Bluewine

Agreed Blue

Most of what is happening now is what I call "smooth blues" which is main stream blues for the masses. Like Joe Bonamassa and Gary Clarke. Blue

My opinion, don't be blind sided by ownership changes. Some time it can't be helped. It's always a good idea to keep a good relationship with the owner. In most cases we've been given advance notice on ownership changes. Some time it helps and some time it doesn't matter. Choosing to abandon live music is not uncommon. Blue

Interesting stories about owners that have questionable policies regarding pay. We are usually paid our fee prior to playing. Blue

I've seen new management come in and stop paying bands their fee and move to a questionable percentage of the bar. Keep in mind bands have the option to say, " no thanks" Blue

No, the invisible bear does not count. That was not dancing. Blue

We use to play the Wisconsin State Fair 5 nights in a row. Mon- Fri. Tiny stage and not the best location on the grounds. The fair ground is huge several miles and getting bands back and forth to the stage was awful, very problematic. With other band members having day jobs it was too much of a grind. We stopped playing there. Blue

There was a county fair we use to play every year. Nice faiir lots of nice stages for bands, however we did not have a connection for any of the nice stages. We played in some sort of large barn where there were a few food and drink vendors. We could never draw a decent crowd on that stage. And it was a 4 hour gig. Since we couldn't get booked on the nicer stages we stopped playing this fair 2 years ago. Blue

It happens everywhere for us. We're not really a band for dancing. Also guys in the USA tend not to dance. The single guys looking for action with the ladies sort have to dance or your chances of getting anywhere are slim I can't dance and I won't dance. I'm way to self conscious. Some guys can get out there and don't have a care in the world. That ain't me. Blue

Set hours or play as long as you like? Blue

We recently played a functions/ corporate gig. We're not a functions band. The guests had no interest in the band other than constantly telling us to turn down. We call these "take the money and run" gigs. Blue

Ok, makes sense, same here in the USA. Blue

If I'm learning something new, While it's a bass cover not a tutorial this would be what I would use to learn the song, but add my personal style to it. Blue

No, I believe it was raised to 21 due to the amount of fatal car accidents caused by alcohol for those under 21. Blue

Yes, it happens to all bands that are gigging consistently at the local level, bars, pubs and clubs. Blue

I've noticed a lot reference to multi bill shows. Is that common in the UK for bands? Blue

I get that and definitely some truth to it. However I love " loud " and I believe some bands can sound fantastic at loud volunes. Blue

I'm lucky, we have a dedicated sound and lighting tech. When I arrive at a gig the sound and lights are usually already set up. Takes me 20 mins to set up my rig. Tear down is a different story, we all stay as we are required to help tear down sound and lights. Lots of heavy lifting. Blue

One thing that had a significant impact on live bands started way back in the 70s when we raised the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. What's the legal drinking age in the UK? Blue

Overall, at least for my band the bars that book bands every week and have a good reputation for live music are the most fun to play. The patrons come there specifically to see bands. To me that's key. I'll never understand the landlords that occasionally book bands when they know their clientele has no interest. Blue

Space is an issue for all of us that play bars and pubs. If there's a cool atmosphere with a crowd familiar with a band and supportive I can deal with small space. Blue

If you can pull this off live , your in a pretty accomplished band. Blue

I think it shows your good enough to play along to high level pro backing tracks. Actually playing with pros might be a different story. Blue

Understood, If there's one thing that really angers me it's when someone "stiffs" a band. Blue

We're you paid anything for the gig? Blue