Bluewine

We played The Major Goolsby stage at Wisconsin State Fair this afternoon. It was a good gig. We were well received. The whole thing went over a lot better than last year despite the 100° weather. We played three 45 minute sets. As usual I couldn't get any decent pics. We

Stub I can go back and forth on this topic. This is how I feel today. I'm 71 years old and I'm lucky I have something as cool as gigging in a rock band almost every weekend. That's what's keeping me in the game. After almost 60 years I haven't lost the interest in this or the ability to play . Plus I need the money. Lol Daryl

Not unusual. I've seen it where at the end of the night the staff has no clue about settling up with the band. If the head boss man isn't there, usually there's an envelope under the cash drawer. Daryl

Interesting. Over here I'd have to say the booking folks couldn't care less what the patrons think about bands Daryl

I think the other element we have to consider is, a lot of these venues change management every other week. Daryl

This is typical of what happens with new management. It was nice that you guys pulled the plug on them before they pulled it on you. We have a great relationship The Harley Motor Restaurant. We get on great with the staff and manager, comped drinks and food. However, the manager has absolutely nothing to do with the bookings. It's done by a 3rd party agency that could turn on as at anytime for any reason. Daryl

Alot of times we don't really know the process venue owners use to determine who gets booked and what date . I wonder if you could get an honest answer if you asked the owner; " What criteria do you use for rebooking bands, how can we get in your weekend rotation schedule?" Daryl

I think all bands should bring a professional performance and professional behavior. Daryl

Interesting. It's not just a change in ownership that can hurt a band. If you lose your main contact you can end up back on the streets too. We had a great on going gig at The Wilson Performing Arts Center. Our contact got fired and we never got asked back. Daryl

Agreed. It's the " Don't Stop Believing " type cover bands that bring the women in. Daryl

I think we had a theatre gig earlier this year. The dressing room had a refrigerator stocked with beer & wine. I heard some rumblings that a band member and a friend drank the thing dry. We're going back in October to open for a national act. Lol Daryl

Dave , What color is that bass? It looks like blue burst. Daryl

We have a few bands in my area that will play for next to nothing.Which could result in higher priceed bands not being asked back I subscribe to the notion that most club owners don't know the difference between a good band and a bad one. So, when the cheap band will play a gig for $350.00 and we quote $800.00 for a 4 piece band with sound and lights ,they'll go with the cheaper band. We have been around for over 15 years and we're comfortable saying " no ". Daryl

"Saving a few quid at the bar" In my opinion all bars and restaurants should comp food and certain drinks for the band. It's just the right thing to do as long as you don't have band members that would abuse it. Daryl

And some Pub Landlords tend to favor "cheap". We have few places where the owner/managers are living in the past and won't budge from $350.00. We won't take those types of gigs. Off topic, sort of. I know some folks here are not in this for the money, which is fine. However, some of us are. I've never hit the big time or even come close. I'm a struggling local guy. In my area we have some $50.00 a night guys, $70.00, and $100. 00 a night guys. I can proudly say I'm a $150.00 a night guy. That's not much money, but more than most guys are getting around here. Daryl

Chris, I could go on and on about the mentality of some owners and managers. Think "clueless ". Lol There's a way for bands to cut that issue off at the pass. As soon as you arrive you kill the managers and staff with kindness. If you can do this these type of folks are less likely to act up Daryl

Agreed. We're also not what you would consider main stream. However, we have our niche and there's plenty of venues for us to play. We know the venues where you know the crowd wants covers like " Don't Stop Believing " . It's better for us to turn those gigs down. Daryl

Agreed. Over here when a venue changes hands it's undoubtedly the " kiss of death " for the bands. Daryl

That's a very unfortunate scenario. Here's another issue. The band arrives with members acting like "diva rock stars" and making unnecessary demands on the venue. It seems like such an easy proposition. We work for them ,they don't work for us. Daryl

Agreed. Relieing on call back business might work for a while and with some venues. However not a good practice for bands that want to make money. Daryl

Too loud is an issue and the venue might not tell you that was the reason a band wasn't asked back . I say, in the case a band is playing a restaurant or anywhere you are providing background music, keep the volume low. And if your in a loud band, maybe not accept the background music gigs. Daryl

I think sometimes it's a matter of poor follow up from whoever does the bands bookings. I always felt that if the owners or whoever books the bands for the venue are present during the gig you should attempt to book another date with them at the end of the gig. I don't think you wait for the venue to contact you. Daryl

Has your band ever played a really nice venue, with a good crowd, lot's of dancing and the pub cash registers busy but your band was never asked back. There could be a lot of reasons. Share your thoughts or stories. Daryl

How much band experience does this guitarist have? Daryl

The room looks big and it looks like you had a good size crowd. I get the hollow wooden stage issue. My issue has always been playing on concrete stages. Very cold and medicinal. Daryl