If you get to a Miami Heat game early, you're in for a confounding surprise.
After the warm-ups and stretching but before the tip-off, the arena's lights dim. It's time for the Miami Heat's starting lineup. A video on the scoreboard is accompanied by music to psych up the crowd. Usually it's from some classic-rock or hip-hop song. Last year, it was Kanye West's "All of the Lights"; the year before, Phil Collins sang "In the Air Tonight" to the arena.
This year, out of the woodwork, comes the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army." It's been ten years since the song came out, which I suppose qualifies it for classic-rock status, but NBA arenas, and Miami in particular, are not known for their love of indie rock. So someone on the team must have pushed for it. But who would do such a thing?
Join us as we do some detective work on who might have requested "Seven Nation Army" as the Miami Heat's warm-up song and who might push for the Pixies next year.
Possible Culprit: Team president Pat Riley
Musical Taste: Obsessed with Bruce Springsteen. Quoted the Boss at his Hall of Fame induction and had late E Street Band saxophonist Clarence Clemons play the national anthem before the 2006 Finals.
Indie Cred: None. Previously banned players from wearing headbands. (Though he did coach Kurt Rambis whose spectacles and mustache would fit in perfectly in Williamsburg).
Likelihood He Requested "Seven Nation Army": .05% Riley is more Dom Perignon than PBR. Unless Riley's hearing is going, he would never confuse the White Stripes for a Bruce Springsteen b-side.
Possible Culprit: MVP LeBron James
b>Musical Taste: Hip-hop. When LeBron James executive-produced the documentary More Than a Game, he recruited Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Eminem, and Drake to provide the soundtrack.
Indie Cred: The way LeBron James said goodbye to Cleveland was pretty punk rock. He did everything but stick up his middle finger and urinate on the Ohio state flag.
Likelihood He Requested "Seven Nation Army": 3%. LeBron James has said he wants to be the first billionaire athlete, which would mean selling sneakers to all subcultures. Even hipsters.
