World Cup ruins gig

[dirtjumper2001]

So England have made it out of their group in the world cup. USA threw a spanner in the works though by scoring a goal, meaning we end up 2nd in the group.

Now this causes a bit of a problem. On Sunday we have a gig at a local all day outdoor festival. Last year when we played there were at least 1000 people there, but probably a fair few more. So its quite a big one for us, and on top of that, its our first gig with our new drummer, having not played for 6 months.

The implication of England coming 2nd in the group however, is that they will be playing on the Sunday, against Germany to make things worse. This makes it a hugely important game. We are due to play at 5pm. The football kicks off at 3pm, and should end at 4.45pm. But if it goes to extra time/penalties, then it will run much later than that. As a result of all of this, the festival is effectively ruined, there will be next to no-one there as everyone will be down the pub/at home watching the football. There is some hope for us if the game finishes when its supposed to and people come back to the festival, but I feel sorry for the other bands who are supposed to be playing during the game.

Anyone else had a similar experience when a sporting event or such like has ruined a performance?

[Eminentbass]

Well how about that. I live in the city that hosted last night's game. I once played at a wedding where the bride was almost in tears because everybody was in the pub next door watching some rugby final.

My concerns are usually about the outcome of any important match because it determines the general mood of the crowd we'll be playing to. One of the worst gigs I've played was an hour after we lost the cricket world cup by one run(if I remember correctly). Talk about a depressed audience.

[richtea]

Not quite the same, but similar. I live in cape town and play in two cover bands, So far I have played five "sandwich" gigs, that is, play before, in between and after matches, all at our regular venues. Normally we manage to get a decent party going. Each one of these gigs has been "flat" and really hard work. I dont want to sound like I am not greatful for the work because i am, any paid gig is a blessing. My observation is however that it seems that people come to watch sport or to party but somehow not both this plus 90 odd min's between sets is quite a cooldown. Any one else had similar observations.

[richtea]

I played in cape town after the super14 final, the stormers(the local team) lost, we played to the bar staff for three hours.

[Eminentbass]

Originally Posted by richtea

I played in cape town after the super14 final, the stormers(the local team) lost, we played to the bar staff for three hours.

Hey, a bit off topic but do you know Mike and Graham at marshall music? Our bands used to tour together frequently a good few years ago plus I get all my endorsement stuff through them.

The cricket world cup I mentioned earlier was that fateful run out with Donald and Klusner. What a bleak crowd.

[Nashrakh]

I had fooball 'ruin' a gig once.

Not that the people stayed away from the location, no. They were all showing us their backs and watched the game while we played.

Only like, 2 or 3 people were actually looking at us. And they were female.

[dirtjumper2001]

Eminent, what was the atmosphere like there yesterday then? Lots of people over here getting really into it, you'd think we'd just won the tournament the way some people were celebrating over here! I bet it was almost the same over there.

Richtea, thats exactly the sort of thing that I'm worried about. I can see it all going wrong against Germany and after that as you say, no one will be in the mood.

I forgot to mention that the organisers were trying to get a big screen and projector at the festival to show the game, but the police have said no to that.

[Eminentbass]

Originally Posted by Nashrakh

I had fooball 'ruin' a gig once.

Not that the people stayed away from the location, no. They were all showing us their backs and watched the game while we played.

Only like, 2 or 3 people were actually looking at us. And they were female.

haha, there's nothing worse than the crowd cheering and going wild and it turns out to be for a goal

[Eminentbass]

Originally Posted by dirtjumper2001

Eminent, what was the atmosphere like there yesterday then? Lots of people over here getting really into it, you'd think we'd just won the tournament the way some people were celebrating over here! I bet it was almost the same over there.

Richtea, thats exactly the sort of thing that I'm worried about. I can see it all going wrong against Germany and after that as you say, no one will be in the mood.

I forgot to mention that the organisers were trying to get a big screen and projector at the festival to show the game, but the police have said no to that.

I was doing a theatre show at the same time as the match(go figure) so I missed the game but I stopped for some take-aways after and the place was flooded with people wearing English colours. Very festive crowd from what I could gather. Saw plenty colours and flag adorned people when I went for my morning coffee today too.

[varunkapahi]

put some mega screens behind your stage and you have a show!

[richtea]

Dirtjumper; I think that you have just gota put the whole thing out of your head. I have another three of these "sandwich" gigs comming up, and Ive determind that I'm gonna have fun no matter what. You have commited to play the gig so be commited. Best case, the people that normally attend, hate footie and nothing changes. Worst case two people pitch and you have a paid rehersal with great sound.

Emminentbass; yeh I know both of them, not hugely well greham sold me my genz rig after my trace was stolen and changed my life forever,

[varunkapahi]

Originally Posted by Eminentbass

. One of the worst gigs I've played was an hour after we lost the cricket world cup by one run(if I remember correctly). Talk about a depressed audience.

yeah i remember that match i think, was it agaisnt Aus or us?

[Eminentbass]

Originally Posted by varunkapahi

yeah i remember that match i think, was it agaisnt Aus or us?

Just had to google it to refresh my memory. That was the semi-final against Australia. Haha, no matter how legendary those guys are I don't think anyone will ever let them forget it.

[phatbass]

Everyone in the band pick up one of those stupid plastic trumpets (vuvuzela) and just play that non-stop for the gig.

I'm not a soccer nut, but I like to watch a good game, and I can't 'coz the constant drone of those things ruins any enjoyment...

[Eminentbass]

Originally Posted by phatbass

Everyone in the band pick up one of those stupid plastic trumpets (vuvuzela) and just play that non-stop for the gig.

I'm not a soccer nut, but I like to watch a good game, and I can't 'coz the constant drone of those things ruins any enjoyment...

Those things are bloody annoying. Had them blasting around the neighbourhood at all hours which has stopped a bit now that SA is out of the tournament. What's funny is that they only supposed produce one pitch, or so it was said until a trombonist I play with got hold of one and did some fancy stuff with his embresure

[Slaine01]

Try playing in Australia when the Bledisloe Cup is on...New Zealand "All Blacks" vs Australian "Wallabys" in Rugby Union.
Last time even the inhouse sound guy didnt show up............

[varunkapahi]

Originally Posted by Eminentbass

Just had to google it to refresh my memory. That was the semi-final against Australia. Haha, no matter how legendary those guys are I don't think anyone will ever let them forget it.

lol

[BB-414]

Originally Posted by dirtjumper2001

Eminent, what was the atmosphere like there yesterday then? Lots of people over here getting really into it, you'd think we'd just won the tournament the way some people were celebrating over here! I bet it was almost the same over there.

It was. People were celebrating everywhere, especially as it is "Kieler Woche" right now, which is a huge 10-day festival - the largest in Northern Europe. So yesterday there were public viewing parties all over the place.

Poor bands, who've been playing live during the game.

[dirtjumper2001]

Originally Posted by richtea

Dirtjumper; I think that you have just gota put the whole thing out of your head. I have another three of these "sandwich" gigs comming up, and Ive determind that I'm gonna have fun no matter what. You have commited to play the gig so be commited. Best case, the people that normally attend, hate footie and nothing changes. Worst case two people pitch and you have a paid rehersal with great sound.

Don't worry about that, I'm up for playing whatever happens, whether there are people there to see or not. Been so bloody long since i've played outside the practise room that i'm looking forward to it whatever happens. We all knew it might happen so its not as if its a shock. But for a moment when the England game finished yesterday, everything had worked out, we were top of the table. Then the commentator said "We have some news from Pretoria...", and I just knew what was coming next.

Oh well, i'll be sure to report back here afterwards. At least the sun should be out

[the_man_dan]

you think the world cup ruins your gigs? think about the vuvuzela philharmonic!!!

http://www.theonion.com/articles/sou...-by-soc,17625/