The Admiral Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Mrs A and I were invited to see a band at a local venue tonight - a fundraiser for a cancer charity, free entry, money in the bucket for the charity. The band are a very popular covers band, who play a lot of weddings and parties, and travel sometimes hundreds of miles to do so I believe. Tonight was their first big gig (250 plus punters), following the departure of the second guitarist and bass player, so the new guys they had recruited were under a bit of pressure. We arrived at 8, to an empty room, which filled steadily, with background music playing, until it was very busy at 9. Ten past, no band. Twenty past, no band - crowd drinking and lots of chatter. Half past, they finally came on, and kicked into a good set ( a bit indie rock for my tastes, but the punters were enjoying it) which culminated with Sweet Child of Mine before the break, and interestingly, the heavier track had far more people up dancing : they were really up for it. They then stopped "for a short break" - at ten past ten. At ten forty five they were still all drinking and chatting to their friends, whilst the background music played, but sadly, our friends, who were driving, has to get home - so that was us gone too. I just don't understand this mentality - they are all good players, have good gear and were pretty tight - but they had just got the crowd going, and then downed tools to have a few drinks and lap up the plaudits for set 1 it seemed. I have no idea if they would say this, but so many guys I know play in covers bands, and get pissed off with "not being taken seriously" as musicians, yet tonight's band did something that no professional act would do : go and see Springsteen for example, and you'll get at least 2 and a half, and probably 3+ hours for your money. I know they were doing it for nowt (because the singer and drummer both lost parents to cancer it seems), but it was clear from the grumbling at the bar they no one could understand why they had stopped at all, let alone for nearly 40 minutes by the time I left. Is if me, or is this just poor showmanship, and shows a lack of 'professionalism'? Good band - I wanted to see more, but couldn't wait for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KK Jale Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 That's pretty bad. 20 mins is getting long, 25 mins people start to notice, 30 mins they're rightly pissed off. Breaks should be about 15 minutes tops... just long enough to get to the bar, get served, a quick fag for those who do, pile back in. Like the nine minutes for the snooze button on your alarm clock, 15 min band breaks are a scientific fact. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lojo Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 (edited) Unless as you say with the new fellas they didn't have much material they where happy with ? We did a 200 odd punter charity gig last year and had the opposite problem , there was as a lot of dancing going on and we didn't want to stop , we had to take a break as they had an auction (with some cool sports signed stuff) but we where straight back on as soon as possible No point in going to the hassle if your not gonna play ? Edited February 16, 2014 by lojo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 How long were the band asked to play for? Was it their decision? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 We're going to take a 5 minute break for 10 minutes, see you in 15... Even pros can leave you hanging on; Axl Rose? We went to see Richard Bona at the Camden Jazz Cafe. Doors open 7 but we know the acts never start until 9 so we went for something to eat first. But were in the venue at 8:30, Inthink he came on very close to 10:00, at 11:00 lots people were leaving so that they could get the last train home. I suppose the band may well have only been asked to play two sets with an hour break. I've done charity events that have been really badly organised by well meaning people who haven't got a clue and won't listen to reason. "We've only got £300 for the band, what can do? 2x45mins? OK my mate has an iPod we'll put music on over the PA for people to dance to, in the break." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoirBass Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Obviously I don't know the band you speak of, but in my experience its usually the venue that decide how long and at what times you play. It seems a common misconception that the band have any say in this whatsoever. We're often asked for several encores, but can't because the venue has a strict timings and curfew for the live music. So we always end the last set early and play a couple of encores to keep the punters happy. Also we often say to the audience that 'We'll be back in a minute' so as to keep as many people drinking and in the venue as possible. Depending on venue the breaks can be anything from 10 minutes to an hour. Chances are the venue asked the band to finish just before closing time and that the band were waiting to go on to maximise the bars takings, after all thats (in the eyes of the landlord) what they are there for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigd1 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 I think some bands forget, they are at a gig to play for the punters. It makes no difference what money is or is not involved, your next great big paying gig might be watching. I don't know if this is the case of this band in the example we have been given, but some bands behave as if they can do what they want, because they are a good band.................. The punter is your only judge of how good/bad you are. From my experience some bands/musicians treat charity gigs almost as a rehearsal, because they are not being paid, or only expenses are covered. I feel this is a really poor attitude, you are a performer, people come to see you perform, not see you at the bar after just going through the numbers of a short average performed set. How you come across both on and off stage is noted by punters, they are very quick to form a bad opinion of what they would see as not getting value for money, yes even at a charity gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted February 16, 2014 Author Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1392533456' post='2369687'] How long were the band asked to play for? Was it their decision? [/quote] Good question, and the answer is that I don't know, but the venue is an out and out music place, and it was heaving, with many people there because they are friends or fans of the band. I can't imagine they would have had any issues doing 2 hours - barring not having the material ready. That said, the 'new guys' have been in the band for quite some time and they rehearse every week, and gig most weekends (which is why the other blokes left - they couldn't 't commit to the time, particularly taking holiday days to drive to distant Friday night gigs), the material is all pretty standard stuff, and they can all clearly play well, so I wouldn't expect it to be lack of material. Good bass player too - played with a pick, and great tone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobVbass Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote]Obviously I don't know the band you speak of, but in my experience its usually the venue that decide how long and at what times you play. It seems a common misconception that the band have any say in this whatsoever. We're often asked for several encores, but can't because the venue has a strict timings and curfew for the live music. So we always end the last set early and play a couple of encores to keep the punters happy. Also we often say to the audience that 'We'll be back in a minute' so as to keep as many people drinking and in the venue as possible. Depending on venue the breaks can be anything from 10 minutes to an hour. Chances are the venue asked the band to finish just before closing time and that the band were waiting to go on to maximise the bars takings, after all thats (in the eyes of the landlord) what they are there for! [/quote] Exactly this - we play to the timings that the organisers want. Most times we'll do a quarter of an hour break if we have to, some places want a raffle in the middle or something that stretches out to a tedious hour or more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1392538042' post='2369704'] Good question, and the answer is that I don't know, [/quote] Do you think it's fair to judge the band without knowing this pretty important bit of info? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Admiral Posted February 16, 2014 Author Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='NoirBass' timestamp='1392537499' post='2369698'] Obviously I don't know the band you speak of, but in my experience its usually the venue that decide how long and at what times you play. It seems a common misconception that the band have any say in this whatsoever. We're often asked for several encores, but can't because the venue has a strict timings and curfew for the live music. So we always end the last set early and play a couple of encores to keep the punters happy. Also we often say to the audience that 'We'll be back in a minute' so as to keep as many people drinking and in the venue as possible. Depending on venue the breaks can be anything from 10 minutes to an hour. Chances are the venue asked the band to finish just before closing time and that the band were waiting to go on to maximise the bars takings, after all thats (in the eyes of the landlord) what they are there for! [/quote] Cross post with mine : All good points/questions - They have a late licence, but it's an out and out regular music place, and I spoke to the owner - who I know well - as I left, and he was also wondering what they were up it as he thinks they are great and has got them gigs when people book his function room and ask if he knows any good bands for a 50th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzodog Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Venues normally have an end time and you work back from there so i assume the band did not have enough material for a shorter break. Ive just booked a gig in 4 weeks and told the gaffer of the pub we can do 2 x 60min spots. He said thats fine....start at 9 and finish at 12am and have a 15 min break. You do the maths!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimR Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='The Admiral' timestamp='1392512682' post='2369646'] Mrs A and I were invited to see a band at a local venue tonight - a fundraiser for a cancer charity, free entry, money in the bucket for the charity. ... Tonight was their first big gig (250 plus punters), following the departure of the second guitarist and bass player, so the new guys they had recruited were under a bit of pressure. ... [/quote] Reading these two parts in more detail. The band were doing a free relaxed gig to punters who weren't paying, possibly with the aim of giving the new guys an airing. But mainly with the aim of raising some money for charity in a fun relaxed atmosphere with friends and fans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Round here cover bands on pub gigs are expected to go on on at 9.30 (gig o'clock as it is often known), play for 45 minutes and take a longish break to allow punters to have a chat then go back on at 11.00 to finish exactly at midnight. This is what most landlords generally want and bands structure their sets accordingly. This tried and tested approach seems to keep the most punters there until the bar closes. You may lose a few who have to leave early but you can't please everyone can you? Seems to me that the band you saw had been pretty professional about it and got the set timings spot on... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 15mins tops for a break. Chance for the old-uns (as in me) to go to the lav, and the nicotine beagles to get their fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Whatever this band was asked to do by the promoter/organiser, it would have been more professional to announce that they would be back in [i]xxx[/i] mins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Japhet Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 My experience of functions as opposed to gigs is that people often want to have a chat and catch up with each other (particularly weddings) and a longer break is quite acceptable. From a playing point of view I always prefer a short break so that the impetus isn't lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomE Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 For me professionalism is sorting all this stuff out BEFORE THE GIG. Discuss, agree and then do as promised. Its very easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wateroftyne Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='Japhet' timestamp='1392555326' post='2369943'] My experience of functions as opposed to gigs is that people often want to have a chat and catch up with each other (particularly weddings) and a longer break is quite acceptable. From a playing point of view I always prefer a short break so that the impetus isn't lost. [/quote] Yip, on all counts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 As a covers band we tend to take our playing timings from the gaffer, as he knows his punters. The problem with charities is they very often don't know what they are doing with regards to running a night so often seek advice from the band as to what time etc, the band give it their best guess based on what they normally do. 10.45 is quite early to leave a pub gig and to be honest if you leave at that time you can almost certainly expect to miss most of the bands second spasm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Due to most pubs having an extra hour (or more) of serving time landlords usually ask us to do 9:30 - 10:15 and then 11pm - 12am. Suits us fine, punters seem to stay until the end and the bar is always busy right up until closing time. One recent gig we played we asked the landlord what time he closed and when he wanted us to finish, his reply was "when I feel like it and as late as you want". Seems ok to me, plenty of time for a few jars and a bit of socialising (not that bass players should be doing that last one mind). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 You shouldn't get involved in charity gigs unless you are committed to the cause... as the event is often very close to someone heart and discussing money/times is deemed 'churlish'....even inappropriate. Maybe it was more a social thing for the band.... The success of the evening would be counted by the people who organised it... so if the band did it for free, you can't really whip them into shape over playing times. Can't really tell what was the deal from this distance........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Cloud Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 We usually play 2 x 90 minute sets with a 30 minute break. I personally think that is reasonable break for 3 hours of music. Seems to be the done thing in our neck of the woods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
borisbrain Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Doesn't sound too unusual to me. We're normally asked to start at 9 or 9.30, and play 2x60 with a 30 min break. We play 15 songs per set, so are normally happy for the break. By the end of the night, including encores, we've often played nearly 40 songs. On this basis we do about 45 gigs per year. A bugbear for me concerning professionalism is seeing frontmen/women read or play from music stands... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1392559538' post='2369998'] You shouldn't get involved in charity gigs unless you are committed to the cause... as the event is often very close to someone heart and discussing money/times is deemed 'churlish'....even inappropriate. [/quote] I've never found that. Whenever we've done charity gigs, we've talked about the timing with the organisers (or been the organisers) and got it sorted out in advance, then checked on the night that there's no change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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