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Bars that you have played in that won't call the police

knarleybass

knarleybass

Commercial User
Apr 6, 2005
1,467
84
56
Tustin, CA
ulyateinstruments.com
Disclosures
Owner of Ulyate Instruments
#1
A few years ago I was playing at this bar, during the break my drummer was standing out front, a car came up, slowed down, the window rolled down a little, a gun came out and shot my drummer in the elbow.
He wasn't mortally wounded, but was bleeding pretty good. The owner/bartender/manager brought him in, gave him a free beer and said that he wasn't going to call the police, because he didn't want to bring any "Heat" to the bar.
Has anyone ever had something like this happen (not shot, I hope)? Or are some of these places like the wild west? Anything can happen? Why would the not want to call the Police?
 
#9
knarleybass said:
A few years ago I was playing at this bar, during the break my drummer was standing out front, a car came up, slowed down, the window rolled down a little, a gun came out and shot my drummer in the elbow.
He wasn't mortally wounded, but was bleeding pretty good. The owner/bartender/manager brought him in, gave him a free beer and said that he wasn't going to call the police, because he didn't want to bring any "Heat" to the bar.
Has anyone ever had something like this happen (not shot, I hope)? Or are some of these places like the wild west? Anything can happen? Why would the not want to call the Police?
Click to expand...
Why didn't your drummer call 911 himself?

Reasons why not:
1. Owner is part of a criminal organization
2. Owner is out on probation
3. Bar is on probation with the state alcohol licensing board.
4. Police presence spooks the regular patrons who are criminals.
 
#10
knarleybass said:
A few years ago I was playing at this bar, during the break my drummer was standing out front, a car came up, slowed down, the window rolled down a little, a gun came out and shot my drummer in the elbow.
He wasn't mortally wounded, but was bleeding pretty good. The owner/bartender/manager brought him in, gave him a free beer and said that he wasn't going to call the police, because he didn't want to bring any "Heat" to the bar.
Has anyone ever had something like this happen (not shot, I hope)? Or are some of these places like the wild west? Anything can happen? Why would the not want to call the Police?
Click to expand...

I can thing of one thing. Drugs.

I wouldn't play at that bar again.

And I most heartily recommend getting a cell phone
 
#14
BawanaRik said:
...The local Chillie's, Yes. The local druggie bar where everyone is out on probation or worse.Maybe not.
Click to expand...

Sadly, I have witnessed one homicide and one attempted homicide from stage while playing biker bars in years past. It was nothing like a Chili's, but I can promise you that everyone there was not a druggie or on probation, and it was obvious to me that a few of the bystanders cared deeply for the welfare of the victim(s). The cops showed up damn quick and I doubt the bartender was the first one who dialed 911.
 
#16
I don't know. Never played while witnessing anything really bad go down.
Got a sub gig over the phone one time. Agreed to play. All bluesy tunes. The guy gave me the set list over the phone.
I showed up in a button down shirt. Kinda dressed up.
I had never been in the place before.
Mostly Hells Angels wearing their vests with the logo.
Real friendly women. I stayed next to my combo and played.
Didn't say much. Was way overdressed and stood out but everything went cool. I imagine if any trouble happens in that bar, it stays in that bar.
 

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