re: Reveille article about student section, "Neck"

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I agree with the writer of the article, but don't think it will make a difference.

I was in Tiger Band when "Tiger Rag" was originally banned in 1987. The events that led to it were these: after a late TD in the Alabama game, the student section could clearly be heard over TV yelling the "A$$hole, A$$hole" cheer. The next Monday, the Morning Advocate printed a letter from an Ole Miss fan, who said that "Tiger Band led obscene cheers" at the previous weekend's Ole Miss game in Jackson. That Tuesday, we started preparing to play "Fight for LSU" after field goals and extra points.

Now, the fact that Tiger Band never instigated those cheers doesn't matter to those who hear them. The key fact is that it reflects poorly on Tiger Band, so Tiger Band has a higher vested interest in them ending. I was sitting in the SW corner for last year's Kentucky game, and clearly heard the Neck lyrics (and it wasn't just the student section yelling them). I wasn't surprised when it went away.

Some have argued that time will eliminate the cheers and that sometime in the future the songs will return. Nonsense. It was 13 years from when Tiger Rag was eliminated from scoring celebrations to when it was inserted in the pregame show to turn the band around to the East Upper Deck. The cheer returned soon after, and Tiger Rag went away again. These songs aren't coming back.

Tiger Band members spend hours perfecting their craft. They are a very professional band, which is very concerned about the traditions of the band being maintained at a high standard. Ever see Tiger Band removing their jackets in the stands like so many other bands (Georgia & Florida, for example)? Won't happen.

Unfortunately, many of our fans will never have the class that Tiger Band insists on as a minimum.

GEAUX TIGERS

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