The band is better than the bar

[nonsqtr]

We were playing in Culver City the night OJ did his famous run on the freeway, not two miles away. People kept rushing into the bar asking to watch the TV. It was annoying for a while, but the bar owner was pretty cool about it, he had the picture on without the sound, then he finally walked over and asked us to take an extended break. He bought us a pizza, gave us all the beer we could drink, and at the end of the night he tipped us an extra hundred bucks (even though we only ended up playing two and half sets). That was pretty cool. And, he got his money's worth, 'cause we told everyone what a great guy he was, and how wonderful the bar was, and we told all our musical friends what a great place it was to play.

[uglycicles]

nonsqtr,
I remember playing a gig that same night. We actually started the first set, played about 3 songs and realized that the entire bar was watching the OJ chase and waiting for the anticipated shootout rather than watching us.

We unplugged, sat at the bar, had a couple of drinks, and waited out the pursuit. I don't think we ended up taking the stage until around midnight, but still got paid the whole amount for the night. Good times.

[mattmcnewf]

I really like it when a venu can give u choice between the music and something else. As long as there no sound coming from the tv i don't care. Also if we have to stop for things on Tv I better still be getting paid

[lenorules1950]

When we first started playing out professionally, we were playing weekly at a certain chain restaurant/bar that shall remain nameless. They would move the tables and chairs out of this tiny little area and stuff us in there. We got to the point where every Thursday night people would pack the place solid. Then, for reasons known to nobody, they told us they didn't want live music there anymore. Now, if you go there on any given Thursday, there'll be 6, maybe 7 patrons tops. Here's the kicker- apparently they lied about not wanting live music anymore since they have acoustic acts on Thursdays. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot. And then, there was this other bar we played at where the owner tried striking up a conversation with our drummer while he was trying to start a song.

[Munjibunga]

It's no problem for me. I watch the TV's from the stage. I prefer racing of some sort (remember that John Force is my step-uncle-in-law). Women's beach volleyball is good, too. Don't worry. The patrons hear the band no matter what their eyes are doing. It'll be OK.

[Edwcdc]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

It's no problem for me. I watch the TV's from the stage. I prefer racing of some sort (remember that John Force is my step-uncle-in-law). Women's beach volleyball is good, too. Don't worry. The patrons hear the band no matter what their eyes are doing. It'll be OK.

John Force rules. I don't know much about drag racing but I enjoy his enthusiasm. He is always fun to watch.

[dlloyd]

Originally Posted by uglycicles

nonsqtr,
I remember playing a gig that same night. We actually started the first set, played about 3 songs and realized that the entire bar was watching the OJ chase and waiting for the anticipated shootout rather than watching us.

We unplugged, sat at the bar, had a couple of drinks, and waited out the pursuit. I don't think we ended up taking the stage until around midnight, but still got paid the whole amount for the night. Good times.

You should have got your guitarist to get his wah pedal out and played some car-chase funk

[kansas666]

I think it is a good idea having tv's on while the band is playing. In fact, the best locations are bars with 2 rooms or at least 2 sections. People need a place to go to get away from the volume. That way people who don't want to see the band have a chance to stay and spend their money.

The only time I don't like the tv to be on is when it is a large screen tv in the corner or the room right above the drummer's head.

THAT gets a little distracting.

[Mike N]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

It's no problem for me. I watch the TV's from the stage. I prefer racing of some sort

+1

[MuzikMan]

Originally Posted by jive1

Honestly the TVs don't bother me. At some gigs I have the full understanding that the band is not necessarily the center of everyone's attention. Sometimes, I like to catch part of the game from the stage.

Watching football while playing bass - man that's great! Two of my favorite activities at one time.

Well put. The band isn't always the center of attention, and that is the rightfull decision of the club owner, not the band.

There are plenty of people who like to watch a game while listening to the music who would otherwise not be there at all. BTW if the band is kicking *$$ they will listen.

[Selta]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

It's no problem for me. I watch the TV's from the stage. I prefer racing of some sort (remember that John Force is my step-uncle-in-law). Women's beach volleyball is good, too. Don't worry. The patrons hear the band no matter what their eyes are doing. It'll be OK.

+2

All the bars 'round here seem to have T.V.s, but if the crowd wants to listen to you, they will, and if they want to watch T.V., they will, and if they want to do both, the will as well.



Ray

[The Golden Boy]

Originally Posted by MuzikMan

Well put. The band isn't always the center of attention, and that is the rightfull decision of the club owner, not the band.

There was a bar in Milwaukee called the Boardwalk. It was a large rectangle, with the bar situated along the right wall (as you walk in on one of the short sides of the rectangle). At the opposite end of the entrance was a pool table. Across from the bar was the 4" high "stage" which left about 2 feet from the chairs at the bar to the stage, running right up to the edge of the door of the womens' restroom. When they went out of business- it was re-opened as The Globe and the pool table left and a proper stage was built. It was a great place to play. We always used to joke that the Boardwalk was the only bar that the pool table was more important than the bands.