Around the pubs and clubs in the UK there are still a lot of performers playing for only a few pounds to demanding fanss who concurrently request Chuck Berry and the Arctic Monkeys. Keeping all these varying people in the fans happy is never simple, but not impossible either. With wonderful stage craft and clever of songs at a particular Club, a wonderful performer can make anybody at all happy.
The organization of these performers is extraordinary. They must find like minded musicians that are committed. Then they must find somewhere to practice. This is not simple as the majority can’t do this at home. If you are fortunate to have a house ample enough, it’s un like ly you can get round the neighbours, as it’s so loud! It can’t be turned down as everything must be as loud as the drums. A performer again and again hires a room to practice, at amazing fee to themselves.
A performer must furthermore invest literally thousands on equipment. PA, lighting, guitars, drums etc.
The next hurdle is transport. For some reason the majority drummers can’t drive! Cars are again and again inadequate as you would need a fleet of about 5 for your gig, decidedly expensive on the fuel, and impractical. Virtually all performers have to hire or buy a van, again at amazing fee to themselves.
When they have finally rehearsed all there material over weeks or months, they are ready to performance live. It is an exciting day, one of wonder, excitement and slight fear. You turn up to the Club to find one man and his dog. And that man is decidedly drunk, wants to be your manager, and giving you all the worth of his ‘wisdom’ in the music game! The landlord is furthermore drunk, and you can’t work out if he likes you or not.
You get poorly paid, if you get paid at all, and return home again and again out of pocket.
However the real rock heroes come back for more. They find the optimum Club s, capture a reputation, and performance at some amazing places. Sure they still have bad performances, but the wonderful ones make up for it. They make it look so simple, but it is not. One such performer may be seen at http://www.thehalfmonty.tk
The Half Monty have had there share of ups and downs. They have been ripped of at performances, played in the the majority dodgy Club s, and heckled to death. But they are still here, bigger and better than ever having learnt from their early days.
So recall, when you see a local performer advertised at a pub or club, go see them and help them. It is not simple for the lads and lasses. Perhaps buy them a beer following the gig if you really enjoyed it. , for these are the true heroes of rock.