Live Music Archive

Around the pubs and clubs in the United Kingdom (UK) there are still a lot of bands playing for only a few pounds to demanding audiencess who at the same time request Chuck Berry and the Arctic Monkeys. Keeping all these varying individuals in the audiences happy is never easy, but not impossible either. With good stage craft and clever of tunes at a particular Club, a good performer could make anybody at all happy.

The organization of these artists is extraordinary. They must find like minded musicians that are committed. Then they must find somewhere to practice. This isn’t easy as the majority cannot do this at home. If you are fortunate to have a house ample enough, it is un like ly you can get round the neighbours, as it is so loud! It cannot be turned down as everything must be as loud as the drums. A performer ofttimes hires a room to practice, at excellent fee to themselves.

A performer must also spend literally thousands on equipment. PA, lighting, guitars, drums etc.

The next hurdle is transport. For some reason the majority drummers cannot drive! Cars are again and again inadequate as you would need a fleet of about 5 for your gig,  surprisingly expensive on the fuel, and impractical. Virtually all performers have to hire or buy a van, again at wonderful cost to themselves.

When they have finally rehearsed all there material over weeks or months, they’re ready to performance live. It is an rousing day, one of wonder, excitement and slight fear. You turn up to the Venue to find one man and his dog. And that man is wonderfully drunk, wants to be your manager, and giving you all the benefit of his ‘wisdom’ in the music game! The landlord is likewise drunk, and you cannot work out if he prefers you or not.

You get poorly paid, if you get paid at all, and return home generally out of pocket.

Still the real rock heroes come back for more. They find the optimum Venues, obtain a reputation, and play at some exceptional places. Sure they still have bad performances, but the good ones make up for it. They make it look so simple, but it isn’t. One such band 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 gigs, played in the the majority dodgy Clubs, and heckled to death. But they are still here, bigger and better than ever having learnt from their early days.

So remember, when you see a Regional band 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 concert if you really enjoyed it. , for these are the true heroes of rock.