Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: SirJamsalot Sep 10 2012, 06:28 AM

I was thinking about how standing up at the front of the stage is a sign of respect to the band. Last gig I played, we had a few people standing up front. There were about 100+ people and the venue's walls were lined with tables with about 5 bands playing. All night long, people lined the walls for all the bands. I stood up front at the stage for every band when I wasn't playing, and gave a thumbs up when ever I got eye-contact. I know I appreciate it when the audience gives feedback, and I so I give that respect whenever I can.

Some people have the mentality that they don't want to be up front because it might block the view of those sitting in the back, or perhaps they just want to sit down and enjoy the show from their seats. Certainly no shame in that - but if you want to see a band come alive, walk up front to the stage and let them perform in your face. They'll appreciate it, feed off of it, and the energy will increase for everyone.

I found myself walking up to the edge the stage and making eye contact with the people up front, and I could tell they appreciated getting acknowledged. So if you're a musician, and you like to see your audience up close, then you should return the sentiment by getting up front and encouraging the band whenever you can. To me, it's a gesture of respect and musicians of all people should acknowledge the work that goes into preparing for and executing a performance. It's a lot of hard work, and the payoff for the musician is an appreciative audience.

Just something I've been thinking about lately.

Posted by: Ben Higgins Sep 10 2012, 12:41 PM

True.. bands fed off the energy from the audience. No one wants to feel like they're rocking out in front of an empty space.

I think a lot of people don't want to go to the front because they're very self conscious of all the people behind them looking at them.

Posted by: bleez Sep 10 2012, 12:49 PM

That's an awesome pic btw.......... proper cool

Posted by: Gitarrero Sep 10 2012, 05:24 PM

Seen that pic on your facebook page, it is truly amazing!

And I agree 100% with what you said.
When I played in a band, we did covers of well-known songs from the 60's to the 80's. I heard it is different in the USA, but in Germany these songs are highly appreciated and a sure way to get the audience going.
We would play from 8 pm to 1 or even 2 am (with breaks), and we made sure to play the lesser know or slower songs first. After 10 pm, we'd start to play the real hits like Rockin' All Over The World, Smoke On The Water and so on. After 10 pm, the people had a few drinks and loosen up and actually dare to stand up and dance. And it alyways was an energy exchange. There will always be people who enjoy a show sitting down, but I am also one of those guys who stand in front of the stage and show the musicians respect by doing that. Plus, I really like dancing

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 11 2012, 07:44 AM

In Romania there's three kinds of audience:

1) Cover bands audience - they get drunk as hell and loosen up to the point when they don't remember what they did with who - all those corporate people have to spill the week long frustration somehow. Usually this is the kind of people going to cover band evenings. Very much fun to have an ensemble view of such a club on Friday night after midnight

2) International well known bands audience - they come and watch the gig of their favorite band and pay the ticket but don't support the local heroes

3) The people that are always complaining for not having enough concerts but they never bother to go and see bands perform When they do, they just stand and watch silently as if they are not there.

Gathering a fan base is a very difficult task, but when you get them, I think they are yours for life or until the next album