Kicked out ...

chaseman · #1 10-29-2011, 05:36 PM

Let me set the scene ...

My band was booked to play at a respected club in my town for Halloween. We are all under 18, and the organisers were fully aware of this. The bouncers, however, were not.

We rolled up, set up, and one of the always charming bouncers came over and made it clear that we were not welcome once we had finished our set, saying we had to get our gear and go straight after we had finished. We played the gig (unpaid, with no free soft drinks etc, because that's how it works for people my age apparently, but that's another matter) and the bouncer said we had to go, even though that meant leaving all of our gear in a room full of drunks.

Our gear is not insubstantial in value (Gibson LP, Fender 212 etc), and we respectfully questioned the need to leave our gear unattended. In the time it took to reason with the accumulating mass of angry bouncers, I had called parents to get our gear picked up, and it was resolved without any lasting impact.

The organisers did however say they would like us back, which was a positive, but on the promise that there would be no issues with our age next time.

Ok, rant over. Any of you had similar issues? And could we have dealt with it differently?

mellowinman · #2 10-29-2011, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaseman

Let me set the scene ...

My band was booked to play at a respected club in my town for Halloween. We are all under 18, and the organisers were fully aware of this. The bouncers, however, were not.

We rolled up, set up, and one of the always charming bouncers came over and made it clear that we were not welcome once we had finished our set, saying we had to get our gear and go straight after we had finished. We played the gig (unpaid, with no free soft drinks etc, because that's how it works for people my age apparently, but that's another matter) and the bouncer said we had to go, even though that meant leaving all of our gear in a room full of drunks.

Our gear is not insubstantial in value (Gibson LP, Fender 212 etc), and we respectfully questioned the need to leave our gear unattended. In the time it took to reason with the accumulating mass of angry bouncers, I had called parents to get our gear picked up, and it was resolved without any lasting impact.

The organisers did however say they would like us back, which was a positive, but on the promise that there would be no issues with our age next time.

Ok, rant over. Any of you had similar issues? And could we have dealt with it differently?

I suggest all of you begin carrying baseball bats and tire irons.

Nah, probably not.

Thrill-House · #3 10-29-2011, 05:53 PM

Would be wary about playing there again... make sure the bouncers know whats going on and make sure you are allowed to take your gear in peace. No way you should have to leave your stuff in the bar without yourself being present.

s_mcsleazy · #4 10-29-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mellowinman

I suggest all of you begin carrying baseball bats and tire irons.

Nah, probably not.

why did i just think of this

SolidFooting · #5 10-29-2011, 05:57 PM

If you're under 18, playing with a band, and getting gigs, just be thankful for the opportunity to gain some experience. Gaining experience dealing with people treating you badly is probably useful too.

LiamPodmore · #6 10-29-2011, 06:19 PM

Sounds fun. We played a gig where we needed to be over 18 once, we were heckled offstage by a load of 40-60 year old 'Rockers' who took and hour to soundcheck and still sounded worse than anything. We got out of there as fast as possible, didn't leave any gear around though.

Liam

modulusman · #7 10-29-2011, 07:11 PM

Of course the organizers want you back since you played for free.

infamusblkdeath · #8 10-29-2011, 07:32 PM

no; and i couldn't think of any other reasonable/easy ways to deal with such a thing. i'd never try to get a gig at the place again that's for sure..

TripleDouble · #9 10-29-2011, 07:34 PM

I think you sound like the "grown-ups" compared to the bouncers. Nice job handling the situation and not burning any bridges.

seanm · #10 10-29-2011, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripleDouble

I think you sound like the "grown-ups" compared to the bouncers. Nice job handling the situation and not burning any bridges.

+1 You handled that better than most.

anderbass · #11 10-30-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaseman

we had to get our gear and go straight after we had finished.

Why couldn't you carry your gear outside to your cars immediately after your set?

kanonfodr · #12 10-30-2011, 02:58 PM

You played for no money and no drinks or anything? Dude, find venues that respect you, I would be shocked if the other bands (presumably >18 years old?) were playing for free. And I would also ask that the organizer, or agent thereof, be on the premises if you ever play there again to sort this kinda stuff out. It's his job to be a mediator between venues and bands, if he doesn't show up I look for other organizers.

Peace,
Greg

chaseman · #13 10-30-2011, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anderbass

Why couldn't you carry your gear outside to your cars immediately after your set?

Unfortunately it was raining, which added to the situation. If it wasn't, we would have moved our stuff outside yes.

fjadams · #14 10-30-2011, 06:04 PM

Not unusual. Not all states allow minors in bars after a certain hour, Nebraska does if they are part of the entertainment..

My boy was 15 when he first started playing paying gigs at clubs and bars. Most places that served alcohol, and that was almost everywhere, required me or another adult(s) to have a separate table for us and the band. There were no alcoholic drinks allowed at the table at any time. The band had to be at the table when they weren't playing. Not a bad thing as here in Lincoln the bars are watched closely, especially in what is referred to as the "Beermuda Triangle" in the middle of downtown right off campus. At least it let them play, get experience, and make some cash.

As for putting up with surly bouncers, consider it a life experience. Most of them have little control over their usual jobs as second assistant night manager at the Kwikee Stop.

S.B. · #15 10-31-2011, 03:29 AM

had similar experience when played under age.....years ago. sounds like you handled it well. not sure i would want to return there from the way you were treated. in my experience they will take advantage of eager musicians. do they have any under age night or shows, i know some clubs do. good luck

fishtx · #16 10-31-2011, 12:00 PM

after that are you seriously considering playing there again?

bluewine · #17 10-31-2011, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by modulusman

Of course the organizers want you back since you played for free.

+1 And since you guys are young it's a good time to start getting in the habit of not playing for free. Everyone loses except the bar owner

It no different than let's say your stocking counters at Wall Mart for $9.00 an hour. You report for work and your Supervisor comes up to you and says:

Most of the other guys here are working their shift for free today. You either go home or work for free.

It means all the practicing, rehearsals and your parents helping the band have no monetary value.

Exception might be at least an afternoon slot at a festival where your band would perform in front of a crowd of 1000 people.

I started my 1st band when I was 12 , we never played for free.

chaseman · #18 10-31-2011, 02:11 PM

It always seems awkward asking for money, how is it best to handle it? And how much would be reasonable to charge?

drewfunk · #19 10-31-2011, 02:52 PM

I've never even had my age questioned playing at any of the local bars, and i hang out all night meandering about with pals and watching other bands. I just dont push my luck and attempt to order any drinks

HolmeBass · #20 10-31-2011, 03:00 PM

The "out-of-control bouncers" syndrome. Avoid that place like the plague. I can't stand petty tyrants like that.