Band Member Pointing Out Mistakes to the Audienc

[MarkMgibson]

What's with that photo, Jive1? Air guitar is one thing, but air cellular phone?

[Vlad5]

Originally Posted by jungleheat

Especially a HARMONICA player! I mean, unless you are playing "the music of Toots Thielmans" or something, a harmonica player causing trouble should get the boot faster than it takes to play an 8th note rest.

That made me laugh a little, cheers!

Honesty is the way to go. And it seems all the above can be summed up into:

Tell dude at next band practice that representation on stage and off are equally important and that the band should only ever discuss mistakes with the band, ever... like, ever. If he has so little faith in 'his' band's skill, then he needs to address this during a practice, not a performance.

Why? Because the audience is there to be entertained, period. They don't give two poops about your band dynamics or practice habits, they want a show. If your show consists of berating each other and lamenting every mistake, your audience will loose interest and your venue will uninvite you to return.

Good luck!

[VinKreepo]

Originally Posted by gjbassist

... I just need to find a tactful way to tell him this.

[phillybass101]

Just point out how this was a mistake on his part and let everyone get over it like any other mistake. If it continues then it's not a mistake on his part and other actions may be needed. At first, I'd treat it like he made an honest mistake and didn't know any better by posting that.

[hudpucker]

"Do that again and you're fired."


yep.

[rtslinger]

Originally Posted by intheory

Absolutely unacceptable and unprofessional. I would not have tolerated that for a second.

+1000000000

[DwaynieAD]

punch him with a belt sander

[Crazyeelboy]

Seems like the guy made a rookie mistake. Just bring it up and have everyone in the band agree not to put dirty laundry in public. I'd note that while playing, every note seems to be so critical, but the audience is focused on the full experience of the show. Each note is nothing compared to the larger vibe.

[MarkMgibson]

Have him killed. I know a guy who'll do it for a fair price.

[Hilton Marsh]

SAome musicians are always striving to play that perfect gig and you can be at any level and still have that motivation. I interviewed Santana during his last visit to Australia and he was very disappointed with his performance even though the audience would have differed. Its good to be always striving for perfection but its unhealthy not to acknowledge the achievements along the way so you are balanced. Your mate wasn't out to hurt you or the band. His glass is half empty instead of half full. Communicate with him and it will all blow over rather than blow out of proportion. Good on ya for raising the issue in thsi forum.

[jswingchun]

Originally Posted by jive1

I'm typically a self critical person, and I can always talk about what I messed up and can do better. But, in terms of the music biz, I have to can that a little. As much as you may be tempted to counter a compliment with a self deprecating comment about how poorly you played, it's rarely ever a helpful thing. IME, the best response to a compliment is "Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it". Your work should be enough to stand on it's own, so no explanation is needed.

I learned the lesson the hard way when I told a client that really enjoyed the show about how I bad thought our performance was. He didn't take it as self deprecating or humble. Instead, he gave me a funny look like I had gotten one over on him. He was a little mad about it, and we were never booked there again. Which is sad because we did well, and the owner liked us, but my statement was enough for him to have doubts about us.

Over time I learned that I shouldn't second guess a client or fan's taste towards our band. If they like us, who am I to question their taste? If anything, it's rude. I had someone tell me that my version of "Voodoo Chile" was one of the best guitar performances he ever saw. I know for a fact, it wasn't even close. Now I could tell him that he was wrong, or that he doesn't know what he's talking about, he needs to get out more, etc. but what does that accomplish other than you getting additional comfirmation or them feeling like their opinion doesn't matter and they are being condescended towards? No need to go there, so I just said "Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it".

Look at it like a restaurant. What goes on in the kitchen is kept away from the consumer. If you are a cover band, you are being a waiter. If you are an original band, you are a chef and waiter. If you have a customer who loved what they ate, would you tell them that you almost dropped their steak on the floor? If someone said that they loved their meal, would you tell them that you substitued Italian seasoning because you ran out of oregano? If a restaurant is having a special on their famous Chicken soup, do they advertise that it is leftovers from yesterday's roast chicken?

In short, if your customers are happy, you should be. If you want to debrief, do it with a bandmate, friend, spouse, etc. I would only debrief with a client if they were a repeat customer that I had a close relationship with. I don't believe in countering the opinion of the customer that likes you. You may be seen as humble, but you may also be seen as fishing for compliments or invalidating their opinion, which isn't good for any relationship.

This is a very well written and thoughtful post. I knew all of this stuff, but had never really thought about it the way you put it. Thanks.