LITTLEWING Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I am getting to the point where I'm thinking of quitting the gig scene. I know there's a reccession on, but where is everyone on a Friday and Saturday night? Even the one's that do turn up can't even be bothered to clap at the the end of each song. We always give 110% and expect a small ripple of applause at least, but every time... nothing. My daughter was out in a pub with a four piece playing and the same occured there. Don't people show appreciation any more these days or are there so many bands around that we're just human jukeboxes? I know it's not the be all and end all, but it's nice to get some feedback to let you know you're doing it right! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 A few years ago a customer came into our shop and said he'd had his PA amp modified by an electronics guy. He had a switch fitted, and he said before that nobody ever applauded his performance. However, when he flicked the switch, the audience clapped every time. True story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 (edited) [quote name='Pete Academy' timestamp='1320576416' post='1428397'] A few years ago a customer came into our shop and said he'd had his PA amp modified by an electronics guy. He had a switch fitted, and he said before that nobody ever applauded his performance. However, when he flicked the switch, the audience clapped every time. True story. [/quote] Ah yes, that'll be the switch that brought a projector into play displaying a scantily-clap super model on the backdrop Edited November 6, 2011 by The Bass Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='The Bass Doc' timestamp='1320577449' post='1428407'] Ah yes, that'll be the switch that brought a projector into play displaying a scantily-clap super model on the backdrop [/quote] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hobbayne Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 If we dont get any claps at the end of a number, I usually say something like 'Please dont clap, it makes us nervous!' We sometimes get a chuckle at least! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 maybe you're overwhelming them - try sticking to giving 100% Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rOB Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Very bad form not to clap in my view. Even if I don't like a band, it takes a lot of effort and courage to step on stage which deserves respect and a bit of a clap. It is upsetting when people don't applaude your performance. Keep going, there will always be some people who don't appreciate what you/we do as musicians [quote name='Pete Academy' timestamp='1320576416' post='1428397'] A few years ago a customer came into our shop and said he'd had his PA amp modified by an electronics guy. He had a switch fitted, and he said before that nobody ever applauded his performance. However, when he flicked the switch, the audience clapped every time. [/quote] What did the switch do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShergoldSnickers Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='rOB' timestamp='1320583351' post='1428509'] What did the switch do? [/quote] Turned the PA off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 (edited) I refer you to this quote from an interview with Jarvis Cocker: "I guess it was just because I was really into music as a child, and I wanted it to say more. It was the thing, wasn't it? And now it isn't. [b]Music's changed... People still listen to it, but it's not as central, it's more like a scented candle.[/b] It sets the mood. Also, because people like to multi-task, in a way if you've got a bit of music on in the background and the lyrical content is making you want to listen to it, then that would probably put you off the texting you wanted to do. I think people like things that just make that right kind of noise, but leave your brain free to do something else." [url="http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/oct/16/jarvis-cocker-interview"]http://www.guardian....ocker-interview[/url] Edit Edited November 6, 2011 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 IME if you are sufficiently entertaining people will applaud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moonbass Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81qbyTgNcmI&feature=youtube_gdata_player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigthumb Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='moonbass' timestamp='1320586889' post='1428580'] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81qbyTgNcmI&feature=youtube_gdata_player[/media] [/quote] Love it! We play regularly at a pub where there's very little seating. Its always pact with punters who go out to watch a live band but as there always holding a pint they cant clap! They just give approving nods and tap the sides of the glass. Theres lots of foot tapping and nodding along and its obvious the set is going down well but at the end of the song its virtually silent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 (edited) I find that when I do the acoustic stuff, there is very little clapping. Full electric with rocking numbers always gets applause! I went to watch a new band on the Aylesbury scene on Friday and the crowd went mad after every tune. The misses and I clapped and whooped along with everyone else. Edited November 6, 2011 by Blademan_98 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='rOB' timestamp='1320583351' post='1428509'] Very bad form not to clap in my view. Even if I don't like a band, it takes a lot of effort and courage to step on stage which deserves respect and a bit of a clap. It is upsetting when people don't applaude your performance. Keep going, there will always be some people who don't appreciate what you/we do as musicians What did the switch do? [/quote] Haven't a clue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='rOB' timestamp='1320583351' post='1428509'] What did the switch do? [/quote] Put 200 volts thru' the audience's seats? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Sounds like your playing the wrong venues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfisher Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Did the audience pay to get into the venue? In one pub we've played a few times, about half the 'audience' were just regulars who are out for a drink and a chat and would probably have been happier if we weren't playing at at all. At least the other half were appreciative though. The can't-clap-while-holding-a-pint thing can be a problem but in my limited experience that doesn't stop people cheering or making some sort of apreciative noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_Stu Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='LITTLEWING' timestamp='1320575988' post='1428391'] I am getting to the point where I'm thinking of quitting the gig scene. I know there's a reccession on, but where is everyone on a Friday and Saturday night? Even the one's that do turn up can't even be bothered to clap at the the end of each song. We always give 110% and expect a small ripple of applause at least, but every time... nothing. My daughter was out in a pub with a four piece playing and the same occured there. Don't people show appreciation any more these days or are there so many bands around that we're just human jukeboxes? I know it's not the be all and end all, but it's nice to get some feedback to let you know you're doing it right! [/quote] When you say you give 110% do mean in your playing or the evening as a whole?? How much interaction with the punters do you have?? If it's just a case of "This next song is ............. originally done by ............" before every song then you [i]will[/i] be just a juke-box. If you have some banter before & during then you'll either get the crowd with you, or be able to guage whether the crowd [i]want[/i] to be with you - or just want to be left to the boozing & talking with their mates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamPodmore Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='Pete Academy' timestamp='1320576416' post='1428397'] A few years ago a customer came into our shop and said he'd had his PA amp modified by an electronics guy. He had a switch fitted, and he said before that nobody ever applauded his performance. However, when he flicked the switch, the audience clapped every time. True story. [/quote] Was it by any chance labelled "Power"? Liam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moos3h Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 We've had this from time-to-time and it's our opinion that either: 1). The audience are a bunch of dicks. VERY rare, but it has happened and those aren't venues to which we return. 2). We aren't the band they want to see. Has happened a few times, the clue is being asked for 'Sweet Child of Mine'. May as well start packing up then 3). We're playing badly. Also has happened, but it makes it harder to pull yourself together when faced with total indifference. As a percentage of our gigs, it doesn't happen often, thankfully! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Academy Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 In retrospect, the switch probably sent a subliminal message to the crowd, telling them that if they clapped, this clown would eventually f*** off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 I'm a jazz musician. What's applause? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oopsdabassist Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 Certainly have noticed a difference in the last year of so I have been playing with current band, audience numbers in general are dropping, certain pubs we used to play have stopped holding live music nights, just a sign of the times I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bass Doc Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1320604255' post='1428887'] I'm a jazz musician. What's applause? [/quote] It's the rock equivalent of people smiling, nodding and saying 'grrrreat'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LITTLEWING Posted November 6, 2011 Author Share Posted November 6, 2011 I mean 110% playing. Keeping tight, best harmonies etc. and perfect endings. Admittedly, we could banter more with the crowd and get some sort of guage that way. Having said all that, we had a first time gig at a local and they went crazy after every toon, did three encores and the landlady couldn't stop thanking us for coming their way, so it can't be us! Crazy world... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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