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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ What Do You Owe Your Fans When You Perform?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 20 2013, 09:06 AM

A very interesting article, debating what do we, as artists really owe to the people that came to see us perform. I think this is a good addition to the post revolving around Greg Howe's words, with the conclusion that what and how you practice will reflect a lot in your stage performance ( http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=49155 )

Excerpt: It’s a tricky question to answer, because as we all know, a concert ticket is not a contract. Of course, there is an expectation that the band will come out on stage, pick up their instruments, and do something with entertainment value. If they just flat-out didn’t play, the venue would likely issue some kind of refund. But beyond that, are they required to play the hits? Are they supposed to stand a certain way, act a certain way, or give the crowd a certain kind of interaction? And does the price of the concert ticket directly reflect what kind of experience the concertgoer is about to have?

Read the whole article here: http://blog.thecurrent.org/2013/06/the-audacity-of-low-what-does-a-band-owe-us-when-we-pay-to-see-them-perform/ and share your thoughts about how you as a performer see the sum of your actions related to getting prepared before going on stage and while being there, in respect to the expectations of your audience.

I for one, if I have to jump from a ledge and land on the first beat while playing the first note in a riff, will practice that from every perspective - I probably gave an extreme example, but in respect to what a show means, this sort of stuff does require practicing, especially if you are the sort of band that wants to get a crowd going.


Posted by: Headbanger Jun 20 2013, 10:31 AM

Maybe the simple answer is...you owe them what they expect. The expectation from them is made up of previous exposure to the bands music and performances and reputation. Why should they expect less?

Posted by: PosterBoy Jun 20 2013, 12:05 PM

I agree with headbanger, fan's expectations differ depending on who the band is. I think a band should aim to exceed the fan's expectations not just meet them though.

Posted by: Britishampfan Jun 21 2013, 12:42 AM

My attitude is I will play my best and hardest if it`s 30 people at the show or 3000.

Thats all I can do, they paid to see me play, all I can do is my best and I think that comes across loud and clear to the audience.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I can`t be a part of all that as the artist, I can only do what I do.

I love playing live so I am usually amped up to really play hard and sweat.

What was that AC-DC album, oh yeah, If you want blood, you got it.


The first time I saw Joe Bonnamassa there was 20 people in the club, and it was the New Day Yesterday tour, and he blew the roof off that place I watched the show from 2 feet away.

He did`nt pull any punches or pull out and play his B rig, it was full on Joe, and it was really cool to hang and have a beer and chat afterwards, Great Guy. I saw him every time he came into town after that and every time there was more and more people until it was sold out.

I believe that is what takes playing live.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 21 2013, 07:57 AM

QUOTE (Britishampfan @ Jun 20 2013, 11:42 PM) *
My attitude is I will play my best and hardest if it`s 30 people at the show or 3000.

Thats all I can do, they paid to see me play, all I can do is my best and I think that comes across loud and clear to the audience.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I can`t be a part of all that as the artist, I can only do what I do.

I love playing live so I am usually amped up to really play hard and sweat.

What was that AC-DC album, oh yeah, If you want blood, you got it.


The first time I saw Joe Bonnamassa there was 20 people in the club, and it was the New Day Yesterday tour, and he blew the roof off that place I watched the show from 2 feet away.

He did`nt pull any punches or pull out and play his B rig, it was full on Joe, and it was really cool to hang and have a beer and chat afterwards, Great Guy. I saw him every time he came into town after that and every time there was more and more people until it was sold out.

I believe that is what takes playing live.


Great answer! biggrin.gif I also love the bloodshed onstage - I try to give it all and hope that my message reached the target. But there are some bands that don't play that hard - rock bands I mean - and they still pull it through... I guess it depend on the music, but I for one play with a lot of energy in any context and it kinda gets me frustrated to see a band that sort of pulls back from giving it all somehow...

Dunno if I was clear enough, but I've seen this happening and it's like - yeah, any minute now, the chorus should blow the roof off and the band will jump around with energy.. it doesn't happen laugh.gif

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