Pet Peeve

Skate Toad · Post by **Skate Toad** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Ok so as of late i have been doing more and more multi band shows. And when doing these shows there is one thing that really pisses me off. That one thing would be when a band finishes playing then leaves the stage for 15 min only to return and start tearing down the gear piece by piece on stage. Meanwhile the next band (usually mine) is waiting to get onstage and setup as quick as possible so as to get as many tunes in. Now maybe it's the grumpy old man in me but i noticed it seems to be the younger bands that are guilty of this more so. So is it that they just don't know any better or is it that they are that disrespectful and don't care now that they got to do their thing? It kills me and there have been times where i just want to run up on stage and start throwing stuff from the stage. To me that is one of the biggest disses a band can do to another band.
So anyway my point other than blowing off some steam is to maybe help out you younger guys and gals on here that might not of known any better. When doing multi band shows, when you are done playing get your stuff off the stage right away. Then tear it down and socialize. And to the arrogant SOB's that have no respect i wish you a big F off!
Thanks for reading the ramblings of a tired grumpy old man.

Post by **Ron** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

I've seen it happen many times, and it usually is the younger bands. They can get caught up in the moment, want immediate feedback from any of their friends who attended, and aren't yet at a professional level. It's actually understandable for new/younger bands. With more experienced bands it isn't excusable.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

I agree. I would go up to someone in said band and say, "Hey, wanna get your shit off the stage? We would like to play tonight too." And if that doesn't work, announce it over the P.A.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

There's no excuse for fucking around during transitions at a multi-band show. I've been in the audience where it has taken 30-45 minutes and even an hour between acts. This should not be. First, one drum set should be used. The only reason for multiple drum kits at these shows is if there is a left-handed drummer in the mix and this guy should have his shit set up to the side and ready to go. Otherwise, you're setting up maybe three rigs. Get it done and get it rolling, people. You're only effing yourself.

What also sucks is when you're playing a multi-band show and you're waiting for your own band mate(s) to get his/her/their ass(es) on stage to get set up while everyone else is hauling ass to get the music going again. I've had that happen in my past gigging experience and quite frankly, it's embarassing. All I can say is I'm glad a gig with three cats who understand what's going on:

Silence=people putting on their coats and leaving.

r:>)

REDillon · Post by **REDillon** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Whomever is in charge of the show should tell the bands to get the shit off the stage as soon as they'er done playing to be courteous to their fellow musicians. If they're never told, they won't learn. Young grasshoppers need guidance or they'll stay clueless assholes forever.

DirtySanchez · Post by **DirtySanchez** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

REDillon wrote: Young grasshoppers need guidance or they'll stay clueless assholes forever.

Trucula · Post by **Trucula** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

REDillon wrote:Whomever is in charge of the show should tell the bands to get the shit off the stage as soon as they'er done playing to be courteous to their fellow musicians. If they're never told, they won't learn. Young grasshoppers need guidance or they'll stay clueless assholes forever.

So true!...and like Ron said. Most are fresh from the garage, they SO wanna impress their friends, fans, and families and run out for a pat on the back and look for one friend that says, "You guys RULE!!" Which is cool, am sure I did the same in the beginning. But like it was said above, the talk before show: You need to say, "Ok guys, your playing an hour, that gives us 15 mins to make the switch..WE NEED TO SWAP STAGE ASAP!!!...And afterwards go up, thank the guys and ask, "Need any help moving stuff??" (this is a good HINT in a nice way)

My personal rule when we are an opener : This isn't OUR show, Everyone didn't come to see US. I don't expect to use all my stuff when I open, I will adapt to whats giving to me. I need no special treatment. I'll will deal with what I am given and LIKE IT.
But that's just me.
Openers need to remember this. : It's not their show. Be glad to get the opportunity. And don't ask for much nor get in the way. AND THANK EVERYONE!! Is that too much to ask?? Or don't you want to be asked again???

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Trucula wrote:...and like Ron said. Most are fresh from the garage, they SO wanna impress their friends, fans, and families and run out for a pat on the back and look for one friend that says, "You guys RULE!!" Which is cool, am sure I did the same in the beginning. But like it was said above, the talk before show: You need to say, "Ok guys, your playing an hour, that gives us 15 mins to make the switch..WE NEED TO SWAP STAGE ASAP!!!...And afterwards go up, thank the guys and ask, "Need any help moving stuff??" (this is a good HINT in a nice way)

My personal rule when we are an opener : This isn't OUR show, Everyone didn't come to see US. I don't expect to use all my stuff when I open, I will adapt to whats giving to me. I need no special treatment. I'll will deal with what I am given and LIKE IT.
But that's just me.
Openers need to remember this. : It's not their show. Be glad to get the opportunity. And don't ask for much nor get in the way. AND THANK EVERYONE!! Is that too much to ask?? Or don't you want to be asked again???

Perfect attitude.

r:>)

Skate Toad · Post by **Skate Toad** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

First, one drum set should be used. The only reason for multiple drum kits at these shows is if there is a left-handed drummer in the mix and this guy should have his shit set up to the side and ready to go.

I don't exactly agree with this comment. Everything else yes. I'm a drummer and i HATE playing other guys kits. I'm not trying to be a snob or anything like that. My reason for using my kit are:
1. I play better on my own stuff(spent many many many years getting my setup just right)
2. Drumming is a very physical activity and i know from experience that it doesn't take much to hurt yourself playing on the wrong setup for yourself. (i'm a small guy and i lean towards a low profile kit ie. 4 piece jazz setup. I've done gigs on other guys stuff and they are freakin as big as andrea the giant i have to jump up to hit a cymbals. Or they have a monster kit from the 80's 3 kicks 20 toms a 1000 cymbals everything is a mile apart, but it works for them, not me and my short arms and legs.)
3. If something happens to break while your playing on someone elses stuff i now have to find the cash asap to replace that guys stuff. (last i checked i'm still a poor musician)
4. I can get my stuff on stage and ready to go in about 5 - 10 min. ( i will find a space and setup everything during the prior bands)

Now don't get me wrong i'm not a primadonna or anything. I can and have many times played other kits(rob knows we have played with them several times). I just strongly perfer to use mine. You would almost never ask a guitarist or bassist to use someone elses guitar or bass. Mainly because of the feel, strings, action, and etc. So my opinion is it shouldn't be different for drummers as long as they are respectful and hustle on and off.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Skate Toad wrote:I don't exactly agree with this comment. Everything else yes.

Of course you don't. You're a drummer. lol. Seriously, dude, let's be honest. This is one of the biggest causes of long delays at multi-band shows. Look at the veteran drummers in the scene. I've yet to see one who insists on using his or her own kit at a multi-band affair. Bobby Waters has probably played more kits than anybody around and I've never seen or heard him bitch about it.

You may be quick at set up and tear down, but that makes you the exception.

As far as guitar players, I've seen people plug in to someone else's rig a million times but I've never seen someone make a guitar player use someone else's ax and pedals. C'mon now ...

Bottom line, if you're gonna start a thread about lulls in transitions at multi-band shows, let's address all the things that make that happen. Drum kit transition has to be near the top of the list and it's a fucking nightmare for the sound guy who has to recheck every time it changes.

r:>)

Skate Toad · Post by **Skate Toad** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

I get ya, just throwing out the reason i like to use my own kit. Your lucky you only have to deal with a mic. Sit behind a kit for a few years and you'll get it. I actually sprained my wrist once playing an opener for you guys. Randy is a big dude and i used his kit (no complaints from me) but i ended up over stretching trying to adjust to his kit. It's tough on some drummers. You right it's easy for a guitarist or singer to plug in there stuff to someone elses amp or pa. It's not so easy for some drummers to just sit down and be at home behind someone elses kit. Hats off to bobby and guys like him. It's like driving a little sports car all your life then out of the blue having to drive a big rig. Can you do it sure, are your chances of an accident higher you bet.
I get it, i know it can be a pain sometimes and most drummers do work with it(as i have many times). I'm just saying have a little sympathy.
Now when you are talking more than 3 bands in a short period yeah everyone needs to sacrafice a bit. But it is very possible on a 2-3 band night to use multiple kits and even amps as long as everyone knows to get on and get off asap. And don't be afraid to help other bands on and off with the gear. Just because your done playing doesn't mean it would kill ya to lend a hand. It's all good!
It's nice to actually talk about music stuff for a change.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Skate Toad wrote:I get ya, just throwing out the reason i like to use my own kit. Your lucky you only have to deal with a mic. Sit behind a kit for a few years and you'll get it. I actually sprained my wrist once playing an opener for you guys. Randy is a big dude and i used his kit (no complaints from me) but i ended up over stretching trying to adjust to his kit. It's tough on some drummers. You right it's easy for a guitarist or singer to plug in there stuff to someone elses amp or pa. It's not so easy for some drummers to just sit down and be at home behind someone elses kit. Hats off to bobby and guys like him. It's like driving a little sports car all your life then out of the blue having to drive a big rig. Can you do it sure, are your chances of an accident higher you bet.
I get it, i know it can be a pain sometimes and most drummers do work with it(as i have many times). I'm just saying have a little sympathy.
Now when you are talking more than 3 bands in a short period yeah everyone needs to sacrafice a bit. But it is very possible on a 2-3 band night to use multiple kits and even amps as long as everyone knows to get on and get off asap. And don't be afraid to help other bands on and off with the gear. Just because your done playing doesn't mean it would kill ya to lend a hand. It's all good!
It's nice to actually talk about music stuff for a change.

I get it, it's just if you're gonna play an opener or a benefit or a showcase and down time is an issue for you personally which it seems to be, then you have to accept the fact that insisting on using your own kit is part of the problem, not the solution. I feel for you, but at the same time, you have the right to turn down multi-band gigs if it causes you that much trouble.

As far as me being lucky I only have a mic to worry about, just like you, when I chose my instrument, I had the freedom to choose anything. You choose the one with all the heavy metal pieces and big bags, lol. Plus, if I get a shitty monitor mix, I'm effed and not so lucky, same as a guitarist who plugs into a shitty rig. But I just think you play through these things and deal, it comes with the territory. Silence is the enemy here.

One thing that helps transition time is booking "filler" acts. We did this at Helping Hands a few years ago and while an acoustic act was playing between full bands, the stage was being converted for the next act. The music never stopped and it was awesome.

r:>)

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

REDillon wrote:Whomever is in charge of the show should tell the bands to get the shit off the stage as soon as they'er done playing to be courteous to their fellow musicians. If they're never told, they won't learn. Young grasshoppers need guidance or they'll stay clueless assholes forever.

Gold star for this post.

Anything else is just like pissing into the wind.

BDR · Post by **BDR** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Pissing in the wind=actual music related discussion?

r:>)

Naga · Post by **Naga** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Sure. It makes a melodical noise...

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

BadDazeRob wrote:
Skate Toad wrote:I don't exactly agree with this comment. Everything else yes.
Bobby Waters has probably played more kits than anybody around r:>)

Sure.....Bobby Frye plays alot of "other" kits too!!

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

wow, what a thread

REDillon · Post by **REDillon** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

See. We musicians do occassionally bring something to the table. So pull up and chair and fill up while it's still hot or untll somebody farts. And there will ALWAYS be someone who farts. Carry on, my wayward sons.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Huh huh! Farts!

Post by **Jim Price** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Anybody who ever played there can correct me if I'm wrong, but I once heard that during multi-band shows at the legendary CBGB's, if a band didn't have their gear off the stage within five minutes of finishing their set, it got thrown off the stage.

Skate Toad · Post by **Skate Toad** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

Jim i played there along time ago and yes that is kind of the vibe. That must be where i picked up the habit of setting up and tearing down real quick came from.

orangekick · Post by **orangekick** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

I have always been quick to set up and tear down. In my mind, that maximizes the time that my band gets on stage. I am also always happy to assist in getting things on or off the stage, for my band or for other people's.

Killjingle · Post by **Killjingle** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

this is an extremely sore subject for me; because we tend to follow a lot of bands onstage that are ridiculous when it comes to getting gear off. I consider us to be extremely pro about getting stuff off in a timely manner; but more than I care to count we have had our sets shortened because of the band b4 us cant handle being cockstars.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

I have found in these cases someone has to be the adult. If you tell them and they don't get the lead out. Tell them louder, Please Please Please. Put them on notice. I saw this in action at the Fleetwood mac concert this weekend. The Keyboard player was too loud and blowing through Stevie's vocals and Lindsey's leads. Stevie held her ears for a hint. Lindsey turned around and pointed right in his face to turn down. This is so rude. No Dynamics lack of respect and grand staging. You can't make someone respect you. But you sure can make them wish they did. They need to be replaced. My other peeve , please warm up at home no one wants to hear your pounding over the house music. during breaks and before jobs. It is rude. A quick sound check if needed. Then put on a pair of headsets to practice. When you know better you do better. If they are 16 they may learn from this if they are 50 chances are the are not going to get it. They won't fit in your program. No matter how good they are it is not worth the energy drain..... Thanks for the ear... Deb

Plastered Bastards · Post by **Plastered Bastards** » Wednesday Mar 04, 2009

This just happened to me the other night at The Smiling Moose.
The band that played before us got done and we being a quick and efficient band got our shit ready to put on the stage.But the guitarist from the opening band was too busy on his rock star trip to move his shit,so I walked up to the mic and said "Hey nappy head,get your shit outta my space" And he looked at me all wounded and shit. But I don't give a shit because I wouldn't do it to someone else. So I don't want it done to me.