Pubdate: Sat, 04 May 2002 Source: Montgomery Advertiser (AL) Copyright: 2002sThe Advertiser Co Contact: http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1088 ROCKERS DESERVES APPLAUSE The terms "responsible" and "rock band" are hardly synonymous; indeed, they're seldom uttered in the same sentence. In light of that, it was particularly gratifying to hear the members of the popular band Widespread Panic declare their support for the law enforcement crackdown on drug use and illegal alcohol use at their concert last weekend at the Oak Mountain amphitheater. There were about 200 arrests at the concert, which drew about 30,000 fans. One fan died of a drug overdose. Realistically, no one expects a rock concert to resemble a Sunday School picnic. Even so, illegal conduct cannot be ignored and it was encouraging to see the band declare its support for the efforts of law enforcement personnel. "We fully support the actions taken by local police to eliminate drug dealing and underage drinking at all Widespread Panic concerts," the band said in a statement. That's not the sort of sentiment usually heard from rock bands. In the statement, Widespread Panic urged fans to attend its concerts "equipped only with an appreciation for the music and respect for their fellow concert-goers." Now there's a concept for you. Here's hoping the band's fans will take it to heart and make future concerts purely musical events, not police operations. Here's also hoping other bands take the same responsible position. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth