Bad gig gone great!

[zeppelinfreak]

Well, I just feel like telling my story because its pretty cool and this is a good place to tell it.

Basically, theres this festival by my house called riverfest, and they had a three hour slot in which they wanted 3 teen bands to play. Well, I (age 16) signed up my band and my younger brother (age 14) signed up his band and we both got "booked."

Well 3 days before the gig, we get a call and after some talking, find out that the festival assumed that me and my bro were the same band that just entered twice (even though we have different band names, and all different members) and that OUR band in fact was not booked. But they said they would see what they could do about fitting us in.

Well, we get a call and they say "We can fit you in, but only for 20 minutes or so." Twenty minutes to set up, play, and tear down. Were a trio, but still...

But at that point we couldnt quit, because they had gone through some trouble to even get us that much time, and it would have been impolite and unprofessional to drop out at that point.

So we arrive at the festival and get everything ready to storm the stage when our turn comes up. Well, the first band plays and it was a bit strange. They were all 13 year olds. A guitarist (who had great chops, and played the **** out of the crazy train solo) a bassist (who was decent, and at least grooved) and a drummer (who was a total tool and had a bass drum that sounded like cardboard). But no singer. So they played the instrumental parts to the songs with no vocals. They actually did okay though. So next were up.

As were getting on, the lady says "it turns out we can stretch out until 4, so you guys can take your time up there if you want."

Well we did. We took a full hour, and played the **** out of our songs. We did really good. In fact, we were drawing people in from the rest of the fair. By the time we were halfwaythrough the crowd had grown from a modest 50 or 60 to a whopping 300 people or so. We do straight up rock covers; pink floyd, red hot chili peppers, stuff like that. Stuff that everyone likes, so I think thats why we pulled a lot of people in. We were groovin, and people were really gettin into it in the audience

After we get off stage we talked to the guy that organized it all. He said we were better than any of the headliners he booked so far, and that next year, he wanted to give us $1,500 to play two 45 minute sets. He also made sure to exchange information.

So all in all, Im glad to say that what I thought was going to be a ****** ass gig turned into a really fun enjoyable experience. I guess we got some good karma for doing the gig even though we originally didnt want to

[Plookie]

Very good!

[rcarraher]

Originally Posted by zeppelinfreak

Well, I just feel like telling my story because its pretty cool and this is a good place to tell it.

Basically, theres this festival by my house called riverfest, and they had a three hour slot in which they wanted 3 teen bands to play. Well, I (age 16) signed up my band and my younger brother (age 14) signed up his band and we both got "booked."

Well 3 days before the gig, we get a call and after some talking, find out that the festival assumed that me and my bro were the same band that just entered twice (even though we have different band names, and all different members) and that OUR band in fact was not booked. But they said they would see what they could do about fitting us in.

Well, we get a call and they say "We can fit you in, but only for 20 minutes or so." Twenty minutes to set up, play, and tear down. Were a trio, but still...

But at that point we couldnt quit, because they had gone through some trouble to even get us that much time, and it would have been impolite and unprofessional to drop out at that point.

So we arrive at the festival and get everything ready to storm the stage when our turn comes up. Well, the first band plays and it was a bit strange. They were all 13 year olds. A guitarist (who had great chops, and played the **** out of the crazy train solo) a bassist (who was decent, and at least grooved) and a drummer (who was a total tool and had a bass drum that sounded like cardboard). But no singer. So they played the instrumental parts to the songs with no vocals. They actually did okay though. So next were up.

As were getting on, the lady says "it turns out we can stretch out until 4, so you guys can take your time up there if you want."

Well we did. We took a full hour, and played the **** out of our songs. We did really good. In fact, we were drawing people in from the rest of the fair. By the time we were halfwaythrough the crowd had grown from a modest 50 or 60 to a whopping 300 people or so. We do straight up rock covers; pink floyd, red hot chili peppers, stuff like that. Stuff that everyone likes, so I think thats why we pulled a lot of people in. We were groovin, and people were really gettin into it in the audience

After we get off stage we talked to the guy that organized it all. He said we were better than any of the headliners he booked so far, and that next year, he wanted to give us $1,500 to play two 45 minute sets. He also made sure to exchange information.

So all in all, Im glad to say that what I thought was going to be a ****** ass gig turned into a really fun enjoyable experience. I guess we got some good karma for doing the gig even though we originally didnt want to

I'm an old dude, so maybe a bit critical of guys your age. But, lets go anyhow.

Your attitude with the "screw ups" sucked."

That said, you impressed the hell out of me with your acceptance and good criticism of the other players and bands. Man, that shows some maturity. You wrote very impressive analysis of the other players, and the situation.

Are you sure you are 16? There's a lot of guys who have 20 years experience on this gig, who will never have your self awareness.

Also, it sounds like you took the bull by the horns when you were given the extra time, sounds like you got comfortable, creative, and had a ball. Welcome to the club. You are a musician. You obviously played well, handled the situation well, and, in the end, acted like pros. Well done.

I think you had a taste of success, and not the last taste either.

Congrats, just try and remember, every gig can be fun, as musicians, and creative people, we never like what the "suits" tell us we should do. But, if you just go play, like you did. I'll be buying your records real soon.

Congrats.

[HermitProdigy]

Originally Posted by Plookie

Very good!

Correction: Very Nice! (Said the Borat way)

[BlackMetalAkaz]

Originally Posted by HermitProdigy

Correction: Very Nice! (Said the Borat way)

*long pause*




"Nat!"

[zeppelinfreak]

Originally Posted by rcarraher

I'm an old dude, so maybe a bit critical of guys your age. But, lets go anyhow.

Your attitude with the "screw ups" sucked."

That said, you impressed the hell out of me with your acceptance and good criticism of the other players and bands. Man, that shows some maturity. You wrote very impressive analysis of the other players, and the situation.

Are you sure you are 16? There's a lot of guys who have 20 years experience on this gig, who will never have your self awareness.

Also, it sounds like you took the bull by the horns when you were given the extra time, sounds like you got comfortable, creative, and had a ball. Welcome to the club. You are a musician. You obviously played well, handled the situation well, and, in the end, acted like pros. Well done.

I think you had a taste of success, and not the last taste either.

Congrats, just try and remember, every gig can be fun, as musicians, and creative people, we never like what the "suits" tell us we should do. But, if you just go play, like you did. I'll be buying your records real soon.

Congrats.

Not sure what you mean by attitude with the screw ups. Could you elaborate? I always accept constructive criticism.

And I calls em as I sees em. That guitarist was shreddin for a 13 year old. Once they find a singer, and get some hair on their chests, theyll be a pretty good band. Also once the drummer figures out you dont need 3 pillows in your bass drum (he literally had 3 and a blanket, which is why it sounded ******)

But what you said about self awareness reminds me of something. Ive always wanted a bassist with similair proficiency to me to listen to me play live and really analyze me. I wish I had someone that could tell me if my tone sounds good out in the audience, if Im playing well, and in general, just what I could improve on.

After all, theres always something to improve on. But (not trying to be cocky) whenever I ask other bassists, they say "you were perfect dude." But I know thats not true.

Oh, also, we have three 45 minute sets worked out. So filling up an hour was no problem

[rcarraher]

Originally Posted by zeppelinfreak

Not sure what you mean by attitude with the screw ups. Could you elaborate? I always accept constructive criticism.

And I calls em as I sees em. That guitarist was shreddin for a 13 year old. Once they find a singer, and get some hair on their chests, theyll be a pretty good band. Also once the drummer figures out you dont need 3 pillows in your bass drum (he literally had 3 and a blanket, which is why it sounded ******)

But what you said about self awareness reminds me of something. Ive always wanted a bassist with similair proficiency to me to listen to me play live and really analyze me. I wish I had someone that could tell me if my tone sounds good out in the audience, if Im playing well, and in general, just what I could improve on.

After all, theres always something to improve on. But (not trying to be cocky) whenever I ask other bassists, they say "you were perfect dude." But I know thats not true.

Oh, also, we have three 45 minute sets worked out. So filling up an hour was no problem

Here's where I felt your frustration and attitude coming through (which, BTW, guys my age don't think you should have either one...we're dumb).

Well 3 days before the gig, we get a call and after some talking, find out that the festival assumed that me and my bro were the same band that just entered twice (even though we have different band names, and all different members) and that OUR band in fact was not booked. But they said they would see what they could do about fitting us in.

"Well, we get a call and they say "We can fit you in, but only for 20 minutes or so." Twenty minutes to set up, play, and tear down. Were a trio, but still..."

And here is where you started impressing me:

"But at that point we couldnt quit, because they had gone through some trouble to even get us that much time, and it would have been impolite and unprofessional to drop out at that point. "



As for a critic with your proficiency sitting in the crowd, I don't know what part of the world you are in, and I doubt even with my 30 plus years on the instrument, I'll be on a par with you "proficiency wise" for very long. I'd still love to follow your progress, and I bet if you did some searching, you'd find guys that take it as seriously as you do, mybe a bit older and with an ear, that would love to sit in the audience and hear you play and give you an honest opinion when you asked.

Just keep man. I think thats all you need.

RC

[zeppelinfreak]

Originally Posted by rcarraher

As for a critic with your proficiency sitting in the crowd, I don't know what part of the world you are in, and I doubt even with my 30 plus years on the instrument, I'll be on a par with you "proficiency wise" for very long.

RC

Wow... thats a pretty big compliment.

[shadowtippy]

You handled the situation in a very mature and professional way. I hope it carries over into the rest of your endevors. You should go a long way with that attitude. Congrats on the show, too.

[Anarchyok]

Originally Posted by rcarraher

Here's where I felt your frustration and attitude coming through (which, BTW, guys my age don't think you should have either one...we're dumb).

Well 3 days before the gig, we get a call and after some talking, find out that the festival assumed that me and my bro were the same band that just entered twice (even though we have different band names, and all different members) and that OUR band in fact was not booked. But they said they would see what they could do about fitting us in.

"Well, we get a call and they say "We can fit you in, but only for 20 minutes or so." Twenty minutes to set up, play, and tear down. Were a trio, but still..."

And here is where you started impressing me:

"But at that point we couldnt quit, because they had gone through some trouble to even get us that much time, and it would have been impolite and unprofessional to drop out at that point. "



As for a critic with your proficiency sitting in the crowd, I don't know what part of the world you are in, and I doubt even with my 30 plus years on the instrument, I'll be on a par with you "proficiency wise" for very long. I'd still love to follow your progress, and I bet if you did some searching, you'd find guys that take it as seriously as you do, mybe a bit older and with an ear, that would love to sit in the audience and hear you play and give you an honest opinion when you asked.

Just keep man. I think thats all you need.

RC

You call that attitude? Man...I'd be slightly annoyed too if someone made a false assumption that cost us a spot on a bill. I don't think anything the OP said was anything out of line at all...but good to see that you recognise they made the right decisions in pressing on instead of really losing it!!

Situation well handled gents, congrats on making the best of it!

[CDRhom]

Originally Posted by shadowtippy

You handled the situation in a very mature and professional way. I hope it carries over into the rest of your endevors. You should go a long way with that attitude. Congrats on the show, too.

+1

Professionalism will carry you a long way.

Just curious, how did your brother's gig go?

[zeppelinfreak]

Originally Posted by CDRhom

+1

Professionalism will carry you a long way.

Just curious, how did your brother's gig go?

My brothers band was meh. They did all punk songs (blink 182, greenday). Their singer could really pull off Billy Joe Armstrong, but everything else he sang was below average. Their bassist was okay for only playing two months, but his right hand was totally messed up. He plucked the strings instead of pulling through them, almost like a classical pizz on an upright bass. It made his sound get really muddy for parts. The drummer was okay, but his kit didnt sound to great. I probably would have thought he was a lot better if he had decent drums. My brother nailed his parts though, granted they were mostly power chords and easy solos haha.

Overall though, they were better than they expected, especially because the lady sent the calls to tell the bands they got booked only a week before the show. They didnt expect to get the gig, and they only knew three songs when they got called, so they had to learn 10 songs in a week.

[crayzee]

Congrats on the turned around gig! One thing that I've learned is that while the fans will remember your music, the booking folks will remember your attitude. Always be professional and mature and you'll have exactly zero trouble getting gigs.