100 gecs tree
The 100 gecs tree (also nicknamed Gecca)[1][2] is a ponderosa pine located in Des Plaines, Illinois, in the United States.[1] It was featured in the cover art for the 2019 album 1000 gecs by the American musical duo 100 gecs and has since become a popular attraction for fans.[3]
History
[edit]The American duo 100 gecs released their debut album 1000 gecs in 2019. The album's cover art featured the duo from nearby Chicago with heads bowed towards the tree and facing away from the camera.[3][4] The coordinates of the tree were later identified on Google Maps, leading to numerous fans of the band making "pilgrimages" to the tree.[3]
Fan pilgrimage
[edit]As of 2020, the tree was listed as a 4.9-star "place of worship" with hundreds of reviews[5] on Google Maps and an "art museum" on Yelp.[2] Fans who visited the tree often left offerings, including Monster Energy cans, cigarettes, pregnancy tests, a plunger, and "other pop culture detritus".[2][5] Connections were drawn between the tree and the American Football House, both musical pilgrimage sites and "mundane things in the middle of Illinois".[3]
Controversy
[edit]The tree is located on private property as part of an office complex in Des Plaines owned by a subsidiary of Acuity Brands.[2] Security guards for the complex have asked visitors to expedite their visits and not leave any items behind.[3] An online rumor circulated that the tree might be cut down by the complex's maintenance team due to frustration at the number of fans intruding on the property and littering[2] but this was denied by a facilities manager for the property.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Richards, M. T. (April 18, 2023). "Hyperpop band 100 gecs just wants to get under your skin". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Siegel, Evan (August 5, 2020). "Pilgrimage to Gecca". The Face. Archived from the original on October 3, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Sturm, Verity (August 10, 2020). "This little tree in Des Plaines is the center of a nationwide hyperpop pilgrimage for gecs love". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on August 29, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
- ^ Angell, Jack (September 4, 2019). "The brilliant pop anarchy of 100 gecs". The Fader. Archived from the original on September 14, 2019. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Barry, Lauren (September 4, 2020). "Album Art Puts Des Plaines Tree On The Map". Journal & Topics. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.