So why do people seem to think that 3 hours of live music is not worth the price of a pint?

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Permalink Reply by Hiram K Hackenbacker on November 21, 2010 at 12:00

Well I think it was worth three quid of anyone's money. I think the problem is that folk who are out on the Saturday night razz are generally moving about and probably want to come in for half an hour or so's entertainment then move to the next joint and accordingly don't want to pay anything for their fleeting visit. So that just leaves the bands followers and a few die hard music lovers who are willing to pay. It's an age old problem for small local bands.

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Permalink Reply by MUSIC NEWS on November 21, 2010 at 12:36

Thanks, Kirsty, glad to hear the gig went pretty well. We too had people turn away when asked to pay an admission fee. What can you do? I think Hiram is right, though, it's probably not a new problem, but that doesn't stop it continuing to be disappointing, and frustrating. I had about 33 payers through the door last night, add that to the musicians and a few WAGs and HABs, and there were enough people gathered in the long narrow basement venue to keep our spirits up, which is important. There were just two bands over two hours, and this was followed by a club night at 10pm.

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty Pollock on November 21, 2010 at 12:38

why thank you very much! Nice to be worth even a small sum :-)

wonder if there is any way to cater for the "half-hour" punter....

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty Pollock on November 21, 2010 at 12:39

Hey Toby - glad you had a good enough crowd. Always makes a difference!

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Permalink Reply by Hiram K Hackenbacker on November 21, 2010 at 16:43

I feel even more sorry for the support band, they were really good and only had an audience of about 10 people. Must've wondered why they turned up.

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty Pollock on November 21, 2010 at 17:02

Yeah - Deny Everything are great. Used to be in a band with Stempy (bassist), that's how I know them.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Santilli on November 21, 2010 at 20:02

oh well onwards to the next gig in Aldershot!

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty Pollock on November 21, 2010 at 20:30

yeah, I've just been thinking about the lighting... and the advertising... and... and...

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BandPermalink Reply by the 4th suit on November 21, 2010 at 21:28

Because people have forgotten what live music is all about!!! Some pubs/clubs idea of live music is a man with a guitar and backing track/karoke......its a sad world, but keep going, keep playing live. keep promoting , people like Toby are the life blood for bands like us, without the likes of Toby, there would be precious little real live music and more importantly less chances for my band, your band and everyones bands to play live!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Kirsty Pollock on November 21, 2010 at 21:36

yeah - everybody keep playing. Maybe one day we will win them over. At least we are doing what we love and always learning and developing our skills. Suppose that is a nice summary of LIVING, instead of just existing.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Santilli on November 28, 2010 at 18:36

I was discussing mobile phone apps with a publican on Saturday night. He did not want to pay £3 for some excellent games, preferring to keep playing the very limited free versions. I did ask him if we should get the beer for free, trying to follow a similar logic, and perhaps too hopefully.

So it seems this £3 is too much and not just for music gigs! There is a deeper psychology at play here.

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Permalink Reply by Hiram K Hackenbacker on November 28, 2010 at 18:50

Perhaps a bit of reverse psychology would do the trick. Charge £6 for the ticket and offer a free beer. If people think they are getting something free it often helps;-)

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