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Band so good that they were boring

#21
With lots of bands using backing tracks, sequencers, etc., it takes away from some of the spontanaeity and risk taking on stage. If you know you're only going to have 8 measures for a solo or jam at the same tempo and feel every time, you have less room to improvise.

Sometimes, the fact that a trainwreck can happen is what makes live entertainment exciting.
 
#25
I have played those "Audio Wallpaper" gigs before in restaurants and the like. Some folks actually did listen and watch us and it was good as we fed off that with positive energy and musicianship but not overall in your face volume.

Even though you might be playing at a low volume, it's still good to give a show and entertain a tad. Stretch out, go out on a limb, and take a chance. Keeps 'em on their toes...
 
#26
Just back on Eric Clapton for a second: he's a pretty good example of what you mean bout being technically amazing but boring. I can't really listen to any of his post-Cream stuff. Bling Faith? Yeah. Derek and the Dominos? A bit, but I start losing interest. After that I stop paying any attention. He had such fire in Cream, and that's what caught your attention. Now he's still an amazing musician, but a boring showman.
 
#30
yeah i saw a "too polished" band not too long ago. they were really really tight, technically good, great vocals etc. good group overall. but to me, clearly too polished and almost "manufactured."

edit: this was an "original" band.
 
#31
Note for note is usually boring as hell. Put some "you" into if (unless "you" are boring as hell) and take some chances.

I did a Jazz trio hit at the Baltimore Convention Center recently as audio wallpaper for a few thousand people. We did some traditional tunes but were free to do whatever we wanted with them vs. standing there going through the motions. So by the time we played "Stairway to Heaven" I don't think anyone was surprised.
:D

The entire set was completely spontaneous... no rehearsals or setlists, we just played.
 
#32
I get bored with Dragon Force. It's not my type of music to begin with persay, however, the tremendous amount of talent all at once drew me to it. I can usually make it about three songs before I get bored with it. I think it's simply too much for my brain to process and I get mentally fatiqued.
 
#33
I was in a band like that... all covers and two originals that sounded like they could be covers... we were in the pocket and not loud and super polished. I miss those days. We could play any place... restaurants... VFWs, clubs... we did it all and it was fantastic! I really miss those days!
 
#37
I've never had the good fortune to ever see the Eagles live,but I've seen some videos of their live concerts,and heard their live album,and to me its like listening to the studio albums.I dare say that videos like 'Hell freezes Over' and such don't show every last second of the live concert,but I have to admit,I found it boring.Don Henley must have found it boring too,by the look on his face.Thank God for Joe Walsh,as he put just a little zanyness in to the whole thing.
Don't get me wrong,I love the Eagles music,or 99% of it,but going by what I've SEEN,I think I would be bored very quickly.
 
#38
zachoff said:
The cover bands I find remotely interesting are usually tribute bands, and only if they're good at what they do. Run of the mill cover bands don't do much for me so I guess I'd have probably shared your sentiment.
Click to expand...

I would find a tribute band boring.. but my current cover band seems to keep the audience interest. The guitarist is incredible and the drummer and I have a fun time taking standard rock covers and spicing them up w/ fills and accents.
 

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