We played Reading this weekend with a bunch of people we have played with before and a few I have not seen before. The gig itself was in a pub after a last minute venue change, so while there was a noticeable lack of stage, lighting and door-entry money, we’ve played shows in pubs before on a donation basis, so it wasn’t unusual at all and despite the sound often being pretty bad at shows like this (at least when actually playing), they are often pretty fun too. The football was on before we got there and went on for a while so the place was full of people that didn’t look like they would be sticking around to watch a bunch of people singing with guitars after it had finished. As predicted, as soon as the football ended the ratio of people with piercings and ripped denim to Reebok Classics shifted pretty hard. It was obvious the pub, without the gig being on, would have been basically empty. As the place was filling up, I went to get some water – I always drink a ton of water before playing as my voice quickly gets dry in venues with cigarette smoke blowing in from the door and from having to raise my voice to get heard in the general din of a pub. I asked for 2 pints of water and the barman shook his head and muttered “fucking hell”. I didn’t take that as a good sign. The lady behind the bar told me if I wanted more water I would have to buy bottled water because they were there to make money. I told her I was singing tonight and I need to drink water, but she said she didn’t care as they had money to make and they only allow gigs to get more people in the door. She didn’t even have an answer for me when I explained that people were coming specifically to watch bands tonight who would never have been at her pub without us all playing the show. I decided at that point I would not buy a single drink at this place and got my water from the tap in the bathrooms.
Did she think that by refusing me water I would then decide to empty my wallet at her bar? Does getting water for someone really result in fewer overall sales? I just don’t know where to start with this sort or attitude. I got it once in Norwich as well and I think it’s only going to get worse. Playing shows isn’t a cheap hobby* and I am so grateful when we get given a few beers by the promoter, maybe some food (especially if we are touring) but at the very least, I don’t want to get shit for wanting to drink water at a show I am playing. If pubs are closing at a rate of 50 a week then attitudes like this cannot be helping and I hope the Blagrave Arms in Reading can realise that before they fall victim to the recession as well. In Europe it’s a totally different story, every band will tell you that. Getting paid, getting food and beer and a place to sleep is standard and they somehow all seem to manage to keep their venues open. Josh said we should consider charging the land-lady for getting to hear us play considering she didn’t pay to get into the pub or donate to the bands. I like that idea. We’ve got costs to cover as well, right?
*despite my long-term goals and commitments to this band, at this point in what some may call a “career” I can’t really describe our band as anything other than a time and money consuming hobby which I love. I hope one day I can call it something else, and then bitch about music being my job.* This isn't any sort of "dig" at the promoter of the show, I know most promoters have issues with their venues and they way they are treated when putting together shows and although I only briefly spoke to Ian, he seemed like an awesome dude and the show itself was well attended and rad. Thanks Ian.
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