So I guess we have carte blanche

Phalex · #1 06-17-2010, 08:30 AM

We did a gig last Sunday at a pretty big venue in town. We opened up for a WHO tribute band from LA. They were really, really good BTW! The stage is awesome, and the sound system is even better. It was a fun place to play.

The club has lots of local original bands, as well as bands on their way up, and bands on their way down. (Toad the wet sprocket and Blues Traveler are scheduled in the future.)

We had resisted the clubs requests to play there because we're a cover band with a few originals, not the usual originals only stuff they usually have. We don't think we fit their format.

The guy that books our band (The Drummy) said that the guy that books the club told him they really want us back. The Drummy kinda told him that he didn't think a cover band was the best fit for the place, and besides, we're booked into next year pretty solid.

Sooooo.... The guy from the club says: "Well I know you guys are booked pretty solid, but keep an eye on our schedule, and if you see someone you think would be a good fit for what you do, call me, I'll set it up." So it sounds like pretty much if we want a date there, we can just tell them when we want to play and who we want to open for, we can just walk in and do it.

To be quite honest, I didn't think the gig went all that well last Sunday.

St Drogo · #2 06-17-2010, 08:36 AM

Nice! Sounds like you somehow made quite the impression!

Well done.

shadowtippy · #3 06-17-2010, 09:36 AM

I thought carte blanche was one of the golden girls. Anyway, congrats to you.

Jim Campbell · #4 06-17-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

We did a gig last Sunday at a pretty big venue in town. We opened up for a WHO tribute band from LA. They were really, really good BTW! The stage is awesome, and the sound system is even better. It was a fun place to play.

The club has lots of local original bands, as well as bands on their way up, and bands on their way down. (Toad the wet sprocket and Blues Traveler are scheduled in the future.)

We had resisted the clubs requests to play there because we're a cover band with a few originals, not the usual originals only stuff they usually have. We don't think we fit their format.

The guy that books our band (The Drummy) said that the guy that books the club told him they really want us back. The Drummy kinda told him that he didn't think a cover band was the best fit for the place, and besides, we're booked into next year pretty solid.

Sooooo.... The guy from the club says: "Well I know you guys are booked pretty solid, but keep an eye on our schedule, and if you see someone you think would be a good fit for what you do, call me, I'll set it up." So it sounds like pretty much if we want a date there, we can just tell them when we want to play and who we want to open for, we can just walk in and do it.

To be quite honest, I didn't think the gig went all that well last Sunday.

if they asked you back,it went off ok.....i would definitely try to give it another shot..... the all original clubs might want to make some dough every once in a while.....

Phalex · #5 06-17-2010, 10:51 AM

I'd really like to do it again. The stage was freakin HUGE!

jaywa · #6 06-17-2010, 11:45 AM

So did you get to hang with "Entwistle"?

How legit was this Who tribute band? I mean did they get right down to the exact equipment The Who used, etc. or was it more just the material?

Phalex · #7 06-17-2010, 12:05 PM

Well, the bassplayer had three HiWatt cabinets, but only one of them was loaded with drivers. I talked to him a bit before they went on, he was pretty cool but the skeleton suit looked hot as hell!

Here's their website: http://www.thewhoshow.com/

They did an awesome job, and the singer was amazing! He sounded just like Roger Daltrey.

JohnMCA72 · #8 06-17-2010, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

...
So it sounds like pretty much if we want a date there, we can just tell them when we want to play and who we want to open for, we can just walk in and do it.

To be quite honest, I didn't think the gig went all that well last Sunday.

A lot of people's best gigs don't go that well! Congrats!

spunj13 · #9 06-17-2010, 06:26 PM

is that Planet Rock in Battle Creek?

Phalex · #10 06-18-2010, 06:07 AM

The Intersection in Grand Rapids.

nobodysfool · #11 06-18-2010, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

To be quite honest, I didn't think the gig went all that well last Sunday.

I can't tell you how many times either myself personally, or the band as a whole didn't think they did all that good, and we get nothing but compliments from everyone, and told how great we sound, how well we played, etc....and the gigs where we were happy and thought we did exceptionally well, not a word from anyone...funny how that works.

Personally, it seems the nights when I struggle to get it right, and hit some clams in the process, everyone tells me how much they like the sound of my bass, my rig, etc., and the nights when I am really happy with my sound, and feel that I nailed everything, nobody says squat....

Then I go home, and listen to Victor Wooten or some other monster bassist on YouTube, and fell like I should just burn my bass, and go buy a kazoo....

spunj13 · #12 06-18-2010, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

The Intersection in Grand Rapids.

ahh.. the intersection.
you know.. i've never gotten there since they moved. and that was ... 8 or so years ago.

i would've been quite stoked to play there.

glad that you had a good experience.

[spunj13]

countrybass007 · #13 06-18-2010, 10:07 AM

I've heard a lot of cover bands who put their own personality into the music, and it's been a great listening experience. As much as the owner liked your band, maybe you're what I call a band that doesn't write their own material. Listen to some of the "cover" songs by bands like The Kentucky Headhunters. I'd go for a return gig, as it sounds like a great one.

Richland123 · #14 06-18-2010, 10:41 AM

As frustrating as it can seem in this business and all the things that don't work out, every once in a while something good just falls into your lap and you get rewarded for doing a good job. Congratulations and you might was well take the opportunity since it is there.

Phalex · #15 06-18-2010, 11:35 AM

I'm sure we'll be back, I don't know when, but we'll be back.

Webtroll · #16 06-18-2010, 01:19 PM

A cover band opening for a tribute band sounds like a good idea

Phalex · #17 06-18-2010, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Webtroll

A cover band opening for a tribute band sounds like a good idea

I think that's the #1 reason we said yes. Well that and it was a Sunday night so we didn't have a bar gig.

The sound system is kickass there! It loved my low G, I can still hear it now........

Mo'Phat · #18 06-18-2010, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

I'm sure we'll be back, I don't know when, but we'll be back.

You should test the guy from the club. To to The Intersection's website, hand-pick a band you'd be willing to open for, and see if it's easy to get that gig.

I'd shoot the moon...Try for the Blues Traveler or Toad gig.

Phalex · #19 06-21-2010, 05:47 PM

Well, not sure if it was the same guy or not, but we're opening for LA Guns this July. (My wife is gonna be pissed I said yes, but it's one of the few times I agree that the exposure will make it worth while.)