Client behaviour.

[Excalibur]

Normally I'm a fairly placid kind of chap, but this weekend's gigs both nearly had me at breaking point!
First one had food involved, which soon became projectiles. Then the usual spillage of drinks which meant that the dancefloor resembled a paddling pool. A broken glass or two, for good measure, but the really worrying thing for me was when they started picking each other up bodily and administering The Bumps, or suchlike. At times it looked more like Dancing on Ice! Other punters and my kit were in danger at times, yet these :muppet:s had no respect for other people's persons or property. Disgraceful.

Then, after appearing to have gone into a coma for half an hour or so, the floor is rammed for the last fifteen minutes, and at the finish the chant goes up " Play one more/Just one more" etc. The most annoying bit was one chap who said" Go on, you know you want to ". At that point, all I wanted to do was to leave, believe me.

When the lights went up, the room was not only a disgrace, but a health hazard. The bar staff were equally disgusted with the antics of the crowd.


Saturday night should have been a walk in the park by comparison, a 21st for a lovely girl in a local social club. I did her Dad's 50th birthday there ,and we all had a great time. This one started fine, but with little dancefloor action. No matter, I played a fair mixture, older stuff for family at the beginning, then a load of chart tunes, as the younger ones were coming in. At eleven, the birthday girl asked me to play as much cheese as possible, so away we went with the full cheeseboard. :chzy: At this point, some drunk comes up and says ( not in a very polite manner ) " We need some modern stuff". I pointed out that I was following the guest of honour's instructions, but this carried little weight. I wouldn't have minded so much, except I'd just finished playing an hour and a half of it!

As at the previous night's gig, we then had lads behaving very "boisterously" on the dancefloor, while holding drinks, and my Custom Deckstand ( a Pool Table by day :D ) was barged into more than once. I really think a normal stand would not have withstood the knocks without damage. One idiot actually jumped onto the front of the table to request a song! :eek:

With or without the taking of strong drink, politeness seems to have gone out of the window ( though on each night, I did have some lovely well behaved and courteous punters ), when will they learn that asking politely for a request increases their chances of having it played?

Final straw was at the end, this venue doesn't have a rigid finish time, they play it by ear, depending on the crowd, the bar takings, and the atmosphere. The only time we hit 1am is NYE. Not normally a problem, since they all decamp to the pub across the road, which stays open longer.

Since the birthday girl was bar staff, and things in general were fine, 1am was decreed as a finish time. And guess what? Yes, you're ahead of me:
" Just one more"

Neither were particularly bad gigs, but both left me in such a bad frame of mind.

Was it just me being Old and Crotchety, or have you had similar experiences? Am I simply doing the " It was never like that in my day" or is behaviour in general going down the tube?

Over to you.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Was it just me being Old and Crotchety, or have you had similar experiences? Am I simply doing the " It was never like that in my day" or is behaviour in general going down the tube?


I think with H&S we become more aware of these things. I hate it too and am younger than you, so I'm not sure it's an age thing. I have never played one more and I also hate it when people dance with glasses in their hands.

Behaviour is getting worse, but it does depend on the kind of people you are playing to.

[Javlingames]

I guess some nights you just get the rowdy crowds, especially 21st's etc

I know its hard to think like this but when you count the amount of people you play to in a year, i bet 95% of the people are fine.

[Excalibur]

Behaviour is getting worse, but it does depend on the kind of people you are playing to.
I'm not sure I'd agree with you there. It seems to be across the board to me.



I know its hard to think like this but when you count the amount of people you play to in a year, i bet 95% of the people are fine.

On balance, you may be right, but getting two in a row like this has really got to me. Quite frankly I'm disgusted.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I'm not sure I'd agree with you there. It seems to be across the board to me.


There's nothing to disagree with. I didn't say what kind of class or social standing, I said the kind of people....

[Javlingames]

I'm not sure I'd agree with you there. It seems to be across the board to me.



On balance, you may be right, but getting two in a row like this has really got to me. Quite frankly I'm disgusted.

Alcohol brings out the worst in people so it doesnt really matter what class, background, type etc.

[Excalibur]

There's nothing to disagree with. I didn't say what kind of class or social standing, I said the kind of people....

Ah gotcha. You mean the usual Hooligans and and Riff Raff that I tend to play to. ;) :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D



Alcohol brings out the worst in people so it doesnt really matter what class, background, type etc.

Can't argue there.

[ajm]

Simple solution when it gets to rowdy, kill the atmosphere with a couple of ballads.

[NKR]

Behaviour is falling and I am not that old, but still notice it.

[theoloyla]

Agree. Manners and polite etiquette are disappearing

[paulg]

Said it before and will say it again. Any risk to staff, equipment or DJ, the music goes off and stays off until order is restored.

Behavior is on a downhill slide - just like in many other walks of life and it is not about class, geography or income either. I don't intend sliding down with it.

[Pe7e]

Agree. Manners and polite etiquette are disappearing

Indeed they are, and unless or until they are once again taught and enforced in schools, and in the home, they will continue to decline. Back in the days when I was a lad, impoliteness and poor behaviour came with consequenses, occasionally painfull ones. Todays over indulged spoilt kids, turn into tomorrows arrogant, violent, self centered adults.

[Sarah]

I did an 18th last week. Very mixed crowd from the birthday girls very obvious underage mates right up to her great grandparents.

I had to mention a couple of times " no drinks on the dance floor please."
The birthday girl was the worst culprit, dancing with 2 bottles of blue wkd in one hand, having a swig and then swaying her arms above her head.

Next thing she drops one and it smashes all over the dance floor!
Some younger girls are dancing in bare feet too, having removed their too high heels.
I had to announce politely for a member of the bar staff to please come as we'd had an 'accident' at the front of the disco.

Even after this she kept dancing with a bottle in her hand. I decided to lower the music volume right down until she removed it and as all her guests were quite annoyed with the silence interrupting their dancing, this did the trick. However I was mortified as she gave me the V's at the same time. I couldn't believe it.

The best thing is her mam is the landlady at a lovely village pub out of town. She has booked me to do a karaoke/disco as she's had the pub ten years this Saturday.

I'm interested to see if her daughter behaves the same there. If she has more respect at her own place or is she was just absolutely hammered and really just does not usually act like that.

[ajm]

Its lack of intelligence and bad parenting that is the problem, you only have to walk round your local supermaket to see it. The average Brit is a bit dim.

Don't expect people to behave any better after a few drinks.

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I did a 13th last Friday and some of the language that was coming out of the girls was shocking. Music doesn't help with so many of them requesting songs that have swearing all over it.

[mattred]

I can't stand rude people. If in a nightclub I wont put up with any. I often have a member of doorstaff by the booth anyway and if it comes to it I would happily get someone thrown out.
Things people have said and my answers have been.

A good Dj would - I know but I'm not a good Dj
Have you got anything good - no
This is rubbish - I know I can't stand this song either but it's all I have so can't do anything about it
What's the best song you have - a mr blobby remix with the cheeky girls doing a verse

For mobile work it can be trickier and I just try and be as polite as possible with possibly some added sarcasm if I can (its often obvious sarcasm and depends on the person if I will be sarcastic)

I hate the call for one more especially if they haven't been dancing until 11.45. I often try and calm it down and say thank you to everyone about 11.55 as Then if they shout for one more I can play one and still finish on time yet they feel happy as they got one more.

I have often found people will be rude to try and get you to do something as I have often then had people say to me "I'm only joking"
They don't realise if they asked nicely the chance of getting their request plays goes up.

I did a whole poster of how to request a song. Will try and post it later.

Matt

[paull]

I find it best to pre-empt the finish, especially if you have been getting other signals during the night.

It is funny how this behavior can come form the most unlikely sources.

[HeartandSoul]

I played to a German couple last weekend, and their family and friends. The politest couple, and guests I have ever met. I was thrown a little when I was asked for some waltzes before the first dance, but as soon as I played them they danced, and came and thanked me after. It was a clear contrast to many of the gigs we have to do as described above. No one got drunk, but all had a great time.

[lazersounds]

I had the pleasure of a school prom on Thursday Evening. Was supposed to be a "Posh Private School" Not when they had had a few shandys, I'd never had anything like it.

Drinks going flying on the dancefloor
Rude, arrogant
Nearly tipped my booth over 3 times

Lost count of the times I shut the music off not that it helped, they just kept singing along :(

Security where as useful as a chocolate teapot! One guy in particular, asked for a request 5 minutes before the end, said would not have time, came back with a barrage of abuse, calling me every name under the sun. Politely told him to **** off :)

Had a call from the venue friday morning, the boys mother had emailed a complaint saying i was rude, would not play his requests and that I was not fit to be a DJ. Well was not happy to say the least, Can't get his own way so go crying to mummy... Bet he did'nt tell mummy what he called me! :Censored: :Censored: :Censored: :Censored:

Emailed his mother back, explaining how drunk he was and if she would like a list of everything he said to me, i'd be happy to reveal all about her little angel. Also said that I am trying to do a paid job the same as everyone else and I have the right to go about my work without verbal abuse.

Yet to recieve a reply....... :mad: :mad:

Thank god i'm back to weddings tonight and tomorrow

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I had the pleasure of a school prom on Thursday Evening. Was supposed to be a "Posh Private School"

Funny isn't it...I had exactly the same and yet the kids were so polite and danced and enjoyed themselves all night. :)

[STEVE HANLEY]

I did an Asian wedding last week. My very first one. It was on a Tuesday as well, the night England were playing Croatia. Alcohol is a complete no no, but did that matter??? Not one jot.

It was an absolutely fantastic night. They were all so polite. I loved it. Would like to get my hands on a few more of those type of weddings.:) :)

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I did an Asian wedding last week. My very first one. It was on a Tuesday as well, the night England were playing Croatia. Alcohol is a complete no no, but did that matter??? Not one jot.

It was an absolutely fantastic night. They were all so polite. I loved it. Would like to get my hands on a few more of those type of weddings.:) :)

Got a playlist from this wedding?

[STEVE HANLEY]

Got a playlist from this wedding?

I'll see what I can do Neil. Here's a quick video from it

Damn it. It took almost 45 mins to upload then told me it was an invalid post. Sorry mate:confused: :confused:

[DeckstarDeluxe]

I'll see what I can do Neil. Here's a quick video from it

Damn it. It took almost 45 mins to upload then told me it was an invalid post. Sorry mate:confused: :confused:

Or just a general gist of the music would be good :)

[lazersounds]

Funny isn't it...I had exactly the same and yet the kids were so polite and danced and enjoyed themselves all night. :)

Luck of the draw I suspose, Some Schools are nice and out to have a good time, others just are the complete opposite

[chrisj]

Said it before and will say it again. Any risk to staff, equipment or DJ, the music goes off and stays off until order is restored.

Behavior is on a downhill slide - just like in many other walks of life and it is not about class, geography or income either. I don't intend sliding down with it.

I do the same. If I have asked for 'no drinks to be taken onto the dancefloor' for instance and someone does take one I turn the music down low and say it again. Should another drink be taken to the dancefloor I stop the music and say 'Obviously someone didn't hear me on the two previous occassions when I asked for no drinks to be taken on the dancefloor. Please leave the dancfloor with the drink and we will continue with the music.'
I have had people, youngsters, teens and adults swear at me on occassions when music has stopped but I just say it is not my fault the drinks are taken on the dancefloor.'

[Javlingames]

I do the same. If I have asked for 'no drinks to be taken onto the dancefloor' for instance and someone does take one I turn the music down low and say it again. Should another drink be taken to the dancefloor I stop the music and say 'Obviously someone didn't hear me on the two previous occassions when I asked for no drinks to be taken on the dancefloor. Please leave the dancfloor with the drink and we will continue with the music.'
I have had people, youngsters, teens and adults swear at me on occassions when music has stopped but I just say it is not my fault the drinks are taken on the dancefloor.'

All venues need some sort of security for these things. You are a Dj, not crowd control

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I do the same. If I have asked for 'no drinks to be taken onto the dancefloor' for instance and someone does take one I turn the music down low and say it again. Should another drink be taken to the dancefloor I stop the music and say 'Obviously someone didn't hear me on the two previous occassions when I asked for no drinks to be taken on the dancefloor. Please leave the dancfloor with the drink and we will continue with the music.'
I have had people, youngsters, teens and adults swear at me on occassions when music has stopped but I just say it is not my fault the drinks are taken on the dancefloor.'

Annoying as it is, I'm not sure that is the right way to go about things as that could cause more trouble.

[EliteFalkirk]

I Did a Wedding Last night and it was abit of a strange one, Scottish/dutch, Groom was abit arogant and got worse as the Drink was flowing the Bride had an attitude, It was "our" fault they were late in arriving at the venue (marquee in a field), Then the Generator Cut out During the 3rd Dance when the kind Caterers Plugged into our Power supply, Which again was "our" fault Then pointed out we (my Rodie and I) were not welcome to be having Soft Drinks from the Bar as we were potentially going to cos the bar to run short of mixers, as the night moved on the groom Become more arogant demanding we stick to the playlist of songs given to me by the bride Guests were not welcome to have requests, Awkward moment. then at the end of the night proceed to demand an extra hour Free due to Power issues beyond our control. on top of that a number of times the same guest continually bumped into the RIG. All in all the dancefloor was full all night but attitudes of some persons ruined the atmosphere.

have you had any events like this.

[Pink Elephant]

Then the Generator Cut out During the 3rd Dance when the kind Caterers Plugged into our Power supply, Which again was "our" fault

This is obviously not your fault, but we always have a word with other contractors when we are in a marquee and agree power usage and breaker locations.

The requests part and moving away from their playlist should really be discussed with the B&G beforehand to avoid problems on the day.

As for the drinks, that too can be discussed, but it is easier to just take a bottle of water/soft drink with you. This in my eyes looks better than you standing in a queue at the bar, and as a tight Jewish Yorkshireman is cheaper :D

Crowd bumping your equipment - this has happened for ever, and probably will continue. If you set up in a safe area and have a good sharp poking stick to hand that will help :rolleyes:

[Shakermaker Promotions]

Annoying as it is, I'm not sure that is the right way to go about things as that could cause more trouble.

I have to agree there.
You've done your job firstly by making announcements requesting that people not take drinks on to the dance floor. I don't for minute believe that some people don't hear the announcements because more often than not, they are repeated throughout the evening to some extent.
You can't help it if people don't or won't listen so it's not your (our) fault is it?

I'd personally (and I have done this in the past) mention it to the venue staff. They are the ones that ask us to make the announcements most of the time. I have explained that no'one has listened and there's not a lot I can do really. If they want to approach the people with drinks on the dance floor than that's up to them.