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Jimmy Buffett, Parrotheads Invade Atlanta

POSTED: 11:10 pm EDT April 25, 2007
UPDATED: 6:47 pm EDT August 21, 2007

Parrots, sharks, girls in bikinis, guys shirtless, not exactly your typical concert scene, that is, unless you're talking about a Jimmy Buffett concert.

A sold-out crowd hit Philips Arena Tuesday night. Most of them showed up hours before to take up residence in Margaritaville, the term used to describe the tailgate atmosphere surrounding Buffett's concerts. There you could find thousands of fans known as parrotheads, fans that travel the country with their Hawaiian shirts in tow, setting up camp in advance of another concert.

Photos From Margaritaville

A member of Buffett's band actually coined the term parrothead. The theme of those devoted fans, relaxation and a permanent mental vacation whether working or otherwise.

Some fans showed up as early as 10 a.m.. Many dressed the part, some even created their own beach scene with sand, lounge chairs, and a cooler or two.

Several parrotheads noted that it's the party atmosphere as much as the concert itself that brings them back year after year.

Stroll Through Margaritaville

Among the crowd, there was Darrell Shepherd attending his 47th Buffett concert in the last 20 years. Robert Herzog made the drive from Orlando with friends to take in the show. You could even find young Delaney Henson in the crowd. Her parents named her after a Buffett song. She had told the teachers she was busy Tuesday night and wasn't sure if she'd be able to get to all her homework. She decided against telling her teachers why.

Either way, they all found their way into Philips Arena just before Buffett took the stage. He pounded out his most popular hits for more than two hours.

Don't miss the slideshow and video from the event.

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