fans to wait in the upper balcony after the show for the chance to appear in the video. The anxious fans waited patiently as the band broke down their stage setup, while having no idea what exactly they were sticking around for. With the anticipation building, Ed, Daniel, Christopher and Chris appeared upstairs ready, able. After a few Spotted Cows, we worked out the logistics (where people would sit, what angles to use, what the band would play, etc.); the band performed a stunning version of "All We Ask," among a crowd of (somewhat) inattentive friends and fans in the top balcony. The acoustic rendition of the song is a special treat, as it was omitted from the evenings set list, not to mention sounding incredible.

[@rachelwick4221]

I was in this video; and they made us look solemn and disinterested. I’m trying not to laugh at 1:18 lol

[@Armistice0]

you tried. lol.

[@stacycastilllo]

What’s the context of this performance?

[@natures_avatar]

my god their harmonies are spot on! major props!

[@UselessOpinion]

such lovely voices.. so haunting and mesmerizing..

[@SweetAs3point1416]

I am so glad they are finally getting some more recognition, they are freaking amazing as singles and a collective

[@NeilPierreLouis]

love this

[@KarmaRainbows95]

Absolutely amazing concert!!

[@DigitalFlapper]

Everyone there looks uncomfortable, lol.

[@noisez13000]

that is so awesome that they did that for you, just goes to show how cool some of these newer bands can be. i think the people are supposed to look like that for the video, (the description) says its half fans and half workers for the theatre

[@persononline123]

Too me it would be torture to just sit there blank faced...

[@LucidDream]

@PerhapsToast2 Yeah, that's my favorite bit of the song. My heart melts...

[@greenmarcosu]

WOW, wish I could have been there!!

[@samsuiza]

I agree cool idea. Wish you would've filmed the band more and talked w/ them afterward. Great performance, though and beautiful theater.

[@PhantomWarlock]

i would have been freaking out and singing along like crazy if i were in their position

[@DevinParadavlogs]

great band

[@LucidDream]

"I can't Get out of what I'm into with you."

[@pen2199]

What is this called, it's absolutely marvellous

[@richardgalarza7882]

Back when hipsters were uncool.. LOL

[@WFishes]

How do you sit still, exactly?

[@krisenthia]

some ideas should just remain ideas. GB tore it up as usual, though!

[@joshuarivera9767]

Agreed hahah

[@PerhapsToast2]

4:30 is the best part omg

[@drummerwes81]

@kumquatparadise - I think they're supposed to look like that for the purpose of the video.

[@harrypmay]

I'm hoping they were told to look moody and 'intellectual', these guys are killing and everyone looks solemn, it's ridiculous.

[@channelsabored]

It's got to be hard not to look at them or the camera.

[@greensicknesss]

the girl at 2:35 is the only one getting remotely into it haha

[@badboychopsticks]

I think they're acting like that intentionally.

[@paulmoran8555]

Music video? Like wy is everyone not care

[@Juan032694]

@TheMwalk Not at all.

[@comet1n]

Justin Bieber at 0:50 LOL

[@sammonroe7431]

My generation is the worst.

[@krisenthia]

some ideas should just remain ideas. GB tore it up as usual, though!