Gigging in Hull (1/2) By Michelle Dee

(1/2), (2/2).

First up, I think that bands should limit themselves as to how many local gigs they play. Who is going to pay pounds to see a band at Adelphi or Piper when you can see them at the Sesh for free? Some of the bands are limiting themselves to only playing two or three local gigs a month which makes sense. Don't forget the old adage; absence makes the heart grow fonder. This overplaying week in week out, tends to kill the crowds somewhat and can make your music commonplace and dare I say it, lacklustre. Going to gigs costs money and there's nothing worse than spending your cash at an empty gig.

You feel shit for the bands - especially if they've travelled any distance, you feel shit for the promoter - especially if he's bagged some top quality act and nobody could give a fig (the list is endless on that one). You may even feel shit for Hull. We go on and on about how we have got it so good, how we have an ever-exploding music scene, then you get a poor night. People then go away with the wrong impression.

You look around and see just a few people hiding in corners, too shy to get up and show some love. The place lacks any life, any spirit and feels dead. It's far easier to shout love ya Bollockface (somebody do it, it'd be funny) in a noisy crowded venue of sweaty individuals all dancing and bouncing, than in a cold, glaringly empty room. In the morning you inevitably feel shit, because you know that you wasted precious finances getting half drunk on what was a crap night.

Don't drink, you say. Drink soft drinks instead; well often a coke can be just as much as a bleeding pint in some of these places. I just can't go to the bar and ask for water, the demon of drink would cast me out of the hallowed halls of alcohol consumption for treachery and betrayal. I think Hull bands sell themselves short; playing for very little or in some case nothing at all. If the musicians ask to get paid anywhere near the amount their talent says they should, the promoters turn their noses up. They start quoting costs at them, and in the backs of their minds they know that there is another band that will play for less, ready to take their slot.

Many bands don't seem to want to say it, but come on, you get up on stage, you play your ass off and what, you're lucky if you get a case of warm lager for your efforts? We may look down on cover bands but at least they command a performance fee beforehand. Yet you guys playing quality original material, boost the bars' takings night after night without hardly seeing a penny. Maybe you do play for the passion, because you love doing it, repeating some aphorism, it's all about the music, man but there's nothing wrong in saying, I want to be paid something.

If nothing else, a token amount can serve as a sign of recognition, respect for your efforts; a thank you for playing.

Continued..... Next Page (2/2).

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