just a rant

ko stradivarius · #1 12-07-2007, 09:17 AM

So we've had 12/8 booked for about two months at this club. We've played this place before so its not like they don't know us.
Our drummer gets a phone call, on his OLD cell phone, luckily still active, last night informing us of a "double booking" and we're canceled. Just like that. he calls and gets the same BS. no other explanation other than playing stupid.
Our singer calls and askes who's playing. Turns out these douche-nozzles kicked us out for a band that had their first gig there AFTER the last time we played and we already had the date booked. Luckily our drummer checked that phone because we would have shown up ready to play.
Thats just piss poor on them. Were not youngins and have to get baby sitters and make arrangements for gigs these days and these ****wads just **** on us like that.
Man, I even spent last night setting up my jazz bass too.
Uhhg!!!
Sorry if this in the wrong place but that really ticks me off.

mrokern · #2 12-08-2007, 10:24 AM

Agreed it sucks...and you aren't going to want to hear this next piece of advice, but I'll give it before everyone else does:

Contract.

It's the only way to prevent scumbags from pulling that kind of garbage.

-Mark

Jim Breece · #3 12-08-2007, 12:05 PM

Honestly, I've never seen a contract at the local-band-in-a-bar level (which is the type I've been involved in in almost all cases) that was enforceable. It's good for not allowing the bar an alibi that they didn't have you on the calendar or something, but if they're going to burn you they will, regardless. If you're popular enough that it'll hurt business if you don't come back and your fans stay away they probably wouldn't jack you around in the first place. If it's small claims court $ you're probably not going to file a claim and they won't pay if there's a ruling against them anyway, as there's almost no provision for enforcement. Same deal for the union gigs and local promoter concerts I've been burned on. If you have a good relationship w/the bar otherwise and are a good draw you can use this to get a better gig next time maybe. Otherwise, IME, it's just liner notes for the cd. Not to say that it doesn't suck big time.

Crazyeelboy · #4 12-10-2007, 07:27 AM

Sux to have that happen, but unless you are really in big business, there isn't a lot of negative you can do about it, so try to turn it positive.

Jim's right. Most people are not total scumbags, so I suggest you take it in stride and go back to the venue manager to rebook for another date (or two). He/she probably feels pretty bad about this and might want a chance to make it up to you.

If they are jerks about making it up to you, then you know not to deal with them. In any event, focus on the positive.

mikedubbs · #5 12-10-2007, 09:48 AM

I agree maybe you can turn it into a positive. Maybe the owner can be convinced they need to make it up to you....headline spot or play on the bill w/ a band of your choice. You mentioned it was the other bands 1st gig....kinda irrelevant, I'm sure they had nothing to do w/ the issue & pretty much innocent.

realdeal · #6 12-10-2007, 09:59 AM

You're entitled to rant. Those type of "misunderstandings"
suck!
But unfortunately, unless it's a Contracted gig, especially with
AFM membership, there's nothing to do except:
Balance whether it's worth it sucking it in to play there again in the future.
Stuff happens, it shouldn't but it does. Leave it alone and they MAY offer another date, this time with the complete understanding that it's your show; even call beforehand to confirm that THEY haven't messed up.
Hard to do, I understand, but the bottom line is playing out, developing a crowd, perfecting performance, and then at some point- Blow 'em off! You'll have other options.
Music Biz is full of non-sense, gotta roll with it.