How was your gig last night?

[dmccombe7]

4 hours ago, martthebass said:

Ahhhh...the complexities and beauty of club land in the North.

 

I'd say we do about 70% of our gigs in WMCs now though the differential in 'pay' between them and pubs is not what it was.  Unfortunately there are still a number of the 'bingo comes first' outfits, and I still scratch my head at why they pay out for a band....though a sizable number are now opting to cheaper solo/duo backing track jobs to cut down costs.  While these can be a disappointing gig they have their moments, though Gladis and Wilf rushing off a quarter into the last spot to catch the last bus can be unnerving - I've never understood the rigid set times that put us on too late when this is a factor.  These sort of places seem to be dying on their arses with closures every week and implosions of the committees due to finances/reducing footfall.

 

Conversely some WMCs are still thriving, do less or no bingo type activity and concentrate on good entertainment.  We love these places and try and support as best we can.

What we've found as a similar type of show is that Sunday afternoons are a great time for people of a certain age. Weve now played a few well attended Sun afternoon gigs and it suits everyone from the band to the audience.

Dave

[peteb]

1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said:

What we've found as a similar type of show is that Sunday afternoons are a great time for people of a certain age. Weve now played a few well attended Sun afternoon gigs and it suits everyone from the band to the audience.

Dave

 

I've always thought that the Sunday afternoon / teatime gigs made a lot of sense, even before I reached a 'certain age'! 

 

I remember doing a few places back in the 80s, playing to bikers on a Sunday teatime, and it always made sense, then as it does now. A punter can go out and have a few beers, see a band and still get to bed home at a reasonable time to get up for work on Monday morning. From a muso's point of view, a two hour drive home at eight o'clock is better than driving home at midnight, especially for semi-pros who have work the next morning. 

 

Edited 15 hours ago by peteb

[Muzz]

3 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

Here's an example of a club that does it right. One thing they do is allow promoters to puit on gigs in 'the Hall'. In the last few months we've had Focus and Curved Air (not tributes).

I've got five gigs there across three bands next year. It's a brilliant place to play.

Two notes from the above (which looks great, I'd be there quite a lot) - Ozric Tentacles? Are they still going? Blimey Charlie, I'd be tempted.

 

And, of course, my new favourite Sabbath Trib name, Children of the Gravy... 😀

[Muzz]

4 hours ago, Len_derby said:

oh dear, poor old Basschat, the future isn’t looking bright …😂

Still, it's a lot easier to sit at home and post hoohah than actually get dressed and leave the house... 😀

[Stub Mandrel]

26 minutes ago, Muzz said:

Two notes from the above (which looks great, I'd be there quite a lot) - Ozric Tentacles? Are they still going? Blimey Charlie, I'd be tempted.

 

And, of course, my new favourite Sabbath Trib name, Children of the Gravy... 😀

 

Oh yes... I missed the Ozrics

[martthebass]

3 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

What we've found as a similar type of show is that Sunday afternoons are a great time for people of a certain age. Weve now played a few well attended Sun afternoon gigs and it suits everyone from the band to the audience.

Dave

We get the odd Sunday Afternoon Dave but most clubs seem to want us on a Saturday night.

[Stub Mandrel]

I've got loads of Sunday afternoon gigs lined up for '26. They are great - don't interfere with my social life or work!

[12stringbassist]

16 hours ago, Muzz said:

Ahhh, Dobbies...one of those dinosaur venues with a power-mad Conc.Sec. and everything*...you can get a reaction out of the crowd, but with pliers and gritted teeth. For the majority who don't know the place but will know many similar (still), there's total silence** for the bingo but they talk through your first set unless (metaphorically) grabbed by the collar, and the general vibe from the management is 'Why can't you be Matt Munroe? I liked him.'

You got it bang on...

As for the smoke machine, I made it clear that it was NOT to be put on while I was near the stage.

Edited 11 hours ago by 12stringbassist

[dmccombe7]

11 hours ago, Stub Mandrel said:

I've got loads of Sunday afternoon gigs lined up for '26. They are great - don't interfere with my social life or work!

My social life is the gigs. You mean there's more to having a Social Life. ? 🤩

Dave 🎅