Band Member Intros - Yes or No?

[RichardW]

My band always introduces members throughout the show, especially if one of is taking a more prominent role as vocalist or soloist on a particular song. We'll also intro the band as a whole somewhere towards the end of the show.

I know no one in the audience cares, nor does it make a huge difference to me personally to be introduced. Still, I just think it's polite.

 

[Muddslide]

Most bands I've played in haven't messed with this. I've had a few BLs that did, but it was rare.

Personally, I don't care much, either as a band member or audience member.

Ha...had one BL (guitarist/vocalist--we were a three piece) who always introduced me and the drummer, but he'd make up different names every gig. I always got a grin out of it:

"Ladies and Gentlemen...Rusty Catheter on bass, and on drums, Dilf Spleenington the Third."

or

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the astounding rhythm section of The Fielding Sisters!"

 

[Deleted member 268085]

Pick a song that your singer is particularly good on then say "Give it up for 'his/her name' ladies and gentlemen" at the outro/end of the song. Maybe that will give him the idea that the rest of you guys deserve some notoriety too. I also like to do that when someone has really screwed the pooch on a song as well....ahhh good times.

Jan and Dean had a nice way of handling that. After Jan's auto accident and resulting brain damage, he'd make mistakes during shows. When that happened, someone in the band would ring a bell (IIRC), and everyone would laugh, including Jan.

Those were some good times.

 

[MCS4]

I have no interest in band member intros, either when I am playing a show myself or if I am in the audience.

The only time when band member intros have any positive impact on my experience is (1) if they are legitimately funny, which has happened maybe once or twice in my experience, or (2) in the very specific scenario of a popular artist introducing the members of their hired-gun backing band to give them some exposure.

 

[PaulJSmith]

Personally, I've always found it kind of hokey, especially in a local cover band. Most guys I've played with seem to find a way to work it into the songs, or for the filler between songs when there is an issue being resolved. For the most part, though, I can live without it just fine.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

In my opinion, it depends on the organization.

If live music is the core element of the event (paid concert, club gig, etc), it is appropriate to introduce musicians.

If live music is a side dish of the event (wedding, party, corporate organization, etc), it is not necessary to introduce musicians.

 

[MegaSwing]

It's good showbiz. Besides, you WANT people to remember the players. It can only do you good from a showbiz perspective.

And it's polite. How would you like to spend three-plus hours with someone without an introduction?

 

[aprod]

Just grab the mic at some point and do the intros yourself.

 

[tedious1]

I just don't see the need. My stage name is all over our merch (recordings) our site, our FB page, etc. etc. etc. Folks want to know, folks can find out.

We've cut most of the banter out, I remember one show that was so badly managed we basically played our set, song into song into song into song, no banter except at the one tuning break, and the singer used that to get applause for every other band on the bill.

But we play originals, I'd rather the singer drummed up applause for the folks we're sharing the stage with than tell folks my stage name...

 

[Slough Feg Bass]

I don't really care for it, but sometimes I do it as part of the show before or after a song where one player particularly kills it. depends on the gig I guess.
I don't think the audience cares one way or another. my name could be anything and they would still grove to the beat.

 

[bigtone23]

I see it being a great way to help connect. There will always be someone in the audience that will appreciate knowing the names of the players.
Don't draw it out. We usually do it as a segue--"here's ____, he's gonna sing ___ for ya..."

 

[_Franik]

Quit playing covers.

 

[I am Soma]

I think its cheesy but to each their own.

 

[klyph]

I'm pretty ambivalent about the practice in general. If someone in the audience really digs my playing, they'll usually approach after. The only BL's who do it are those who connect with the audience. If band intros are part of the formula, fine. But...
I don't have a stage name, and my last name is hard to pronounce. Just because we exchanged emails and you know how it's spelled, does not mean you should go with your "best guess" over the PA. When I sub with bands and am being introduced, I will invariably get the " look" from the BL. I always tell them: "just 'Cliffy,' it's okay" but goddamn mother##@$&r they just have to try, don't they? I only have this problem with women singers. I had a gig last month like this, and since the bar has high turnover, she does intros every set. So despite my reassurances, I had to hear my last name butchered 3 different ways... all wrong... I may just have to get a stage name if I keep subbing with this lady!

 

[Rattfink]

I would go with cheep cloth disposable jump suits you can write you names on

 

[WI Short Scaler]

We do it, usually in the 3rd set, usually in one particular song where there's a break and cajon only keeping rhythm. Start with him, than I come in/intro, and than guitarist. We try to have fun with it, audience seems to like it and responds well. The only part I don't like about it? Now everyone in the audience knows our names so when you see them out somewhere they act like they know you and you have to admit you have no idea of their name. But that's a small price if they remember the band was fun.

 

[Jason A Silva]

Music is a strange thing, in that an audience may build a relationship with an artist without the artist knowing them. The introduction can help reach someone in that audience in a way you never expected. It may seem routine but it can help build a following.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I agree with JimmyM - do it, do it quick. Unless you're the Foo Fighters that ended up taking 30-40 minutes to do everyone's introduction, but it was awesome!

 

[arbitrary]

the audience gonna remember your name?

 

[lfmn16]

I would go with cheep cloth disposable jump suits you can write you names on

Worked for these guys