This message is for the fans that are at the shows wondering what is taking the artist so long to get onstage. Now I will say, some of us are divas. I won’t say names. Feel free to fill in the blanks… But for the most of us we are down to earth people doing music. So back to why its close to midnight and I am no where near the stage. Here are the top 5 reasons an artist is late. Oh yeah, this list has been compiled from my 5 years of constant touring.
1. The promoter doesn’t have your money, and is trying to give you a personal check. Now let me say that this is a big no no. Take that check and get on that plane if you want to and you will find it bouncing like a baby on your knee. Unless you have a relationship with the promoter, you should never set foot onstage with out half of your pay if not all. Or be prepared to give a free show.
2. The sound system at the venue is complete trash, so the band stays till damn near show time trying to get the amps and mics to work properly. So as you’re walking in, we are walking out to go wash up at the hotel. Most times we go straight to sound check from the airport, so I’ve mastered the art of ironing my clothes, shaving, taking a shower, getting dressed, calling my girl, and doing vocal workups all in 20 minutes.
3. Nobody picked us up, and we are sitting in the hotel lobby twiddling our thumbs. I can’t tell you how often this happens. The promoters and their staff have a lot on their plate, so once doors open they may very well forget that the performers are no where near the stage. So by the time they get their car or get their hommie to swing thru, the night is pretty late. And for those who are wondering why we don’t have limos picking us up, please read the title of this blog. It reads “Life of an Independent Artist”. And scene…
4. This one is funny, but happens a lot. We show up, warmed up and ready, only to find out the promoter has decided to put 3 opening acts on before us. Now I’ve been the opener plenty of times, and a lot of times I go over the time I am allotted, so I don’t trip much.. but now you know.
5. This doesn’t happen much, but it does happen. At times one of the band members are M.I.A. With the late shows, the early flights, and rock star mentality there are times we go days with a good night sleep. So it is very possible for a band member to get to their hotel and completely pass out. Now that’s some good sleep when you don’t hear your phone, alarm clock, wake up call, nor the entire band knocking and kicking on your door.
I feel you on getting half up front for gigs. I'm a photographer, and I have that in my contracts for shoots. I get half up front.
ReplyDeleteLOL.. so Umm did any of these happen at your shows this past weekend? LOL
ReplyDeletePretty funny...so that's why! Blog's a good look...I'm a big, BIG fan, keep up the good work...
ReplyDeletegreat entry E. the fans can wait on you. i'm cracking up at # 5 lol i've been guilty of being that tired before lol
ReplyDeletebut CO-SIGN 100% on #1....like Jerry Maguire said, "SHOW ME THE MONEY" lol
yeah thats messed up man, but its cool i figure folks be shady at times i dont kno whats wron with us how they gon try an play u we realllly need to start treating each other on a global level as brothers and sisters thanks for the inside spill but i feel u on the folks not tryna pay u i wouldnt be mad atcha if u left a concert cuz of stuff, and its cool about waiting ur worth the wait i need to be more patient tho deep i pray for the band to alright, shoot i aint masterd ironing yet okay? period. but u aleways look polishe refreshed and enregy no matter what drama uve in encoured that is blessed but gets some rest see ya in nyc in sept25
ReplyDeleteLOL THATS ALL I GOTTA SAY!!
ReplyDeleteHmm.. Ok. Thanks for the explanation Eric. You've actually quieted my animosity a bit. I won't be so harsh now when standing in my 3 inch heels for 3 hours waiting for "independent artists" to grace the stage. I'll still be annoyed, but just not as harsh. My theory is the taller the heels, the longer I'll have to wait. Flats = no wait. 1 inch = 1 hour. etc... =) Thanks for writing. Can't wait to see you Thursday.
ReplyDeleteErro...this one had me dying! :) I'm telling everyone I know about this! Just told my lil' brother Chai he had to come over here and read this b/c we both know of a lot of "clown" promoters and he'll be glad he's not one of 'em. :)
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Wonderful performance last night! (Temple Bar) Thank you dearly.
ReplyDeletethis is a very descriptive account of how it is in the "biz."
ReplyDeleteU have an honest, good blog brother.
RESPECT.
While laughing at some of your comments I should be checking myself because on your last trip to St. Louis I know that I was late and then had the nerve to have you and D Maurice running around with me while I pick up drinks and chicken (that chic still has that KFC bucket from the show by the way).
ReplyDeleteWhich of the five occurred in San Jose, CA on 09/07/07?? You all were supposed to be on at 9PM and it was more like 10:15PM... A this was the 1st time experience a live show of yours..I was in complete awe of the way you and the band make rehearsed sets seemed unrehearsed and spontaneous...of course it is not effortless, I know but it is amazing and appreciated by a true live music fan…Never do tracks…it leaves room for no fluidity nor spontaneity or creativity….also it is difficult to reflect the same enthusiasm and energy...
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