Gareth Hughes Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 It's a bit of a grey area as context is relevant - obviously drinking in the studio would seem way more out of place than drinking at a gig with a bar. Tho funny enough I just did a recording session on Sunday past where the drummer cracked open a can of beer as we listened through the first playback at about 1pm. And funny enough he doesn't play drums for a living and yes I do think the two are related. Not that his drinking affected his playing but rather it came across to everyone in the room as unprofessional, just as if you were in mid consultation with your doctor and he did the same thing. (side note - be wary of sessions where the record label has booked the musicians and not the producer. Not good) So my point there is that his conduct was not befitting to a professional situation. Drunk or not I know the producer would never call him again. Yes playing music does not have the same connotations as working in an office so there is the temptation/perception that it can be treated as a night out with the lads - but to me the bottom line is that if someone is paying me to do a job then I do it to the best of my ability and that means not doing anything that will impair my performance. Of course there will always be the fully functioning alcoholic that can run rings around me onstage and I do know one in particular who is a great player all round, but I couldn't, in good faith, recommend him to sub for me or pass his number along. I know his playing, sure, but the guy/girl that's never met him doesn't so it really is a case of first impressions last. I know several stunning musicians that I simply couldn't recommend for a gig because of this and that's sad I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakenewmanbass Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I've done tours where your drinking capability was more important than your playing... I didn't last long on that gig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gareth Hughes Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 [quote name='jakenewmanbass' timestamp='1331234318' post='1570105'] I've done tours where your drinking capability was more important than your playing... I didn't last long on that gig [/quote] +1 to that. There's actually a regular gig going on in France right now that I never get asked to do simply because of the amount of drinking involved!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjohn Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) There's lots of things effect your playing. Drink is but one of them. I don't think I've ever played a gig without having a few beers (or at least two) beforehand. That said, I often rehearse with a few beers, and often practice... after a few beers. Actually, I have played one. The Matthew Street Festival. No beers allowed BY ORDER. I don't think it has detriment to my performance. I'm capable of many things after a few beers. Playing bass is one. In fact, every member of every band I've been in has a few beers before gigs unless driving. We encourage it. I wouldn't do it if there wasn't a culture of it in the band though. That would be rude. Oh, and never, NEVER be more drunk than the audience. And I wouldn't drink whilst playing with strangers or in a professional capacity. Only when in the comfort of players who do the same and know each other well, on and off stage. Edited March 8, 2012 by bigjohn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 The classical boys (mostly) drink like the fishiest of fish and that doesn't stop them knocking out three hours of International-standard dot action. Stockhausen on half a litre of vodka is entirely commonplace. Popular musicians are clearly pussies of the first order. I am disapoint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shizznit Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Soft drinks only for me. Only two pints is enough to losen my concentration and I end up playing like a tool. If I have two gigs back to back I don't drink at all, even after the gig. I can't play when I am hung over. I will never stop or judge any musician having a drink during the performance, but folks have good memories. If you fail to perform because your bladdered, tripping or both don't be surprised you won't get a call back. The rock 'n' roll big I am behaviour doesn't impress folks much these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjohn Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I too cannot perform hungover. Apart from in bed. Which has a lot to do with me not being able to get out of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbyrne Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I'm in my mid 60's - if I drank before or during a gig, I'd be off every 10 mins to the loo........ G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walplayer Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 [quote name='TimR' timestamp='1331225515' post='1569843'] The Sax player stopped mid gig and told the drummer off for speeding up. [/quote] too funny. the sax player should be shot for stopping . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musophilr Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 If you can do the job you're being paid for, it doesn't matter what you've been drinking. Once upon a time I could drink loads and still do my job afterwards. These days I can't. I prefer to decline drinking until after i've done what I'm being paid to do. And if I have to drive afterwards, then declining to drink last till I've got home. Other people may have their own scruples. Stick to yours, I'll stick to mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted March 8, 2012 Author Share Posted March 8, 2012 [quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1331234857' post='1570115'] The classical boys (mostly) drink like the fishiest of fish and that doesn't stop them knocking out three hours of International-standard dot action. Stockhausen on half a litre of vodka is entirely commonplace. Popular musicians are clearly pussies of the first order. I am disapoint. [/quote] It certainly seems that way judging by the Facebook posts of a friend of mine. Although to be fair some of that music must be pretty tedius following the same dots night after night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LemonCello Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Far too many pro musicians that I can ever remember have been 'off their face' on stage. Duff MacKagan has sorted himself out and Alice Cooper has swapped the Beers for.......Golf - now I do object to that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdwardHimself Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I think it is unacceptable for pro musicians to not use correct punctuation (sorry, just had to!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddymick Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I'm another one in the little/or none camp. If you are being paid to do a job you should have the decency to do it to the best of your ability, and for me that means sober. I remember depping for a mate's wedding band about 5 years ago and they all started chopping out lines in the dressing room! Not only did it seem more than a little sad to be doing coke in the dingy backroom of some workies - it was someones wedding day. It just felt really rude and arrogant to treat their day like that. Needless to say the gig was a bit of a thrashy w%%%fest. I'm still mates with the guy. But I don't dep for him anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Personally I'll only ever have a couple of shanties over the course of the evening because I just can't drink and play! My landlord's a trombonist with a very well known UK symphony orchestra and the brass section drink like there's no tomorrow. They will often squeeze 4 to 5 rounds in the intermission alone! Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LukeFRC Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 [quote name='EdwardHimself' timestamp='1331237513' post='1570194'] I think it is unacceptable for pro musicians to not use correct punctuation (sorry, just had to!) [/quote] Like full stops at the end of sentences? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gust0o Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 (edited) [quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1331234857' post='1570115'] The classical boys (mostly) drink like the fishiest of fish and that doesn't stop them knocking out three hours of International-standard dot action. Stockhausen on half a litre of vodka is entirely commonplace. Popular musicians are clearly pussies of the first order. I am disapoint. [/quote] Look, I'd love to drink more, but my endorsement arrangements preclude it. Edited March 8, 2012 by Gust0o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alec 'Aleb' Mills Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 I suppose if you're a band doing pub/club gigs, then a bit before hand and then afterwards is acceptable, but if you are a 'professional' musician then absolutely not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janmaat Posted March 8, 2012 Share Posted March 8, 2012 Who is impressed by drinking ability? People on the drinking road, who can't drink as much as you can. Why are they impressed? Because they think, albeit don't admit, "if he is still half way intelligent after so much drink, he must be a true smart ass when he's sober". Truth is, if anyone has a lot of drink and still walks straight, it's alcoholism, not being smart, strong or anything. Never mind a sip of Jägermeister before a gig - it's the best thing you can do. Also really helps with vocals -- for which, of course, beer is the worst.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 I don't drink. I have to say though that I'm a bit of a stickler with those I work with musically - I don't care what they get up to after we've finished playing (as long as they're safe obviously) but I won't share the stage with a p*ssed musician. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 [quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1331238043' post='1570212'] Personally I'll only ever have a couple of shanties over the course of the evening... [/quote] Sea shanties? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skankdelvar Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 [quote name='Gust0o' timestamp='1331238792' post='1570240'] Look, I'd love to drink more, but my endorsement arrangements preclude it.[/quote] Found myself following Geldof round the V&A one Sunday. He whiffed something rotten, and I don't think it was the booze or the post-Paula G/F.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 I'll do two pints in the course of the evening..if I feel that way inclined, but it is more to do with having something on stage rather than needing a drink. I don't see playing and drinking as condusive so it doesn't interest me. None of the band can drink anyway and it is just not even a factor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 Alcohol before a gig makes me feel lethargic, so I never touch it until after a gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike257 Posted March 9, 2012 Share Posted March 9, 2012 Even on no pay originals gigs, I decided back in my teens that pre gig pints were out. Did it once, and I feel like even one pint can make a noticeable (to me) difference toy playing and awareness, so I don't bother. Would never do it on a payer. Bit of a moot point these days as I own a Splitter van so I'm invariably the one behind the wheel, but I just consider it a professionalism thing. Not judging anyone who sees it differently mind you, I've worked with guys who are useless after a beer, but also with guys who regularly put on a stellar performance after imbibing plenty. I guess it's down to the individual and them having awareness of how it affects their abilities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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