ambient Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389990' post='2978757'] I can see why some of you chose this stay home option. It's less work. I say if you don't like gigging your really not in this. Blue [/quote] Not in what ? There's more to making music than playing gigs. Kate Bush for instance hated gigging. It's quite possible to enjoy making music in a band without doing gigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4stringslow Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389738' post='2978755'] I always hear this stuff about not wanting to play to drunken crowd or mob.Is it a cultural thing? I've been playing bars every weekend for years and never run into that problem. IMO it's an excuse for those that don't want to put in the work it takes to gig. [/quote] There's nothing inherently noble about putting in the work to gig, it's just a choice. Perhaps you didn't want to put the work in at school so you could pursue a professional career with a higher paid job and now have to live hand to mouth doing repetitious bar room gigs playing the same old covers? Who really knows, and who really cares? With respect, your (anyone's) opinion is really only of any worth to you (themselves) in order to help you make some sense out of other people's choices, something with which you build your own little world view - but it matters not a jot to those you judge. There are no right or wrongs about this, just personal choices and ambitions. The main thing is to be happy about your choices and their outcomes. I'm happy with mine and I assume you're happy with yours, so it's all good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurksalot Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389990' post='2978757'] I can see why some of you chose this stay home option. It's less work. I say if you don't like gigging your really not in this. Blue [/quote] Got to be honest Blue , but your posts come across like you are actually trying to convince yourself that you need to keep gigging dude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 I am the same as the OP and now only play the gigs I want to do. No Stagecraft for me!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle psychosis Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389990' post='2978757'] I can see why some of you chose this stay home option. It's less work. I say if you don't like gigging your really not in this. Blue [/quote] I guess the Beatles weren't "in this" after 1966 either? Your trolling has become as predictable as it is tedious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Len_derby Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455389738' post='2978755'] I always hear this stuff about not wanting to play to drunken crowd or mob.Is it a cultural thing? I've been playing bars every weekend for years and never run into that problem. [/quote] This is an interesting one. As a bar visitor both sides of the Atlantic (but only as a customer in the USA, not playing) my observation is that generally the American side is less rowdy and less downright rude. There seems to be increasing inability for Brits to hold their drink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 The only reasons to gig are that you enjoy it or you need the money. Which I suppose are the only reasons to do most forms of work. If neither are true, what is the point doing it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1455449415' post='2979119'] This is an interesting one. As a bar visitor both sides of the Atlantic (but only as a customer in the USA, not playing) my observation is that generally the American side is less rowdy and less downright rude. There seems to be increasing inability for Brits to hold their drink. [/quote] I have very rarely played a gig where the crowd is overly rowdy or unfriendly, even in towns that have reputations for being, shall we say a little rumbustious! The very odd occasions where it has happened are so rare that they have become the source of legend, or at least stories recounted in pubs by groups of musicians... I don't know what gigs some people here are playing, but I don't come across them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 To the OP - if you don'et like playing gigs then just don't. There are plenty of other people who will welcome the opportunity to take your place.1 If you don't like other people then being in the entertainment business (basically what playing live is about) is probably not for you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunburstjazz1967 Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='uncle psychosis' timestamp='1455447081' post='2979090'] I guess the Beatles weren't "in this" after 1966 either? Your trolling has become as predictable as it is tedious. [/quote] I made that post earlier,still awaiting a reply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='peteb' timestamp='1455454486' post='2979190'] If you don't like other people then being in the entertainment business (basically what playing live is about) is probably not for you... [/quote] strange as it would seem, i don't think that liking people in an essential, or even that important for being in the entertainment business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1455455844' post='2979206'] strange as it would seem, i don't think that liking people in an essential, or even that important for being in the entertainment business. [/quote] I would disagree, especially in bands where you have to travel and spend a lot of time with other musicians and have a pretty direct relationship with your audience. It might be different for film actors, but the same definitely applies to the theatre. I know a very good drummer locally with a decent CV who no one will play with any more, basically because he is a bit of a sociopath. People have put up with him for so long because he's good, but now people have had enough and no one will touch him. Edited February 14, 2016 by peteb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1455390247' post='2978759'] Having been diagnosed with Aspergers last November it finally made sense why I always hated gigging so much. [/quote] I wouldn't say that I hated it. I'm fine with the actual playing bit. It's the beforehand, interval and afterwards that I don't like. The bits where you have to socialise I guess 😊. This is when it gets awkward if I've not met the guys before. I'm happy to just wonder off and grab a coffee, sit somewhere and drink it. I find idle chit chat extremely difficult. I only play jazz gigs now though. There's no pressure to be a performer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhysP Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1455466787' post='2979319'] I wouldn't say that I hated it. I'm fine with the actual playing bit. It's the beforehand, interval and afterwards that I don't like. [/quote] That's exactly the same as me - the actual playing bit was fine, it's before & after that was so stressful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='DBerriff' timestamp='1455390713' post='2978768'] I am new to this forum but feel I have to jump in on this one. After 9 years of playing in a covers band I can fully understand why playing to a room of drunk, aggressive Brits with their lets-get-legless culture might not appeal to some. Standing there watching the mayhem while stone cold sober eventually lost its edge. In my case age played a part but yes, I guess I'm no longer really in this. [/quote] That's too bad. I love being around people ,love our bar gigs. In all these years. I've never played to what you guys call a roomful of drunks. BTW,I haven't had a drink since 1975. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 (edited) [quote name='peteb' timestamp='1455457042' post='2979216'] I would disagree, especially in bands where you have to travel and spend a lot of time with other musicians and have a pretty direct relationship with your audience. It might be different for film actors, but the same definitely applies to the theatre. I know a very good drummer locally with a decent CV who no one will play with any more, basically because he is a bit of a sociopath. People have put up with him for so long because he's good, but now people have had enough and no one will touch him. [/quote] I mean ,it's why I love it. I love interacting with people during breaks.I especially like meeting new couples that come to our gigs. I introduce myself, thank them for coming and sticking around. I also ask how they found out about the band and get them on our mailing list. Remember, as I always say, "It's a business" We don't play university frat houses. We play 70s rock and blues to the 60 plus crowd whose heavy drinking days have been long gone. Blue Edited February 14, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 [quote name='Len_derby' timestamp='1455449415' post='2979119'] There seems to be increasing inability for Brits to hold their drink. [/quote] It`s either that, or the general lack of discipline in todays society just makes them behave in a "I`ll do what I wanna" fashion, especially when a good few drinks makes them brave enough to do so. Interestingly though, the punk scene, where there are some very large capable characters, it`s one of the politest scenes around. Sure it can get a bit handy down the front - which is why in general I`ll be found at the back - but there`s very little of that posturing "I`m hard" business that goes on in regular pubs. But then I suppose it`s always been the same, those that are don`t shout it, those that want to be do. I`ve seen less aggro in a scene that outsiders think is full of it, than in regular pubs doing covers gigs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest McBass Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 I packed in a function gig a couple of years back, the band ripped me of with money, ruined my gear with their roadies mishandling it and generally took the piss. It was the best thing i did leaving them, started my own little jazz band with decent players....don't miss it at all. Follow your heart and enjoy what you do... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefbaker Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455476711' post='2979454'] That's too bad. I love being around people ,love our bar gigs. In all these years. I've never played to what you guys call a roomful of drunks. [/quote] Yeah, but you don't play in the UK. There's a huge get drunk/fight culture in the UK so when you're in a room full of a drunken mob there can be a vibe of sh*t getting ready to kick off. I think it's because in the UK we bottle so much of our anger and emotions up and there's such a pub culture that people get drunk and it comes out. In America people seem to be culturally allowed to actually express their emotions. Vikings and Romans, that's the difference you're looking at. We're a bunch of nordic grumpy bastards who are dissatisfied with our lot who don't even get to jump on a longboat and pillage small countries any more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DBerriff Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 (edited) [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455476711' post='2979454'] That's too bad. I love being around people ,love our bar gigs. In all these years. I've never played to what you guys call a roomful of drunks. BTW,I haven't had a drink since 1975. Blue [/quote] We played in a small community with a limited number of pubs/bars prepared to pay for bands. One was rowdy and great fun, one was rowdy and at times quite menacing. You have it sorted with your gigs and that is great. A good friend of mine is trying to do the same with early evening chill-out gigs, but unfortunately I have moved and cannot join in the fun. I enjoy people and their company, but drunks are not really people. My next gig should be with a local big band. That is more like it and it attracts the sort of crowd I want to play for. Peace! Edited February 17, 2016 by DBerriff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 [quote name='keefbaker' timestamp='1455716594' post='2981745'] Yeah, but you don't play in the UK. There's a huge get drunk/fight culture in the UK so when you're in a room full of a drunken mob there can be a vibe of sh*t getting ready to kick off. I think it's because in the UK we bottle so much of our anger and emotions up and there's such a pub culture that people get drunk and it comes out. In America people seem to be culturally allowed to actually express their emotions. Vikings and Romans, that's the difference you're looking at. We're a bunch of nordic grumpy bastards who are dissatisfied with our lot who don't even get to jump on a longboat and pillage small countries any more. [/quote] I've seen documentaries about the soccer culture in England. But I thought that all the crazy stuff was limited to hardcore sports pubs. I get your point, thanks. Much Respect Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 [quote name='DBerriff' timestamp='1455737197' post='2982003'] We played in a small community with a limited number of pubs/bars prepared to pay for bands. One was rowdy and great fun, one was rowdy and at times quite menacing. You have it sorted with your gigs and that is great. A good friend of mine is trying to do the same with early evening chill-out gigs, but unfortunately I have moved and cannot join in the fun. I enjoy people and their company, but drunks are not really people. My next gig should be with a local big band. That is more like it and it attracts the sort of crowd I want to play for. Peace! [/quote] Cool, I guess as far as gigging opportunities I guess I should be glad I live in the midwest in a major metro earlier where gigging opportunities are not what they use to be, but still pretty good. However, even over here in the States gigging opportunities depend on where you live. I have a buddy that lives in a rural part of Illinois and gigging opportunities are almost non existant. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestar Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1455364186' post='2978403'] Take a break, but don`t sell all your gear. You may find a renewed interest in music a few years down the line, and having to then re-buy is a pain - I`ve been there. Just sounds to me like your interest for your current band has gone. Once you start to resent gigging it really gets to you, so leaving is def best for both you and the band. [/quote] Yep very sound advice. Take a break but keep your gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted February 17, 2016 Share Posted February 17, 2016 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1455477360' post='2979466'] Remember, as I always say, "It's a business" [/quote] Gigging covers is a business, music is a creative art form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted February 18, 2016 Share Posted February 18, 2016 (edited) [quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1455748226' post='2982169'] Gigging covers is a business, music is a creative art form. [/quote] I gig 70s hard rock and blues, everything I play is creative in one way or the other. And I doubt I ever play any song the same way twice. It's not creative art until the check clears. Blue Edited February 18, 2016 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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