New Year's Eve Danger

[songsmith]

With the upcoming New Year's Eve comes the danger folks like us face on the way to the gig, at the gig, and especially on the way home.
For some reason, certain people feel the need to drink all day, so even the trip TO the venue can be tricky, keep your eyes open.
At the show, people can get especially rowdy, partly because the crowd is big, and partly because champagne is usually included in the cover charge. I've seen it get really bad, with cops and ambulances and everything. Before you start, be sure the venue has adequate security, and since your loved ones often come to see your New Years show, seat them in a place where the rowdiness is least likely to involve them (don't believe me, ask Alex Lifeson). Also note where the exits are. Frontpeople, it's your job to keep an eye on potential problems in the crowd. You're watching their reactions anyway, and you, the bouncer and the doorman have the most control over what happens.
On the way home, you're dealing with drunk drivers, and plenty of them. Patience is key here... if somebody tailgates you, pull over and let them by. If somebody cuts you off, back away. If you see a vehicle moving erratically, give them all the space you can. Bandmembers also need to not drink and drive. You guys should ALWAYS designate a driver. Always.
If it's a particularly rockin' gig, it's customary to get you a celebratory beer or shot from fans, and that's cool, but just because they buy it doesn't mean you have to drink all of them. Rockpage does support local musicians, but I don't want to have to play a benefit jam for your kids, or your tombstone. Even a best-case-scenario: DUI citations cost a minimum of $5000 in fines, court and attorney fees; it's a minimum 60 day license suspension and could be a year on the first offense; and months of ARD classes. Plus no matter what happens, you get your name in the police blotter in the newspaper, and that ain't good.
Another danger we face is fatigue. We all do it... you put your all into the show, and on the way home you can barely keep your eyes open. Do what you gotta do... open the window, crank the radio, or best of all, talk. Some of the best conversations I've ever had were on the way home from a gig. Sheetz stops are good, too... MTO's and bright lighting to keep you awake.
Have fun entertaining the masses, and put a little money in your pocket, but try not to forget to stay safe. JP, this means you, too. Keep it between the ditches. See you all next year.---->JMS

[wiskerbisket]

I second that...Musicaians be careful..its gonna be a tricky one....!

[Jim Price]

Gotcha.

Generally as a rule, I always stick relatively close to home for New Year's Eve (translation: City Limits, which is only about 4-5 blocks from my house). In the unlikely event I would celebrate too hard, I'm only a 15-minute walk (stumble, crawl...) from home, as long as I don't get mowed crossing old 220.

Although I don't have specific listings in front of me, keep in mind that there are usually several free taxi/car towing services available on New Year's Eve to get you home safely. The local paper should have them listed in their New Year's Eve editions. If you need them, call them.