Drink and Djing

[paul1404]

Guys

Obviously wree all on the road and drinking at gigs for me is very rare as we need to transport our equipment - But every now and again when I Dj at friends / local events - You may get the chance to have a few drinks - Do you DJ better when you are drunk/ tipsy - Personally I love having a few beers then Djing how do you guys feel about it ?

[Sapphire Disco]

No for me I may occasionally have one pint at 11.30 if I finish at midnight but mostly not at all.

Once I was doing a friends party a few years ago, I didn't have to drive home and people kept buying me drinks, after about the third pint I was all over the place with the music lesson learnt I won't do it :(

[Cowlinn]

I don't drink anyway. But if I did, I wouldn't think about touching alcohol while doing any job.

[DJ Paulie]

:search: Been discussed before http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=33422&highlight=Drinking

[Cowlinn]

:search: Been discussed before http://www.forum.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/showthread.php?t=33422&highlight=Drinking

That's a different question? :confused:

[leelive]

I thought I DJ'd better... used to love drinking while DJing. But stopped 5 years ago when I realised I had had too many to focus on the road going home. Think it was a lot to do with tiredness too.

Only had 2 drinks in five years!
Once because my laptop crashed and had to be re-booted. Have had two laptops running ever since that day!
The other because the accoustics of the room were so bad I hated the night.

Lee

[Twinspin]

I dont drive there or home. So it wouldnt matter if i did have a few alcoholic drinks at a gig.

However i dont touch a drop of Alcohol at a gig not before or even after. The brides and grooms at weddings have offered to buy me an alcoholic drink before and i just said thanks for the offer but i dont drink and they usually ask if i would like a soft drink.

Tbh. I dont drink anyway. I dont drink that often even if im not gigging.

[WWDJ]

If I am particularly nervous I might have a cheeky pint ie first night in a big wine bar that I hadn't worked before.

Sometimes I have a drink if I am working locally and walk home. Usually this is around people I know so I am socialising / djing. Not too many as I affects your judgement though

[DJ Paulie]

That's a different question? :confused:

Sorry posting on iPhone only read this thread quickly ! I drink at gigs but as the mrs is doing the driving or I'm using a taxi that's not a problem I feel. I can sober up pretty quickly & usually drink Guinness & make it last. I NEVER mix the grape & the grain & wouldn't even consider driving if had a drink. (I can drive but not passed test)

We have spot checks here & one time after a gig the ban Guarda could smell booze & breathalysed the mrs !

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

During the war....:sj:

Years ago, I suspect most of us 'oldies' had a social drink whilst working and possibly more. I know I did, but then I either had a driver or left the gear.

I haven't done that since I had kids, so nearly 15 years. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a social drink, but it's not for me and no-one that works for me does it either.

I normally get invited to DJ at staff parties and they offer me free booze and a room, but I must admit, it used to enhance my performance, but now I just forget what the hell I am doing, so I really don't mix the two.

[WWDJ]

During the war....:sj:

Years ago, I suspect most of us 'oldies' had a social drink whilst working and possibly more. I know I did, but then I either had a driver or left the gear.

I haven't done that since I had kids, so nearly 15 years. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a social drink, but it's not for me and no-one that works for me does it either.

I normally get invited to DJ at staff parties and they offer me free booze and a room, but I must admit, it used to enhance my performance, but now I just forget what the hell I am doing, so I really don't mix the two.

i think that is fair comment.

Let's face it, we are pretty much constrained by having to drive home after the gig, just when plod are on the lookout, so i my rule is one lager or 2 L/Shandy at the beginning of the night just to loosen me up. Beyond that it's water or coke.

If it's local WMC, then i might have a few pints generally shandy so that I can still remember requests, names and exactly what I am doing. This is a place where I socialise too though so not really a problem as the guests way overshadow me in terms of drunkenness :D

[Javlingames]

When i was in the clubs i would often get 'merry'. Since ive gone back to mobile i dont actually drink at all when djin. I find one beer makes me really sleepy. I dont even drink the night before a gig!! Alchohol hits me like a train the next day, even the one after that. If i have a good drinking session, im useless for 3 days. I get so lethargic and irritable.

I think that if you want to have a beer on a gig do so, just dont get plastered to the point where the audience can tell. After all you are your own boss!!

[sxboy]

I just can't belive the main reason (or so it seems) that people don't drink at gigs is because we have to drive home. I don't drink at all anyway, but I can't belive that just because we are WORKING at someone's, party we feel its ok to have a drink, because we have been offerd one. Now I can't think of ANY other job that would allow drinking whilst working.

Daren

[Javlingames]

I Now I can't think of ANY other job that would allow drinking whilst working.

Daren

Exactly isnt djin a great job!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

I dont get drunk the night before a gig regardless as to whether its mobile, club or pub gigs....because the hangover kills me.

Mobile work...not at all. Ive been known to have a drink at the end of the night, in one of my regular venues, with the owner and staff. But its only the one, and usually shandy.

Pub/club work. If i have to drive to/from it then, nope...no drink.

I have had regular work in my town where I have had a few and walked home.

When i got my first pub gig at 17 (dont ask;) ) the pay was crap (£60), there was two of us djing, and the venue owner wouldnt up the pay...so the manager provided us with free beer (his idea, not ours). We could help ourselves to as much free draught as we wanted, but anything else was off limits... If we wernt drunk by the end of the night and carrying each other out of the venue then we got bollocked for not drinking enough :eek:

[DJ Paulie]

Now I can't think of ANY other job that would allow drinking whilst working.

Daren

I ran a pub in Weymouth, a bar & club in Wiltshire & a pub near Stonehenge I drank when working or put them in a book & had them on my day off or when not on my shift.

[Larry B Entertainment]

I ran a pub in Weymouth, a bar & club in Wiltshire & a pub near Stonehenge I drank when working or put them in a book & had them on my day off or when not on my shift.

Didnt that make a mess of the pages ? :D You should have put them in a glass !

[Megamix]

very local gig in my own club where they buy me drinks - yes - but very steady and not too much or it gets messy. Anywhere else no.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I just can't belive the main reason (or so it seems) that people don't drink at gigs is because we have to drive home. I don't drink at all anyway, but I can't belive that just because we are WORKING at someone's, party we feel its ok to have a drink, because we have been offerd one. Now I can't think of ANY other job that would allow drinking whilst working.


Comedian, singer, publican....

I worked in a town centre pub many years ago and on a Friday in particular we had office workers (lots of them) who would come and have anything up to 7 pints and then go back to work!

[Dynamic Entertainment]

Comedian, singer, publican....

I worked in a town centre pub many years ago and on a Friday in particular we had office workers (lots of them) who would come and have anything up to 7 pints and then go back to work!

Good point...each friday our whole office (from the day job)...managers included...would go for a pub lunch and have a few beers...then go back to work for the afternoon.

[soundtracker]

I just can't belive the main reason (or so it seems) that people don't drink at gigs is because we have to drive home. I don't drink at all anyway, but I can't belive that just because we are WORKING at someone's, party we feel its ok to have a drink, because we have been offerd one. Now I can't think of ANY other job that would allow drinking whilst working.

Daren

Back in the day when I was a Building Society Manager all of my best deals with Estate Agents, Solicitors etc were done on the back of a skin full, and more often than not, at the firms expense, and many of my formative years in this business I was ratted! But nowadays I can't cope, usually a mineral water or a very weak shandy is my limit.:daft:

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

Back in the day when I was a Building Society Manager all of my best deals with Estate Agents, Solicitors etc were done on the back of a skin full, and more often than not, at the firms expense, and many of my formative years in this business I was ratted! But nowadays I can't cope, usually a mineral water or a very weak shandy is my limit.:daft:

I remember most days it was out the office and down the pub for a liquid lunch and it was the same when DJing. Got to admit still have 3 or 4 throughout the course of the night, keeps you sane.
Can not see the problem and as long as you know your limit to still be able to provide 1st class show. Guess thats nearly 30 years in the business, old habits etc.....

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Can not see the problem and as long as you know your limit to still be able to provide 1st class show.

I don't think that is the issue. Would you be able to get insurance if you were found to be using electrical equipment whilst drinking? Would your PLI be valid?

[DJ Paulie]

Interesting point, but would they be able to prove you were incapacitated ?

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

I don't think that is the issue. Would you be able to get insurance if you were found to be using electrical equipment whilst drinking? Would your PLI be valid?

I can not see how that would matter unless it was your own fault the speaker or light fell on someone and as I said I only have 3 or 4 so not as if I am drunk.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I can not see how that would matter unless it was your own fault the speaker or light fell on someone and as I said I only have 3 or 4 so not as if I am drunk.

You have 3 or 4 pints and then drive?

I would phone your insurance company and ask them.

[Charlie Brown]

You're over the limit after a pint and a half!

[Corabar Steve]

Depends on what it's a pint & a half of. That is an inaccurate & misleading statement.

[CRAZY K]

Interesting point, but would they be able to prove you were incapacitated ?

Easy, several witnesses would be found willing to swear in Court that the DJ had been drinking---especially if there was a big claim going on!

This also applies to other entertainments where there is a risk of accident
e.g Rodeo Bull operators

Apart from a drink at the end I dont think its showing a Professional image--but I suppose it depends what the venue is like.

I drive such long distances that because of tiredness and exposure to the plod late at night I never drink alcowol.

Coffee with 2 sugars is good and keeps me awake supplemented by Choccie Biscuits.;)

[Kernow]

It has to be remembered that alcohol is not a stimulant........ it's a supressant.
It will never improve performance or ability in anything, in fact almost certainly the obverse.
However it can alter the perception of how much better you think you are doing. :cool:
Many people feel they fly better after drinking, and that's when they jump off cliffs and high buildings ! ;)

[sxboy]

Easy, several witnesses would be found willing to swear in Court that the DJ had been drinking---especially if there was a big claim going on!

This also applies to other entertainments where there is a risk of accident
e.g Rodeo Bull operators

Apart from a drink at the end I dont think its showing a Professional image--but I suppose it depends what the venue is like.

I drive such long distances that because of tiredness and exposure to the plod late at night I never drink alcowol.

Coffee with 2 sugars is good and keeps me awake supplemented by Choccie Biscuits.;)

Could'nt agree more!

[Javlingames]

Easy, several witnesses would be found willing to swear in Court that the DJ had been drinking---especially if there was a big claim going on!



How would the witnesses know the dj had been drinking? He could be drinking vodka which looks like water.

[Mark Wild]

I have a few pints at my Sunday KDJ residency in an Irish pub, naughty but nice :D

I always drive home as I'm usually way to drunk to walk :o

[Javlingames]

500 accidents a year are caused by drink drivers, the other 50,000 are caused by sober people!! Do the math

[Larry B Entertainment]

You're over the limit after a pint and a half!

What, even non alcholic lager ?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

500 accidents a year are caused by drink drivers, the other 50,000 are caused by sober people!! Do the math

Try telling that to the parents of a child that was killed by a drunk driver.

[Corabar Entertainment]

500 accidents a year are caused by drink drivers, the other 50,000 are caused by sober people!! Do the math
Ignoring the Americanism for a mo, I can't believe that anyone would post something like that - even in jest.

My personal opinion on any alcoholic drink at gigs, if it's informal (eg local pub you do regularly) having a drink isn't a problem, but never at a wedding reception or such like. If I were a guest / the client, I wouldn't be too impressed if I saw any member of staff knocking back a pint!

Having said that, to the person who said no other job would let you drink, I concur with Pete: having worked in the legal profession for many years, going out for a drink during lunch hour was almost compulsory, as was after-hours client receptions, and it certainly wasn't unheard of to have a 'glass' of wine on the desk in the afternoon in a paper cup! Most of it is put down to networking / client entertainment, etc. We actually had monthly time-costing targets for networking and marketing, so it really was compulsory!

[Cowlinn]

500 accidents a year are caused by drink drivers, the other 50,000 are caused by sober people!! Do the math

I hope there's a smiley missing from that post...

And I've seen the stand up comedy sketch where you got that from.

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

You're over the limit after a pint and a half!

Was waiting for this answer from someone and just for the record I have been stopped and breathalised on the way home after 4 pints and it was negative.
I have never crashed after a drink or before and in response to another reply there should not be any kids out on the road at 1.00am in the morning playing, they should be in bed :beer1:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Was waiting for this answer from someone and just for the record I have been stopped and breathalised on the way home after 4 pints and it was negative.
I have never crashed after a drink or before and in response to another reply there should not be any kids out on the road at 1.00am in the morning playing, they should be in bed :beer1:That post just beggars belief! :Censored:

[Mark Wild]

That post just beggars belief! :Censored:

Agreed, wtf man !


For the record, my comment was in jest, zero alcohol when driving is my policy. Taxi ! :D

[Larry B Entertainment]

I have never crashed after a drink or before and in response to another reply there should not be any kids out on the road at 1.00am in the morning playing, they should be in bed :beer1:

:mad:
Its still drinking and driving regardless of whether you was slightly under the limit.

[Cowlinn]

I have been stopped and breathalised on the way home after 4 pints and it was negative.

Wow! I did not think 4 pints would be under the limit. Shows how much I know :o




I have never crashed after a drink or before and in response to another reply there should not be any kids out on the road at 1.00am in the morning playing, they should be in bed :beer1:

Lol You're joking, right?

[Corabar Entertainment]

Wow! I did not think 4 pints would be under the limit. It won't be, Matt.... not unless it was over an extremely long period of time, on a very full stomach, and for a very large man, or it was 4 pints of Kalibur.

[DJ Paulie]

Just want to say if I was driving I wouldn't even have a shandy, the limit should be zero alcohol when driving. I won't even get in a car with someone who has had a drink.

[Cowlinn]

Just want to say if I was driving I wouldn't even have a shandy, the limit should be zero alcohol when driving. I won't even get in a car with someone who has had a drink.

Agree with all of that:)

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

Lol You're joking, right?

Yes the second half was a joke, sorry hit the wrong emoticon. I am not trying to argue with people on here and everyone has their own opinion on this but the question at the beginning was do you drink and Dj.
Most of the Djs I know have a few drinks while working, we are no less better Djs for doing it, my diary could not be fuller and I have not had a complaint about it in nearly 30 years.
Most bar staff I know drink while working as well just to add as another proffession and that includes the landlords and landladies of pub and clubs that I regularly work in.
Sorry if any of you disgree but it is one of the good things about freedom of speech and a democracy.

[Mark Wild]

Yes the second half was a joke, sorry hit the wrong emoticon. I am not trying to argue with people on here and everyone has their own opinion on this but the question at the beginning was do you drink and Dj.
Most of the Djs I know have a few drinks while working, we are no less better Djs for doing it, my diary could not be fuller and I have not had a complaint about it in nearly 30 years.
Most bar staff I know drink while working as well just to add as another proffession and that includes the landlords and landladies of pub and clubs that I regularly work in.
Sorry if any of you disgree but it is one of the good things about freedom of speech and a democracy.

It's really not about your ability as a DJ or how full your diary is, you openly admitted to drinking and driving, that's why you hit a nerve with some members.

[BossmanKaraokeDisco]

It's really not about your ability as a DJ or how full your diary is, you openly admitted to drinking and driving, that's why you hit a nerve with some members.

Ok but if you look back through my posts the only thing I have admitted too apart from drinking 3 - 4 pints is being breath tested after 4 pints.
I have not once said that I drive home after 3 - 4 pints and if people choose to assume then thats not my fault. I was breathalised after 4 pints about 15 years ago but as my wife drives me around when I am working I cant see a problem:cool:

[Javlingames]

Try telling that to the parents of a child that was killed by a drunk driver.

I think you knew i was jesting. As was mark wild with his 'i was too drunk to walk' joke.

[Shaun]

During the war....:sj:

Years ago, I suspect most of us 'oldies' had a social drink whilst working and possibly more. I know I did, but then I either had a driver or left the gear.

I haven't done that since I had kids, so nearly 15 years. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a social drink, but it's not for me and no-one that works for me does it either.

I normally get invited to DJ at staff parties and they offer me free booze and a room, but I must admit, it used to enhance my performance, but now I just forget what the hell I am doing, so I really don't mix the two.

Snap.

Are you my doppelganger?

[BeerFunk]

I don't think that is the issue. Would you be able to get insurance if you were found to be using electrical equipment whilst drinking? Would your PLI be valid?That's exactly it, and being under the influence of alcohol is a get-out clause in pretty much all insurance policies.

My Dad is a self-employed taxi driver and had an accident at home, after having a drink of course! I read the small print of his policy and being under the influence of alcohol was one of the clauses in there, which seems a little unfair in my opinion, but it's there in black and white. Luckily he was back at work soon enough and didn't need to make a claim, but it was a bit of a warning.

I have DJ'ed plenty of times in the past after having a few pints, and at that time didn't realise why it was such a bad idea. I won't do it now though, and even when I'm occasionally asked to take my decks to a house party I flat-out refuse!


500 accidents a year are caused by drink drivers, the other 50,000 are caused by sober people!! Do the mathAnd which percentage of road users in the UK drive under the influence of alcohol? I'd happily bet it to be under 0.01% - now you do the maths.

[Excalibur]

I hope there's a smiley missing from that post...

And I've seen the stand up comedy sketch where you got that from.
The original was the Great Dave Allen, many many years ago.


During the war....:sj:

Years ago, I suspect most of us 'oldies' had a social drink whilst working and possibly more. I know I did, but then I either had a driver or left the gear.
.

What some of us did many many years ago, in a galaxy far far away, might make the Young 'uns hair curl! :eek: :eek: :eek: Buy me a pint at BPM, and I may whisper some of the less outrageous tales to you. ;) :D

[DJ Paulie]

Hypothetical question: you're a DJ but put your wife/partner/family member as PLI policy holder. You then work but always have them with you. You have a couple of sherberts & someone falls over your tripod. Would the policy still pay out if the policy holder was sober ?

Also here in 95% of venues if there was an accident they would claim on the venue's insurance, in 5 years I've never been asked for my PLI certificate. (but have always had it)

[Nexus]

Amazed at some of the comments in this thread!

Please dont kid yourselves that you might be under the limit if you were breath tested after four pints and it didn't register! More than likely it was a defective machine.

However, time is a factor. 4 pints spread over 5 hours may not register as quickly as 2 pints in 1 hour. The amount of time since your last drink is also a factor.

Also spoken to a close friend who is in insurance and whether you have knowingly consumed alcohol while operating electrical equipment/machinery will always be a factor should an accident occur. No matter whose fault it is. If the person who had the accident claims against your insurance the insurance company will always look for a way out of admitting liability. That will include whether you were inebriated, mildly inebriated or sober.

I'm not an expert in this field but I do prefer to be cautious and for that reason I take my own bottled water or drink lemonade from the bar which I collect myself. Just a precaution.

Should the bar staff offer me a drink after I've packed up I will happily accept.

[Steve James]

Very unprofessional to drink while working after all, you wouldn’t drink at your day job, would you??

[Corabar Entertainment]

Very unprofessional to drink while working after all, you wouldn’t drink at your day job, would you??:whistle:


Back in the day when I was a Building Society Manager all of my best deals with Estate Agents, Solicitors etc were done on the back of a skin full, and more often than not, at the firms expense, and many of my formative years in this business I was ratted! But nowadays I can't cope, usually a mineral water or a very weak shandy is my limit.:daft:


I remember most days it was out the office and down the pub for a liquid lunch.....


....to the person who said no other job would let you drink, I concur with Pete: having worked in the legal profession for many years, going out for a drink during lunch hour was almost compulsory, as was after-hours client receptions, and it certainly wasn't unheard of to have a 'glass' of wine on the desk in the afternoon in a paper cup! Most of it is put down to networking / client entertainment, etc. We actually had monthly time-costing targets for networking and marketing, so it really was compulsory!:D

[Charlie Brown]

I don't agree with drinking at gigs.

I'm tee total anyway.

[Shaun]

I don't agree with drinking at gigs.

I'm tee total anyway.

Charlie, I seem to recall you mentioning on a few occasions where you've mentioned having one or two drinks whilst DJing?

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I think this is Charlie's idea of a joke again.

[Shaun]

I think this is Charlie's idea of a joke again.

Ahh, I see.

I did wonder why he would be lying.

[Corabar Steve]

I thought he was talking about golf

[spin mobile disco]

Me no I wouldnt have a drink at a gig even a family one. I dont handle alcohol very well so set my limit to none nearly 10 year ago and havent had one since.

[CRAZY K]

How would the witnesses know the dj had been drinking? He could be drinking vodka which looks like water.

They just say--yeah we saw him drinking Beer--you cant win--best not to bother really and save yourself the grief when you get stopped by the fuzz who have noses like bloodhounds when it comes to smelling out drinking drivers.

Having said that I got pulled for no good reason late at night and was subjected to a breath test even though I hadnt had a drink for a week--:Censored:
the cops often have too much time on their hands at night;)

[MBK]

Hmmm some interesting comments.
I never drink alcohol when I am working (or If I am driving) it IMO looks unprofessional.
Alcohol is one of the reasons that motor insurance for DJ’s / Entertainer s has a High loading / Price and we are classed as a high risk.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Hmmm some interesting comments.
I never drink alcohol when I am working (or If I am driving) it IMO looks unprofessional.
Alcohol is one of the reasons that motor insurance for DJ’s / Entertainer s has a High loading / Price and we are classed as a high risk.

Really? Because we are working in places where alcohol is served?

[MBK]

Really? Because we are working in places where alcohol is served?

Yes my broker advised me of this a few years ago combined together with vehicle being driven in the small hours we are more likely to be involved in an accident.
Certain hire companies will not hire vans to DJ's / Entertainers and live proformers.