Ten biggest reasons I hate gigging

[deeaa]

- You have to be careful for days in advance to make sure your voice isn't shot the gig night, i.e. not smoke much, drink lots of fluids and still chances are the voice will anyway be way less than at its best

- You have to spend all day with the thing; get the stuff ready and packed and then do the lugging at maybe 5 in the afternoon, soundcheck at seven, and then wait until maybe 11 or midnight to actually get to playing, AND not even be able to drink lots of beer before you have played, so you just sit around pissed with nothing to do for hours on end

- You're at the very lowest ebb of your performance levels at gig time, i.e. 11.pm. or so, which is when you normally go to bed, so you're already bummed out and tired before the show even starts

- Even if the gig starts super early like at 10 p.m. or something, you're still super tired because you spent the night before sleepless due to stressing about the gig

- You can't eat much stuff during the night because you don't a.) want it because you're nervous for the gig b.) you don't want to look like a snake that's just eaten on stage

- At the actual gig there's maybe 5% chance someone actually likes you and cheers, but more like 90% chance someone will ask you to play some top-40 songs you never even heard of

- You're likely to lose some cord of piece of gear on the gig, or get some beer poured on your amp

- You're likely to have to strip the stage right after the gig and in 50% of cases also lug everything into the van where it'll freeze overnight then OR alternatively you have to be there at seven in the morning to clear everything away

- You get to drinking beer properly only after the gig, by when it's at least midnight, so when the bar closes at four you've got like 3 hours of sleep left before you have to get up terribly hung over

- When it's all done you realize your share of the pay is roughly enough to pay for a new pack of strings and a third of the beer you drank after the gig at the bar

[Spudman]

You know, I think you use the wrong word here. You say "you" all the time. I think you mean "I". Because if you mean "me" (Spudman) when you say "you" then I have to disagree with you. :nope

I don't worry much about my voice. It either works or it doesn't.
I don't sit around pissed with nothing to do. I've got a show to put together.
I'm high energy at night, or almost any time.
I don't stress about the gig. I look forward to it.:dance
I eat properly and am not nervous.
I don't care if people cheer. I'm cheering inside.
I don't lose stuff and take care of my gear. However, I did have half the mains go out this past Saturday and played 3 more hours anyway.
I don't drink after the gig because I have to pack up and drive home, so no hangovers.
I get my drinks free from the venue and come home with good pay.

"You" might want to change what "you" are doing.:p:agree

[Jimi75]

What I really didn't like about gigging was the fact that I had to leave the family at home. We had most of our engagements on saturdays. Leaving in the afternoon and coming back at night can be seen as a lost day with the kids and the wife. Anyways, this only matters when you play 30-50 gigs a year like I did. When you play about 5 gigs a year it's something different. However, I do agree with Spud on most points. I look forward to a gig, because I hang out with my bandmates, after soundcheck we roam the city, eat together, play pool and hey that's nurturing friendship, that is the secret thing about having a band. We always felt like a gang. While having lunch together, we plan the gig and show elements. Regarding the payment...well, either the passion is so big that you play unpaid or badly paid gigs, or you really know what you are worth and claim that. I must admit though that our gigs were well paid, because most of the time we played out of the typical setting for a Blues band, means city festivals etc. and also I hated the fact when there were only 2 persons out of 100 that appreciated your music. That is the reason why, if I ever join a band again, I am goign to play only gigs where fans of the music style will be in the audience. Looking forward to my Hendrix Tribute Project that starts this May :-)
Before playing a gig I always check with the owner of the club, if he has a) a room for our stuff, b) if we we will have the key to the door to that room, c) if - best case scenario - he has an insurance for theft. I do not leave my guitars out of my eyes. Trust no one, stealing instruments is a bad thing and it happens everywhere!
Regarding carrying the equipment to the gig and back to the rehearsal room....yeah that was a plague back when we had tons of equipment, but it is also a question of how organized you are. I have reduced my equipment to the most effective setting and can easily bring my stuff to the gig and back. Same is valid for our drummer. It takes less than 20 minutes to uninstall the kit and put in in the car/bus. Luckily most clubs have their own P.A. system here :-)
One more thing regarding the meals and drinks before a gig. We have agreed on havong no alcoholic drinks before the gig, because we made some bad experiences with a drummer we played with. It was a rule - and it was a good rule! 1 or 2 beers during the gig were okay, but no more. I had no problem with that rule as my alcohol intake is almost ZERO. Having a light and healthy meal before the gig is important. Man, I don't wanna be singing and making a show with a huge pizza in my stomach...but I think that is also routine and experience that can differ from band to band.

[deeaa]

Yeah...I also have to leave the family at home.

Well, I dunno. It's of course OK to hang out with bandmates after soundcheck...just that there's not much to do. Can't go home meanwhile really, what's there to do? Maybe play some pool somewhere, but that costs money as well. There's nothing to do in town before the night, at least that would not be costly. I'd much rather hang out with the guys at home than freezing my *** off in town, or sit in some bar drooling over drinks I can't have :-) Besides, I've known these guys since we were the size of fire extinguishers and meet a few times a week anyhow, so it's not like we're lacking in hang-out time.

What's to plan about a gig? What show? We just go there and play. I never thought of putting on a show...what does it mean? Like fireworks or something? We just play and that's it. We got the set list written down and we've rehearsed the songs and how to start each and such ages ago.

Pay...well, can't get paying gigs round here. It's just, well, forget it. Maybe if you come from 200 miles away you get some gas money. It's more like if you want any exposure, YOU pay so you can play, LOL!

Every now and then the main local rock club let bands come and play for free, and there's so many bands applying in past two years we haven't managed to push in. It's very hard unless you've got some releases, radio play or a record company backing you up to land any gigs.

Ugh. We have a gig in the centre of the town finally on Friday, and I'm already wound up like a spring about it. Damn I hate having to go and play there! I wish I could only just play with my band members forever and never have to go out in front of an audience, but alas, it's something a band has to do to survive. It's easy to notice if you don't play any gigs ever, it becomes just...nothing. When you know you have to play a gig, everyone plays totally differently and with completely different enthusiasm.

[deeaa]

Yes of course I mean 'I'...

I guess, the thing is...if we just played some covers and easy tunes, blues and such, it'd maybe be nice...but, I tend to make all songs so difficult to play even after a dozen times of practice I still find it very hard to play my own stuff. Same with vocals; I should just sing in a natural scale and take it easy, but, boy, whenever I make songs they turn out so I'm constantly having to REALLY squeeze it to make it work...and then you find you have to play 14 of these songs you can usually only play and sing properly on the best of days...it's a horrible feeling. You know, like the whole idea of some song might be the chorus is built on this long crazy screaming thing over just one chord...only it goes like 2 octaves higher than my natural range. I can usually do that...but IF I can't pull it out live, the whole song is completely just...nothing, just sad grinding. So, yeah, I do worry about my voice working.

And, you know, I know like 95% of the audience will be band guys and also players/singers...like always on these gigs...sometimes it seems nobody ever comes to watch rock bands except competing bands and players....so it's like a room filled with 'rock police' who will eagerly comment on what you did and how and what went a little bad etc, if also something good as well.

[Jipes]

Well Dee it looks like you don't really like it there's two ways out of it Quit or learn how to enjoy it :socool

I did that for now more than 30 years as an amateur (around 400 gigs) ans still enjoy it as much as my first concerts in a small youth organisation hall. I met my wife in my firs real gig opening for a french singer in 1981 and we're still married :AOK

One thing is Spudmann is just trying to say that you want to share the music with the audience, sometimes it's maybe with only 3 or 4 people the others are too drunk or too bored never mind keep your focus on the ones who love the music

If it's a noisy place two ways of dealing with it, play as low as you can and sing outside of the mic that might force the respect of the audience and getting their attention. Other possibility is to play louder and use your more groovy numbers trying to put people in the mood for dancing and having a party

If you get bored before the show just take your guitar in the dressing room or a quiet place and play it nothing better than training and warming up :rockya

Money is not the whole thing you have to love what you do and play as intensely for 2 or or for 200 people and believe me it's possible and you'll love it !

I might sound a bit too paternalistic but I just want to share experience with you :AOK

[oldguy]

Wow, deea, :thwap
I haven't gigged regularly for close to 20 years, but the worst night was never like what you describe. I'd quit if it was. I'd hate even going if it was like that. I wouldn't want to play at all if it was that terrible.
I still do an occasional thing with some friends or family, and I still love it.
Even way back when, on the occasional nights a heckler was giving us a hard time, or when I played one weekend with influenza, as bad as that was, what you describe sounds horrible. I can't imagine sitting, pissed off, thinking about not smoking or drinking when waiting to start playing. We were always too pumped just waiting to get out there and wail. Maybe it's different where you live.

[deeaa]

I guess the biggest thing is there is no real respect or, well maybe respect but not enthusiasm for unknown bands/original music, especially if it's not proper metal.

I've played maybe, I dunno, well over 100 gigs at least, and only in a mere few did the audience really react well. Sure, there may be some whistles and usually some applause, but people just sit and stare 99% of the time when unknown bands play. Occasionally there is a drunk lady or something that comes out to dance in front of the stage at best. And, sometimes, when you have a playing time starting at 01:00 a.m. or so, and people are very drunk already, then they may get into it more and there will be some people dancing, or at least wobbling about and headbanging.

But, dancing etc. is not something you ever see even with big bands. With big bands, people stand in front though and cheer and maybe headbang, but I don't know if I ever saw any dancing on a rock gig. Dance / party bands are a different matter. Rock music is mostly stonefaced, angry-looking crowd in chains and leather and don't much show their appreciation unless very drunk. They just stare at you when you play, and if you're lucky nobody shouts out stupid requests like 'Yo, play Paranoid!' or 'turn up the gain!! Play black metal!' or something :-) even the owner of the club requested we play 'our hardest stuff please'.

Well, I just lifted some of the anxiety off my shoulder; I sorted out the details and the PA system. Here's the plan:

12:00 go to training facility, play a couple of songs to loosen up some, pack up.
14:00 should have stuff in the venue, unpack and set up.
15:00 picking up the PA system (2+2k with sep. subs and monitors)
16:00 soundcheck, after which the PA guy leaves (we'll do the gig mixing ourselves, if any adjustment necessary)
-then we just wait there, maybe eat something.
20:00 the place opens for customers
21:00 we play our set, which is about an hour, regardless of whether there will yet be people or not at that time (probably not yet)
22:30 the second band plays; I'll help them with mixing and then we drink beer, take some of our stuff to safety in the back room
04:00 should already be home and pass out drunk
11:00 set off to dismantle and carry the gear, take the PA back
14:00 the whole ordeal should be over, back to normal living!

[Eric]

Some good points in here, Dee. I found this particularly interesting though:


Damn I hate having to go and play there! I wish I could only just play with my band members forever and never have to go out in front of an audience, but alas, it's something a band has to do to survive. It's easy to notice if you don't play any gigs ever, it becomes just...nothing. When you know you have to play a gig, everyone plays totally differently and with completely different enthusiasm.
I've never played a proper gig ever -- just with friends and in church on a volunteer basis. But I agree that there's a real difference when there's a goal in mind.

My only real musical goals right now are to do some gigs eventually, probably as a pop/rock band, or maybe a few originals eventually, but I think this whole thread is useful and interesting. It's all a giant unknown to me, and while I hope it's not necessarily doom and gloom, I think I understand the points you're making.

In particular, the audience thing makes sense. I mean, I'm not exactly a barfly anyway, but I very rarely go out to see bands play unless it's music I already know. If there is a band playing, it's usually just ridiculous cover-band noise that I don't pay attention to, because I'm there talking with my friends.

[deeaa]

"It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock'n'roll..."

Indeed. I've played in cover bands, well mostly sang in them, and that's kinda fun. That's easy, and usually the audience knows what's coming and they dig it.
Sometimes, though, especially when in more obscure cover bands...like when I was in this 70's cover band, we did stuff like Steppenwolf, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Eagles, Thin Lizzy, etc - all big hits from said bands - there were still a few occasions someone after a gig came and said:

"dude, the couple of covers you did were great, but I didn't like your own songs very much, stick with covers"
and I'm like, well, actually they are all covers...all top hits from the 70's
"yeah? Well maybe you should pick a more well-known era or songs"

Seems younger people really have never heard that kind of music before. They only listen to black metal or lady Gaga I presume, and maybe some Foo Fighters or something :-)

But, after a while, doing covers seems to me somewhat pointless. It's fun for a while, but, it'd be so much better to do your own stuff...only, then it's a real rocky road. Maybe after ten gigs in the same town you get a dozen people there who know who you are and it gets better slowly...but, it's damned hard to get there. I've been there with about 3 of my bands, which all broke up just as people were knowing us some and gigs were easy to get. At best it was good.

But, it takes years of hard work and at forty I doubt I have the strenght or enthusiasm to put in the effort and promotion and all that shaite any more.

[mapka]

I also never played on stage, but I got into that routine when I did sound for my friends band. Yes I agree, it is a "lost day" as far as the family is concerned, but I always enjoyed the ride to the venue with the band in "The Magic Bus"! :) Laughing and joking the whole way. Even the most arrogant musician was easy to talk to on the bus. The load in always sucked! So much stuff and no matter how easy the club made load in (ramps from the street to the stage were pure heaven) it still is back breaking work. sound check was also a little stressful, especially if you couldn't quite get that sound you wanted, of course by the time the show started it all changes so for about the first two songs you are tweeking the sound to get it right. But after you get it dialed in and barring no break downs (like losing half the mains!) it was fun. It was for those few hours that it made it all worth it. Sure, the money was not great, but I did not care. It was so much fun and how many people can say they did it in their life? Finally, the load out was always the worst. You were tired and all I wanted was a bed, but you had to endure the two hours it took to break down and pack up.

It has been years since I did it, but if given the chance I would do it again today. No regrets

[deeaa]

Yeah, I also used to enjoy the rides with the band...some priceless memories of the bus and backstage activities indeed ;-)

I could definitely work as a soundman for a nice band...and 3-5 times a year I tag along with a friend's band for a gig or two just for that bus ride fun time and backstage and all that jive...but the thing is, in those occasions it's not your a$$ on the line onstage...

It's exactly all that anxiety that comes with the task of singer/guitarist/frontman...everything relies on you and your ability to deliver just then, because without you it's nothing. So it's pretty much all up to you to make it or break it. And then you have your hands full, gotta remember the words, songs, and do the pedal dance while singing and trying to do your best...that's mainly what makes it sucky.

My previous band, Crankenhaus, started with just the idea that since my band before that I swore I'll NEVER become the singer/songwiter/guitarist/mixer/manager again; in Crank I just played the guitar, and it was WAY less stressful, although stressful enough.

But, I guess I clean forgot what a load of work and stress it is when I got talked into the very same position again...and now I have to reap what I've sown.

Seriously, I can already foresee that if we get into gigging more the band will likely just break up at some point because I just can't take the workload and stress of handling it all myself once again.

[deeaa]

This is great BTW to be able to output all the frustration here...

But yeah, now it also seems so clear to me what's the predicament...WORKLOAD.

Who arranges the PA an makes raiders for PA company and checks out the gear and placement?
Who's the only one who actually knows all the stuff needed and what gear and cords etc. to pack?
Who mixes the whole event after the initial setup?
Who does the setups and sometimes even the tuning for all the instruments in the band?
Who's the guy who (should) be doing promotion and letting people know of the event?
Who's arranged for other bands that come to play?
Who takes care of the addresses and the van and transports?
Who's responsible for all the songs and lyrics for his band?
Who's singing the only vocals in the whole band/plays the main guitars/turns on and off all the FX and stage lights all at the same time at any given time maybe a dozen times during one a song, while constantly singing and playing at 120bpm?
Who minds about batteries in wireless and that everyone has a backup instrument/strings etc?
Who's the guy who keeps an eye on the guys so they don't drink too much and arranges rides and time schedules?
Who prints out stage sheets and makes notifications?
Who records the event on video?
Who's likely to be the ONLY guy able to stand on two feet at eleven in the morning when we need to take down the stuff, and likely must go personally and kick at least one band buddy outta bed to help and lug the entire rig with just a few guys while hung over like hell?

Take a wild guess who's the ONLY guy doing it all...no bleeding wonder I'm stressed like a violin string.
Which reminds me to remind the bassist to bring his backup bass..his strings are at least 3-4 years old...and I also just changed and set up the other guitarist's axe and I know his high E is about to go, so I need to remember to change it for him before the gig...

[Eric]

Yeah, I also used to enjoy the rides with the band...some priceless memories of the bus and backstage activities indeed ;-)

I could definitely work as a soundman for a nice band...and 3-5 times a year I tag along with a friend's band for a gig or two just for that bus ride fun time and backstage and all that jive...but the thing is, in those occasions it's not your a$$ on the line onstage...

It's exactly all that anxiety that comes with the task of singer/guitarist/frontman...everything relies on you and your ability to deliver just then, because without you it's nothing. So it's pretty much all up to you to make it or break it. And then you have your hands full, gotta remember the words, songs, and do the pedal dance while singing and trying to do your best...that's mainly what makes it sucky.

My previous band, Crankenhaus, started with just the idea that since my band before that I swore I'll NEVER become the singer/songwiter/guitarist/mixer/manager again; in Crank I just played the guitar, and it was WAY less stressful, although stressful enough.

But, I guess I clean forgot what a load of work and stress it is when I got talked into the very same position again...and now I have to reap what I've sown.

Seriously, I can already foresee that if we get into gigging more the band will likely just break up at some point because I just can't take the workload and stress of handling it all myself once again.
Well at least it seems we've gotten to the bottom of it. You put a lot of pressure on yourself to have a good performance, and you are the leader of the band. Even with my limited experience, I can understand that.

Just last night, I was playing with my "band", and they were asking what we should play next. I said I didn't know and they said, "Well, you're the leader." My response was kind of like what the heck? When did I become the leader? Their answer? "Uh, you've always been the leader."

So yeah...I guess I get it. You want the benefits, but not the pressure. I think that's normal, and I can relate. Maybe you could talk to your bandmates about giving you some more support in this whole thing. Sometimes something as simple as sharing the burden can do a lot to relieve stress on you. Share your goals and what you are stressing about, maybe explain some of the details, ask them for help. It's worth a shot, because right now it seems like your hobby is making you miserable.

[NWBasser]

What's the point of playing to a stone-faced and disinterested crowd?

I mean, if there's no reaction from the audience, why even bother?

[deeaa]

What's the point of playing to a stone-faced and disinterested crowd?

I mean, if there's no reaction from the audience, why even bother?

Well, if all bands thought like that, then there would be no new bands at all coming to the scene, would there? Gotta start somewhere. Maybe after a few gigs some of those will get interested as well, if they happen to be there again. I mean, the 1st time you yourself see a band play in your usual bar, are you cheering and whatnot? I must confess, I maybe check out the guitarist's gear and then just pay attention to my friends and the drink. Maybe if I happen to see the same band again I remember it a little and it sounded interesting the first time, I might go stand near the stage for a while at least, and nod approvingly and such. Third time, if sufficiently drunk, I might get up close and applause even.

You can't choose the audience, you can only try to affect on the venue. It's luck of the draw whether someone will be there.

Many a times I've traveled 200 miles to a gig and literally played two hours for about a dozen people altogether, of which maybe six at best were in at the same time in the bar. Because there were two big name bands playing in the neighboring bars, nobody came to this bar save a few drunkards who could not care less. Except one of them kept begging us all night to play some song I never even heard of.

Another time, same city, we happen to have the playing time just as a local hockey match ended and the bar was chock full of jubilant people...the only time I ever could have stage-dived and really had everyone in the bar jumping up and down with the music.

Sadly, nine times out of ten it's the first scenario.

Our town is not big, about 90.000 people, but if there are 4 bars with live music on tonight, one is bound to be some real big name or a foreign band passing, and two some medium-league recorded bands with some following, and one a cover band. How do you compete? Not many people will come to listen to this no-name band they never heard of. What audience there happens to be is NOT there for the band; they may view the band as a plus or maybe even a nuisance if they don't agree with the style of music, but in any case they never asked for a band that night in their regular watering-hole, so the unknown band is always the underdog. You're coming there to disrupt their usual setting, forcing them to listen to music they never heard before, so yeah...it's not like you're usually super warmly welcome.

But, you gotta start somewhere or you're just playing by yourself and not getting anywhere fast.

BTW this particular gig this Friday...it's a non-drinking youth bar...so none of my friends are coming to see us play :-( they say they don't want to be amidst some teenagers and besides, what's the point if there's no beer...

[Spudman]

Wow, this is way more complicated for you than it ever has been for me.

1. I own and carry the PA - we play 200-300 seat clubs
2. Cables are organized in their own box and done to my specifications.
3. I mix from the stage. My band mates have good ears.
4. Tune your own damn instruments. I tune mine - they tune theirs.
5. I do promotion ahead of time.
6. We don't gig with other bands often.
7. Google maps takes me right to the venue and we ride in my van with equipment and one other car.
8. I chose most of the songs and sing them too.
9. I run the lights with a foot controller.
10. Everyone should tend to their own backup needs. I assume they are men and not babies.
11. I play with mature people and moderate drinking is allowed.
12. I make the set lists.
13. I video the shows - if I remember to turn the recorder on. If I don't remember I focus on a good show anyway.
14. I do most of the tear down myself. I know where everything goes and after many years as a FOH engineer, I can coil cables faster and better than anybody. Everyone carries gear to the van.

It's like we say in food service, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." You can either delegate and have the other guys take some weight or do it all yourself and enjoy what you do. Not much else that you can do...other than lay off the caffeine.

Yes I feel some pressure doing all that I do, but I adjust myself to carry that load and plan well, and I leave a little space for contingencies just in case.


This is great BTW to be able to output all the frustration here...

But yeah, now it also seems so clear to me what's the predicament...WORKLOAD.

Who arranges the PA an makes raiders for PA company and checks out the gear and placement?
Who's the only one who actually knows all the stuff needed and what gear and cords etc. to pack?
Who mixes the whole event after the initial setup?
Who does the setups and sometimes even the tuning for all the instruments in the band?
Who's the guy who (should) be doing promotion and letting people know of the event?
Who's arranged for other bands that come to play?
Who takes care of the addresses and the van and transports?
Who's responsible for all the songs and lyrics for his band?
Who's singing the only vocals in the whole band/plays the main guitars/turns on and off all the FX and stage lights all at the same time at any given time maybe a dozen times during one a song, while constantly singing and playing at 120bpm?
Who minds about batteries in wireless and that everyone has a backup instrument/strings etc?
Who's the guy who keeps an eye on the guys so they don't drink too much and arranges rides and time schedules?
Who prints out stage sheets and makes notifications?
Who records the event on video?
Who's likely to be the ONLY guy able to stand on two feet at eleven in the morning when we need to take down the stuff, and likely must go personally and kick at least one band buddy outta bed to help and lug the entire rig with just a few guys while hung over like hell?

Take a wild guess who's the ONLY guy doing it all...no bleeding wonder I'm stressed like a violin string.
Which reminds me to remind the bassist to bring his backup bass..his strings are at least 3-4 years old...and I also just changed and set up the other guitarist's axe and I know his high E is about to go, so I need to remember to change it for him before the gig...

[Katastrophe]

Wow, Dee, I just don't remember it being that way for my band. Of course, the pay sucked (or was just nonexistent), but we didn't ever headline. I just remember loading in at 7:00, playing at anywhere from 9-11:00, then packing up after and going out for some late night grub. We limited the beer intake to one before the show, but we didn't worry what we looked like when it came to eating.

I loved the whole process, *****ing at the soundman, the butterflies in my stomach before the show, the "oh, crap" moments on stage, everything. We either hung around and listened to the other bands playing, or ran around outside in between soundcheck and the show. I didn't give a damn about the crowd or how many people cheered. I played for me and my bandmates. If the crowd enjoyed it, then fantastic, but if they didn't, then that was on them.

As far as the workload goes, DELEGATE! Tell the other guys that if this doesn't get done, then the band doesn't play. You've got perfectly able members in the band, let 'em pull their share of the work. We all had our duties before the show... If they didn't get done, then the other band members would pull that person aside and advise them of their duties. It ain't a band if nobody else works... it's a solo project with regular pickup musicians.

I hope you find the passion for gigging, man. It can be serious fun if you just roll with it!

[deeaa]

You know, spud - that's how it used to be back in the day...exactly like you described. Be happy; you've found the equilibrium. Believe me, many a times I have seriously thought of moving back to where I was when I was in a band like you describe, in an effort to get back to something like that.

But also...no matter how much I'm *****ing about the situation...two things to consider. First, I still choose to do it, so I choose to bear with it. I MUST enjoy it at some level. Second, it's probably not quite as bad as I make it out to be. I'm just using this forum as an outlet where I know I can vent and have sympathetic ears that understand my feelings...I feel much better about the whole thing just being able to vent my worries and such to whom I've for a good while now considered good friends. And, I can be quite a nuisance to my friends..I say things too directly and even piss people off sometimes, but that's only because I know they can take it...I hope :-)

Also, I know what you're saying...I should not need to worry about them other's tunings and whatnot.

BUT the reason for that is...well I have lots of gigs behind me and many a band...and my band members have but a couple of small outings under their belt. So I kinda feel the responsibility to 'grandfather' them in and guide them. You know, they don't really know all the things a gig entails. We have no PA and they can just book a gig and not even have the sense to worry about things like PA; it just never crosses their mind, because they have no experience really.

So, I guess, despite all the *****ing, I AM kinda also enjoying the situation...while I'm just about to puke now and then out of worry ;-)

[Commodore 64]

You are scaring me.

Tentatively planning for our first gig in April. At an Eagles Club (I think I'm in what's called a "geezer band"). 4 sets ~8-9 songs per set. All covers except 2-3 originals.

[Eric]

You are scaring me.

Tentatively planning for our first gig in April. At an Eagles Club (I think I'm in what's called a "geezer band"). 4 sets ~8-9 songs per set. All covers except 2-3 originals.
Maybe I should find myself a geezer band and cut my teeth on gigging that way. I would guess I could probably make the cut, but you never know.

[Commodore 64]

Find a big one, like mine. There's 7 people (used to be 8) so you don't have to be perfect and on all the time.

[Ch0jin]

I really, really, really wish I could share a documentary I just saw last week with you. It was about an Australian punk band called 6FTHICK (pronounced six foot hick). THIS (http://www.6fthicknotesfromtheunderground.com/) is the website for the doco. Like nothing else I have ever seen, this film shows just how much brutally hard work it can be playing rock and roll. The thing is though, even though after more than 13 years touring almost continuously and beating the hell out of themselves on stage (Literally! They put on the most high energy show I have ever, ever seen) they still seem to love it all. I came away from it thinking "I could never do that" It is a fantastic example of what people can and will do if they are absolutely fanatical about playing. They mention regularly driving from Brisbane to Sydney (1000km) to play a headline show, then they pack up and drive back just to save on accommodation.

[Eric]

Find a big one, like mine. There's 7 people (used to be 8) so you don't have to be perfect and on all the time.
So what's the best way to find such a band?

[Tig]

I can't stand gigging. There's just no sport in stabbing a suddenly blinded flounder with a pitchfork at night from a boat full of overhead lamps.
I like catching flounder with soft baits jigged off the bottom.
Oops, wrong forum! :notme

http://www.nightstalkerguideservice.com/action1.1.jpghttp://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/coopresearch/research/images/102_0786.jpg

[Spudman]

Maybe I should find myself a geezer band and cut my teeth on gigging that way. I would guess I could probably make the cut, but you never know.


An open mic will sharpen you up faster. It's all spur of the moment, no rehearsal. Really makes you use your ears and get your shit together...Then get into a geezer band. You'll be smokin then.

[wingsdad]

Just to add some perspective to the discussion topic of the pros and cons of gigging, here's another pearl I snagged somewhere....long, but...

THE BOOK OF JOBBING (Translated from the original Sumerian)

And so it came to pass, during one date, that the Sidemen were assailed by Doubts, and Darkness descended upon the Bandstand. And the Leader turned to his quaking flock, and saith, "My children, why do you doubt me? Have I not led you through the Valley of the Loading Dock to the Great Land of Long Breaks, Hot Meals, and Undertime? Have I not banished the dreaded Macarena from the Set List, and allowed thee to Blow on selected numbers? Do we not play the Correct Changes for the Bridge of Girl From Impanema, and do we not play Motown selections at the Proper Tempi? And do I not pay you all equitably, neither overpaying the Chick Singers nor underpaying the Horn Players? And are there not Charts for the Horns, so that thou need not Fake Parts? So why doth thou protest when I call The Willie Nelson Song, or The Jackson 5 Ballad? Are they not preferable to Achy Breaky Heart or anything by Celine Dion? Wouldst thou rather suffer Flung Beverage Containers or Scowls and Hectoring by the Aunts and Uncles?”
And the Sidemen answered him, "But Father, we look out into the Dance Floor, and we see The Maelstrom; We fear the Youngsters with Pierced Body Parts, as well as the Ancient Ones with Canes and Walkers; Also do we fear the Bridesmaids with the Large Hair, and the Groomsmen with Cigars and Disheveled Tuxedos; Also do we fear the Relatives from the Great Southwest, as well as those from California, and from New York; Also do we regard with Fear and Loathing the Party Planner, and the Room Captain; But mostly do we fear the Bride, and Her Mother, who ruleth the Earth, yea, even above you, our Leader."
And the Leader looked and saw that this was true. And he took his Book, and he flung it into the Buffet Heaters; and he took his baton, and he broke it over his knee; and he took his Red Bow Tie, and he rent it asunder; and he turned to the Party Planner, and he said, "Now you have no power over me, Minion of Evil." And he turned to the Room Captain, and he said, "I will leave by the Lobby Entrance" And he turned to the Bride, and said, "Take thy Whitney Houston CD and place it where thy Groom may find it during your Honeymoon;" And he turned to the Bride's Mother and said, "Thy Daughter is a Spoiled Brat, and I hope that she soon Divorces her Callow Husband and returneth to live with thee with her three children for the rest of thy Natural Life" And he turned to the drummer and said, "The band is yours." And he went home and slept deeply and soundly, and arose the next day smiling, and began Making Calls to find work as a Sideman.

THE BAR MITZVAH

...And so it came to pass that as the 10th hour of the Day after Sabbath approached, the Leader did look upon his Children and say, "It is time to rest." And the Sidemen did rejoice, and repaired to the Room of Hiding. Then did appear the Party Planner, saying unto them, "I have news both good and bad." And the Sidemen did reply, "Tell us first of the Good News." And she replied, "There are dinners, and they are Chicken."
And the Sidemen did rejoice, and smacked their lips. But the Bass Player, being of a suspicious nature, did narrow his eyes and ask, "And what of the Bad News?" And the Party Planner, looking towards the floor, did say, "But there are not enough Meals, for you must share them with the Photographers and the Video Guy. Furthermore, thou must eat your meals in 10 minutes. And furthermore, there are no Utensils available to those of lowly caste, and so thou must eat with thy Hands." Whereupon a great lamentation arose from the Sidemen, reaching unto the very depths of the Temple. And the Leader heard, and came a-running. "My Children, why dost thou raise thy voices, so that even above the DJ you are heard?"
And the Bass Player did drop a dime on the Party Planner, saying "The Jezebel doth tease and mock us, even as does one to a mule with a carrot!" And a great Fury rose up in the Leader, as he was, as these things go, a Righteous Man. And he turned to the Party Planner and swore great oaths, and saith, "Thou thinkest to save a nickel here and a dime there, at the risk of our Relationship? What dost thou have for Brains? Shall I go unto the Father and tell him that his son David's Mitzvah will be interrupted while we send for Pizza?" And the Sidemen did cheer, as did the Photographers and the Video Guy.
And so the Party Planner did stammer and shuffle her feet, and summon her Flunkies, and many more meals were discovered, as well as Forks and Knives, and even Napkins. And there was Fish as well as Fowl, and even Vegetables and Fruits. And thus was David's Bar Mitzvah saved, and the Leader kept the respect and love of his Children, for at least another week.
***

[wingsdad]

CREATION

And so in the dark of night the Lord awoke Noah, and spoke to him. "Noah, awake and heed my words!" And Noah, being sore, afraid and disoriented, did cry out, "Who goeth there?" And the Lord did smite him upside the head, saying, "It is the Lord of all things, dummy!"

And Noah did tremble, saying, "Lord, why hath thou wakened me?"

And the Lord did say, "Noah, build me a Casual Band. For the Earth will be visited by a plague of Brides, followed by forty days of Trade Shows and forty nights of Awards Banquets." And Noah did say, "Command me, Lord."

And the Lord did say, "First, thou must find me a Leader." And Noah replied, "But Lord, will I not be thy Leader?"

And the Lord did smite him again, saying, "Fool, thou will be my Contractor. Ask not why!"

And Noah did bow his head, saying, "Yes, my Lord. And what will this Leader play?"

And the Lord said, "It mattereth little, whether he play or not, or whether he be proficient or not. For his job shall primarily be to talk to the Brides and their Mothers, and to deal with Clients, and to count off Tempos wrong, and to inquire as to whether Overtime will happen, and to try to segue tunes that should not be segued. If he playeth any instrument, thou must always have another player of that instrument on the band, just to be safe."
And Noah did say, "And what else shall this Leader do?"
And the Lord replied, "It shall be his job to spread Bad Information and Confusion amongst the Sidemen, and to pit them one against the other, and to delay all payments. Further shall it be his job, until we can afford a Soundman, to create Feedback, and to invent new Equalization Curves therefore."
And Noah did shake his head in wonder, saying, "Lord, thy ways are Strange and mysterious. What more shall I do?"
And the Lord said, "Next, find me a Rhythm Section. First, find me a Drummer. And Three Things above all must this Drummer possess."
And Noah did ask, "What are these Three Things? Double Bass Drums? An Electronic Kit? Congas?"
And the Lord did smite Noah again, saying "Second-guess me not, my servant. First, this Drummer must have slightly imperfect time, so that whenever he playeth a Fill (and he shall play many), he always emergeth at a different place, sometimes early and sometimes late, but thou may not guess which. And second, he must be Supremely Discontent, always hoping for the Big Break which will lead to him playing with Chick Corea or Madonna, so that he despiseth Jobbing. And third, he must always be convinced of his Righteousness, in all things, including Time, Volume, Tempo and Feel, so that he argueth always with the Bass Player."
And Noah did say, "As you command, Lord. And what next?"
And the Lord did say, "Thou art learning, Noah. Next shall be the Bass Player. And he shall be Bored. That is all."
And Noah did say, "Of course. And next, my Lord?"
"Next shall be the Piano Player. And he shall play as if he has twenty fingers, and he shall ply Substitute upon Substitute, until no man may name the Chord, and he will not be helpful. Furthermore, he shall always be late. And he shall always be trying out New Gear, of which he has no knowledge."
And Noah did wonder aloud, "Lord, Great is thy Wisdom!"
"Next shall be the Guitar Player. And he shall be a Rock Guitar Player. And he shall be Loud, and he shall sing 'Old Time Rock n' Roll'. Also shall he know not The Page, and so shall rely upon his Ears, which have been damaged by exposure to High Sound Pressure Levels. For the Guitarists who Read shall already be playing Shows, and will be making the Big Shekels. And his tux shall be the Rattiest."
And Noah did say, "It shall be done."
And the Lord did say, "Next thou shall need Horns. First shall be the Saxophones. And they shall be Beboppers. And they shall play their Bird quotes in every song, yea, even the Celine Dion ballad. And they shall Get High on every break, and make the Long Faces all night long, but especially when 'In The Mood' is called. Next shall be the Trumpeters. And they shall every one attempt to take everything Up an Octave, and fail frequently. And of Changes they shall know nothing. And finally shall be the Trombone Player. And many jokes will be made about him, for he will have a Beeper, as well as a Day Job, and he will be the first to be Cut from the Band."
And Noah, taking many notes, did say, "Mighty is the Lord!"
"Next shall be the String Players. Find me Three Women, and attach Pickups to their Violins that are more ancient even than Myself, so that their instruments screecheth and causeth great pain. And their job shall be to dress in Evening Gowns, and to Fake Parts on all Ballads, and to occasionally Stroll, and to complain about the Volume, and the Intonation, and to impede the Swing."
And Noah did say, "What else can be left, Lord?"
And the Lord did say, "Finally, find me the Singers. And they shall be Three, one a Male, and two Females. And the Male shall be a Strutting Peacock, with the Rock 'N Roll Hair, and he shall never have to wear The Tuxedo, and also shall he play The Harmonica. And of the Females, one shall be Black and one shall be White. And the Black one shall ALWAYS sing the Aretha songs, and the Disco. And the White one shall ALWAYS sing the Power Ballads, and the Country Songs. But both shall share the Motown Medley, and shall sing Backup for the Male, and forget the Words, and be Late, and know nothing of Keys or Form. And they shall leave every gig immediately, having never touched a piece of Equipment. And they shall be paid many more shekels than the Sidemen. Ask not why."
And Noah did say, "As Thou sayest, my Lord."
And the Lord did command him, "Search high and low for these, as not every musician can fulfill these requirements. And though we have No Work yet, a Commitment must be secured from All. And while you're at it, start looking for Subs."
And Noah did say, "Lord, thy will be done." And it was.

[wingsdad]

GOD CREATES SIDEMEN

And so the great Leader Nebulon did embark upon a search for suitable Sidemen for his orchestra, and he could find none; for in those days there were not many, and those that he could find were already working; Some worked the Ark with the House of Noah, and some had the house gig at The Walls of Jericho. And many played behind the scat-singing team of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednago. So Nebulon did return to the Lord and saith, “Lord, there are many musicians, but no Sidemen!”, and he rent his clothing.

And the Lord did say, “Shmuck! Have you looked everywhere? Did you call the Union?”

And Nebulon did say, “Lord, I have looked high and low, especially low, and only one or two could I find. What shall I do?” And the Lord did afflict Nebulon with boils, saying “Leave me to think on this!” And just to buy some time he did also visit a plague of locusts on Egypt.
And the Lord did summon a league of Angels, and sent them forth over the land, commanding them to find him some Sidemen. And the Angels did go to the four corners of the earth, but the only unemployed Sideman they could find was one holy man in India who did play the horn with the slide.
So with great fear the Angels did return to the Lord with the bad news, and filled with wrath he was. “How can this be? At one time the world did teem with Sidemen, as a dead oxen does with maggots!”
And the Angels did say, “Lord, many left the business, many have become idiots, and some have even become Leaders, and no Leader will work for another Leader.” So the Lord did cause drought for 40 days while he thought, and the answer came to him. He did recall that there was a factory, part of his Beasts Of The Field, Inc. division that was in disuse. For it had been used to create golems, for which there had been no great demand, and so He had closed down the operation. And He thought, “We can retool, and start turning out Sidemen”.
And so it was done, and the Sidemen started rolling off the assembly line. But somehow a remnant of the golem program remained, and the Sidemen did come out acting unpredictably. Some stammered and stuttered, some talked to themselves under their breath, and some would not bathe. Some refused to shave their beards or to have their hair shorn, and some refused to wear the Jobbing Toga. And some wore the Toga, but left them crumpled in their chariots in between Gigs, or slept in them, or wore Togas from eons past, with ruffles. And some did not believe in maps, and wandered the land aimlessly looking for the Gig, and some did not believe in the use of the hourglass, and arrived at the Gig whenever they chose. And some loved the wine of dates, and some loved the burning of hemp. And some were created without ears, and some with knuckles where their eyebrows should be.
And some did worship the gods Trane, Jaco, Mahavishnu and Ornette, and mocked their Leaders. And some did steal food from the buffet line, yea, even before the Guests had dined. And some did try to lay with the Chick Singers, and some with the Guests. And some did not Read, and some could only Read, and not Blow. And some had no Social skills, and some had no Musical skills. And many of them were Dark, not in pigmentation of the skin, but in the Outlook on Life. But every once in a while the line did produce a Perfect Sideman; One who followed orders without question; One who showed up on time; One who wore the Toga; One whose chariot always ran; One who Knew Tunes; But these Perfect Sidemen were few and far between, and besides their eyes were glazed, and they were shunned, for they were Boring, and knew not how to Hang. And soon the land teemed with Sidemen milling about, looking for Gigs, complaining and whining and arguing and occasionally stabbing each other in the back.
And the Lord looked down upon his work, and said, “It will do”.
And so it was that a decree was issued by The Office of Noah to the leader Nebulon, and Nebulon gathered his minions together. "Rejoice!" he said, "for we have a Job! And it is during the afternoon of a weekday, and it is the slow season!" And the men of the House of Nebulon did rejoice. "Is it a wedding?" one asked. "Is it a mitzvah?" cried another. "Is it a war?" tremulously asked another. "No, my children, it is a Corporate Gig. The client is the Pharaoh Ramesses, and it is the Dedication of his new Pyramid Complex!"
And the men did dance for joy. "Gather your finest raiment and marshall the chariots, for we leave immediately!” cried Nebulon, "for we must cross the desert in order to make the gig on time!"
And the musicians of Nebulon did scurry to their hovels and gather their finest clothing, and their instruments, and their water-bags and cheese-wheels, and all set off across the Great Desert, and their number was great. Presently they arrived at The Pyramid Complex, whereupon they were stopped by a Warrior. "What business have you here?" he asked, eyeing the horde with suspicion. "We have no need of more slaves, as the Pyramids are completed."
"We have come to provide music for the Pharaoh," Nebulon told the guard. "I am the Great Leader Nebulon, of the House of Noah the Contractor." "Wait here," the guard said, and rode off to get clearance.
Two days did the host of Nebulon wait until the guard returned, saying, "You are to go to the Pyramid of Cheops for your Security badges."
"Our thanks, esteemed guardian," said Nebulon, and they set off for the Pyramid of Cheops. And it was not until the setting of the sun that they arrived at the Pyramid of Cheops. "We are of The House of Noah the Contractor, and we have arrived to play music for the great Pharaoh 5 days hence. We have come for our Security badges."
"Wait here," the guard said, and rode off for instructions. At dawn he returned with a scroll of papyrus. "Enter here all of your names, as well as descriptions of your musical instruments, and the license plates of your chariots, and the names of your horses." With much grumbling this was done. And each man was given a medallion of copper to wear about his neck at all times, upon penalty of death. "And now thou art to take your chariots to the Pyramid of Khufu, there to unload your equipment."
"And we are to perform there?" asked Nebulon, with hope in his voice. "Truly I know not," saith the guard, "but I have heard whispers in the winds that the pageant is to be held at the Pyramid of Gizeh." "Then may we not take our instruments and chariots directly to that Pyramid?" "It is not my job to know anything," the guard said, and wandered off to cook a jackal to break his fast.
And so the men went to the Pyramid of Khufu, and indeed were made to unload their instruments, the horns of brass and the reeds, and the drums and cymbalons, and the bells and ouds and zithars and santours and zarbs, and made to carry them by hand to the Pyramid of Gizeh, a mile away.
And when they had arrived at the Pyramid of Gizeh with their horns of brass and the reeds, and the drums and cymbalons, and the bells and ouds and zithars and santours and zarbs, they were met by a Flunky who inquired of Nebulon, "Art thou the band?" And this is how Nebulon acquired the name He Who Seeth Not The Forest For The Trees, for he replied, "Yes, we are."
The Flunky looked them over with dismay, for they were dusty and their feet bled and were bound by rags. "I think I shall put you in the corner."
So the Men of Nebulon did set up their instruments, their horns of brass and the reeds, and the drums and cymbalons, and the bells and ouds and zithars and santours and zarbs, in the corner, and settled in to wait for the appearance of the Pharaoh. But presently did appear a stunning young woman who sniffed the air with suspicion, and asked for Nebulon. "Who told thou to set up here?" she cried. "This is all wrong!"
"But it was certainly your Flunky who instructed us thus," moaned Nebulon, prostrating himself at her feet.
"No, no, and no! You will have to move to the other side of the Pyramid!"
"But is that not the side that the sun shines on at noon?" cried a sideman. "That is no concern of mine," said the Party Planner. "That is where you will look the best." "But is that not next to the Plain of Camel-Herders, who curse and beat their animals all day long?" cried another sideman. "Then thou will have to play loud, I guess," said the Painted Woman. "And is not the pageant to take place here?" asked Nebulon. "Yes, but thou are hired merely for atmosphere. And by the way, where are your turbans? Did we not ask for turbans? Get thee hence!"
And she left to consort with a hyena, and the men of Nebulon got hence. And so for three days the Band of Nebulon did play in the sun for the Camel-Herders and the occasional lost guest, and for the jackals and vultures, and during the night they were assailed by the Women Who Sold Themselves and by Thieves and Cut-throats. And they ate sand and the occasional sand-rat, and had no wine to drink. And some of the men did slip away into the night to become Bedouins, and to raid caravans.
And on the last day of the gig did finally appear the Great Pharaoh Ramesses, who looked drunkenly upon them, and inquired of no one in particular, "We had a band?" And then he staggered back to his guests. And so it was that The House of Noah the Contractor and The House of Nebulon the Bandleader were able to say that they had worked for The Great Pharaoh.
***

[wingsdad]

And so it came to pass that the bandleader Nebulon, He Who Seeeth Not The Forest For The Trees, did take the Chick Singer Shriekula (she who had commanded that the Drummer Valentino be flayed alive, boiled in oil, and rent asunder by crazed horses for playing the Samba beat during her rendition of Misty; she who hath a vibrato so wide that one could drive a legion of chariots through) for his wife, and he began a Dynasty. And Shriekula did bear him three sons, named Macarena, Rubato, and Sid. And in time did these sons grow into men, and have families of their own.
And Macarena begat Tarantella, who begat a daughter, Hora, and a son, Zorba.
And Hora begat Havah Nagilah, Tzena Tzena, and Simon Tov.
And Zorba begat a Great House, including Volari, Rico Suavi, Achy Breaky, Hokey Pokey, Chim Chim Cheree, Slidus Electricus, Lichtensteiner Polka, Disco, and the three idiot sons, Jump, Jive, and Wail. And from this House did also descend Freebird (the drunkard), Danny Boy (the weeper), Mack (the Knife), LeRoy Brown (he who was Bad Twice), New York New York, Auld Lang Syne, Impanema, La Bamba, and others too numerous to name (including the House of Andrew Lloyd Weber, which ruled the world during the terrible period known as The Dark Ages).
And the second son, Rubato, did sire the sons Largo and Lento.
And Largo begat Ritard, who begat Fermata, who begat Arrythmia. And Arrythmia begat the twin sons, Tempo Erratica and Tempo Nebulous (named after his Great-Grandfather). And the twin Tempos did sire many children, including Lachrymosa, Turgid, Dirge, Somnambula, Quaalude and Sominex.
Lento, the other son of Rubato, did begat Rallantando and L'istesso, and Rallantando begat Poco, and Poco begat Con Brio, and Con Brio begat Vivaci, and L'istesso begat Allegro, and Allegro begat Presto.

And the third son, Sid, did not enter the Study of Music, preferring to work in The Office.
And he began his own Dynasty, sending the Bands of the House of Nebulon to the far reaches of the Earth, to perform at banquets and weddings and Mitzvahs and wars and natural disasters.
(Translator's note: It is believed that it was the House of Nebulon which provided bands for the destruction of Pompeii, the burning of Rome, the assassination of Julius Caesar, the fall of Constantinople, and the Mongol campaigns of Genghis Khan; a House of Nebulon band may also have been the house band for the Tower of Babel. Another House of Nebulon band evidently missed making the cruise of Noah's Ark due to a chariot jam.)
And Sid begat Morris (known as Mo), who begat Max, who begat Irving (known as Irv), who begat Mickey, who begat Abraham (known as Abe). And this line did Prosper, long after the rest of the House of Nebulon had passed into history.

And the House of Sid did take 15% off the top until the end of time.

Thus Reads The Holy Gospel.

***

[Commodore 64]

Eric, I found a small music shop that is run by an unpretentious, nice guy (as opposed to the other shop in town who told me I should spend money on lessons instead of the guitar I was looking at). And I signed up for lessons. A few months later, the store had a "Rock Band" event...where students could sign up to do two concerts at the end of the summer. I signed up. He "found" some other "adult students" (only one other person was a student) and we did like 5 songs. I didn't realize I was auditioning throughout the 6 rehearsals and 2 concerts until he asked me to be in his band.

They are truly supportive of me, warts and all. I have no experience singing and even less "feel" for singing than I do for guitar...but they make sure I sing a few songs (The Weight, Bad Moon Rising, Brown Eyed Girl, and a 2nd verse of Soul Man) even though I'm awful. They must be desperate, but screw it. I'm learning a lot more and faster, too. Nothing like a 4 hour rehearsal to build hand strength and muscle memory.

[Eric]

Eric, I found a small music shop that is run by an unpretentious, nice guy (as opposed to the other shop in town who told me I should spend money on lessons instead of the guitar I was looking at). And I signed up for lessons. A few months later, the store had a "Rock Band" event...where students could sign up to do two concerts at the end of the summer. I signed up. He "found" some other "adult students" (only one other person was a student) and we did like 5 songs. I didn't realize I was auditioning throughout the 6 rehearsals and 2 concerts until he asked me to be in his band.

They are truly supportive of me, warts and all. I have no experience singing and even less "feel" for singing than I do for guitar...but they make sure I sing a few songs (The Weight, Bad Moon Rising, Brown Eyed Girl, and a 2nd verse of Soul Man) even though I'm awful. They must be desperate, but screw it. I'm learning a lot more and faster, too. Nothing like a 4 hour rehearsal to build hand strength and muscle memory.
Hmm. Maybe I should find a music store and hang out there. It would probably be better than the failed craigslist adventures I've gone through.

[FusedGrooves]

LOL'd

Elsewhere here I've stated I've just started busking. To my absolute surprise I made as much as I did as I did with my share of the $ from the bands I used to play in, which were very amateur bands BTW. So I made more coin. TICK

I also bought a PA. 'Lugging' it around is probably a bit rich. It has wheels and a handle. I park my car out front of the shop so I have to 'lug' it all of about 3 metres. TICK.

I can play anything I want, no rehearsals. Make up songs on the spot and roll with it. TICK.

95% of MY audience (again suprisingly) have given me great feedback. My 2 favourites were (this one from the lovely young thing behind the counter
"You look a bit like a younger Sting and your music sounds like a cross between Sting and Mark Knopfler" and then this from a passerby
"Is that a Tommy Emmanual cover...?" (no it was not) > "because I love your music, it's not quite as ferocious as Tommy E"
Honestly I think she was trying to find a nice way of saying 'You're not as good as Tommy E' but hey I'll take it ! Especially over your 5% of audience who like the music! I haven't had a single request for Justin Beiber, 2Pac or even Yngie Malmsteen. Even if they did ask I'd simply shrug and tell em to listen to music with soul.....oh I bet that'll get me some hating from Malmsteen fans (and I own all his CDs LMAO! How hypocritcal of me.......! TICK TICK TICK!

Maybe you should go busking dude! :D

[deeaa]

Well...the gig went well by us, but horribly wrong as regards the audience.

We literally played the first chords, and half the people left. I guess it was just too loud for them...and we didn't even amplify the drums any, just a little kickdrum thru the PA. IMO it sounded real nice..I'll probably post a video of some song later.

Anyway, during the first 5 minutes half the audience just left. And during the 2nd song half of what was left went on their way. And it continued, till by the last songs there was literally nobody there. So we cut the set short by three songs.

Then the other band came, and they fared a little better as they had 3 people in the audience, although they also left by the mid-set.

Well, it was quite a normal gig then....

[NWBasser]

Dee, I'm sorry to hear that things didn't go so well.

I hope that you can find an outlet with an appreciative audience for your music.

[Eric]

Wow, that would certainly be demotivating. Sorry it turned out that way.

[deeaa]

Yeah, well, it's just as I knew it would be...9 times out of ten it's more or less like that in my experience, if you play original music and not covers.

Very very rare that you get appreciation from the audience. Probably the best bet to get some of it if you're warming up for some big band that plays similar music, but even then, it's like people will ask when shall the main act start and 'ok we'll get there by then'...the warmup band get a slowly increasing crowd and with some luck a good welcome as well. But, in this case neither band was a big name...I heard a lot of people check out the door sign and go 'Oh there's some bands tonight, should we go somewhere else?'. I can't help but wonder if more people would have been there originally if there had been no mention there is live music. I get the feeling lots of people are driven away by that, they don't WANT live music in bars.

Still, in this case I think the biggest reason is we're just too loud for them kids..they're not used to such loud rock. I fear loud rock is something those 15-18 year olds simply don't listen to. They only know Lady GaGa etc. Even if we don't mic the drums the snare will still pump out something like 120db and my amp even in 18W mode too ain't quiet enough for them. We played quieter than we do at the rehearsal place, and I didn't even need earplugs at all - also the bar owner said it was loud but pleasantly just like rock should be, and the staff seemed to like our music fine, but still it was obvious most of the crowd felt it was way too loud for them, many of them instantly slammed their hands on their ears when we started. Should have an electric kit and some PODs probably, the only way we could get it quiet enough, LOL

[deeaa]

dy5cl-zeyP8
Okay, here's a horribly distorted clip of one of the bluesy jam spots from the yesterday's gig...despite the bad quality and gig, I still loved the way the Ceriatone wailed there :-)

You can hardly make it out, but I played the entire gig with that used-to be turquoise 'Dee-constructed' Squier w/single EMG85.

[Eric]

Still, in this case I think the biggest reason is we're just too loud for them kids..they're not used to such loud rock. I fear loud rock is something those 15-18 year olds simply don't listen to. They only know Lady GaGa etc. Even if we don't mic the drums the snare will still pump out something like 120db and my amp even in 18W mode too ain't quiet enough for them. We played quieter than we do at the rehearsal place, and I didn't even need earplugs at all - also the bar owner said it was loud but pleasantly just like rock should be, and the staff seemed to like our music fine, but still it was obvious most of the crowd felt it was way too loud for them, many of them instantly slammed their hands on their ears when we started.
Yeah, that was my first reaction upon reading your description of it. You've mentioned before that often, you're more into your friends and drink than you are to the bands playing at a bar/club, so it stands to reason that if the music doesn't really allow for talking much, people might be annoyed about it unless they're there to see the band specifically. Just from my gut reaction, a band playing a show where people purchase tickets to see them seems like a very different thing from a band playing at a place where people aren't necessarily there to see the band.


Should have an electric kit and some PODs probably, the only way we could get it quiet enough, LOL
As lame as it seems, yeah that's probably true.

[Commodore 64]

Well they don't know what they are missing. Fools.

[R_of_G]

... a band playing a show where people purchase tickets to see them seems like a very different thing from a band playing at a place where people aren't necessarily there to see the band.

Definitely two distinct audiences with different expectations of a band. The former is clearly a more appealing audience to a band as they are there specifically to hear music. The latter typically wants from a band what it wants from a jukebox or a radio, background music, possibly recognizable so every now and again they can go "hey I love this song!" and then go back to their conversation.

Not to say it's not possible to get someone's attention with your music in an audience that isn't there specifically to see live music, but it sounds pretty far from the normal course of events.

Dee, I can only imagine it's frustrating to have an audience react like that, but if you enjoy playing this music with this band, just keep doing it. It's about you (the band) not them (the audience) anyway. If they like it, that's great but if not, as long as you still do, ignore it.