Sylvia Washington was first in line at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday when Heinz Field parking lots opened for Beyonce’s “Formation World Tour” concert. Her daughter, Mina Adams, had bought floor seats for both of them.
“I’ve been a fan since my younger days, listening to Destiny’s Child,” Ms. Washington said.
The Pittsburgh resident dismissed rumors of a police boycott in response to Beyonce’s video and performance of “Formation” at this year’s Super Bowl. Other fans agreed.
“It’s stupid. Nothing in her video is anti-police. It’s just anti-police brutality,” said a young female fan in a group of twentysomethings.
They were grilling and blasting songs from the album “Beyonce” in a Heinz Field parking lot. Some were applying makeup or changing into their concert gear.
“Their overreaction is a response based on a misunderstanding,” said a man in the group. “If they did their research, they would see she is promoting unity. People see pro-black, thinking that we isolate ourselves. But we just want equality.”
Another group of young tailgaters disagreed. Chris Aland of Pittsburgh said he was not surprised that police were offended by Beyonce’s half-time performance.
”She shouldn’t have done what she did... Police are the heart and soul of this country. She should be proud to be American. You can’t call them out.”
“I think those [shootings] were tragic. It just wasn’t the right platform,” he added.
But that opinion didn’t change Mr. Aland’s excitement about the concert.
“I love Beyonce no matter what,” he said. “We are witnessing history in her career.”
Most fans were more interested in talking about their favorite Beyonce songs than the controversy. “Hold Up,” “Sorry” and “Love Drought” — all from the album ”Lemonade” — were mentioned most.
A group of aunts and nieces from Youngstown, Ohio, were taking family portraits in front of the stadium while waiting for the doors to open. The group had nothing but praise for the star.
“I grew up with her,” Jamie Bowie said. “I’m glad she’s being who she is and growing into her womanhood. We got to watch her grow up.”
Richard B. Edmunds of Manchester was waiting at the will call window for tickets. He likes “Lemonade” but prefers Beyonce’s music from ”way back in the day.” In his opinion, the backlash she has faced is “terrible.”
“People need to stop hating. She’s black, she’s beautiful and she has talent.”
Sarah Pearl Heard: sheard@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1865 and twitter: @SarahPearlHeard
First Published: June 1, 2016, 6:29 p.m.
