Bluewine Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 (edited) 12 hours ago, cheddatom said: We played the Woodland Stage at Bearded Theory on Friday. I'd read a load of horror stories online about the weather and mud. Apparently they were towing people on to the site! Anyway, we got there at 1:30 for our set at 4pm. I'd forgotten my boots so was stuck hanging around back stage in my converse, trying to avoid getting stuck in the mud before our set. I got to set up my kit to the side of the stage so the changeover was only about 5 minutes. The sound was fantastic, as you'd expect at a proper festival like this. The field in front of us was packed, and it sounded like every one of them was singing along. Only a 30 minute set which makes it super easy on the drums as I don't have to hold back at all. Ace gig That looks like my kind of event. Very nice photos. 30 minutes is really cool and easy to manage material. I've done a few 40 minute shows, I love them. I always get jealous when I see photos like this. Do you get to play a lot of these upscale type gigs? Daryl Edited May 28 by Bluewine 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewine Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 On 25/05/2024 at 23:15, Bluewine said: Ok, no sugar coating the gig. We played outside on the patio. We really don't have a draw in Milwaukee and it shows. I'd say we had a poor turn out. Seems like we only have nice crowds at festivals and fairs where there's an embedded crowd. A little sad. Daryl I think I complain too much. I just received this update. "Hey everyone, acoustic @Motor Sat 8/17, patio again if it's nice 👍🏻 " I'll take it. Daryl 8 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewine Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 This Saturday! Take a lil’ road trip with us, we promise you won’t be disappointed!! She's Right - I'm Left Hubbleton Brewing Taproom & Grill Daryl 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheddatom Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 8 hours ago, Bluewine said: That looks like my kind of event. Very nice photos. 30 minutes is really cool and easy to manage material. I've done a few 40 minute shows, I love them. I always get jealous when I see photos like this. Do you get to play a lot of these upscale type gigs? Daryl Not many of that size, although we do a few festivals through the summer that'd be playing to around 1000. I'd love to do more of them. The other guys would prefer 45 or 60 minutes. Most of our headline shows are 90 minutes or more. I personally love the short sets as it feels "full on" all the way through 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 We average 1hr 10-15mins first set and 1hr 20-25mins second set but its great when we get two 1hr sets. Think the most enjoyable was with the punk band where we were 2nd support band at a local rock venue with PA and backline supplied. By the time the 1st band got off stage and we got started our 30mins was down to 20 mins and we still got paid £200. I could cope with more 20min £200 gigs. Dave 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 7 minutes ago, cheddatom said: Not many of that size, although we do a few festivals through the summer that'd be playing to around 1000. I'd love to do more of them. The other guys would prefer 45 or 60 minutes. Most of our headline shows are 90 minutes or more. I personally love the short sets as it feels "full on" all the way through Was the same for me when I was in Knock Off, I always thought that a 30 - 40 min set was best, full-on and unrelenting. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 (edited) Its annoying when we learn a new song we just add it to the set rather than drop one out and keeping the sets approx 1hr each. Both my bands suffer from this issue. In a few yrs i'll be doing 4hr sets if things don't change. I've always thought 2 off 1hr sets is ideal. It leaves an audience wanting more. Too long they get bored. Dave Edited May 29 by dmccombe7 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelDean Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 2 minutes ago, dmccombe7 said: Its annoying when we learn a new song we just add it to the set rather than drop one out and keeping the sets approx 1hr each. Both my bands suffer from this issue. In a few yrs i'll be doing 4hr sets if things don't change. Dave That is annoying. It can be useful to have some songs ready to go if an extra song or two is needed, or just to vary the set a bit so you don't get bored. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 1 hour ago, MichaelDean said: That is annoying. It can be useful to have some songs ready to go if an extra song or two is needed, or just to vary the set a bit so you don't get bored. That was the original selling point, to vary the set but now they just include them and you are back where you started with "we need to learn some new songs as a back up" Annoys me a lot. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martthebass Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 1 hour ago, dmccombe7 said: We average 1hr 10-15mins first set and 1hr 20-25mins second set but its great when we get two 1hr sets. Think the most enjoyable was with the punk band where we were 2nd support band at a local rock venue with PA and backline supplied. By the time the 1st band got off stage and we got started our 30mins was down to 20 mins and we still got paid £200. I could cope with more 20min £200 gigs. Dave Standard clubland this side of the border tends to be first set 45m followed by second 45m +15m. You'd be shot if you eat into bingo time lol 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 When I was promoting, bands used to do 2x45 + encores (if any). Big names (think Ben E King, Jimmy Ruffin, Desmond Dekker) used to do a contracted 60min, up to them if they went on past this - I think Jimmy Ruffin finished at about 2hrs!). 😎 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msb Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 We recently lost a great friend and piano player , unexpectedly. He had played a gig the night he died. We’re doing a memorial for him Saturday night. His regular band had the gig booked and decided to keep the night and pay tribute. We’re expecting quite the crowd of characters. Here’s the poster. And a link showing some of the characters. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stub Mandrel Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 We've got a first festival gig coming uo for Bendricks Rock. 1hr spot. Bike weekend in support of blood bikes Wales, supposedly 100,000 over two days but I doubt our audience will be that big! Next day we close one of the local venues for Caerleon festy, pub marquee so much smaller. Played early last year (after the morris dancers) to 40 odd people in the rain. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 2 hours ago, martthebass said: Standard clubland this side of the border tends to be first set 45m followed by second 45m +15m. You'd be shot if you eat into bingo time lol We still do the bingo break or raffle as well in most clubs we do. Normally the club wants between 9:30 and 10pm for their functions Dave 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StingRayBoy42 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 2 minutes ago, msb said: We recently lost a great friend and piano player , unexpectedly. He had played a gig the night he died. We’re doing a memorial for him Saturday night. His regular band had the gig booked and decided to keep the night and pay tribute. We’re expecting quite the crowd of characters. Sorry for your loss and that's a lovely way to pay tribute. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted May 29 Share Posted May 29 2 hours ago, taunton-hobbit said: When I was promoting, bands used to do 2x45 + encores (if any). Big names (think Ben E King, Jimmy Ruffin, Desmond Dekker) used to do a contracted 60min, up to them if they went on past this - I think Jimmy Ruffin finished at about 2hrs!). 😎 I always did 2 x 45min sets back in 80's with encores of course. I've given up trying to convince both bands that two 1hr sets is perfect. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JPJ Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 Tonight’s gig, social club, lounge, typical social club crowd. But tonight I finally had a tone I was happy with both on stage and FOH with both the fretless and the EUB. Spent a bit of time last night tuning my FOH tone and it paid off. Lots of compliments on the mix too so I’m off to my bed a happy lad. Obligatory rig shot 😎 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 On 29/05/2024 at 19:57, msb said: We’re expecting quite the crowd of characters. Would you happen to know a Nova Scotian bass player called Jamie Gatti per chance? Or Bruce Dixon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 Tonight's gig cancelled, in a sports pub full of pi**heads, next to the big screen, starting at 8.30, 30 mins after the champions league final starts. That was going to work wasn't it? We bailed out. Venue said "Oh yeah, see your point"🙄 3 2 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msb Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 9 hours ago, Kiwi said: Would you happen to know a Nova Scotian bass player called Jamie Gatti per chance? Or Bruce Dixon? Yes. Both are great players , legends. Jamie is more of a Jazz guy despite touring with the Barra McNeils. Was trying to help Bruce track down a part for a Steinberger bridge yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 27 minutes ago, leschirons said: Tonight's gig cancelled, in a sports pub full of pi**heads, next to the big screen, starting at 8.30, 30 mins after the champions league final starts. That was going to work wasn't it? We bailed out. Venue said "Oh yeah, see your point"🙄 Some venues really just don’t have a clue 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taunton-hobbit Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 4 minutes ago, Lozz196 said: Most venues really just don’t have a clue FTFY 😎 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
casapete Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 (edited) On 29/05/2024 at 09:17, dmccombe7 said: Its annoying when we learn a new song we just add it to the set rather than drop one out and keeping the sets approx 1hr each. Both my bands suffer from this issue. In a few yrs i'll be doing 4hr sets if things don't change. I've always thought 2 off 1hr sets is ideal. It leaves an audience wanting more. Too long they get bored. On 29/05/2024 at 09:17, dmccombe7 said: 've always thought 2 off 1hr sets is ideal. It leaves an audience wanting more. Too long they get bored. You're right Dave. From my experience (unless you're a big name act with 40/50 years of material to work with and millions of adoring fans) audiences do have a limited attention span and it's best for everyone to acknowledge this when planning setlists. I think for a covers / tribute band 2x60 min sets are more than adequate. I honestly don't see the point in adding songs to the sets and making them so much longer, other than satisfying the ego of some band members who don't know when enough is enough! Also bear in mind that venues like plenty of time to sell more drinks which is probably when the band is having a break / interval. Older audiences like to stretch their legs / go to the loo / grab another beer etc without feeling they're being a nuisance or missing out on some of the band's set. Personally I've always preferred one longer set from a playing point of view - easier to maintain the audience's attention and choose the songs to make the whole thing more cohesive. When my old band played some festivals we found the one set thing a revelation after being used to doing 2x60 minute sets in theatres. ( Unfortunately if we tried to opt for one set, with no support act, in theatres then we would be charged more by the venue to offset their loss on bar takings. ) Edited June 1 by casapete 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dmccombe7 Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 1 hour ago, casapete said: You're right Dave. From my experience (unless you're a big name act with 40/50 years of material to work with and millions of adoring fans) audiences do have a limited attention span and it's best for everyone to acknowledge this when planning setlists. I think for a covers / tribute band 2x60 min sets are more than adequate. I honestly don't see the point in adding songs to the sets and making them so much longer, other than satisfying some the ego of some band members who don't know when enough is enough! Also bear in mind that venues like plenty of time to sell more drinks which is probably when the band is having a break / interval. Older audiences like to stretch their legs / go to the loo / grab another beer etc without feeling they're being a nuisance or missing out on some of the band's set. Personally I've always preferred one longer set from a playing point of view - easier to maintain the audience's attention and choose the songs to make the whole thing more cohesive. When my old band played some festivals we found the one set thing a revelation after being used to doing 2x60 minute sets in theatres. ( Unfortunately if we tried to opt for one set, with no support act, in theatres then we would be charged more by the venue to offset their loss on bar takings. ) TBH i hadn't considered the bar side of it but yep that all makes a lot of sense. What i have found is that when doing long sets and 2 or 3 nights in a row my fingers struggle. Not so much mobility but more blisters and fingertips. When we do get told by the venue that they want 2 x 60min sets its a revelation and i have no issues at all. The more i gig tho the less my fingers notice any aches or pains but it only takes a month OFF for peoples hols and i'm back to square one again (maybe not quite LOL) Dave Dave 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boodang Posted June 1 Share Posted June 1 1 hour ago, casapete said: You're right Dave. From my experience (unless you're a big name act with 40/50 years of material to work with and millions of adoring fans) audiences do have a limited attention span and it's best for everyone to acknowledge this when planning setlists. I think for a covers / tribute band 2x60 min sets are more than adequate. I honestly don't see the point in adding songs to the sets and making them so much longer, other than satisfying some the ego of some band members who don't know when enough is enough! Also bear in mind that venues like plenty of time to sell more drinks which is probably when the band is having a break / interval. Older audiences like to stretch their legs / go to the loo / grab another beer etc without feeling they're being a nuisance or missing out on some of the band's set. Personally I've always preferred one longer set from a playing point of view - easier to maintain the audience's attention and choose the songs to make the whole thing more cohesive. When my old band played some festivals we found the one set thing a revelation after being used to doing 2x60 minute sets in theatres. ( Unfortunately if we tried to opt for one set, with no support act, in theatres then we would be charged more by the venue to offset their loss on bar takings. ) Yep, in order to keep the audience attention we now do gigs with three bands... a Hendrix tribute, a Jimmy Smith tribute and a soul/blues cover band. The fact all three bands have the same musicians in them is just a coincidence. If we put on different wigs for each set I reckon we could charge management 3 times! 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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