A tough business
Last friday we had another opener at Rooster’s Roadhouse in Alameda. It was kind of a last minute gig and since I don’t know anyone up that way I didn’t bother to promote the show at all. Rich was optimistic that he’d get 10 people or so there, but there were three other bands playing so it looked like it would a chance to play in front of some other folks.
When we got there I was blow away by the place - big stage, generous dance floor right by the bar. The only problem was that the only folks there for the opener were the guys in the other bands and a handful of regulars. I could tell that the bartender was annoyed at the low turnout. Shortly before we got on stage a couple of Rich’s friends showed up, including Jules with a new haircut.
The sound system was great and the sound guy, Bob, was a real pro. He helped us load our gear up and sound checked us carefully. I think I annoyed him a little when I wasn’t eating my mic during the vocal check. One thing I need to keep in mind is to have a little mini song prepped so I can have something more interesting to sing than check 1-2-3. Maybe that Kathie Ryan tune.
Once again sound check went too long (we basically played All That Matters all the way through) and there was some division between the band about how loud guitars should be. Vocal FX units were causing some feedback.
The set got off to an ok start with I’ll take you, but when we hit Wishes Curse I was confused from rehearsal about how we were starting the song and missed the beginning. The break on Sunset also wasn’t well rehearsed enough so I fat fingered a note there. Basically it was a night full of frustrating stupid mistakes. We stumbed our way through Stay, and then got the 8 minute warning. Rich wanted to do Guilt, which would have made a pretty bad closer at 6 minutes. We finally decided to do The Scar and Drunk as the closer.
The band after us was “The melting point” from berkley, a bunch of college guys, but in comparison they were pros. They were playing awesomely with no sound check within seconds of walking on stage, and their set rocked. Special props go out to their bass player and vocalist who really shined and basically showed us what we should have been doing. I definitely will see them again if I get the chance.
Things that worked: awesome sound guys, great venue, great moral support from the other bands.
Things that need to be fixed: turnout, vocal fx feedback, crappy harmony vocals from me, missing parts because of not practicing the set as we plan to perform it, taking too long between songs.
A rough night indeed, but a learning experience. Now we’re all older and wiser.