Newbi Experiencing Live Performance Situations

[SJB]

I have only been playing live since last December. I have only taken 69 years to get to this point.
I mainly play at the South Coast Club - but also the Surrey and South Wales club.

Last Friday I played the Surrey Club - wearing my new Surrey Shadows Shirt - Wow!

So I have been able to get used to the different venue's - setups etc. So I felt ready for almost any situation!!

Oh No!

Having played first - two numbers - all was well. The Silver Shadows are a great band to play with. I listened to all the others - as you do.
Now we go round again. I had forgotten my playing list - but we decided on "Atlantis" - off we go.
I just got past the opening damped section - starting the main verse - turned to face the audience when I almost knocked the head off a Blond Woman standing right besides me.
As I was playing she thrust a piece of paper in front of my eyes - so I could not see the frets on the guitar.

There was writing on the paper - now I can play to music (a bit) - I can play to Tab - but I have never tried Car Numbers.

Seems she could not get out of the car park. So we all came to a halt and Bob came to the rescue.

Off they go - we play "Atlantis".

"Atlantis done - we then get ready to play the next number - just started - turned to face the audience -- and ----- here she is again.
I thought she had come to say thanks or sorry - But!!!
Piece of paper once more - much easier this time - only one number.

Bob sorted it again and from that point all was well.

I did have a great night though - look forward to the next.
May play at Shadowmania on Sat Morning - I missed the friday list.

Look forward to seeing and hearing some of the names I have noted on this website.

SJB

[Mikey]

Were you hoping it was her phone number?!

[Iain Purdon]

Welcome to the mad world of public performance, Stuart.

Delights still to await you, the punter who comes up and starts trying to talk to you while you are in the middle of a number. Particularly awkward when you're singing!

[Steve Parish]

Yes, Stuart, as Iain says, it's a funny old business, and often weird and wonderful, at the same time!
I was gigging a couple of years ago, with our covers band, at a Birthday party at a local pub... and all was well until, third and final set, I noticed this 'slightly intoxicated' lady approaching. Now, usually, it's just a case of "Can I request..." such and such a song.
Not on this occasion!
She stood besides me, and the drum kit, for about ten minutes... and kept asking "Can I have a go on the drums?"!!!! She was similar to a scratched record, even leaning down and shouting the question into my left ear while we were playing songs! I kept saying... "Maybe at the end of the night..." but she couldn't seem to hear, or understand that statement?! I was genuinely prepared to let her have a bash on the kit... as I have done countless times when gigging, and various young kids in particular regularly ask "Can I have a go, please?" and I'll let them sit on the drum stool and get to know the kit, during sets etc.. Stuff like that doesn't bother me, and I can't see the harm in it.
You probably won't get this at Shads themed clubs... but, certainly when playing in function bands, weddings, parties etc.. you'll sometimes get the punter who strolls up and asks;
"Do you know any S Club 7...?"!!!!
"No. And we're not planning to know any."
"Oh, okay. Steps?"!
"No."
When you've been playing rock 'n' roll, blues and rock covers all night... unless they are taking the Michael... what must run through people's heads?!
Split DJ/band gigs can also be interesting. It's a party, you were pre booked to play for two hours, or whatever, and then the DJ/disco is supposed to fit around YOUR act.
So, you turn up, to set up... (and notice the disco is taking up most of the ruddy stage!) and while you're doing this, in waltzes the DJ.
Naturally, everybody introduces themselves, and it's all very nice, pleasant and civilised, chatting about music and so forth... until you begin to discuss running times.
"How long you lads got tonight... half an hour... 45 minutes... an hour?"
"No, we've been booked to play two one hour sets..."
"What?! Really?! Are you sure????"
"Yup..."
"Oh, I see. Well, I better change my set list for tonight and shape it 'round your act..."
"Thanking you kindly!"
"So, what's your opening song in your first set... I'll try and work out some lead in music for you?"
"The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt..."
"Come again?! The Rise And Fall of what????"!!!!

[JimTidmarsh]

I love the people that try & display some Shads knowledge and fail brilliantly.

" Can you play Theme For Young Lovers? It's my favourite!" Reply - "I played that the number before last."

[Pat Seaman]

Until about 5 years ago I played in a 4 piece covers band, all of us being male and fairly wrinkly!
So why on earth would somebody ask us if we could play Three Degrees or Tina Turner?
Needless to say, they tried to ask us while we were playing. The mind boggles.
Pat.

[Steve Parish]

And yet, saying all that about gigging... it is great fun;
USUALLY!

[SJB]

Were you hoping it was her phone number?!

I think she would have eaten me for breakfast. (SJB)