Members worthyjoe Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 We did a gig where there was a Miller Lite promotion and there were 3 Miller lite girls walking around with t-shirts, etc etc. In between sets we get to talking with them for a minute and one (very ditzy) girl asked if we knew "Hey There Rodrigo." I was clueless and just ignored her pretty much. Over the next couple minutes she wouldn't drop it and kept trying to tell use how it goes. Finally I figured out that she was talking about Brown Eyed Girl. "Hey where did we go..." So we did it and changed the opening line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fastplant Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 I started playing in bars at about 14. So when I'd go on stage people would yell things like "Isn't it past you bed time!" and "Hey, shouldn't you be home doing homework" But they usually would come up to me after the set and apologize, so I guess I did a good job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by Guitarella My ex-boyfriend was a well-known nationally touring musician. People were always giving him their demo CD's & stuff. Well, one night after a show, some blues wanker made a huge production out of giving my BF not just his CD, but a big huge binder/press kit with all kinds of stuff in it. He went on and on in a very serious manner about his music and his career, how he needs a record deal, etc. The band packed up the press kit into their "circular file" along with many other demos and went back to the hotel.The next morning, after 3 hours of sleep, we were leaving town for the next gig, and stopped at a gas station for coffee. Well, guess who is in the gas station -- none other than the Press Kit Guy.He asked my boyfriend, "Have you had a chance to listen to that yet?"It was hard not to laugh. Did he ever appreciate having demos given to him? I suppose it would kind of be a compliment, although underhanded because it's not like he's complimenting the artist. It's more, hey I realize that you're a person of some success, whatever, here's my stuff. I watched Art from Everclear give a talk...he said he always takes demos. But, ALWAYS remember to write a phone number on the CD. He had watched our set the night before and told our guitarist at the time that he liked us. He gave Art a CD...of course, my heart sank the next day when Art's like...don't forget the phone number. Our guitarist forgot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fastplant Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by JacieFB Did he ever appreciate having demos given to him? I suppose it would kind of be a compliment, although underhanded because it's not like he's complimenting the artist. It's more, hey I realize that you're a person of some success, whatever, here's my stuff. I watched Art from Everclear give a talk...he said he always takes demos. But, ALWAYS remember to write a phone number on the CD. He had watched our set the night before and told our guitarist at the time that he liked us. He gave Art a CD...of course, my heart sank the next day when Art's like...don't forget the phone number. Our guitarist forgot. In one of my old bands we gave our CD to the guys in Better Than Ezra. We opened up for them, and we opened up for them again a few months later and they told us that they were listening to the cd in their tour bus. I thought that was pretty cool. Of course, nothing came from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Guitarella Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by JacieFB Did he ever appreciate having demos given to him? I suppose it would kind of be a compliment, although underhanded because it's not like he's complimenting the artist. It's more, hey I realize that you're a person of some success, whatever, here's my stuff. I watched Art from Everclear give a talk...he said he always takes demos. But, ALWAYS remember to write a phone number on the CD. He had watched our set the night before and told our guitarist at the time that he liked us. He gave Art a CD...of course, my heart sank the next day when Art's like...don't forget the phone number. Our guitarist forgot. Did he appreciate it? Well, I'd have to say that he appreciated the fact that people thought he was successful enough to have connections - which he does. But despite all the high-powered rock stars and record company execs that he schmoozes with, he has yet to score his own major deal, and so when people gave him their demos, I think he kind of thought, "wait a second - I need to get MYSELF signed before I can do anything for this guy!" Looking back, I can also say that he was not as humble and nice as everyone thought he was. I think he hardly listened to any of those CD's. He was an insecure ego-maniac like a lot of artists. "Acting humble" and being a "nice guy" is all a part of the act, hey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by Guitarella Did he appreciate it? Well, I'd have to say that he appreciated the fact that people thought he was successful enough to have connections - which he does. But despite all the high-powered rock stars and record company execs that he schmoozes with, he has yet to score his own major deal, and so when people gave him their demos, I think he kind of thought, "wait a second - I need to get MYSELF signed before I can do anything for this guy!" Looking back, I can also say that he was not as humble and nice as everyone thought he was. I think he hardly listened to any of those CD's. He was an insecure ego-maniac like a lot of artists. "Acting humble" and being a "nice guy" is all a part of the act, hey? Ahh...you know you're at least going to have to drop a hint as to who it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fastplant Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by JacieFB Ahh...you know you're at least going to have to drop a hint as to who it is! Yeah, now I'm curious too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Guitarella Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Sorry.... The last thing I need is people telling him, "Hey! Your bitch ex-girlfriend is saying {censored} about you on message boards!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members fastplant Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by Guitarella Sorry.... The last thing I need is people telling him, "Hey! Your bitch ex-girlfriend is saying {censored} about you on message boards!" PM? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by Guitarella Sorry.... The last thing I need is people telling him, "Hey! Your bitch ex-girlfriend is saying {censored} about you on message boards!" I was really just teasing...and I respect your/his privacy. PM's are good, though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members madjack Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 See sig (true story) Playing at a resort hotel, a patron in his early 20s came in completely wasted, sat down in a chair about 3' in front of the FOH speakers, listened for about 5 minutes, and puked his guts out on the floor. Guitarists response, "Everyone's a damn critic." Fellow came up at the end of the set to tell us "You're the best band I've ever heard. I'm tone deaf, but I really like you guys." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 We opened for the Vibrators a couple of years ago...the lead singer told our guitarist that we were really awesome...that we'd be the next Green Day. Hmmm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dblair Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by worthyjoe We did a gig where there was a Miller Lite promotion and there were 3 Miller lite girls walking around with t-shirts, etc etc. In between sets we get to talking with them for a minute and one (very ditzy) girl asked if we knew "Hey There Rodrigo." I was clueless and just ignored her pretty much. Over the next couple minutes she wouldn't drop it and kept trying to tell use how it goes. Finally I figured out that she was talking about Brown Eyed Girl. "Hey where did we go..." So we did it and changed the opening line. Hey There Rodrigo. Funny. I never would have figured that one out. Of course I'm notorious for phonetically singing words that I cant make out on the record. Why dont these guys annunciate? Then I see another band do it with completely different words. Oh Well. Or when your pulling a request out of your ass and singing a piece of this verse and a piece of that verse. "Big wheels keep on turning, I heard ole Niel put her down. I hope Niel Young will remember, Hes been know to pick a song or too, tell me true." hehe. Usually happens when your tired in the last set at 2am. And Noone seems to realize. Their like, you guys sounded just like Skynard, dude. Oh and of course we get the obligatory Freebird request even when we are doing casino dance band tunes like Cher (ugh) and I will Survive (Ugh). One night we actually winged it and after the set people were comin up saying it was the best tune of the night, and we did it as good as Skynard, it was perfect, etc. I think the singer mumbled through a verse and a half and we did the long solo jam. Was kinda fun. And to make I Will Survive Bearable, if you listen, the progression is the same as Mr. Crowley by Ozzy, so me and my bass player who is also into prog and metal go into the Ozzy version and I do a Randy Rhoads solo over I will Survive ending. The crowd kinda dug it. Still havent found a way to make Cher bearable. I have a billion drunk patrol stories. But thats another post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dblair Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 drunk patron story #124 of 100 billion. We play a lot of places that are pick up joints for the post middle aged crowd. Women in their late 40s+ in skimpy outfits (that may have been appropriate for them in 1982) trying to pick up balding, overweight middle aged men. Sux cuz there is no one in the place if worthy of me trying to pick up. They are my moms age. Dressed like my high shool girlfriend at a Whitesnake concert. ouch. Well one 40+ girl in white hot pants, ugh, (there should be a law) starts pulling unwilling guys on the dance floor, and getting violent with them if they don't. Finally falls backwards over the monitor onto the stage, knocking some things over. I think one of the singers tried to catch her to no avail. People help her up, and she continues on her rampage. After the gig I'm told that eventually the cops had to come and she was led out in handcuffs. Fun times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by dblair And to make I Will Survive Bearable, if you listen, the progression is the same as Mr. Crowley by Ozzy, so me and my bass player who is also into prog and metal go into the Ozzy version and I do a Randy Rhoads solo over I will Survive ending. The crowd kinda dug it. Still havent found a way to make Cher bearable. I have a billion drunk patrol stories. But thats another post. I love doing stuff like that...I usually play originals, but one time, my band got to play an outdoor party where we needed to have a couple-three hours of music including some covers. We were a fairly "poppy" punk band at the time and the guitarist thought it would be a real treat to play "Dammit" from Blink 182. I don't really mind the song too much, but I did not want anyone seeing/hearing us and thinking Blink 182, given all the stigma attached to a band that is so popular as they are. Well, we did it anyway, but by the time the second verse kicked in, I replaced the words with "So Lonely" from The Police (which is in the same key and chord progression). I got to stretch the pipes, pay homage to one of my favorites, and to be honest, I think my wife and the band were the only ones to really notice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members madjack Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Originally posted by dblair ... Finally falls backwards over the monitor onto the stage, knocking some things over.... Did you tell her "Thanks for dropping in"? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dblair Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 yea, sometimes I just mess with the band and if I hear another tune in my head I start to morph it into another tune. And if I'm lucky they follow. Can morph Cant always get what you want into Walk on the Wild Side, There is the obligatory What I like about you into ROCK in the USA. You mean we're not the only band to come up with that one? Play that funky music white boy can become Thank you (by Sly), Sex Machine, We Want the Funk (P funk). Hey most rock tunes uses the same handfull of progressions so not hard to do medlys without too much changing. Then of course you can do a metal song with a reggae beat, or a disco beat to a country tune, or country version of a punk tune. We used to do a lounge jazz version of Greendays Basket Case. Keeps things from getting boring playing the same bar band or wedding band tunes. Have fun with it. The one girl singer says she can tell when I'm starting to get bored with a tune cuz I'll start playin fusion licks in a Cher tune. Adding extra chord extensions, f**ing with the groove. I guess its my passive aggressive way of rebelling against playing crap that sux but people seem to love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Dumb thing said to me at a show: We were playing in a room that didn't have an elevated stage, just a stage area. (All-original band again.) Some cute girl crosses the entire room, walks right up to me (smelling delicious and intoxicating, I might add), whispers in my ear: "this sucks, play some 311" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dblair Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 And what about these people, club owners included that seem to think they can have a conversation with you While your are singing a song. This defies even non musian common sense. Logic, I can stop singing the song in front of 200 people to talk to you while the band continues the song, cuz your so special? I can continue to sing while listining to and comprehending and answering your request to announce that its you friends birthday today. Wait on the the break, or at least in between tunes. But to go up to someone singing or even playing to interrupt them to request Freebird is just stupid. And if your a jazz band they will request slayer and if your a metal band with a male singer they will request Britney Spears. People are stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JacieFB Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Yeah, when people shout things to me on stage, I go with the old Carlin standby... (loosely quoted) Odly enough, this building was constructed for the voices to go THAT way (pointing towards the audience)... (Substitute PA for building if it's just a club and not a theatre.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members dblair Posted October 17, 2005 Members Share Posted October 17, 2005 Heres a funny email floating around that sais it all. Tips for the Band PATRON: HOW TO GET YOUR REQUESTS PLAYED WITH THE BAND IMMEDIATELY: Musicians are expert mind readers. Only refer to your requests with the phrase "play my song", or "it goes something like this" then hum a few bars! We have a chip implanted in our heads with an unlimited database with the favorite tunes of every patron who ever walked into a bar & all songs ever recorded, so feel free to be vague, we love the challenge. If we say we do not remember exactly what tune you want, we're only kidding. Bands know every song ever recorded, so keep humming. Hum harder if need be, it helps jog the memory. If a band tells you they do not know a song you want to hear, they either forgot that they know the tune or they are just putting you on. Try singing a few words for the band. Any words. If one member halfway knows part of a chorus, the rest of the band will instantly learn the entire song by osmosis. Knowing this, if the band still claims to not know your song, it helps to just keep requesting the same song every time there is a break. It also helps to scream your request from across the room several times per set followed by the phrases, AW COME ON! and, YOU SUCK! Exaggerated hand gestures expressing disapproval from the dance floor are a big help as well, such as the thumbs down or your middle finger. Put-downs are the best way to jog a band's memory. This instantly promotes you to the status of "Personal Friend Of The Band." Entertainers are notorious fakers & jokesters and never really prepare for their shows. They simply walk on stage with no prior thought to what they will do once they arrive. An entertainer's job is so easy, even a monkey could do it, so don't let them off the hook easily. Your request is all that matters. If a metal band had played at the club a few weeks ago, the next band that follows will automatically know every metal tune the previous band ever played, even if the current band is a blues or country band. It's the law. Feel free to yell AC DC or SLAYER!! to a band that plays strictly originals or jazz for example. Conversely, Deadheads may yell for Grateful Dead tunes at a dance or metal band. VERY IMPORTANT TIP: When an entertainer leans over to hear you better, grab his or her head in both hands and yell directly into their ear, while holding their head securely so they cannot pull away. This will be taken as an invitation to a friendly & playful game of tug of war between their head and your hands. Don't give up! Hang on until the singer or guitar player submits. Drummers are often safe from this fun game since they usually sit in the back, protected by the guitar players. Keyboard players are protected by their instrument, & only play the game when tricked into coming out from behind their keyboards. Though difficult to get them to play, it's not impossible, so keep trying. They're especially vulnerable during break between songs. > TALKING WITH THE BAND The best time to discuss anything with the band in any meaningful way is at the middle of a song when all members are singing at the same time (such as a multi-harmony part). Our hearing is so advanced that we can pick out your tiny voice from the megawatt wall of sound blasting all around us. Musicians are expert lip readers too. If a musician does not reply to your question or comment during a tune, it's because they didn't get a good look at your mouth in order to read your lips. Simply continue to scream your request & be sure to over emphasize the words with your lips. This helps immensely. Don't be fooled. Singers have the innate ability to answer questions & sing at the same time. If the singer doesn't answer your questions immediately, regardless of how stupid the question may seem, it's because they are purposely ignoring you. If this happens, immediately cop an attitude, we love this. HELPING THE BAND If you inform the band that you are a singer, the band will appreciate your help with the next few tunes, or however long you can remain standing on stage. Just pretend you're in a Karaoke bar. Simply feel free to walk up on stage & join in. By the way, the drunker you are, the better you sound, &the louder you should sing. If by chance you fall off the stage, crawl back up & attempt to sing harmony. Keep in mind that nothing assists the band more than outrageous dancing, third & fourth part harmonies, or a tambourine played out of tempo. Try the cow bell, they love the challenge. The band always needs the help & will take this as a compliment. IMPORTANT: Remember to allow enough time to make it from the stage to the bathroom in case of an emergency. On stage accidents are bad form. The band will carry on. BONUS TIP: As a last resort, wait until the band takes a break and then get on stage and start playing their instruments, they love this. Even if you are ejected from the club, you can rest assured in the fact that you have successfully completed your audition. The band will call you immediately the following day to offer you a position. Can't wait to see you at the next gig, The band Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members klrbee03 Posted October 20, 2005 Members Share Posted October 20, 2005 My band played a gig a few weeks ago at a reunion for our bass player's redneck high-school. We play modern rock originals. We knew the crowd wasn't there to hear that, so we decided to fill out our set with a bunch of covers. Last rehearsal before the gig, somebody said, "We don't really have an encore." The only songs we left out were the ones that would get our asses kicked by the camo and mullet crowd (i.e. Laid by James). We had to come up with something quick that the crowd would know. We decided on "Crazy Train" which I (lead guitarist) haven't played in 20 years, and our singer could only hit about half the notes. But we got through it all the way, and it was fun. We knew it sucked, and we only would pull it out if we needed it. Gig time. After our last song (End of the World - REM) crowd screams for more. I kick into the first riff of "Crazy Train" and the crowd goes nuts. As predicted, we sucked, but the crowd ate it up. Funny! After our set as we're breaking down, the "Hostess" of the bar comes up to us and asks how much we would charge to play a regular night there. Her reason? "Anybody that can play Ozzy like that will pack this place!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BndGrl Posted October 20, 2005 Members Share Posted October 20, 2005 Originally posted by klrbee03 My band played a gig a few weeks ago at a reunion for our bass player's redneck high-school...The only songs we left out were the ones that would get our asses kicked by the camo and mullet crowd (i.e. Laid by James). Damnit, I thought my HS reunion was next year! What's your band's name? What area of VA are you in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members klrbee03 Posted October 21, 2005 Members Share Posted October 21, 2005 We're called Flood and we're from Northern VA, right outside of DC. Haven't played out much, so you will not have hear of us...yet...Our bass player, and singer for that matter, grew up in Western Maryland, between Hagerstown and Frederick, where they think of Frederick as the "Big City", so that's where the gig was. Our best fan was the guy who missed the 15 year reunion cause he was a guest of the great state of Maryland...apparently he didn't have much time to dance in the slammer, so he took the opportunity that night. Good times! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators daddymack Posted October 21, 2005 Moderators Share Posted October 21, 2005 A few years back, we were playing a bar in Simi Valley, and this very attractive, and obviously sloshed young lady comes up to the 'stage', and leans in very close to me and says...do you know that BB tune, the one that goes 'I been to Harlem, baby...'? And my mental list of BB King tunes draws a blank..."Sorry, is that the name of it?" 'no, no,' she says insistently, 'that's how it starts...' and she tries to sing it..and she looks at me and says, 'I know you know it, I saw you do it at BB King's last month...you know it...' And she sings the line again and I realize...'oh...yes, I know that!" What she wanted was How Blue Can You Get, which Starts out 'I've been downhearted baby'.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.