Playing in Europe - What do I need to know?

[NoRhino]

My band has been invited to play a weekend of gigs in bars in The Netherlands. Aside from travel and accommodation what else do we need to consider?  It's one thing plugging a shaver into a travel adaptor but what about amplifiers? 

Steve Naive

[Hellzero]

The tension is exactly the same all over Europe (220~240 Volts). So all you'll need is a decent plug adaptor able to manage the amperage of your devices, so avoid the cheap ones. 

And by the way, UK is in Europe. 

[Hellzero]

The beer is also stronger, be aware. Most people drinking it like they use to do were completely drunk after 5 glasses. No kidding.

[NoRhino]

Thanks for the advice re power.

I don't drink while gigging but thanks for that warning too. 

All Scots know that the UK is in Europe... but I needed a topic header to get your attention. 

 

[Hellzero]

If you have a detachable lead for your amp(s), simply buy a EU one or as much as you need, that will also do the job or changing all the plugs on the leads could be the option. 

[NoRhino]

Thanks. I really appreciate your help.

[Steve Browning]

My band play on mainland Europe a fair bit. We approach the power requirement by buying a couple of European plug and change the UK plug on a couple of 2m single socket extension leads. They take up a small amount of additional space, are not expensive and then allow you to use your own extension leads from there on.

Generally, the venues will feed and water you too. The audiences are also far more receptive and even seem to appreciate you being there. Pretty much the direct opposite of a UK audience!!

If you go through the tunnel to get there, I heartily recommend the burger van in the car park where you queue to board the train. The 'dog and egg' is a wonderful creation (pork burger with a fried egg on top).

I can guarantee you'll have a great time and drive on the right. It's always the first roundabout that (almost) catches me out!!

[phil.c60]

4 hours ago, Steve Browning said:

If you go through the tunnel to get there, I heartily recommend the burger van in the car park where you queue to board the train. The 'dog and egg' is a wonderful creation (pork burger with a fried egg on top).

+1 for this. Plus if you go by tunnel and you're early they'll put you on  the soonest one with space, so you can plan your journey to have plenty of time and not end up sitting around for an hour waiting for the correct train if you get there early.

[upside downer]

If you're playing in Europe, you probably need to know 'The Final Countdown'.

Well, someone had to say it 😁

[NoRhino]

Groan 

[oldslapper]

6 hours ago, Steve Browning said:

 

Generally, the venues will feed and water you too. The audiences are also far more receptive and even seem to appreciate you being there. Pretty much the direct opposite of a UK audience!!

This!

Gigged extensively in Europe (outside UK....) from the 80's to last July. 

Always well looked after by promoters/venues & audiences mad for a good time.

You'll have a Fab time. 

[lowdown]

6 hours ago, Steve Browning said:

I heartily recommend the burger van in the car park where you queue to board the train. The 'dog and egg' is a wonderful creation (pork burger with a fried egg on top).

 

I didn't realise how popular that little creation was.....

Certainly taken over from the all night 'Cowboy Frenchy' at the Burger wagon, outside the Spitalfields Church, Whitechapel.

A large Baguette filled with Sausage, bacon and fried eggs... A 2:00am treasure .

[dmccombe7]

In Europe the bass players is always on the other side of the stage. 

Most of all have fun, enjoy it and post a few pics with an update on BC.

All the best 

Dave