Band Member Intros - Yes or No?

[JimmyM]

"Be the first in your neighborhood to buy the piano player a beer". Be entertaining.

Make up your mind here...Say stuff like the first line or be entertaining...which is it?

 

[nalapit13]

Eddie Wilson always introduces the band after the first song!!

 

[TheDominoKid]

In a cover band everyone should be introduced at some point... In my funk/jazz project I do the band intros at the end of the set followed by our band name and a goodnight/thanks for coming. In my all original stoner rock group—I could careless.

 

[SouthLatitude]

Make up your mind here...Say stuff like the first line or be entertaining...which is it?

Dude i was trying to keep it clean. I auctioned off our drummer one night & got him a beejer in the parking lot.

 

[mikeswals]

Thoughts? How do you guys do it in your bands?

We don't.

 

[Deleted member 268085]

band intros are not generally done for cover bands are they?
one gig I did a few years ago the singer said "I'd like to introduce the important people in the band.... (pause).... thank you very much"

+1 for self-deprecating humor!

 

[MrLenny1]

Most of the bands I work with introduce the members
once or twice per gig. Talk to the singer.

 

[JimmyM]

+1 for self-deprecating humor!

Here's the problem with humor...if you are not funny, trying humor is death.

 

[TrevorR]

My observations and experiences are way different from yours.

As I mentioned, we generally don't do intros at private events, but in 40+ years playing public venues I have never met the kind of disinterest or cynicism you describe. If anything, it's pretty much the opposite, genuine enthusiasm.

Most audiences can care about both the product AND simultaneously give a nice attaboy to the musicians bringing them a good time. We have a lot of repeat fans, friends, and family in the audience, and I know for a fact the appreciation is sincere and the musicians on the stage get a good feeling from being quickly introduced.

YMMV

Yes you're right in that you will usually get a "Derek on bass" " YAAAY!" "Nigel on lead guitar" "YAAAAY!", but here's where my view diverges from you. Does that mean that the audience care? I really doubt it. That's just enthusiasm, party spirit, fun, a bit of group activity... The question really is do they care? Is there really likely to be any real proportion of the crowd who would go away from a party or a pub gig where the cover band wasn't introduced and think, "Well, they were a great band, that was a great party and they played so many of my favourite tunes, I had so much fun dancing with my friends, I'm just nicely tipsy... that would have been a really great party but... sigh... if only I knew what the name of the bass player was! Sigh... Well, maybe at Jane's birthday party next week..."

OK, so there's a bit of hyperbole there for effect and emphasis. But really? Actually care on any meaningful level? I CARE about my coffe and I suppose it's nice enough to know that it was handed over a counter at Starbucks by "Aneeka" or "Karen". I might even say "Thanks Aneeka.' but if they weren't wearing their badge or it had "Trainee" on it... do I care enough for my coffee experience to be diminished?

 

[Jack Butler]

Any decent WP program should give you a fake name as part of the package, no?

Band leader always does intros during our version of "Kansas City", with each taking an 8 bar solo, but I could do without it. What good is witness protection when they blab your name over the PA?

 

[Marc DLarosa]

OK... Earn an introduction.
Get a nickname. We all have one.

But, it HAS to be given. If you give it to yourself, you're a POSEUR... PERIOD.

If you really NEED everyone to know your REAL name... bring your MOMMY to your shows.

 

[mellowinman]

Here's the problem with humor...if you are not funny, trying humor is death.

Almost every musician thinks they're a lot funnier than they actually are.

 

[turf3]

"and now I'd like to introduce the members of the band. Bill, this is Steve. Fred, this is Jack..." band members shake hands all round... 1-2-3-4-

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Almost every musician thinks they're a lot funnier than they actually are.

It's the free beer.

 

[edro]

Wives and girlfriends think it cute.
A couple of popcorn munchers up front may think it cute.
Most don't. You start talking, they start talking and playing with their phone.
We are paid to play, not carry on a conversation with nobody but Dil and Do in the front row...

Not being an ass. It just is....

 

[Wisebass]

On the one hand, I get it. It's a cover band. Who cares what the drummer's name is. On the other hand, it feels a little to me like a violation of tradition and makes me a little sad. It's the only band (of dozens) I've played in where it's this way.

Hi Altitude

Yep! All the bands I played in, did it. Nothing wrong with it!

That said, last year I joined a jam project that is called "Miss J. Doe & The Unknown"

No band member presentations here for obvious reasons!


greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Wives and girlfriends think it cute.
A couple of popcorn munchers up front may think it cute.
Most don't. You start talking, they start talking and playing with their phone.
We are paid to play, not carry on a conversation with nobody but Dil and Do in the front row...

Not being an ass. It just is....

We do it at every gig. And typically the entire audience claps as each member is announced. And I mean the whole audience, too. Maybe just a difference in the crowd or the musical jaundra.

 

[electracoyote]

Yes you're right in that you will usually get a "Derek on bass" " YAAAY!" "Nigel on lead guitar" "YAAAAY!", but here's where my view diverges from you. Does that mean that the audience care? I really doubt it. That's just enthusiasm, party spirit, fun, a bit of group activity... The question really is do they care? Is there really likely to be any real proportion of the crowd who would go away from a party or a pub gig where the cover band wasn't introduced and think, "Well, they were a great band, that was a great party and they played so many of my favourite tunes, I had so much fun dancing with my friends, I'm just nicely tipsy... that would have been a really great party but... sigh... if only I knew what the name of the bass player was! Sigh... Well, maybe at Jane's birthday party next week..."

OK, so there's a bit of hyperbole there for effect and emphasis. But really? Actually care on any meaningful level? I CARE about my coffe and I suppose it's nice enough to know that it was handed over a counter at Starbucks by "Aneeka" or "Karen". I might even say "Thanks Aneeka.' but if they weren't wearing their badge or it had "Trainee" on it... do I care enough for my coffee experience to be diminished?

Man, as much as I would love to split hairs with you and engage in a semantic debate about the word "care," go to extremes, and take it way too seriously, I just don't have the time.

You win.

 

[Artman]

I like the introductions if kept brief. Every audience at every gig by every band that I have played with has applauded when people are introduced. If your band has regular fans, they want to feel as if they know you a little bit. A name is a good start. I don't solo for an introduction. If the band is playing during the introductions, I just maintain a steady groove, step out of the shadows for a moment, nod, then step back into the shadows. I think it's actually arrogant to think that it's arrogant. I'm also prejudiced against bigots. Lighten up.
Honestly, I could have introductions or not. Just as long as they keep it short.

 

[hrodbert696]

Didn't read all nine pages so far, I'll admit, but I'll add my vote in favor of doing it. One reason is that people are more likely to think of themselves as the band's "fans" and come back to see you again if they feel they know who you guys are. It helps to connect. Also there's often a need to banter a bit while the guitarist switches instruments or tunes up or the keyboardist switches his patches or whatever. You can only say "How y'all doing tonight?" so many times in a row. Don't let it break the flow of the gig, but work it in.