Venetian Resort's Phish Tribute Band, "Bong-Ripper," Faces, Then Overcomes, Prohibition
Ardent Phish enthusiast @acid_farts, whose true identity remains hidden in news outlets, made history and likely earned infamy by puffing on a bong in the Las Vegas Sphere on 4/20.
Posting a video of himself inhaling marijuana smoke on a day celebrated within the marijuana community, @acid_farts uploaded the clip to Instagram. Surrounding spectators can be heard shouting encouragement, chanting βUSA, USA!β in the video.
The caption read, "First bong hit ever smoked in @spherevegas. @phish, give Guinness Book of World Records a call." Tagging the official Sphere account ensured they'd see the footage.
And they did.
Following the incident, @acid_farts bought tickets to see Dead & Company on June 6 at the Sphere. A legal notice from Sphere Entertainment arrived via FedEx, stating that he had breached the guest code of conduct by openly smoking inside the venue.
The notice warned that Sphere Entertainment would not condone actions that jeopardize the safety and security of guests and staff. It further stated that @acid_farts was indefinitely banned from the Sphere, as well as all other concert venues owned by James Dolan, including the Beacon Theatre, Radio City Music Hall, Chicago Theatre, and the venue that hit @acid_farts hard β Madison Square Garden, known for Phish's annual New Yearβs Eve performance.
These venues implement facial recognition to prevent past policy violators and Dolan's personal adversaries, such as lawyers who have sued him and his business interests, from attending.
A Banned Aid Reversal
Following wrongful ban salvo, Sphere Entertainment admitted to an administrative oversight, claiming that the legal notice was sent due to a personnel change.
"A breakdown in our process due to a change in personnel resulted in the letter being sent inadvertently," read a statement. "This customer is not banned from our properties, however, it is still against our policies, in line with local laws, to smoke, bring glassware into our venues, and disturb other fans' enjoyment of the event."
On June 12, Jennifer Koester, former president of the Sphere's business operations, was promoted to president of Sphere Entertainment, a role previously held by Dolan.
This personnel change, combined with sympathetic articles about @acid_farts' predicament in Rolling Stone and Variety, seemed to reverse the ban.
The method by which @acid_farts managed to sneak such a large device past the security checkpoint remained undisclosed. But given the turn of events, it's safe to say that he won't be trying that again.
