"BANDS" THAT GIVE BANDS A BAD NAME ...

[BDR]

You read posts here all the time from bands trying to figure out how to get bookings. Sometimes, it’s not the easiest thing in the world to get your foot in the door. The forthcoming rant has been inspired by this problem.

When you do get a gig, it’s your band’s responsibility to show up on time and perform. You agree to provide a service to the club and the club then counts on that service to boost their sales for the night. That’s THE ONLY reason clubs book bands. They don’t do it because they “support your music” or because they think it’s cool having live music at the bar. If it didn’t mean increased sales for the business, there would not be bands playing in clubs. It’s business.

Sometimes, it does become necessary to cancel a show, but every effort should be made by the band to either honor the commitment or find a replacement. No-shows hurt and sometimes devastate a club, most of which depend on their Saturday nights to pay utility bills, to meet beer costs, and to basically float the rest of the week. The employees of those clubs depend on their Saturday nights, too. These bartenders and waitresses work their asses off for some of the most unappreciative people — drunk people — and put up with a lot of shit all week long so they can rake in real tip money on Saturday night. When a band cancels at the last minute, their week is ruined.

Here’s my rant: My wife, as her second job, tends bar at a small, Huntingdon County TAVERN. Lets just say it’s in the “PETERSBURG area.” Mostly, through the week, the tips aren’t great for her, she sleeps on average about three to four hours a night because of the day job, but on Saturdays it’s made up for when there’s entertainment. She always does well with tips when there’s a band or even a DJ.

Last Saturday, Aug. 20, the band scheduled to play, which will remain nameless, called the owner of the bar at 6 p.m. and left a voice mail message saying they would not make it. Three weeks prior to that, the bar owner had left a few messages for this band to confirm the date, messages which were not returned until three hours before showtime.

This same band, which will remain nameless, had done this at least one other time in recent months at this same TAVERN, located in the PETERSBURG area. Needless to say, my wife made dick Saturday night, and the club, which is still recovering from last fall’s flooding (they took on about four feet of water and lost all of their equipment, including their furnace), also made DICK.

The problem here is, if you look on the “band page” on Rockpage, there are literally hundreds of bands in the area, the majority of which are struggling to find bookings. They’re hungry and just need a break to get rolling. Then, you have people like the aforementioned band, WHICH WILL REMAIN NAMELESS, who pull shit like this. You give us all a bad name. Small clubs like the one my wife works at are killed by this kind of crap. The sad thing is, the club will start by booking DJs instead of bands, then they’ll eventually do away with entertainment altogether.

All the while, if the band would have thought of someone besides themselves, arrangements could’ve been made for another band to take the slot. Since Saturday, I’ve spoken with at least four bands that could’ve and would’ve done the gig and were pissed they didn’t know about the opening.

Bottom line: If you’re in this to f*ck around, do so in your basement. Don’t screw with other people’s livelihoods just because you’re a jerk-off without a clue.

r:>)

[BloodEmpireBand]

Damn, Rob, youve got on hell of a good point. Right on, man. the wall just keeps getting bigger against live bands.

[Banned]

Rob,
I agree with your "rant"! Let's face it, most area bands are in this game for the fun of it. However, you must still show some level of professionalism and commitment to your fans, craft, etc., etc. , etc.!!!
Shit happens, and every band has at one time or another had to cancel
for any number of reasons. But for Christs' sake at least make some
reasonable effort to resolve the problem (i.e. more advanced notice,
replacement band, etc.)! There are plenty (as you said) of bands looking for a break who would appreciate a call, and make every effort to cover
your asses! Also, just another comment: if your band is not ready to play
out yet (i.e. not enough material, still needing members?, not committed
to the job!) THEN DON'T BOOK IT IN THE FIRST PLACE !!!!!!!!!!! You are
taking away legitimate work from others!

[Jim Price]

One word sums it up: professionalism.

Every night when you arrive for a show, you're not just representing yourselves; you're also an ambassador for live music. If you're professional and everything goes well, it doesn't just benefit you, but also live music as a whole. If you're unprofessional and piss off the club owner and scare away the audience, you hurt live music as a whole. New or borderline live music fans who have a good experience seeing one band might be inclined to see a few more; conversely, a bad experience might turn them off from seeing other groups.

I think especially now more than ever, with people being more selective about the entertainment they venture out to see (due to economics, DUI checkpoint scares, etc.) and club owners facing the risk of PLCB noise violations and fines on any given night they might run a band, professionalism from bands and artists is more important than ever. On any given night, your show could be a deciding factor for fans coming back to see more live bands, or club owners deciding whether to continue to run live bands.

It even carries over into what I do on Sunday nights on the "Backyard Rocker." If a band has to cancel their appearance, I'll always give them the benefit of a doubt and reschedule their appearance if they notify me beforehand - even if it's that Sunday afternoon before the show - that they can't show up. Only two bands - both who will remain nameless - have ever blown off their appearance without notifying me beforehand, and neither has been played on the show since. (Both are now disbanded.)

[JeffLeeper]

I've missed one show in 27 years....couldn't be helped , and I still feel bad about it.

[bassist_25]

Also, just another comment: if your band is not ready to play
out yet (i.e. not enough material, still needing members?, not committed
to the job!) THEN DON'T BOOK IT IN THE FIRST PLACE !!!!!!!!!!! You are
taking away legitimate work from others!

AMEN!!!!!

About missing shows: There are two things that will keep me from playing a show: 1. Being in the hospital 2. Being in jail. Since I live a pretty clean life, it's doubtful that I'll ever be in jail, which means if I'm not at a show, I'm in the hospital. Heaven forbid, if my car were to ever break down on the way to the show, I'd still find a way there, even if that means hitching a ride and just going through a DI box into the PA because I couldn't bring my rig.

[tonefight]

You're very right in your rant Rob, its fun but its also an obligation that needs to be kept.

[GUITARII]

Great thread..... Professionalism is of the upmost importance! We also have to keep in mind the way we conduct ourselve in each establishment. By no means am I saying that I've never acted unprofessionally... if I had a buck for every drunken stooper I've been in while playing !

But seriously.... how many bar or club owners have gone all DJ or stopped entertainment all together because of a "bad" band experience?

You gotta know the crowd and the bar owners pretty well in order to define the limits of your show... you can't go into a new establishment expecting or requesting anything that some may consider lewd and you have to make an effort to know what the people there want to hear even before you get there.

Granted.... we only play certain bars in the area, and not that often, but we recognize and respect everyone working hard at making a living through music. We won't attempt to play somewhere were we can't fill the bill because of the music people want to hear there because we don't want the club to hesitate the next time. And while we may see titties at the Bakerton Inn or Peter C's, we don't start yelling to see titties at a bar we've never played in.... Some bands are out there with a "fuck 'em" mentality.... they play what they want.... not what the crowd wants, they get out of hand at new venues and that ruins it for a lot.

Look at Lisa's Bar and Grill.... I heard they went all DJ because the last band that played there screwed things up. I don't know who the band was or what happened, but it was only a few months ago that you heard anyone talk about being booked there and now it's gone...

I guess you have to use common sense when hitting new stages, but then again, common sense isn't common, is it?

[JeffLeeper]

Actually , Bassist25 , I hitched from Tyrone to Altoona one night , with a bass , amp and suitcase....the guitar player....who was driving , didn't show.

That was my first night of singing lead....but I made it.

[bassist_25]

Awesome story, Jeff!!! Kind of reminds me of a situation my father was in. He was in a Country/Oldies band back in the late 90's, a four piece. Two hours before he left for the gig, he got a phone call from the drummer saying the lead singer wasn't going to make it (he was on the run from the law I guess *LOL*). The three of them all sang lead that night, and were an even better band as a three piece (plus they all individually made more money).

I didn't know that Lisa's quit having bands. We just played there at the end of June.

[facingwest]

Maybe one suggestion to mention to the bar is Rockpage, so they might be able to find a band that has off the night and would like the gig? I really dig how tight bands are with each other here and miss that.

If you miss too many shows down here, you're done. It's a small town and word gets around. Something cool is whenever something happens with a musician, others will fill in if needed. I had to miss 2 shows this year due to becoming sick with sinus'. On the other hand, last week I had to play a 6th day to cover for someone else. In that same week, two of the others played 2 shows in 1 day. That's freaking 8 hours of singing in 1 day. I barely get through the 4 a day now let alone 8.

[Banned]

Professionalism, commitment, common sense.

Words to live by? !!!!

We've all had our bad moments, but make an honest effort.

Once you know your venues and the folks you work with, life becomes
less stringent, and more fun!

Bands are supposed to be fun, just remember those you serve (the fans and owners)!

I've played gigs 2 hours after totaling a car and with stitches in my mouth
I still sang. I've played gigs with bandages on my hands, stitches in my fingers, etc. Commitment ?

I love playing music!

Professionalism, I've played gigs when totally pissed off at other members or club owners (won't mention- in far past), or even fans in the crowd. You do your job!

Don't open mouth- insert foot! Common Sense?


Just a few toughts to add. To those who can relate, ROCK ON!!!!

[BandChic]

I want to first off say that I COMPLETELY agree with what Rob has said. Secondly, I'm a FIRM believer in performing for the love of the music, (the pay is just an added advantage - even though I learned this way too late).
Here's where my ranting begins...I have a huge problem with so called musicians saying, I don't want to travel over State College mountain, there's a Steeler game on, we don't make anything, or there's a party on campus that I don't want to miss. Now don't get me wrong I love the Steelers but the game will be on in the bar! A member in your band travel that mountain 3 days a week just for practice! It's a freakin campus parties happen EVERYDAY! Who cares if you walk out with gas money, you did what you say you love & had fun every other time you played there! You guys have missed out on so many shows because of your "priorities" its not even funny. Now other people are paying the price for your screw ups - that's just sad...

All 5 of you are accountable!

[ERiC_AiXeLsyD]

Dude, I totally feel where you're coming from. I went on a similar rant not too long ago!

Unprofessioanlism in the Pgh Music Scene. (Warning: RANT!)

Is that even a word? Well, now it is. Everyone's always complaining about the Pittsburgh "scene", and stating what the problems are or what-not... Okay... not everyone... just people involved in it who like to complain I guess. Well, I have another complaint to add to this mysterious master list that bites my ass... and I don't know how to put a tag on it other than "Unprofessionalism". Really, before you pick the term apart... I realize that most bands on the local level & most bands that we deal with aren't doing this "professioanlly" per se... they're not making a living at it, they're doing it more as a hobby or fun activity. Well, good for you... I do it because I love it too. Sometimes, some people (musicians & booking people) make it hard to love.

People, unintentionally or not... can be assholes. Now, I'm a very laid back kinda guy (ask anyone). Although, I guess I get uptight at certain things... like when I can't get striaght answers... and when things that my name (or my bands' name as an extension of that) are attached to go otherwise than according to plan.

Two ball-breakers hit for this weekend's double header.

First one, not so big of a deal, but annoying as all hell in my eyes. We're put on a last minute show. Okay. No biggie. No notice? Someone pulled out? Okay. All I ask is that I get the detials, as I guess I'm the self-appointed show-pimper(-nazi). When I mean details... I mean time, cost, address, website and/or phone # of venue, name of venue, name(s) of band(s) playing, and said bands' website url's. Not particularly toilsome information to provide, right? Well, apparently this is the most difficuilt task to ever assign anyone who calls themselves a musician, booking agent, or club owner. No one ever knows the fucking answer to anything. The 'confirm the date and I'll get back to you' shit is stupid... they get back to you the week before hand, and expect you to have a place packed with your fans and friends. People need to know what the hell is going on before they commit to something. People (me) need to know what the hell is going on before the show... a month before... so they can advertise, flyer, talk about it, get the word out.

Why are the other bands important? Well... people are more likely to go out to a show if there's 3 bands they like vs. just one. Which brings me back to the point where I think I was going before I got to a rant inside of a rant inside of a rant... The early show at the Spider Lounge... we were given a list of bands that're playing. I start promoting on last minute notice that there's a show going on, we're playing, & this is who else is playing... The Abbitoir Murders see said advertising... and they're like... "Hey, we're not on that..." Apparently, one guy is even going to be out of town, so there's no way they could. Turns out they were asked the vauge 'wanna play a show' question, never heard anything as far as details, and assumed it went kaput. Now, this is not their fault. It's the fault of whoever set up the show. Who did set up the show? I dunno. I thought we had set up a central booking guy in order to keep all of the shit in line... so all details & info could go through him and he could ask the right questions... but apparently no one passes show info to him other than me. There was a reason for my madness that apparently no one else sees here. The way I see it though, I'll play anywhere... so I go along with this, even though I have no idea what the fuck is going on. Don't blame me if we can't bring any people out because I can't answer any detailed questions. One thing I hate more than other people being dumb, is looking dumb myself. I get word out on everything I know... then everything changes, and I look like an idiot that doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground.

In with this gripe goes websites... I ask for band or venue urls.., and I'm surprised at how many have none or incredibly out-dated information. It's 2005. Everyone knows someone with the internet. There are free sites out there, like this one, that can get information about your place up & out. Message me if you want help with this. I'll do it gladly. That way... when people are like "I don't know", we can go to the website to check out times, directions, schedules, lists of bands, etc... but even at that, the shit changes so often because bands are pulling out, or people are saying the so-and-so band is gonna be there when what they meant is that they were thinking about asking that band to maybe play... so what's the f'n use I guess? Then I get the band's "too new" to have a website. Well, if you're too new to have a website, you're too new to play a show. Get word out abotu there before you play. Start some hype. Tell people about yourself.

In with all the above is what I call the AMC/Club Angel's Phenomenon. This includes some strange practices indeed... the AMC part is where you book three bands after telling the club you'll take care of it... then you get there and 3 more bands have been added to the show, yet it's set to start at the same time as previously advertised... and somehow, the bands that were added go on 1st, take way too long to set up, play for 45 min., and the bands you've booked & your bands get fucked into short sets and playing after PA's teen-driving curfew time so no one's left to watch you anyway... not even the fans that were pissed that they came out too see you & had to leave before you went on, or face the possible wrath of a bored state trooper, or irate parent. The Club Angel's side is where they call you and put you on a show... tell you the names of 2 other bands that're playing... so you advertise those bands... get there, and find there's five other bands on the show... none of which are the two you've been advertising.

Wow... all of that ranting and confusion from one little show?

The next show... we've had planned for how long? I dunno... a long time. Us, Moment of Tragedy, & the Have Nots. This show? Jason booked it so we have all the bands set, all the detials set, things were confirmed, flyers were made & put up, and all is good to go. No problem, right?

Well, today... (the day before the show) We're informed that the Have Nots are no longer a band. Okay. The Have Nots are a great band. They've put us on shows before. I love to watch them play. They all seem like nice guys. But, seriously... WHAT THE FUCK? I know, shit happpens. You might not get along anymore. You might not have practiced a lot lately. All things that don't happen overnight... so this falls under "Things that should have been brought to our attention prior to yesterday" (to paraphrase Robbie the wedding singer). And... again... this show has been planned for a while. Is there no such thing as being honor-bound to play, or finding someone to take your place? We still haven't gotten "official" word. Were they just gonna be a no-show tomorrow had Mike not talked to Ed?

I've only ever backed out of a show one time... that's when Boner & Ben quit AiXeLsyD the morning of a video shoot that we were to have at Angry Johhny's for "Stand Up" in order to appear on Pittsburgh cable show The Venue. There was a whole lot of chaos going on that day, so it was understandable IMO. Other than that, any time shit arose... we either played w/o a band member, got someone to replace a band member & learn a set within weeks (Thanks Jake, now of the Last Hope, for helping form the Fismits and opening for the Undead when AiXeLsyD couldn't do it!), and An-Die and I have even played acoustic sets when a drummer bailed. The Rally Ally loved that shit. Even that day we cancelled... I called like a mother-fucker tryign to get someone out who knew our drum parts... and then, eventually called everyone putting the show together and told them we couldn't make it. I'd never just bail & not pass the word on.

Is there no code of honor among musicians? No common bond? No feeling of being on the same team or striving for the same goal? Get some convictions, people.

The whole booking thing before... I could get involved in our whole deal with Shadrag's Entertainment, but I digress... and we'll save that story for another day.

So... in conclusion (you were following that I was making a point here, right?) maybe all the Pittsburgh scene needs is for all of us to get our shit together. We need to plan, organize, and follow through. It's not that hard. Well, I know it's hard for artists of any type to do anything so regimented... but if you stay regimented in this facet, maybe it will push you to be even more free on the artistic side. Who knows? Try it, you might like it. If we all got our facts staight before we anwsered questions, if we all advertised the same shit for the same day & time, if we all stuck to our commitments, and if we all communicated better... we'd have a hell of a lot more fun in a less stressful environment.