That is annoying.
But it's also annoying when the previous band takes forever to vacate the stage.
But it's also annoying when the previous band takes forever to vacate the stage.
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Gig Etiquette Rant...
- Thread starter neddyrow
- Start date
Out of line. That's a genuine What The ****-type situation.
I can't say for sure but I suspect that person is probably on the autism spectrum and additionally wasn't properly taught how to behave and interact with others out in the world, essentially the golden rule.
That person needed to be corrected immediately, foremost by their own bandmates. After or failing that, if it were me, I would I'd have stopped and directed him off the stage. I'd expect the organizers or venue's backup support on that.
I can't say for sure but I suspect that person is probably on the autism spectrum and additionally wasn't properly taught how to behave and interact with others out in the world, essentially the golden rule.
That person needed to be corrected immediately, foremost by their own bandmates. After or failing that, if it were me, I would I'd have stopped and directed him off the stage. I'd expect the organizers or venue's backup support on that.
Totally agree! Luckily we are a condenser and a bass DI. We are off the stage in 2 minutes.
Gives me anxiety if we take too long. Don't want to be those guys.
Sometimes a deft stroke of the butt end of a bass properly applied to a stage intruder works wonders
And likely someone jumping on stage before you're done makes it all take longer!!
Yeah, typically I would wait till whatever part of the stage was cleared that I was going to be on, and I'd setup if the drummer vacating the stage didn't need help. The only time I've ever just setup around another bands "load-off" time is a band that we'd seen a few times completely disassemble everything on stage. I'm talking the drummer taking cymbals and toms off. Guitarists and bassists individually wrapping cables and putting everything in it's cases on stage. Those gigs it was a 15 minute swap typically w/ soundcheck and I'd have to say that'd be the only time I did that.
I don't mind some cross over on the stage when the first band is done - setting/tearing down for quick changeovers is sometimes part of the deal.
Absolutely unacceptable for someone else - ANYONE ELSE - to be on the stage during the set.
Absolutely unacceptable for someone else - ANYONE ELSE - to be on the stage during the set.
I would have lost my temper but you handled it correctly as you were professional and coming back on the Big Stage. Good Job...
Not to sound ageist or anything, but I've ran into this situation more than a few times with older guys in bands. Either they are oblivious to their faults; they just don't care; or they think that since they are older they get a "pass" card. Whatever it is, it's still bad form. I try to keep a positive attitude, and I applaud you for holding your tongue, but at some point something has to be said.
In my opinion the OP did the correct thing, played his show, and vented later. You could always email the band and let them know its bad-form later if off-stage conversation not available day of. I see this behavior in nervous people getting ready for their "big show" and they might not even be aware how bad the offense is...kinda nervous stage fright mis-directed in early set up on stage, not giving room to strike the stage etc....I have always prided myself in getting off the stage FAST, I am vocal to my band about this, it helps you get booked again, if you are into that sort of thing....."smile and wave boys, smile and wave..."
I second this. These are the little details that make a difference in any type of event.
Maybe the festival needs to consider a more professional stage manager (or hire one).
I have been in a couple of ones where a Big Digital clock was located facing the band and out of sight of the public, that was a great tool for time management.
Yeah and thats usually what happens. Last time which was a few months ago, the guitarist in the previous band had the biggest pedal board I have ever seen. He took forever slowly unplugging and wrapping every cord so I had to start getting my stuff into place. The rest of their band was no better. So we waited a bit but then had to get going. I kind of felt bad because IMO its not great etiquette, but when you have no other choice. But, something like the OP? No way and I wouldve probably called Ringo out.
I've heard this from professional stage crew, sound and lighting people who had to work for his shows.
It's always a good idea to have proper manners and to treat everyone around well.
I would say it all depends on how much time the venue gives you between bands. If they only give you 15 minutes between the end of the group before you and you have to get up there and get setup? Yeah, everyone needs to suck it up and try and work around one another.
We played at a venue where that is exactly how much time was given. Not 15 minutes for them to tear down and 15 minutes for us to setup....just 15 minutes for all of the tear down and setup to happen. The SOUND GUY told us we needed to get up and setup as they were tearing down or we would lose our playing time.
Fortunately, the group before us understood and we were both accommodating to one another as we swapped our gear out.
We played at a venue where that is exactly how much time was given. Not 15 minutes for them to tear down and 15 minutes for us to setup....just 15 minutes for all of the tear down and setup to happen. The SOUND GUY told us we needed to get up and setup as they were tearing down or we would lose our playing time.
Fortunately, the group before us understood and we were both accommodating to one another as we swapped our gear out.
The big outdoor shows I played very often had a shared backline.
I'd just plug in to a DI into whatever setup they had.
The drummers shared one kit, with the usuall request to bring their own snare and cymbals.
Easy peasy quick transition.
I'd just plug in to a DI into whatever setup they had.
The drummers shared one kit, with the usuall request to bring their own snare and cymbals.
Easy peasy quick transition.
I always would just love to go in the minds of people who are like this and act like selfish fools. I dealt with a person like this two weeks ago when I had the privilege of going to a broadway play. Noisey drunk lady playing with her kids at a expensive play and then getting bored at parts of the play.
You are in the right, I am a little irritable and I would of freak or told them to get the heck off. Good on you, I haven't read deep into this post or forum but I would of after went up and asked him more calmed down why was he on stage during our thing? I had this happen during open mics etc. I don't care if its a open mic or some small show everyone on stage deserve respect and not to be bother unless there is a very good reason and it's a pro fixing something. Also at least they could tried to hide smh.
Good on you for being chill, I def would of not been lol! My point, I can't take some people lol!
You are in the right, I am a little irritable and I would of freak or told them to get the heck off. Good on you, I haven't read deep into this post or forum but I would of after went up and asked him more calmed down why was he on stage during our thing? I had this happen during open mics etc. I don't care if its a open mic or some small show everyone on stage deserve respect and not to be bother unless there is a very good reason and it's a pro fixing something. Also at least they could tried to hide smh.
Good on you for being chill, I def would of not been lol! My point, I can't take some people lol!
... or an "accidental" elbow as one turns to face the drummer.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
The drummer is an uncaring idiot. Next band can do everything possible to get their gig ready OFF THE STAGE and without disturbing the band playing.
Never had another band member wander up onstage to setup during a festival performance, though we had Sarah Hickman jump up and join in on the background vocals once. That was fun.
I've had other band's members try to bring their stuff up while we were still clearing though. Usually, a simple, "We'll let you know when we're through with the stage" gets the point across. Once, as a BL, that was ignored; I took it a step further and told a couple guys, "HEY, this is my stage until we're through with it. Get off my ****ing stage." I was told I didn't have to be an ******* about it - apparently I did.
Of course, when I was young and getting started out, I was probably equally as clueless, though I'd like to think I had just enough self awareness to figure this stuff out after someone's first request.
I've had other band's members try to bring their stuff up while we were still clearing though. Usually, a simple, "We'll let you know when we're through with the stage" gets the point across. Once, as a BL, that was ignored; I took it a step further and told a couple guys, "HEY, this is my stage until we're through with it. Get off my ****ing stage." I was told I didn't have to be an ******* about it - apparently I did.
Of course, when I was young and getting started out, I was probably equally as clueless, though I'd like to think I had just enough self awareness to figure this stuff out after someone's first request.
