http://www.riverfronttimes.com.....0145726/#1

http://blogs.riverfronttimes.c.....review.php

By its organizers' own assessment, the Gathering of the Juggalos is an event filled with the most misunderstood people of all time. Juggalos are generally looked down upon by "normal" members of society, thought of as losers, degenerates or outright criminals -- even, most recently, as a full-fledged gang by the FBI. In keeping with these prejudices, the Gathering itself is subject to wild speculation by people who have never attended, in regards to its debauchery and unhinged behavior.

Some of these preconceived notions are warranted, and some are not. Here are a few of our first impressions of the Gathering, now that we have spent a full day on the grounds.

We probably are not going to be murdered by Juggalos here.

When I initially volunteered for this assignment, many of my friends and family members assumed that this would be the last they would ever see or hear from me. I would be quickly outed as an interloper, it was assumed, and would shortly thereafter be subjected to the glee-filled pool-ball-in-a-sock wrath of the Juggalo Family. The band's "psychopathic clown" motif and violent imagery seem to lend credence to this notion, but in reality nearly every person that we have come in contact with has been very nice.

One thing to consider is that this is the one event of the year at which these misunderstood societal misfits can gather in large groups without fear of ridicule or judgment from outsiders. Truly, the inmates are running the asylum. In keeping, attendees wander around with joy in their crazy clown hearts and smiles on their painted faces. The calls of "Family!" and "Woop woop!" are each shouted in order to express solidarity between kindred spirits, about every ten steps or so.

One caveat: Information for the press included a list of tips -- things like "bring mosquito netting" and "wear sunscreen." Also on this list was an explanation concerning the "woop woop" and "family" call-outs. It was strongly recommended that when someone says these things to you, you should most definitely respond in kind. The repercussions of not doing so were not made clear, but suffice to say, I have loudly been parroting back clown-love to all who have expressed it in my direction. I suppose that could possibly help explain my continued survival.

Juggalos are savvy entrepreneurs.

Everyone everywhere is selling something. Most of it is drugs, of course -- this is a music festival, after all. But more on that aspect in a minute. More interesting are the out-of-the-box oddball ways people have been making money. Take, for example, the man with the "Bet you can't hit me with a quarter" sign. His pants were barely able to stay up, due to the weight of the jangling coins in his pockets. He even paid his way into the festival with change.

Elsewhere, a man with an unreal amount of facial tattoos had dollar bills stapled all over his body pitched his talent like a carnival barker. "Step right up, one dollar! This is a real staple gun; this ain't that fucking kiddie shit like you used to do when you were a kid. This shit really hurts." I probably saw twenty blood-smeared dollars hanging off his skin.

Then there was the topless girl offering "boob squeezes" for only $3. Yes, there were takers.

Jesus Christ, there are drugs everywhere.

This is not a revelation, I know. Tales of the "drug bridge" at the Gathering are well known. Actually walking across the thing is a whole different story, though. Every single drug that I have ever heard of is represented, in large quantities. Salesmen peddle their wares loudly to all who walk by -- at 5 a.m. we were offered "cocaine for breakfast" by a heavy-set fella still stationed at his post. Many dealers not on the bridge wander around with megaphones, loudly advertising whatever mind-altering substance it is that they have to offer. And one of the very first things we witnessed upon arrival was an abundance of individuals wandering the grounds double-fisting balloons of nitrous oxide. Still, I have seen surprisingly few people passed out face-down in the mud. I guess Juggalos have a knack for handling their chemicals. (Although we were told by a police officer that there had been ten overdoses on acid in the first day -- apparently some bad stuff is going around).

Jesus Christ, there are boobs everywhere.

Interestingly, Juggalettes seem to be eager/willing/happy to show off their breasts, often by request and with no promise of compensation. Many simply wander around without shirts on at all. At this point I am torn between whether the situation is exploitative or empowering. On the one hand, the men on the grounds seem to have the same mentality as those who attend Mardi Gras celebrations, and are often boorish in their approach. On the other, it is hot outside, and I have definitely taken my own shirt off, so why shouldn't the ladies do the same?

Either way, there are boobs everywhere. What's funny about it is that in the dark it becomes difficult to tell if you are seeing the breasts of a shapely female or those of a big fat guy. Both are well-represented.

Well, OK, maaaybe we will be murdered by Juggalos.

This seems to be a place without laws. Huge groups of people are high on every chemical substance known to man. Festivities last until five in the morning, every night. Golf carts are driven with reckless abandon at high speeds on pedestrian trails by intoxicated individuals -- some of whom are even famous. (We spotted Violent J in his ride, making his way across the drug bridge, sans facepaint. Spoiler alert: He's fat.)

The point is, danger lurks around every corner. Though I truly believe that these people don't explicitly mean harm to anyone (even press dorks like us), this does all amount to a recipe for potential disaster. There is very nearly a complete lack of supervision, coupled with reckless intoxication and a pervasive "fuck everything" attitude (no seriously, I read that on a shirt this guy was wearing).

How long can this possibly continue to go right?

 

Dani2Dope ‏@Dani2Dope77 27s

Ok its starting #ABKSeminar #GOTJ

 

AMB is out with ABK for the seminar

 

they are setting up a beer pong table

 

ABK talking bout Juggalo Tipping crowd gave mixed reaction to that

 

 Saying he didnt create it a girl called sugar tits did. He just followed her and was taped laughing at it

 

Some1 asked why bandanas were taken off durin rydas. Abk said its hard to rap w/ them on

 

Asked about shapeshifter album. Its like shape shiftin thru different personalities

 

Asked AMB about when garcia bros album coming out. Its coming and dope & wil knw bout it by time gotj over

 

Full blooded cherokee? He cant speak it but aunts and sisters do. Parents died when he was younger so didnt get 2 learn from them

 

ABK says he is 75% native american 25% irish

 

He wants 2 come out w/ his own ecigarette called peace pipe cause everyone does papers lol..

 

In Lotus again? We will see wht happens next yr..... Hard 2 get 2gether to record. Hes down tho in time

 

Why was his arm tucked into his shirt during rydas? Cause he is Sawed off & wanted to look distinctive up there

 

He loves doin videos would love to shoot one out here at gathering. Did film commercial for tour undergound jam

 

New drive by? Jst did 1 for the last tour. Going on tour beggining in november & should be new ep then

 

After that tour will start working on new Drive By album

 

Some1 cut their nipple off for money in the campground. Some1 in crowd is gonna lick it for a beer. UGH

 

Giving another beer to some1 who is now kissing the girl that licked the infected nipple (puked in my mouth lil)

 

He wants the guy w/ the cut off nipple to get every1s faces tatted on his fingers.. abk, shaggy, etc

 

Some1 is currently running into the campground to get their their homie that has his tattoo gun here to do it ...

 

Whts up w/ native world. Its him & some1 else. Its a side thng so doesnt advertise it. Uses it 2 help other bands. Tshirts, banners, ...

 

Just people smokin weed with him and setting up beer pong #ABKSeminar #GOTJ

 

After twiztid every1 meet ABK at the pizza vendor for a pizza party. He's not buyin tho LOL

 

Jst partyin. Beer pong with liquor, tossin beers to crowd & they r passin round, smokin w/ peeps, etc

 

ABK seminar over JCW seminar is next #GOTJ