Van Halen performs Tuesday at the BOK Center. STEPHEN PINGRY/Tulsa World
As I'm sure so many concertgoers noticed Tuesday night,
mannnn, it was steamy at the BOK Center arena during
Van Halen's concert.
Contrary to rumor, the air-conditioning wasn't "broke." The heat wasn't turned on, either. Most simply put, Van Halen requested that the air be turned off.
BOK Center Premium Services Manager Sammi Al-Jiboori sent an email (forwarded to the Tulsa World) to many ticketholders before Tuesday's show to let fans know, "Due to artist request, there will be no air movement during Van Halen's performance. This will result in higher than normal temperatures than what you're probably used to here at the BOK Center."
Yes, I've also heard from several fans that the heat "almost ruined" the concert. And yes, it seems a bit obscene for a band to make thousands of fans uncomfortable when they pay good money to support and see the headlining act.
When contacted, BOK Center management had no additional comment.
With some research, the "air circulation ban" is a request made by the band at seemingly all of its tour stops. Many fan message boards, venues and reviews from the 20-plus stops already made on Van Halen's current North American tour reflect as much.
And, really, I've been to many, many shows (everywhere) that were a lot hotter, much more cramped and pulled off with far more chaos. So maybe I'm a bit more unaffected than most. I'm not the "average" concert-goer.
I've been to indoor concerts where temperatures hit triple digits. ... Remember when Cain's Ballroom had no air conditioning? It
never did, until less than a decade ago. I've been to arena concerts that were hotter than last night's show. That's why I generally wear light layers: tank, tee, jacket and (in winter) a coat, especially to arena shows. Hey, because sometimes those places are downright frigid, and sometimes, I'm sure, at artist request.
PLUS! Read the full review of Tuesday night's Van Halen concert,
HERE.
