Cover Band Rant.

[Bass-Waster]

No matter how many times I read this post, I can't think of what I should type. There is just so much to criticize, all across the board with this one.

haha

 

[cheezewiz]

so there i am, minding my own business, having some drinks with some friends at a local bar that caters to bikers/metalheads. it's a saturday night, so there's usually some form of live entertainment.

4 guys walk up on the stage, all wearing purple immitation velvet suits, stand in front of a british flag, pull out their "vintage" instruments and begin to play their beatles cover tunes. this goes on for 5 hours.

the bass player, with his violin bass strapped high on his chest, makes jokes and talks to people between every song. what a jerk, he's got a mic, but doesn't sing... just just looks around nervously and fills the gaps between songs with annoying little cracks like "whooo! tough crowd." and "you can probably tell we love the white album too much. or maybe not."

the bar owner, who i now consider a big jerk, had the foresight to not hand out any bottles or glasses that night... just those red plastic cups. he should get praise for this, i think he saved the bass players life while doing so. i have respect for my fellow musicians, but even i was ready to chuck a bottle at the freakin' bass player.

a chorus of boos rings out at the beginning of every set, as soon as the sound guy cuts the stereo... he made the mistake of cutting it in the middle of a metallica song and had his life threatend by one of the regulars. don't worry, this guy threatens someones life every week, it's nothing to worry about. actually, knowing the sound guy's sense of humor, he probably timed it that way on purpose...

the night goes down without major violence...

a few days later, i'm in the local mom and pop music store to buy strings. guess who i see? the guitar player for the beatles cover band. small world, right? he's talking about his recent show, and how he's upset about not making any tips, and only getting enough money from the bar owner to cover gas. i tell him i was there, and he was lucky it was a slow night. he looks at me like i kicked his cat, lifts his nose in the air, and goes right back to complaining to the guy behind the counter. once again, i felt like throwing a bottle.

the moral of the story... snobby tribute/cover bands who think they're the greatest thing their audience has ever seen really grind my gears.

This has probably been already said, because I didn't read this whole mess, but I guess you didn't have a gig that night, right?
Who's a tool?

 

[ProfGumby]

I think this is the funniest thing I have ever read on talkbass.

Suddenly I don't feel like stabbing the internet.......

And to the point, who books a Beatles band at a metal head bar?

 

[SpamBot]

This thread is just a gigantic cluster****. There are so many things wrong here

 

[bgressman82]

This has probably been already said, because I didn't read this whole mess, but I guess you didn't have a gig that night, right?
Who's a tool?

apparently, you.

no, i didn't have a gig that night, i had a few beers with a thing called "friends". have you ever had "friends"? let me tell you, they're nice to have.

 

[ZoomBoy]

apparently, you.

no, i didn't have a gig that night, i had a few beers with a thing called "friends". have you ever had "friends"? let me tell you, they're nice to have.

Nice comback. So how old are you anyways?

 

[Sundogue]

where do you get off thinking every band that's ever played a gig where they didn't belong should be treated like heroes? if he needed the money for diapers, he should get a better job, or sell some of his guitars. why are musicians never to blame, it's always the bar owner or the audience?

when you play in a bar, it's your job to entertain the audience by playing the songs they want to hear. this bar has a reputation, and anyone who walks in immediately knows what to expect. you can tell by looking at decoration of the place that it's bikers and metal. isn't it snobbish to go asking for a gig in a bar where you obviously don't belong, then expect everyone to pat you on the back for it? i'd never play in a redneck country bar, or a bar full of 50 somethings, no matter what was offered. the band is responsible for booking their gig, not the bar owner. as i've already said, the owner is a musician and it is a known fact that all you have to do is ask and you can play there, he's not going to turn down anybody because he's been turned down by bars before.

and, as i've said, i didn't post the whole conversation with the guy. i did get a little rude with him at the end because he was talking smack about my hang out bar, and the bar owner who is family of mine.

and, it wasn't a threat, it was a warning. if your band wears matching purple suits, stands in front of a british flag, and makes stupid comments between songs in a biker bar, you will be lucky not to get the crap beat out of you.

What's wrong with allowing others to pursue what they want, even if it doesn't fit into what you want? What does other people's wants, needs or desires have to do with you?

I'm really curious as to why you feel anyone needs to conform to your, or anyone else's standards?

I've been playing for 30 years and for a lot of that time my band's have gotten almost all gigs through a booking agent. I can't tell you how many times over the years our agent(s) have sent one of my bands to a gig that our music did not fit at all.

Guess what we did? We played the frickin' gig because that's what was in our contract and we honored that...along with the whole "the show must go on" credo.

I'm sure there were self-righteous, narcissists in the audience who felt we should have played what they wanted or packed up and left, but being professional musicians who were making a living what we were doing, we played what we were hired to do. We tried accommodating audiences' requests as much as possible, but when you are a band playing Rush, Yes, Led Zeppelin and the crowd wants to hear Hank Williams Sr. what the hell are you going to do?

I don't live my life for others and because of that I don't expect others to live their lives for me. If I'm a working musician and that's how I make my living I sure as hell am not going to go get another job just to satisfy someone else's idea of what I should be doing with my life.

Everyone sees the world from their own perspective. That guy may have been putting down your hang out bar and a family member, but from his point of view he felt justified in holding that view. You see it differently and neither of you know why the other feels that way. And you obviously don't even care why he feels that way. You are only concerned with how you allowed his life to affect yours, without even realizing that your problem with him is just that...your problem, not his.

 

[RustyAxe]

so there i am, minding my own business, having some drinks with some friends at a local bar that caters to bikers/metalheads. it's a saturday night, so there's usually some form of live entertainment.

Yeah ... but they had a "gig" ... and you ... well ...

 

[bgressman82]

What's wrong with allowing others to pursue what they want, even if it doesn't fit into what you want? What does other people's wants, needs or desires have to do with you?

I'm really curious as to why you feel anyone needs to conform to your, or anyone else's standards?

I've been playing for 30 years and for a lot of that time my band's have gotten almost all gigs through a booking agent. I can't tell you how many times over the years our agent(s) have sent one of my bands to a gig that our music did not fit at all.

Guess what we did? We played the frickin' gig because that's what was in our contract and we honored that...along with the whole "the show must go on" credo.

I'm sure there were self-righteous, narcissists in the audience who felt we should have played what they wanted or packed up and left, but being professional musicians who were making a living what we were doing, we played what we were hired to do. We tried accommodating audiences as much as possible, but when you are a band playing Rush, Yes, Led Zeppelin and the crowd wants to hear Hank Williams Sr. what the hell are you going to do?

I don't live my life for others and because of that I don't expect others to live their lives for me. If I'm a working musician and that's how I make my living I sure as hell am not going to go get another job just to satisfy someone else's idea of what I should be doing with my life.

Everyone sees the world from their own perspective. That guy may have been putting down your hang out bar and a family member, but from his point of view he felt justified in holding that view. You see it differently and neither of you know why the other feels that way. And you obviously don't even care why he feels that way. You only are concerned with how you allowed his life to affect yours.

so, what? i'm not allowed to think it was a bizarre situation? am i wrong to think that the band should provide entertainment appropriate for the audience? i've got no problem with them playing beatles songs, i'm just not interested, and neither was the audience. i'm tired of people telling me it's my duty to support every band that shows up. it isn't. i'm sick of this attitude of the band knows what's good and the audience doesn't. it's not true. i was there to be entertained and the band failed to do so, not just for me but for everyone in attendance. and, what, i'm just supposed to smile while he insults my family and bar? they had no agent, i called the owner and asked. he remembers it well and got a laugh out of it.

furthermore, is someone a self righteous narcisist for expecting a band to play songs to entertain them, or is it the band for thinking that everyone should just appreciate what they play?

 

[bgressman82]

Yeah ... but they had a "gig" ... and you ... well ...

oh, so now we should just look down upon all the musicians in the audience of shows because they aren't playing at the moment? if you're lucky enough to have a musician at your next gig, try it and see what happens. let me know how it turns out.

 

[ZoomBoy]

You are entitled to your opinion but IMO you are coming off as being somewhat abrasive and confrontational here. Hey they booked the gig in a town where venues are limited and it wasn't a good fit. It happens to most of us at one point or another. Get off your high-horse and try to put yourself in their shoes. I can only assume that they are not a local band if they took the gig despite checking out the venue beforehand. Bottom line here is that your bar-owner/part of your family should have told them upfront what to expect from the regulars. He, while trying to be a nice guy by booking anyone, dropped the ball.

 

[bgressman82]

You are entitled to your opinion but IMO you are coming off as being somewhat abrasive and confrontational here. Hey they booked the gig in a town where venues are limited and it wasn't a good fit. It happens to most of us at one point or another. Get off your high-horse and try to put yourself in their shoes. I can only assume that they are not a local band if they took the gig despite checking out the venue beforehand. Bottom line here is that your bar-owner/part of your family should have told them upfront what to expect from the regulars. He, while trying to be a nice guy by booking anyone, dropped the ball.

yes, sir. sorry. i forgot that there's no such thing as a bad show, just a bad audience. i'll be nicer next time, they're doing me a huge favor by playing.

 

[bigfatbass]

Cover bands are fine, every drunk likes a live jukebox they can yell at. But tibute bands = lowest form of music on earth.

A gorilla beating a rock with his face has more musical merit than any tribute band ever will.

Except for maybe Zappa Plays Zappa, or The Fab Faux.

 

[bgressman82]

Cover bands are fine, every drunk likes a live jukebox they can yell at. But tibute bands = lowest form of music on earth.

A gorilla beating a rock with his face has more musical merit than any tribute band ever will.

Except for maybe Zappa Plays Zappa, or The Fab Faux.

careful round here. that kind of sentiment well get you accused of being self righteous for not liking the band. i bet you're probably one of those guys who does that crazy "play what the audience wants to hear" kinda stuff.

 

[Sundogue]

so, what? i'm not allowed to think it was a bizarre situation? am i wrong to think that the band should provide entertainment appropriate for the audience? i've got no problem with them playing beatles songs, i'm just not interested, and neither was the audience. i'm tired of people telling me it's my duty to support every band that shows up. it isn't. i'm sick of this attitude of the band knows what's good and the audience doesn't. it's not true. i was there to be entertained and the band failed to do so, not just for me but for everyone in attendance. and, what, i'm just supposed to smile while he insults my family and bar? they had no agent, i called the owner and asked. he remembers it well and got a laugh out of it.

furthermore, is someone a self righteous narcisist for expecting a band to play songs to entertain them, or is it the band for thinking that everyone should just appreciate what they play?

I agree it was a bizarre situation. All the way around. But being a musician, I'd think you'd have a broader perspective on that situation.

I never said a band shouldn't play what the audience wants, but as I mentioned, in my own case I've had agents book us in inappropriate venues, and we're on the road thousands of miles from home earning a living playing music. It isn't outside the realm of possibilities that a band just has to play what they play and get through the night and move on, without you having to take it as a personal insult from that band.

And again, you hear him talking about the gig from his point of view about the gig and you take it personally. Did you ever stop to think what you might say if you were in the same position?

I get the feeling that as a musician, you've either never been put in that situation or you aren't old enough to realize that life isn't all about you.

 

[ZoomBoy]

Now you are really coming off as a complete jerk. I am not trying to insult you or belittle you. I've been playing bar gigs for 24 years now and I'm just commmenting on things from my experience. Things happen. If you were that bored why stay? Call a cab. Go home. I'm sure that all your gigs are perfect.

 

[bgressman82]

Now you are really coming off as a complete jerk. I am not trying to insult you or belittle you. I've been playing bar gigs for 24 years now and I'm jsut commmenting on things from my experience. Things happen. If you were that bored why stay? Call a cab. Go home. I'm sure that all your gigs are perfect.

8 years and runnin, haven't had a bad one yet. then again, i play originals and have a following.

you know, you were the one who started off acting arrogant and telling me i was wrong for not liking the band... so maybe follow your own advice a little?

 

[ZoomBoy]

8 years and runnin, haven't had a bad one yet. then again, i play originals and have a following.

you know, you were the one who started off acting arrogant and telling me i was wrong for not liking the band... so maybe follow your own advice a little?

Um no I didn't say anything of the sort. I'd love to come out to see one of your gigs. I bet it would be a hoot.

 

[bgressman82]

I agree it was a bizarre situation. All the way around. But being a musician, I'd think you'd have a broader perspective on that situation.

I never said a band shouldn't play what the audience wants, but as I mentioned, in my own case I've had agents book us in inappropriate venues, and we're on the road thousands of miles from home earning a living playing music. It isn't outside the realm of possibilities that a band just has to play what they play and get through the night and move on, without you having to take it as a personal insult from that band.

And again, you hear him talking about the gig from his point of view about the gig and you take it personally. Did you ever stop to think what you might say if you were in the same position?

I get the feeling that as a musician, you've either never been put in that situation or you aren't old enough to realize that life isn't all about you.

they weren't on a tour, they were from a town about an hour away. they had no agent, the owner said he was pretty sure the BASS PLAYER was the one who came in, looked around, saw the stage, and set it up.

and, where i come from, friends come before strangers. he was talking about my friend badly, so i gave him some attitude, big deal.

and actually, i am old enough to know the world isn't about me, it's about my 2 kids. but you are right, i've never been in that situation because i believe in playing gigs in places where i know i will be welcome.

 

[Sundogue]

they weren't on a tour, they were from a town about an hour away. they had no agent, the owner said he was pretty sure the BASS PLAYER was the one who came in, looked around, saw the stage, and set it up.

Fair enough. Thanks for clarifying.

and, where i come from, friends come before strangers. he was talking about my friend badly, so i gave him some attitude, big deal.

Human nature to do that. Just know that you are a stranger to someone too. Knowing that might come in handy someday.

You seem to be making the big deal about it however.

and actually, i am old enough to know the world isn't about me, it's about my 2 kids. but you are right, i've never been in that situation because i believe in playing gigs in places where i know i will be welcome.

Well, it is about more than just your kids. It's a big world. I've got 4 myself but they aren't the only ones in the world that deserve grace.

Give it some time. You may very well play a gig where you aren't welcome, unless you stay local. And I guarantee that if you play originals there will be someone like you who wishes your band played something else..or somewhere else.