Maybe I shouldn’t be making fun (or pointing out where others make fun) of the New Jersey stereotype with Lil’ Jovi a hit at Rutgers Stadium.
Yes there is plenty of Yinzer stuff that is so annoying at Heinz Field — especially with the continued use of AC/DC and other music that was dated when I was at Pitt. Seriously, when a 40-year old white guy — who’s new music purchases in the last 7 years has been limited to Backyardigans and Laurie Berkner — is tired of this stuff shouldn’t that be a hint.
And it was pointed out in the comments that “Sweet Caroline” is hardly unique to just Pitt and that baseball team from Boston.
It is, however, hard to argue with success.
Q: Should we credit Neil Diamond with an assist in the win against UConn? I had no idea “Sweet Caroline” could be a fight song! The crowd went from deflated to exhilarated after the song and the 30,000 or so who were left were deafening with UConn being forced to punt. Can you explain the “Neil Diamond Effect”?
ZEISE: You know you aren’t the only one who asked this, in fact, I got more than ten of these questions about Sweet Caroline changing the momentum in the game. Obviously, what happens in the stands can feed the emotions of the team to a certain extent and while I think this is a bit overstated I will agree with this — something does happen in that stadium when the crowd comes alive and sings that song. I think part of it is because the students came up with the idea, pitched it to the athletic department and the athletic department listened and as a result, it brings a little extra energy. It is pretty interesting actually — even the games like Youngstown State which were over long before the end of the third quarter, the crowd gets hyped for that song. What is interesting is, if you watch the team while that song is being sung, they seem to be getting into it a little bit as well. Hey, I’m not big on marketing gimmicks, but every little bit helps I suppose and this is one thing that every Pitt fan I’ve talked to seems to agree is a good thing and a good addition to the game day atmosphere.
I guess it’s better than a Donnie Iris sing-a-long.
Seriously though, Bon Jovi sucks, has always sucked, and he’s a disgrace to the state that produced Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, and Frank Sinatra, but the kid was entertaining in the middle of 50-point blowout of Louisville last winter.
@Beat Visitor: Don’t let these guys scare you – not every song is yinzer. Sometimes we BUST A MOVE to Young MC’s classic.
Way to go Zoo and Athletics dept. for coming up with the idea.
As for Rutgers, why they go with Bon Jovi over the E Street Band or even Southside Johnny is beyond me … but I guess pop music rules when it comes to appealing to the masses.