Bassmonkey Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Do any of you play in a pub band? if so how long do you usually play for? We typically do a 9-10 first set followed by a 10.15 - 12+ second set. Number of encores depends on reaction but is always 1/2 at the least I suspect we are playing a bit longer than we need to but it's hard to get an honest view from landlords (since they want you on as long as possible) and of course the public want you on all night once they've had a few. Just interested to know what other bands do? Thanks Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuee Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I think it's pretty standard for all concerned to expect 2 x 45 minute sets, with a little leeway to accommodate the atmosphere on the night. But 2 x 1hr would usually be a maximum. Considering the punters can sometimes start off relatively indifferent, but by the end won't let you stop, it's fair to adjust set times with that in mind. As you guys do, a shorter first set and longer second, holding 2 - 3 songs in reserve for encores. This all depends on the money, the relationship you have with the venue, the punters, the vibe and how much you're enjoying the night (and sometimes how many songs the band can actually do!). I've been in bands where we just keep going until the landlord stops it, because everyone's having so much fun. Cheers, Stuee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 A common-or-garden pub gig round these parts is 2x45s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 [quote name='wateroftyne' post='1100801' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:13 PM']A common-or-garden pub gig round these parts is 2x45s.[/quote] Yup. Some pubs even have a curfew at the end of the night, so if you think you might be going to go down well, it's worth starting a bit earlier... Does that make sense? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltsdog Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 (edited) We usually play 3 x 45 minutes but occasionally do 2 x 1hr, think maybe we are playing a bit too long Edited January 24, 2011 by waltsdog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 2 or 3 x 45 minute sets is normal around this way, depending on the venue, the style of music, time of day, fee payable etc. I always operated on the 2 x 45 minute norm but have seen a move to 3 x 45 minutes. Would prefer 1 x 2 hours myself. I find intervals pointless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' post='1100838' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:30 PM']Would prefer 1 x 2 hours myself. I find intervals pointless.[/quote] I disagree... the punters want to have a chat, go for a tab, a wee-wee, etc. IME two hours is a long time for Joe Public to listen to a band without getting restless. Incidentally, I believe this to be so regardless of wether it's a pub gig or a ticket do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' post='1100838' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:30 PM']I find intervals pointless.[/quote] Either you drink less beer than I do, or your bladder is stronger!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 [quote name='Conan' post='1100846' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:33 PM']Either you drink less beer than I do, or your bladder is stronger!! [/quote] One diet coke lasts me all night and, yes, I have a bladder like a Blue Whale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' post='1100863' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:44 PM']One diet coke lasts me all night and, yes, I have a bladder like a Blue Whale.[/quote] At least you don't have a foreskin like a Blue Whale. That would be a major drawback... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonybassplayer Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 First set about 50/55 mins Second an hour or so plus 2 or 3 encores Definitely agree with having a break for pee, drink, regroup on set etc and to socialise with friends etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassmonkey Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 [quote name='tonybassplayer' post='1100891' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:58 PM']First set about 50/55 mins Second an hour or so plus 2 or 3 encores Definitely agree with having a break for pee, drink, regroup on set etc and to socialise with friends etc[/quote] Hey Tony, think we both use ROTN as a local band site? I play with the Cardinals! Small world eh? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EssentialTension Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 2x45mins is standard in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuckedUpFunkies Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 My personal favourite is non stop playing. We have always segwayed 4-6 tracks at a time but i always say if the crowds up for it and you can cope why stop and loose momentum? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 2x 45mins is the standard in my experience but if there are a few bands on the bill it is very different obviously Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mep Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 [quote name='Conan' post='1100887' date='Jan 24 2011, 02:56 PM']At least you don't have a foreskin like a Blue Whale. That would be a major drawback... [/quote] Well he's no Dork that's for sure! Back to topic, we play 2 sets of 12 to 14 songs each that last around 50 to 55 minutes. It used to be 2 sets of 12 songs but it's difficult deciding which ones to leave out as we keep learning new ones! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Usually 2x45 for pubs, 3x45 weddings,functions or social clubs, also depends on the band/music etc... At a 50th birthday dep gig I played last year, the band played for nearly 2 1/2 hours (non-stop) - not good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_5 Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 I've played pub gigs where the mainstay is 2x45s (minutes, not songs). I've also done more unusual stuff where w played for 90mins non-stop. I don't wear a watch when I play, so some gigs feel like 15 minutes, some feel like a year... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuckedUpFunkies Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 [quote name='nick' post='1105491' date='Jan 27 2011, 07:58 PM']At a 50th birthday dep gig I played last year, the band played for nearly 2 1/2 hours (non-stop) - not good [/quote] Why was it bad? In my experience its better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer61 Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Longest in old band was 3 and a half hours, no break!!! Current band 1 x 1hr followed by 1x 1hr 15mins plus encores, my logic is I do this for fun therefore want to play as longs as is possible Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
farmer61 Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 [quote name='MuckedUpFunkies' post='1105404' date='Jan 27 2011, 06:47 PM']My personal favourite is non stop playing. We have always segwayed 4-6 tracks at a time but i always say if the crowds up for it and you can cope why stop and loose momentum?[/quote] Me too but I'm outvoted 2:1 on this point......the wimps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doddy Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Pubs-generally 2x45 mins or sometimes the second set may be an hour. To be homest,I think doing the length of time that the OP does can be pretty harmful to some situations. I've seen it where a band may be looking for a venue to play and the landlords will be hesitant to pay for them because they know that some bands will play all night for a lot less. Also,it only takes one or two bands to play a 2 hour second set,and pretty soon landlords will start expecting it from all their other bands,without making any adjustment financially. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 [quote name='MuckedUpFunkies' post='1105527' date='Jan 27 2011, 08:32 PM']Why was it bad? In my experience its better![/quote] Made the mistake of taking along quite a heavy Japcrap Kimara jazz copy to play. By the end, I felt & was walking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. That will teach me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jambo10 Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 Our band generally plays 2 sets at about 1hr 15min each with about a half hour break. Most pubs/clubs round here the norm is 9-12, now and again its a 1am finish so we aim for a slightly longer break with an extra 40 mins worth of material bunged in. On boxing day there, we did 2 gigs in 2 different towns. Each gig was 4 hours (inc break), total 48 songs for each gig.........never again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 We do either 2 x 50 or 3 x 40 sets, all according to the place. My playing partner is an ex pro player and always settles with the landlord before he sets up his rig what he expects for the money. It has worked out ok for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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