Bluewine

It can be Overkill. Depends how your using the PA. If it's used to fine tune and control your sound I think that's a good thing. And I'd say you really need a dedicated sound guy. Just because some of us are playing small bars and pubs doesn't mean we shouldn't sound our best. If your using an advanced PA for volume only, then I'd say that's questionable. I've seen guys play clubs with no PA and guitar amps for vocals. Doesn't work for me. Blue

Great looking family. I agree with the OPs position. Life does change. I was his age 30 years ago, married with 2 young boys. Now 65, life has changed and pretty much do what I want. Blue

Yeah, definitely a difference. Over here there's no staggering down the road. We're a country of automobiles. The penalties, fines and legal fees for drunk driving over here could be life changing for some. Blue

Regarding space, our problem is our bar show is hot 70s style hard rock. It works well in bars, however it doesn't seem transend to the large stage Blue

Pete, You should tell us if something happens. Blue

I maintain my position. Weddings are for DJs and wedding bands. BTW all bars are not cramped and I haven't crossed paths with or seen any drunks in years.But that's just me. Blue

My opinion, weddings are for DJs and bands specialize in weddings. They're called Wedding Bands. Blue

Here's one we've all been through. You guys know Harley is headquartered here in Milwaukee. Ok so I believe it was one of theses anniversary things Harley's 110th. So people are coming in from all over the country on their bikes to celebrate.There are parties an events happening all over city. We got booked by this huge camp ground where they were expecting thousands of bikers to stay. Well to make a long story short and just our luck that didn't happen. There was this huge builing with a huge ballroom with a huge stage. A complete disaster. We played to a bar staff of about 5 people. Blue * You know the whole biker event thing has never worked out for us. Maybe it's me, but in the States I don't think bikers are these big partiers anymore. There older folks and the young Millennials are not following their parents. They're not into bikes or bike community or culture.

OMG, the stench was that bad? Great story, hilarious! Blue

I didn't check to see if they're booked through an agency. Another important consideration. While some agency bands are getting $1,500.00 gigs and in some cases more, you have to consider a few things. Are you one of the agencies top 5 acts? If not and your band is way down on the list your sort of screwed. And this is what I hear. At the end of the day and after expenses these guys aren't bringing vhome any more $$$ than us bar bands. Agency bands in the US traditionallly don't carry their own production. So after you pay for sound and lights there's not much left. And in the States guess who owns the sound and light company. Your right, the agency that booked you. Blue

Hi Les, It was their schedule that appealed to me. I'll have to look back at their schedule. I thought they had quite a few gigs booked. We're still adding summer gigs. Blue

Yes, we have the same issue. For us, it's only the host that love us. Not their guests. At not of these private parties people are there to eat, talk with friends , socialize. There really not there to hear or support a live band. Especially 70s hard rock. Blue

Nice ! Blue

Agreed, It's almost like you'd have to be a part of a community or have some understanding of country culture and country people. Blue

OMG, hilarious! I have to be honest, we've always died at private events (anniversaries, weddings, backyard parties). The host has usually seen us at a bar gig flips and wants us to play a private party. Never thinking that there's a high probability his guests might not be into it. We're pretty honest with these folks and sometimes subtly discourage them. Blue

I don't think I'd have a problem with a sharp looking more contemporary country rock band with a legitimate front and decent production. Blue

Not a complete disaster, but close. We've always been challenged when the bar is in another room or distanced from the band. Blue

G30, "Don't Leave Home Without One" I wrap an elastic band around the sender to secure that weird battery cap design. Blue

It was worse. Blue

My story is from a Wednesday night gig. Another untraditional gig night. We we're called last minute to fill in for a band that cancelled. No big deal, right. Thing is, it was a country music venue that books national country headliners. We're a local, regional at best 70s style hard rock band. These crowd if you could call it a crowd we're folks that wanted to line dance and show off their nifty hats, jeans and boots How can I put this? Got it! They hated us.Very embarrassing. But the pay was nice. Blue

Not a complete disaster. I've had pretty good luck with Sunday afternoon biker bar gigs, 3:00-7:00. Sunday nights kind of scare me. It's not a traditional gig night for bar gigs. Not in the States, not now. However it used to be. Sunday night gigs were not uncommon. Back in the 60s even 70s you could gig 7 nights a week. If you busted your butt you could make 18k on the side. Blue

Chuck and Rocco have always been in my top five. Blue

As much as I've said I'd entertain any opportunities with bands with work, I'd have to pass on this one. 1.I don't think I'd fit in. 2.Didn't see or understand who was fronting the band. 3.Musically nothing turned me on. 4. My vocals are probably not good enough. I could be wrong Blue

I haven't posted one of these in a while, so here goes. Review the ad and the web site. Would this be an opportunity for you, do you feel your a match for them. If yes why, if no why not? I would think it's a great opportunity for some and not so much for others. The search is on for Cowboy Up’s next bass player! Contact us with details about yourself. Pics/audio/video/experience/etc. Prefer someone that can sing harmony vocals. http://www.cowboyupcountry.com/ Blue

In the spirit of fun share a few stories about gigs for whatever reason went bad. Could be poor communication between the band and the venue, bad night, equipment failures, wrong venue or crowd for your band. Blue