What is it about bands?

David — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 05:22:38 GMT

So, after hearing so much around town about The Privates and Desmond and The Tutu’s, I took myself off to the Sunnningdales Hotel on Friday to check it out.

Well, what a night. Nice venue. Tiny, sweaty, cramped, perfect! All very 70’s and off the wall. A good crowd turned out as well, so there was no slouching on the promo of the event. There hasn’t been a gig at the Sunningdales at a while so it wasn’t lie they could just rely on people pitching up to see what might be on.

The Clock is Ticking you Jerk! Get a move on!

Got there about 9:30pm. Singer from Privates said they would be on in about 10 mins. Way over half an hour later, when the place is no uncomfortably packed, they eventually take to the stage. Well, they are not bad. They have some good songs and a serious diversity of influences, which make pegging them well nigh impossible.

But they are not tight. Guys please, more time in the rehearsal room. A lot more time. Bum notes, bad links, poor timing and a general feeling of laziness that transmits itself to the audience.

And they really played about half an hour to long. I know that this is their crowd and that the kids were definitely there to see them play BUT playing for about 105 minutes as a band with not one hit single, and an eclectic set, is just too much. By the end of their set, half the crowd was on the pavement seeking respite from songs they didn’t know and the incredible heat and stuffiness inside.

A big up yours to the guy who owns the PA as well. About half way through the set, he comes into the venue, and hears whoever he left in charge of his gear just about blowing the speakers. So, without so much as one single, Excuse me please, I need to get to the sound desk, this arrogant little jerk starts brutally shoving his way through the crowd, knocking over three girls, spilling drinks and actually hurting people. So I stopped him and told him to stop acting like a cunt or risk a beating, and his response is that his gear is being blown up so why should he be polite? Like its our fault as the audience. Anyway, I let the stupid fool go, but I know I won’t ever use him for sound, and nor will anyone I know.

But the upshot of all this is that, before the Privates even finish their set, I leave. I didn’t get to see Desmond and the Tutus because the Privates alienated me, an avid music fan who came to se BOTH bands. They just played too damn long, and it got boring and I went looking elsewhere. Learn guys! 35 minute to maybe 45 minute sets, leave your audience wanting more. Don’t leave them begging you to stop. It’s just common sense.

A sunny place to be on a friday

David — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 02:04:51 GMT

The Chiz : privates

What is it about bands?

A sunny place to be on a friday