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Let’s say your friend’s band-that’s-actually-pretty-good finally gets a real paying gig at a real bar. To show support, you and your pals head down to said bar to ensure Ellen James’ Tongue (that’s the name of your friend’s band) has an audience. That’s real nice! Keep in mind, though, that your friend’s band needs more than your attendance if they’re to survive past their honeymoon stage. The bar owner doesn’t give a dick about how edgy and talented Dorien and the guys are. The owner likely hates them. And one doesn’t pay rent solely by charging cover. So when you and the rest of the fan club switch to water after ordering one glass of the bar’s cheapest beer, your friend’s band is very unlikely to be booked there again. Great work, gang! You’ve ruined your friend’s chance of getting a regular gig at one of the few bars left in town that pays bands! All this applies to anyone claiming to support live music. Make an investment if you give a shit. Not by simply attending, but by spending. Show bars that good bands are worth hiring. Otherwise you’ll find it harder and harder to see a decent show in a bar. Because it’s less costly to pay a guy with a cool shirt and a laptop than a group of of skilled workers. —These Are Dark Times
This article appears in Jun 30 – Jul 6, 2016.
Too much to ask OP. Not everyone can afford drinking in a bar. I don’t drink anymore but when I did, the bars lost me when they started charging more than five dollars for a drink.
I think the bus stop theatre is literally the only place on the peninsula that still charges less than a five. Admittedly, i am out of the loop, there could be more… probably not.
Is this about the Carlton?
Willie, bars have to charge that amount. They do not get any discounts on product. Then the have to pay staff, rent, furniture, utilities, and all other expenses to run the business and pay themselves
The market will always charge what the consumer is willing to pay.
OB, if you are relying solely on your friends to keep your band afloat, you’re not off to a very good start.
So, let’s get this straight – I have to get drunk in order to ensure the success of an up-and-coming band. Speaking from experience of the local music scene, if this band is relying on bar exposure to support themselves, they’re gonna starve. That’s the reality, chum. Time to start thinking outside the box which might include playing for free to get the amount of exposure this band needs.
Firstly, I think the band members should be happy that their friends showed up at all and paid the cover charge/bought a drink. Otherwise, the band might have been playing to a near empty hall. (There was no mention of people being turned away at the door. ) If the band members were smart they would thank all of those friends individually for showing up at all. And then those friends might bring others to the next concert.
Secondly, it’s up to the band to have a good sound that creates a buzz and brings people in. It’s not up to the bar owner or friends or anyone else to make them successful. This band needs to talk to someone who has become a success in the music industry and find out what it really takes to succeed if they want to get on that path.
As a touring and its-my-only-job musician I have to disagree. I greatly appreciate having my friends come to my shows, especially those who can’t usually afford a night out , and I respect them more than the venue who underpays and books bands that they don’t care about/have no interest in. And yes this is most venues that would have a problem with someone ordering “just one beer”. Yes these are dark times but that is never reason to turn people away from enjoying music , or judging them for not spending money. As an aside Bitch, I’m pretty sick of venue owners and staff in many of the cities I’ve played treating my friends, whom I invite, like they are less than because they can only afford one drink. If it’s not at cApacity, anyone should be able sit down and hear some music. Unless they are being a douchebag, of course .
BROTim, i am aware of overhead. I didn’t say they didn’t have to. Just said they had lost me. Which is true. The Dome must of lost some dirty pile of money on dollar drink nights then eh? Makes one wonder how they were able to afford to do it.
They more than likely did lose a shit load of money.
Went to a retirement celebration at Kelseys ,London ,Ont , this week .Purchased 2 bud lite,one for me and one for the guest of honor ….cost 9.98..+tax ..total11.30 + tip =$14.00 .That was enough for me,no music, nothing…but a place to gather .The pub supplied the venue,we shared a laugh…$14.00 well spent.Had a great hour visit.
Anyone who asks you to drink for them is not your friend.
Gather up all the street-corner music playing guys and all the this-venue-sucks bands and start a bar by musicians for musicians! You can book each other all day and solve all the problems of crappy bar owners, lack of venues and other assorted bitches all in one go!
Who says your friends have to support your unrealistic dream of strangers actually paying to listen to your ‘talent’?
Get a job.
Beeeeotch!!