Brown Eyed Girl

[electracoyote]

We had a request for it last night, and played it to a very crowded dance floor. I don't like doing it, but you have to give the people what they want.

Well, you don't have to give the people what they want, unless you want gigs, money, and new/more fans.

I am constantly amazed at how little this means to some cover band musicians. If things like that aren't important, why put yourself out there and pretend you're an entertainer? Write some songs and play your originals and pet deep cuts in the "pay to play" rooms or for free in the comfort of your own home.

 

[buzzbass]

When I was 18 I fell hard for a girl with one brown eye and one green eye. I don't know if I could write a song about that or not. But if I did it wouldn't be a hit.

I'm pretty sure she had at least 2 brown eyes

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

What you play for gigs is not about good musical taste. It is about filling clubs and making money, so I will play these songs when I have to, but when I do I think of something more pleasant like getting a root canal.
My list: Proud Mary, and and Knock Three Times, and some others I can't think of now. We have a guitar player in our band that goes insane if you even mention Johnny Be Good.

 

[Lex P.]

Any song that even I can play a bass solo on is never a bad thing. I like it

 

[lfmn16]

We have a guitar player in our band that goes insane if you even mention Johnny Be Good.

I was sitting in for a friend over the weekend. We played Johnny B. Goode like it was the first time and the dance floor was packed. If a song sucks its most likely because the people playing it are phoning it in. There is a reason that every audience wants to hear these songs.

 

[Steve]

I guarantee you , I've played that thing more times than Van Morrison has. I ought to send that guy a check I've played that thing so much. That song bought my house one dollar at a time.

 

[invader3k]

I was sitting in for a friend over the weekend. We played Johnny B. Goode like it was the first time and the dance floor was packed. If a song sucks its most likely because the people playing it are phoning it in. There is a reason that every audience wants to hear these songs.

That's the thing. The band has to put enthusiasm and energy into any song, but especially those old cliche cover band ones. If you're doing "Sweet Home Alabama" and acting like it's a huge chore, the audience will pick up on that vibe and not get into it (at least as much).

Fake a smile if you have to, bounce around a bit, and have some fun with those oldies-but-goodies!

 

[corinpills]

What you play for gigs is not about good musical taste. It is about filling clubs and making money, so I will play these songs when I have to, but when I do I think of something more pleasant like getting a root canal.
My list: Proud Mary, and and Knock Three Times,.

Now, I have been playing for 35 years and I've never seen any band play Knock Three Times. Is that a common cover in your area?

 

[Jefff]

For me it's Sweet Home CHicago, followed very closely by Mustang Sally.


I can feel me soul being sucked out every time I play either.