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Do We or Don't We? Mexico? Too Dangerous???
- Thread starter FriscoBassAce
- Start date
Before the drug cartel's, it was the Bandito's. Or the corrupt law enforcement, or the corrupt politicians, etc...
If and when the drug cartels sort things out, then a simple fly in and fly out would be ok. Big deal is transportation, to make SURE
that you don't end up in a bad area of town.
I am a long haul truck driver, and have been offered loads going to Mexico. Good paying loads too. But I know the risks of going in with something valuable, and I refuse.
If and when the drug cartels sort things out, then a simple fly in and fly out would be ok. Big deal is transportation, to make SURE
that you don't end up in a bad area of town.
I am a long haul truck driver, and have been offered loads going to Mexico. Good paying loads too. But I know the risks of going in with something valuable, and I refuse.
If theres any risk involved, theres no way it's worth it. You're safety and peace of mind should be most important. I also can't imagine you're going to successfully change the minds of the other guys.
Ok, I am from Monterrey, currently living in the US, I read Monterrey news and talk with friends and family everyday, so I can tell you whats going on there.
Its true that there are a kind of cartels of drug war, what this means? Several drug dealers have been killed by another drugs dealers, this people do not kill just anybody, they kill other gang member so they can control the drugs market, the army is fighting these gangs, fights usually happens in the sorrounding areas, where the dealers can run and hide, its also true that some innocents have been killed, no gringos so far.
As today
322 drug dealers have been killed in 2010
51 police officers
6 soldiers
8 innocents
If you decided to go:
* Fly dont drive from Laredo to Mty.
* Stay in a decent hotel
* If you are getting $ 5000 it means that you will be playing in a decent venue so you will be fine.
About being stolen or kidnapping... well im sure the mafia is not interested in a bass guitar or an amp, they also dont know you so the why they will want to take a risk kidnapping a gringo to found later that he has not money?.
Just remember to be careful, if youdecide to go let me know , I can recommend you good places to visit.
Its true that there are a kind of cartels of drug war, what this means? Several drug dealers have been killed by another drugs dealers, this people do not kill just anybody, they kill other gang member so they can control the drugs market, the army is fighting these gangs, fights usually happens in the sorrounding areas, where the dealers can run and hide, its also true that some innocents have been killed, no gringos so far.
As today
322 drug dealers have been killed in 2010
51 police officers
6 soldiers
8 innocents
If you decided to go:
* Fly dont drive from Laredo to Mty.
* Stay in a decent hotel
* If you are getting $ 5000 it means that you will be playing in a decent venue so you will be fine.
About being stolen or kidnapping... well im sure the mafia is not interested in a bass guitar or an amp, they also dont know you so the why they will want to take a risk kidnapping a gringo to found later that he has not money?.
Just remember to be careful, if youdecide to go let me know , I can recommend you good places to visit.
Id' do it...
Have rented gear
Fly in Fly out
Spend the few bucks for an escort.
But then again I"m the nutball that took a vacation to Venezuela
Have rented gear
Fly in Fly out
Spend the few bucks for an escort.
But then again I"m the nutball that took a vacation to Venezuela
Guess it would be timely to note that I've played most of the nutty obscure and dangerous places in the earth.
Only time robbed and/or gear stolen???? Cherokee Tennessee... never knew I needed to rent gear and hire security help.
Only time robbed and/or gear stolen???? Cherokee Tennessee... never knew I needed to rent gear and hire security help.
Americans are like bargaining chips - kidnap an American and SOMEONE is going to pay up to get them back whether it's family, friends, community, or government, whatever the terms may wind up as. So if you have an American band with lots of music gear, rented or not, and some nefarious type catches wind of it, your proverbial ass is grass.
$5k is not worth my life, my bandmates life, my gear, etc. Plus I highly doubt there is anywhere within a reasonable distance of Monterrey you could rent music gear. It's like going to the doctor to get a shot, and the doctor is reusing needles without sterilizing them. You MIGHT not get AIDS or Hep-C or ebola, but why take the chance?
$5k is not worth my life, my bandmates life, my gear, etc. Plus I highly doubt there is anywhere within a reasonable distance of Monterrey you could rent music gear. It's like going to the doctor to get a shot, and the doctor is reusing needles without sterilizing them. You MIGHT not get AIDS or Hep-C or ebola, but why take the chance?
I'd go if the promoter would agree to an armed security detail and a helicopter to and from the airport.
- Dec 29, 2004
- 726
- 2
- 60
- Disclosures
- Independent Manufacturers Representative
So the reason I posted here was to get some opinions and first hand knowledge about the area. We had one bandmate that was doubtful. The two; now three. Two of us were surprised by the adamant and sudden viewpoint that was communicated to me yesterday.
I've had people that I've talked to on Facebook tell me it's safe enough. I've also had others who have said don't go. So this thread has served it's purpose.
Thanks to everyone for your input. I am going to email the promoter and cancel the gig.
I've had people that I've talked to on Facebook tell me it's safe enough. I've also had others who have said don't go. So this thread has served it's purpose.
Thanks to everyone for your input. I am going to email the promoter and cancel the gig.
HELLO THERE, FROM MEXICO CITY.
Frisco, I'm a Mexican Citizen and certainly I'm not proud of what's going on in my country nowadays.
Like some other guy said. Here in Mexico City the violence isn't not that much as in the north. Monterrey is the Second largest city in the country.
I would say MAYBE.
You just have to take some considerations.
1. You have to TRUST 100% in this guy, the promoter.
2. Be sure, by legal means, that you are getting the 5K he's telling you.
3. Be sure that the place you are gigging at is a safe zone in Monterrey ( I can help you with this I have a lot of Friends/Family in Monterrey).
4. Be sure that your hotel is in a safe zone too.
5. Do not stay longer than you need. For example, you play friday night. Arrive at Monterrey International Airport on Thursday night or Friday Morning. Leave the City Saturday Morning/Afternoon.
I will PM you. I can HELP YOU if you want.
Frisco, I'm a Mexican Citizen and certainly I'm not proud of what's going on in my country nowadays.
Like some other guy said. Here in Mexico City the violence isn't not that much as in the north. Monterrey is the Second largest city in the country.
I would say MAYBE.
You just have to take some considerations.
1. You have to TRUST 100% in this guy, the promoter.
2. Be sure, by legal means, that you are getting the 5K he's telling you.
3. Be sure that the place you are gigging at is a safe zone in Monterrey ( I can help you with this I have a lot of Friends/Family in Monterrey).
4. Be sure that your hotel is in a safe zone too.
5. Do not stay longer than you need. For example, you play friday night. Arrive at Monterrey International Airport on Thursday night or Friday Morning. Leave the City Saturday Morning/Afternoon.
I will PM you. I can HELP YOU if you want.
I'm a bit of a "no guts/no glory" type - but I'm only one guy... I'd go - but if the rest of the band isn't in, then there really is no discussion, right?
If you did accept the gig -- I understand that you didn't; wise move, IMHO -- think of the anxiety that would be spread across the rest of the band and their families EVERY DAY, from today until after you return home safely.
Not worth it.
Not worth it.
My best friend since high school plays in a very prominent Death Metal band and has relayed to me some serious concerns about playing gigs in Central and South America. Last tour there was a riot and his pedal board and all it's contents were stolen.
Now if you are Iron Maiden or someone like that to where there is enough money to pay the military to come and provide security that is one thing but 5k aint gonna cover that. Do more loal gigs to make up for the lost cash.
Now if you are Iron Maiden or someone like that to where there is enough money to pay the military to come and provide security that is one thing but 5k aint gonna cover that. Do more loal gigs to make up for the lost cash.
