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How Long Do You Play For?


Bassmonkey
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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

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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.

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[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?

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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.

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[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.

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[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... :)

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[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

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[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!

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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...

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[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.

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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.

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[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! :)

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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!!

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