Nighmare on Gig street

[DK Karaoke]

Hi all,

Am posting this because I am not sure if I am still having a nightmare, and maybe wake up soon, or, it really happened, and it hasen't sunk in fully yet. Anyway, my tale.

I did this gig, in a well known (large) rugby club ground. It was a Disco/Karaoke for a dual birthday party. Prepared all the requested music/karaoke tracks etc., plus the requested equipment/rig.

Was told the alloted space for set-up was very small, so therefore told not to bring too much equipment - stands etc., as a table was sited near where I was to set up. Anyway, arrived at the venue, only to be greated by this obnoxious venue manager, (not the client), who said that I was due nearly an hour previously, not the case by the way, as arrived an hour before the event. This really set the tone for the night, and I knew the worst was to come.

We ended up having to set up with our kit all over the floor, wires stretched etc. No table was provided, luckly we had one put-up stand, that took our deck and mixer only. We set our speakers, and our amp was on the floor, with the wires stretched, so one of the speakers did not work. We were left with one speaker on a stand and one monitor speaker on the floor next to the dj. Was then told to remove one of our speakers, as it was in the way of the cigarette machine. We took down the one that did not work. Plus we were asked to move the microhone cables as they were in the way. We had 3 square feet to work in, deliverying disco and karaoke. Nearly at this point said so.........d this and leave.

We persevered however, and the guests arrived, we had to work with our back to the audience because of the way we had to set up. One of the guests complained that we had our back to the audience, really arh....

Them the radio mics started giving this terribel hum., so had to turn them off. We had to use two cable mics with one very short lead and one long one.

The guests then complained that they could not hear our announcements, owing the problems with the mics, and having our back to the audience.

The guests were as dry as the sarah desert, and nothing we did seem to get them relaxed, it was like a doo where everyone was on edge. We still considered leaving, this was only 1 and 1/2 hour into the gig.

We played all the requested music (dance tracks) and we still had people coming up to us, saying dont you have any to dance to!!!!!!! It seemed nothing we did worked.

Eventually my roadie went outside for a cigarette, to relax, and started speaking to one of the guests, who apparantely was one of the organisers of the party, but didnt know it. My roadie explained the problems, saying that we were thinking of calling it a day, as the gig was damaging our credability etc. We found out then that the organisers of the event, also had experienced severe problems with the venue manager. My roadie explained that we just wanted everyone to have a good time, however, it seemed that our job was being made impossible.

We continued with the gig for a while, and then the manager came over to us and complained that we complained about him. I felt like dropping him.

We finished the gig, with great difficulty, the mics were giving feedback all the time, because of the positioning of the speakers etc., so we had to keep monitoring the levels all the time.

About two hours before the end of the gig, everyone seemed to relax, and started to enjoy themselves, but we didnt. I can honestly say it was the worst gig I have ever done, and I never want to go back there again, no matter how much money they might offer.

I think credability needs to be kept, and when you are put in a situation where you are made to seem unprofessional, then its time to say bye bye to that venue/client.

I am still hoping it was a nightmare, but I doubt it somehow. Next time I am in a situation like this, I will definately leave, its not worth it. Maybe then again, I might wake up and find it really was a nigntmare.

[BeerFunk]

Wow, that really does sound like a nightmare! I always take my own stands for everything bar CD cases anyway, and the amp goes on the floor (obviously it's flightcased, no problem there)

I don't think I would blame you if you decided to leave, after discussing it with the client of course. However, I think you should only take this course of action if the terms and conditions of your hire were compromised in any way - do you make out contracts to sign at all?

[DK Karaoke]

Thanks mate. Ya I use a flightcase for my amp, (single 2u, gator shock absorber type) but that didn't make any difference, as the wires were stretched so much. They must have pulled slightly breaking the connection.

Did a full system check after the event and all is working ok, UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS.

I also have a contract for each gig I do, but in the end, its still a question of do you carry on, or compromise your working environment, and probably safety to the dj and equipment etc. I guess I carried on because I did not want to let the client down, who also was very annoyed with the venue manager.

Guess it was not a nightmare, but wont repeat it again.

[Dragonfly]

but in the end, its still a question of do you carry on, or compromise your working environment, and probably safety to the dj and equipment etc. I guess I carried on because I did not want to let the client down, who also was very annoyed with the venue manager.

if the compramise endangers your clients or their guests in any way then no you dont carry on you communicate the problems to your client and inform them of the whole story im sure they would have gone up the wall at the venue..... by the way im sorry you have had to undertake an experience like this.

i had one where the venue a hotel point blank refused to give me any tables to work on said they didnt have anyy mmm (a hotel) it was about an hour and a half before the gig so after much debate with the manager i gave him my clients number and told him at 7pm on a saturday night the 100 guests he had arriving in an hour would be needing another disco and politely suggested the yellow pages. got in my car and started the engine .....

2 seconds later out runs a hotel manager with a manuel style waiter behind him both carrying a small square table "these are all we can find mate" was the nice reply "theyll do fine" ..... you see i can make the best out of any situation but when you get a flat refusal of any assistance at all im afraid i start to reciprocate behaviour shown to me.

whole time i was setting up (squeezing a 6ft rig in a 5ft space) the waitor yes the waitor was stood chuntering about how unprofessinal the dj was ..... so not to be outdone ...... just said excuse me i unlike some think of my customers first and do whatever i can to make their night a success ......you on the other hand because of some misguided principal that a dj should carry tables chairs kitchen sink with them nearly had no entertainment and 100 vey angry guests. it would pay you my friend to remember im paid to entertain not take abuse from anyone. needless to say i dont think he expected that.

[CRAZY K]

Yeah--no tables at a Rugby Club or a Hotel :teeth:

My usual remark is---oh sorry I thought you were running a Rugby Club,
Hotel, Restaurant---INSERT VENUE HERE --obviously your not!

I do carry an ironing board and a black cloth which I use quite often :teeth:

Which comes in useful for situations as mentioned on the thread :mad:

CRAZY K

[musicinmotiondi]

Yeah--no tables at a Rugby Club or a Hotel :teeth:

My usual remark is---oh sorry I thought you were running a Rugby Club,
Hotel, Restaurant---INSERT VENUE HERE --obviously your not!

I do carry an ironing board and a black cloth which I use quite often :teeth:

Which comes in useful for situations as mentioned on the thread :mad:

CRAZY K


Maybe the Rugby team were at the bottom of the table

:teeth: :teeth: :teeth: :teeth: :beer:

[Candybeatdiscos]

sorry to hear of your problems, i usually tend to get round this by trying to get a feel for the venue either over the phone or if possible visit the venue. Every wedding i do gets an automatic visit by myself and the client in order to help set up seating arrangements (ie sit older people behind the speakers etc) and this helps me resolve any potential problems at the outset.

[Creature]

Sorry to hear about your nite in hell - but at least you can draw a lot from the experience. If like me your reasonably new to djing then you are likeely to accept jobs other djs dont. Im lucky in that I meet up with the local djs as often as i can and use there experiences of venues. if ive nowt on and a venue is a problem often double me price instead of refusing the job.

Space is often an issue with venues - you want to use the best equipment u have to help create an atmospher so that people relax and start to chill out n dance. but sometimes this is not possible. recently done 2 gigs at a venue were 1st time was told no lights really struggled to get people up n dancin - 2 weeks later the same crowd and i used an old large light box and the floor was full all nite long !!! manager couldnt understand it....

there comes a time and i think you hit it were for health n saftey reasons you could have refused the gig. if ya not health n safty regestered take the coarse - that certificate has helped me resolve some issues with managers who were making life difficult. also worth adding to terms and condtions of your contract that your health n safty regged and may refuse to complete the booking if health and safty is compromised.

I know exactly how u feel as ive been there as well, but keep your head held high learn from the experience and you will soon get outa that hell feeling.

It may be worth writing a letter to the person who booked you outlining the problems faced, in the hope that they may take notice for future events

[Steve the DJ]

and the amp goes on the floor (obviously it's flightcased, no problem there)

Apart from all the rubbish and dust that the fans will pull in because they are on the floor.

Just a suggestion, but if you can I would get the amp off the floor whenever possible.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Sounds like an awful night.

The show must go on though, to use a cliche!

Well done for finishing and remaining professional.

[Dragonfly]

help set up seating arrangements (ie sit older people behind the speakers etc) and this helps me resolve any potential problems at the outset.

in the carpark more like where there is only minimal security lighting and the only sound is that of the local owl looking for lunch old people lights and music ggggrrrrrrrrrr

[Dragonfly]

Yeah--no tables at a Rugby Club or a Hotel :teeth:

My usual remark is---oh sorry I thought you were running a Rugby Club,
Hotel, Restaurant---INSERT VENUE HERE --obviously your not!

I do carry an ironing board and a black cloth which I use quite often :teeth:

Which comes in useful for situations as mentioned on the thread :mad:

CRAZY K

crazy mate next time you give me a ring you can let mrs dragon know ill be commendeering the ironing board on fri and sat nights. lol

[Corabar Entertainment]

What a night!

Like others have said, we've got all the necessary in the contract, but when it comes down to it, what do you do? Leave your customer and their guests in the lurch or ignore all of the safety issues? It is difficult.

As someone mentioned, it might be worth dropping your customer a line or two explaining.....

Anyway, well done for getting through the night and maintaining your professionalism! :)

[dj-jaym]

is it just me, or do i not see why the venue should be held responsible for stands / tables ???

I mean a builder wudnt turn up without a workbench expectign mrs jones to give him a workbench to cut her new floorboards

ok not exactly same but i cant see how u can blame venues for this.

And another thing, If you cant do your show in the venue then you should be firm with the venue managment and not do it all

[Dragonfly]

always good to get a client / contact person onside the latter i like to do for weddings as i dont like the idea of having to approach a b n g on their special day with a problem best man/father/mother etc.

to many venues you are just another paid worker but its the customer that SHOULD carry some weight as its them thats paying for a service. just my thoughts.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

.

And another thing, If you cant do your show in the venue then you should be firm with the venue managment and not do it all

Yeah, welcome to the real world....

This is why people's perception of us as an industry is not good, because of attitudes like this.

We are there to perform, no matter what the circumstances, unless they are very dangerous.

[Corabar Entertainment]

And another thing, If you cant do your show in the venue then you should be firm with the venue managment and not do it allSo for you there would be no quandary? You wouldn't do as DK Karaoke did and just do your best to manage with what space, etc you have available, you'd just point blank refuse and leave your customer and guests without entertainment for the night?

[Dragonfly]

is it just me, or do i not see why the venue should be held responsible for stands / tables ???

I mean a builder wudnt turn up without a workbench expectign mrs jones to give him a workbench to cut her new floorboards

ok not exactly same but i cant see how u can blame venues for this.

And another thing, If you cant do your show in the venue then you should be firm with the venue managment and not do it all

you are right to an extent they shouldnt which it is now in my t and c i will require at least one table to work from. but when they do nothing to try and overcome a problem its very frustrating plus ....

a builder doesnt need a work bench if need be he can improvise we cannot do our job with an audience working off the floor and no we cant all afford a high top transit just so we can get trestle tables in incase

[Dragonfly]

Yeah, welcome to the real world....

This is why people's perception of us as an industry is not good, because of attitudes like this.

We are there to perform, no matter what the circumstances, unless they are very dangerous.

id agree with you daz the show must go on unless things are physically dangerous for people again your customer service skills come in again if something is not right keep your client informed .... communicate they want a good night as you want to provide one and most will understand particularly if its not you thats at fault. its this customer service that will keep your reputation intact.

[dj-jaym]

well i strongly feel dj's should take there own stand/ table a deck stand base is just 50 from decent suppliers.

Or do as i did when started out a plank of wood from ikea and 4 screw on legs 18 quid, never had a problems as we always took it, and saved us plenty of times ! such as marquees etc, Im not aving a go but for sake of 18 quid surely be worth while investment

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

well i strongly feel dj's should take there own stand/ table a deck stand base is just 50 from decent suppliers.

Or do as i did when started out a plank of wood from ikea and 4 screw on legs 18 quid, never had a problems as we always took it, and saved us plenty of times ! such as marquees etc, Im not aving a go but for sake of 18 quid surely be worth while investment

That wasn't the point I was taking you up on.

[CRAZY K]

you are right to an extent they shouldnt which it is now in my t and c i will require at least one table to work from. but when they do nothing to try and overcome a problem its very frustrating plus ....

a builder doesnt need a work bench if need be he can improvise we cannot do our job with an audience working off the floor and no we cant all afford a high top transit just so we can get trestle tables in incase

Ever seen a Builder turn up with his own electricity and water supply?

By the way Dragonfly--tell Mrs Dragonfly the ironing board needs to be painted black :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

CRAZY K

[Dragonfly]

Ever seen a Builder turn up with his own electricity and water supply?

By the way Dragonfly--tell Mrs Dragonfly the ironing board needs to be painted black :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

CRAZY K

now theres a point??? its ok crazy mate ill get the kids on a colouring mission they have felt tips.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Ever seen a Builder turn up with his own electricity and water supply?

CRAZY K

LOL! :teeth:

[Paul James Promotions]

Yeah, welcome to the real world....

We are there to perform, no matter what the circumstances, unless they are very dangerous.

Agreed. Just do your best and get on with it.

[Have a disco]

Do feel that most venues do have more tables than required 90% of the time. But always ask the clients that I will require at leas 1 largish table for disco equipment usage which usually isnt a problem. But I also have a large table for outside functions/bootsales etc etc should I be requested to bring one. Also handy for fetes majorette functions etc etc

[A1DL]

At the end of the day, if the provision of a table is required it should be included in the T&Cs applicable to the Promoter, in the same way as (I imagine) power provision is.

That way, there is no confusion.

[Sam]

I also ask them to provide tables.. so they always set out the table in the space they want the DJ to be before I get there..

IF they say.. no sorry we can't do that then I will then take my own.. but this reduces space etc..

Reply to original post: Sorry to here about your story mate - In some situations you can never win huh?! :-(

[Vibrant Sounds]

I am relatively new to the DJing game, and for me it is little more than a hobby as I have a well paid full time job, but feel that I have both the equipment and wherewithal to make a professional job of it.

Having just read through this thread I have some queries as to some of the things mentioned in the some of the posts.

Did you not visit the venue beforehand to see for yourself what space you would be given and what equipment you might need?

I visit every venue prior to the event to see what I need to take, including the one that I got last Friday evening for Monday this week. I am booked to appear at a large Hotel in Torquay on NYE which is 30 miles away, I will make the trip up there before the date to see what I have to work with.

You say that your speaker leads were overly stretched, do you not carry enough long leads or adapters to extend what you do have to whatever length they need to be?

Perhaps this may be a thought for the future, again identified if you had visited the venue.

I agree with those advocating the carrying of your own stands/table, there is no requirement in this day and age for you to assume that the venue will supply what you need to complete your task safely and efficiently. Again you would have been aware of this had you visited the venue before the event.

You say the performers had to perform with their backs to the audience. I take it that this was because the monitor/TV was on the table and they needed to look at the words.

If so and you were relying on the venue to supply a "correct height table" for the monitor/TV then I would doubt that any venue would be able to supply such. If you are offering Karaoke then the minimum you should carry should be a stand for the monitor/TV so the performers can sing looking at the right height and NOT looking down at a screen so as to restrict their throat/vocal chords (Okay, I'll admit sometimes that might help :omg: ).

Perhaps I am being overly harsh with my observations above, but one of the biggest moans I have noticed from DJs is that the feeling people don't take them seriously. Hmm, I wonder why.

As for the analogy of the builder not turning up without his trestles, I would think that, when he "previously visited" the client to view the work and submit his quote he would have formed an idea of what was required and what was not.

As for a positive, you did carry on and made the best of what you had, but a suggestion for the future never assume anything.

Assume = an "ASS of U & ME"

[+Scooby+]

you are right to an extent they shouldnt which it is now in my t and c i will require at least one table to work from. but when they do nothing to try and overcome a problem its very frustrating plus ....

a builder doesnt need a work bench if need be he can improvise we cannot do our job with an audience working off the floor and no we cant all afford a high top transit just so we can get trestle tables in incase

My son’s girlfriend occasionally roadies for us when we are stretched and last weekend was one of those occasions. They put a six foot Giraffe stand all associated leads two Mackie 450 tops, starcloth and eight lighting effects in an escort saloon with room to spare.

Any self respecting DJ attends a gig with ALL the equipment to do the job properly including the necessary stands. To threaten to leave site because you think it’s your right to commandeer a table is beyond belief, and then ask the hotel manager to phone YOUR client because you couldn’t get your own way is even worse.

The contract existed between you and the client and you went out poorly equipped to do the job so it would be you who was in the wrong. You have displayed a lack of professionalism and integrity that would be expected from a first time novice.

Unbelievable!!! :omg: :omg:

[Corabar Entertainment]

Scooby - be fair.... it depends what is in the T&Cs and I don't think it is helpful to condemn without knowing the full facts!!!!

Anyway, this topic is veering wildly into 'Should DJs provide the stand?', rather than the initial, broader topic of 'what a night! and what would you do if an awkward venue didn't co-operate / provide decent working conditions?'

[+Scooby+]

Ever seen a Builder turn up with his own electricity and water supply?

By the way Dragonfly--tell Mrs Dragonfly the ironing board needs to be painted black :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

CRAZY K

It is not uncommon on new builds to see generators and bowsers so that doesn’t even wash as an analogy :(

[Corabar Steve]

You say the performers had to perform with their backs to the audience. I take it that this was because the monitor/TV was on the table and they needed to look at the words.

If so and you were relying on the venue to supply a "correct height table" for the monitor/TV then I would doubt that any venue would be able to supply such. If you are offering Karaoke then the minimum you should carry should be a stand for the monitor/TV so the performers can sing looking at the right height and NOT looking down at a screen so as to restrict their throat/vocal chords (Okay, I'll admit sometimes that might help :omg: ).

I interpreted this
The guests then complained that they could not hear our announcements, owing the problems with the mics, and having our back to the audience.as Martyn & his roadie had to set their equipment up facing away from the audience, not anyone singing karaoke.

Anyway the issue here is not if a DJ takes his own stands / tables to a gig or not (although I would advise anyone who doesn't have their own to make sure that it's very clear in their contract T&Cs that the client / venue is responsible). The thread is about venues making it difficult / impossible to do their job properly, safely & to the best of their ability.

Can we please stop slaging off others choices of how each of us opperate & get back to the point in hand.

The only professional option as I see it is to explain the situation to the client (the common denominator between you & the venue) & let them sort it out. While this may mean it takes them away from their gusts & their evening's fun for a while, it's a lot better than the other option - you going home & leaving them without any entertainment. If the venue gets upset with you, so what? If it's that bad you won't want to work there again anyway are you?

[+Scooby+]

well i strongly feel dj's should take there own stand/ table a deck stand base is just 50 from decent suppliers.

Or do as i did when started out a plank of wood from ikea and 4 screw on legs 18 quid, never had a problems as we always took it, and saved us plenty of times ! such as marquees etc, Im not aving a go but for sake of 18 quid surely be worth while investment

This guy is a novice but he is making an effort, and for what its worth the DJ stand is probably one of the most important purchases you make.

It means you can turn up to do the job without relying on other people.

Rant Over :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

Rant Over :teeth:
Did I miss something? What rant? :teeth:

[dj-jaym]

This guy is a novice but he is making an effort, and for what its worth the DJ stand is probably one of the most important purchases you make.

It means you can turn up to do the job without relying on other people.

Rant Over :teeth:

Hope your not calling me a noivce !

[Corabar Entertainment]

It means you can turn up to do the job without relying on other people.I happen to agree with you about a stand being an important piece of kit, but you will always need to rely on other people - power (unless of course, you take your own generator with you), space (unless you own the venue and insist on customers coming to you), even simple things like TOILETS! (unless...... no, we won't go there! :teeth: :teeth: :teeth: )

[+Scooby+]

I have just amended my T&C’s:

A full DJ rig must be supplied along with a competent DJ so that I can watch and do jack :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Hope your not calling me a noivce !May I remind you of your first post on this forum exactly 1 month ago today, which you entitled "Ok im just starting up how do i go legal" :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:

[Dragonfly]

scooby .... feedback duely noted ..... firstly as ALWAYS i had visited the venue actually on 2 ocassions for this gig and spoken diectly to the owner who had showed me where to setup and told me 2 tables would be set aside during the room turn around .... then to get to a gig and be told you cant have this was beyond belief especially by a jumped up manuel secondly i had called my contact and spoken directly to them who had also spoken to the venue and made sure i had somewhere thirdly i didnt ask the hotel manager .... i told him .....im not carrying the can for something that was not my fault and and for a venue that had gone back on arrangements i dont use deck stands as last time i did a 16 stone rugby player ended up sitting on my decks as they dont hold that weight apparently.

i am a professional in what i do and ask for respect for that not treated like some piece of kak on someones shoe it was a hotel with a restaurant full of tables and a huge hall lined with them and yes on that ocassion a shrugged pair of shoulders and a well we havent got any really ticked me off.

[Corabar Entertainment]

I have just amended my T&C’s:

A full DJ rig must be supplied along with a competent DJ so that I can watch and do jack :)There's no need to be rude :mad:

[dj-jaym]

May I remind you of your first post on this forum exactly 1 month ago today, which you entitled "Ok im just starting up how do i go legal" :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg:

Yeah how to do things legal doesnt mean i hadnt been dj'ing before hand does it !

[Danno13]

i dont use deck stands as last time i did a 16 stone rugby player ended up sitting on my decks as they dont hold that weight apparently.

Why was he sitting on your deckstand?? And surely a table wouldn't be anywhere near as strong so would have collapsed too..

[+Scooby+]

scooby .... feedback duely noted ..... firstly as ALWAYS i had visited the venue actually on 2 ocassions for this gig and spoken diectly to the owner who had showed me where to setup and told me 2 tables would be set aside during the room turn around .... then to get to a gig and be told you cant have this was beyond belief especially by a jumped up manuel secondly i had called my contact and spoken directly to them who had also spoken to the venue and made sure i had somewhere thirdly i didnt ask the hotel manager .... i told him .....im not carrying the can for something that was not my fault and and for a venue that had gone back on arrangements i dont use deck stands as last time i did a 16 stone rugby player ended up sitting on my decks as they dont hold that weight apparently.

i am a professional in what i do and ask for respect for that not treated like some piece of kak on someones shoe it was a hotel with a restaurant full of tables and a huge hall lined with them and yes on that ocassion a shrugged pair of shoulders and a well we havent got any really ticked me off.

Hotel aside the fact remains that you were prepared to walk away from a gig leaving you client in the lurch.

This is a well run and respected forum and aspires to help young DJ’s and teach good business practice. How do you think that post will read to a new DJ?

In my humble opinion you have committed the ultimate DJ crime and this incident has certainly done nothing for your reputation :(

[Dragonfly]

scooby i wouldnt have expected you to say anything different.

[Corabar Steve]

Yeah how to do things legal doesnt mean i hadnt been dj'ing before hand does it !I think it may have been the just starting out bit that gave Angela that idea.

Anyway can we get back on topic please?

If you want to discuss whether or not to use deck stands, or who is new/experiencd START YOUR OWN THREAD!

[Corabar Entertainment]

Yeah how to do things legal doesnt mean i hadnt been dj'ing before hand does it !Be fair - "I'm just starting up" does suggest limited experience. If you don't give the full facts / make misleading statements, you can't expect forum members to be psychic! :omg: :omg:

[Corabar Steve]

Hotel aside the fact remains that you were prepared to walk away from a gig leaving you client in the lurch.
This is a well run and respected forum and aspires to help young DJ’s and teach good business practice. How do you think that post will read to a new DJ?

In my humble opinion you have committed the ultimate DJ crime and this incident has certainly done nothing for your reputation :(
But he didn't did he?

[+Scooby+]

I think it may have been the just starting out bit that gave Angela that idea.

Anyway can we get back on topic please?

If you want to discuss whether or not to use deck stands, or who is new/experiencd START YOUR OWN THREAD!


And you said? :sad:

[Corabar Steve]

:confused: I'm sorry, I don't follow you :confused:

[Have a disco]

This guy is a novice but he is making an effort, and for what its worth the DJ stand is probably one of the most important purchases you make.

It means you can turn up to do the job without relying on other people.

Rant Over :teeth:

hell be telling us to bring our own portaloo next or camping equipment just incase the hotels full

I dont expect to have to supply a table for venues this is down to the venue owners or client to procure, bad planning from either of these will incure a cost extra for me bringing a table to put decks etc etc on most venues feel foolish if they do not have enough tables so I may wave this extra cost

Now back to the thread at hand you have met the same person as me possibly the dumb manager whom thinks they know best , these invariably lose trade for themselves and end up beiong sacked by the company they work for we have had a sting of these recently at one of our local hotels all of them got a jobsworth hat and lost the hotel bundles of money

[Corabar Steve]

Good save there Badger, nearly got your knuckles rapped. :teeth: :teeth:

So anyway nightmare venues..........

[dj-jaym]

hell be telling us to bring our own portaloo next or camping equipment just incase the hotels full

I dont expect to have to supply a table for venues this is down to the venue owners or client to procure, bad planning from either of these will incure a cost extra for me bringing a table to put decks etc etc on most venues feel foolish if they do not have enough tables so I may wave this extra cost

Now back to the thread at hand you have met the same person as me possibly the dumb manager whom thinks they know best , these invariably lose trade for themselves and end up beiong sacked by the company they work for we have had a sting of these recently at one of our local hotels all of them got a jobsworth hat and lost the hotel bundles of money

No dont think so,

I think a table / stand is part of the gear my own opinion, but if i hired a dj id expect him to bring the table / stand afteral you could get there and be given a coffee table height table etc.

If you take your own stuff you know its gona fit no hassle etc

[Corabar Steve]

Dj-jaym, Pease re-read post #46

[Chubbs]

This is my first post on this forum so good afternoon all.

I know the topic has chaged a little but I am going to add my thoughts on this matter.

If you turn up at a gig and you are banking on being given a helping hand by any venue, then you are flying by the seat of your pants.

Any professional would always ensure he has the correct equipment to carry out any gig no matter what size.

We always visit venues prior to us performing (if we have not already played there) to check access, room size and stage / floor area. We even check the polarity of the mains LOL...

To go to an event without the correct equipment is asking for trouble.

Nuff said...

Remember I am new here, so please be gentle.

[Dragonfly]

i would just like to issue a forum wide apology for my one time in ten years djing when i got hot under the collar and had thoughts about walking away from a gig it was exceptionally wrong and very unprofessional and im asking you my fellow djs and in some cases friends if you can find it in your hearts to forgive me my momentary lapse and not permanently tarnish the reputation i hope i have built up with you .

thank you for not permanently staining my record.

ok back on topic.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

This is my first post on this forum so good afternoon all.

I know the topic has chaged a little but I am going to add my thoughts on this matter.

If you turn up at a gig and you are banking on being given a helping hand by any venue, then you are flying by the seat of your pants.

Any professional would always ensure he has the correct equipment to carry out any gig no matter what size.

We always visit venues prior to us performing (if we have not already played there) to check access, room size and stage / floor area. We even check the polarity of the mains LOL...

To go to an event without the correct equipment is asking for trouble.

Nuff said...

Remember I am new here, so please be gentle.

We're always gentle here Chubbs :)

Do the newbie bit and introduce your self in the appropriate section and I'm sure you'll get a nice welcome.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

i would just like to issue a forum wide apology for my one time in ten years djing when i got hot under the collar and had thoughts about walking away from a gig it was exceptionally wrong and very unprofessional and im asking you my fellow djs and in some cases friends if you can find it in your hearts to forgive me my momentary lapse and not permanently tarnish the reputation i hope i have built up with you .

thank you for not permanently staining my record.

ok back on topic.

<notes down black mark on Dragonfly's record> :teeth: :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

If you turn up at a gig and you are banking on being given a helping hand by any venue, then you are flying by the seat of your pants.

Any professional would always ensure he has the correct equipment to carry out any gig no matter what size.
Firstly welcome over Chubbs, secondly the origial poster on this thread didn't expect the venue to help him, but to let him do his job without hinderance.

[+Scooby+]

Firstly welcome over Chubbs, secondly the origial poster on this thread didn't expect the venue to help him, but to let him do his job without hinderance.

Back to post 46 :(

Pot Black Kettle :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Back to post 46 :(

Pot Black Kettle :) :confused: :confused: :confused: No - trying to get it BACK to what this thread is about - ie it's NOT about stands & tables, etc.

Any chance of moving on here??????????????

[ross@rds]

Geso bad gig lol should have left

[Corabar Steve]

Geso bad gig lol should have left
& leave your client with no entertainment?????????????????????

[A1DL]

at the end of the day most professionals in this industry make the best out of a bad situation, and so long and Health & Safety is not compromised, that's what we should all do.

but the important bit is to learn something from each difficult situation and examine any better working practices that could be adopted where appropriate, to make the job easier should a similar problem be encountered in the future.

[Excalibur]

Ever seen a Builder turn up with his own electricity and water supply?

By the way Dragonfly--tell Mrs Dragonfly the ironing board needs to be painted black :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

CRAZY K

In my other life I do building and maintenance work, and yes, you've guessed it, I have turned up with a generator and drums of water to do some jobs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[+Scooby+]

at the end of the day most professionals in this industry make the best out of a bad situation, and so long and Health & Safety is not compromised, that's what we should all do.

but the important bit is to learn something from each difficult situation and examine any better working practices that could be adopted where appropriate, to make the job easier should a similar problem be encountered in the future.

Well Put :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

Well Put :teeth:
Indeed :)

[Corabar Entertainment]

Well Put :teeth:Yep! :teeth:

[Have a disco]

Lets put it this way had the manager come to me complaining/ having a go That I had complained about them to the client in private conversation. I think I would have packed up there and then apologising to all the guests in the process, there are limits to bending over backwards to help someone. But to be treated like a pleb is tantamount to me kicking off and ending up in court as the manager would not be left standing. You have my sincere congratulations for being so patient in an immensly awkward situation just pass the word round to fellow disco's & karaokes sending the manager to coventry he'll soon learn the hard way

[Corabar Steve]

:zip: :zip:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Lets put it this way had the manager come to me complaining/ having a go That I had complained about them to the client in private conversation. I think I would have packed up there and then apologising to all the guests in the process

You would have left, even if the manager had nothing to do with booking you and wasn't the client?

Shocking.

[+Scooby+]

:zip: :zip:

LOL :(

[Murrough]

I feel sorry for the elephant

[Corabar Steve]

I feel sorry for the elephant
We have just entered

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I feel sorry for the elephant

What a bizzare man you are Murrough!

[Murrough]

sorry!, it was line out of an episode of the Young Ones, I just happened to recall it at that particular moment in time

[Have a disco]

You would have left, even if the manager had nothing to do with booking you and wasn't the client?

Shocking.

There are levels of tolerance in everyone mayhap the manager would have backed down upon request of the client after a quiet word. but this guy was above that level and was determined to ruin the clients night before anything else so I would not have felt it fair to my client in me doing a very below average show.

Please note to this date I have never walked from a venue or a client???

I have shut equipment down as a warning but thats it the message usually gets accross by then



ELEPHANTS EH???

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

There are levels of tolerance in everyone mayhap the manager would have backed down upon request of the client after a quiet word. but this guy was above that level and was determined to ruin the clients night before anything else so I would not have felt it fair to my client in me doing a very below average show.

Please note to this date I have never walked from a venue or a client???

I have shut equipment down as a warning but thats it the message usually gets accross by then



ELEPHANTS EH???

Fair enough, but then why post what you did originally?

[Corabar Steve]

ELEPHANTS EH???
What can you do with em? :teeth:

[Have a disco]

as it was my immediate thought as to what I would have done in this situation. Most managers will back down with a bit of pressure from the disco & Client. Have yet to see a venue kick both out????

[Murrough]

"I would not have felt it fair to my client in me doing a very below average show"

I do find that statement a bit hard to take on board although I note you never have actually walked so thats cool. Yes we should all want our best show and put on our best event each time. Circumstances will always occur where we cannot, that are both beyond the control of us and the client.

Its a bit like a London Taxi Driver refusing to take a fare because the roads are congested.

"The show goes on" is something during my 3 years training as a roadie in the 80's I shall never forget. The DJ I worked with then taught me an great deal of getting out of situations to ensure the show always went on ( From soldering leads with a fag lighter that got cut by the staff during set up, to asking the venue manager to leave the premises (that was a classic, I dont think I could pull that off, but this guy did)).

To this end I have only ever walked from a job once and that was due to the client directly.

[Corabar Entertainment]

To this end I have only ever walked from a job once and that was due to the client directly.Oooh, you going to share that one with us, Murrough???? (Not that I'm nosey or anything! :omg: :omg: :omg: :omg: ) :teeth:

[Murrough]

Yes a wedding. I started playing, about 2 hours in it all kicked off, best man starting on the boyfriend of the brides sister. I was niaive then been DJing weddings about a year (1990). I was taught to take control of bad situations was the best approach, unfortunately, that is different from getting involved which I quickly learnt.

Anyway, I said something along the lines, could we all calm down and get on with the show, this is not fair on the B&G or the parents and is a bit embarresing (think that last bit triggered it). The Best Man turned on me on the floor and said 'what do you effing know, and I responded (sigh!), with that he's up, he pulled a speaker stand over, smashed it, wanting to punch my lights out.

They calmed him down and started to apologise, but then it kicked off between two others the otherside of the room on the original argument. At that point I just packed the gear up and left. The venue also wanted rid of them, so they actually helped me out with the gear.

I wont forget seeing the bride in tears (think she found out her sister's boyfriend had been playing away from home). The day afterwards and to this day I still think I could have come out the hero by staying and playing and making it work, but I lost it with the one response, and hmmm, there ya have .... discusss :)

[Danno13]

Well theres absolutley no excuse for people damaging your gear like that and it sounds as if you were being as diplomatic as possible, as we all would. I think you were quite right in what you did...

[Corabar Entertainment]

If you are personally threatened, then there is not much else you can do. The only way you could have gone on is if they were prepared to throw the trouble-makers out!

[Dragonfly]

fair play to you its not worth getting yourself injured for murrough i got a whack at a golf club once was really shaken up was years ago when i finished and the crowd didnt want me to leave got a left hook from some bird for saying the venue wouldnt let me play on???

and to a lesser extent than yours more recently had an early night when a wedding finished at 10pm with the groom and brides father nose to nose on the dancefloor and i belive the conversation went "i told my daughter you werent good enough for her and i told her that getting involved with your family was a really bad idea" at which point security lobbed everyone out later found out they carried on in the street and the police were called. all this after the venue being evacuated 4 times as the guests thought setting fire to the tablecloths was a fun party game.

[Dragonfly]

If you are personally threatened, then there is not much else you can do. The only way you could have gone on is if they were prepared to throw the trouble-makers out!

even then you have to be really careful it has been known for trouble makers to wait outside and attack people in the street if they feel you are responsible for them being thrown out.

[Corabar Steve]

fair play to you its not worth getting yourself injured for murrough i got a whack at a golf club once was really shaken up was years ago when i finished and the crowd didnt want me to leave got a left hook from some bird for saying the venue wouldnt let me play on???
First time I read that as got a whack with a golf club (Wow tough venue!!!) :teeth:

What was the bird Emu? Ostrich? :teeth:


and to a lesser extent than yours more recently had an early night when a wedding finished at 10pm with the groom and brides father nose to nose on the dancefloor and i belive the conversation went "i told my daughter you werent good enough for her and i told her that getting involved with your family was a really bad idea" at which point security lobbed everyone out later found out they carried on in the street and the police were called. all this after the venue being evacuated 4 times as the guests thought setting fire to the tablecloths was a fun party game.
I'm getting deja vu for some reason :confused:

I'm getting deja vu for some reason :confused:

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Yes a wedding. I started playing, about 2 hours in it all kicked off, best man starting on the boyfriend of the brides sister. I was niaive then been DJing weddings about a year (1990). I was taught to take control of bad situations was the best approach, unfortunately, that is different from getting involved which I quickly learnt.

Anyway, I said something along the lines, could we all calm down and get on with the show, this is not fair on the B&G or the parents and is a bit embarresing (think that last bit triggered it). The Best Man turned on me on the floor and said 'what do you effing know, and I responded (sigh!), with that he's up, he pulled a speaker stand over, smashed it, wanting to punch my lights out.

They calmed him down and started to apologise, but then it kicked off between two others the otherside of the room on the original argument. At that point I just packed the gear up and left. The venue also wanted rid of them, so they actually helped me out with the gear.

I wont forget seeing the bride in tears (think she found out her sister's boyfriend had been playing away from home). The day afterwards and to this day I still think I could have come out the hero by staying and playing and making it work, but I lost it with the one response, and hmmm, there ya have .... discusss :)


Should have chinned them all Murrough :teeth: :teeth: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

(Ignore my advice, I'm having a Caffreys or two...)

[Dragonfly]

What was the bird Emu? Ostrich? :teeth:

well im loathed to call her a lady

[Corabar Steve]

Big Bird then?

[Dragonfly]

more of a

http://www.giltedgedgoblins.com/images/troll%20guitar.jpg

[Murrough]

....

[Dragonfly]

moose!

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/images/moose.jpg

[Sam]

nope.. i reckon more like:
http://justcanals.co.uk/untitled.bmp

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

nope.. i reckon more like:
http://justcanals.co.uk/untitled.bmp

As Dragonfly said....

[Corabar Entertainment]

....Not elephants then Murrough? :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

[Corabar Steve]

Not elephants then Murrough? :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:
I thought it was 'til I looked closer :teeth:

[DK Karaoke]

Hey all,

Thanks for all the replies to my original post, have been off site for a while, wakening up from my 'nightmare on gig street', only to find I am now in the "TWILIGHT ZONE" lol.

I can see I started off a good debate, only wish I could have deployed reason and debate on the night, but you never can, its having to think/work on your feet so to say.

Anyway, as I work as a Mobile DJ/KJ, I never expect the client to provide at table, or anything else, apart from an electric socket, access to get in, and access to work, safely. In my case on the night, I had been informed by the client that a table would be provided, so took my clients word on it, and left my usual stand at home. It was not the clients fault, but the venue manager's. As I said he was obnoxious, and nearly decked him before I left, when everyone else had gone.

I would like to respond to an earlier post No 29 Vibrant Sounds:
Quote:

"Did you not visit the venue beforehand to see for yourself what space you would be given and what equipment you might need?"

"You say that your speaker leads were overly stretched, do you not carry enough long leads or adapters to extend what you do have to whatever length they need to be?"

"You say the performers had to perform with their backs to the audience. I take it that this was because the monitor/TV was on the table and they needed to look at the words."

I visited the venue, but the arrangement had been changed when I arrived, even the client was not aware.

Yes I always bring cables of varying lengths, we just did not have the space to put the amp/gear, or indeed cables, its was like spaghetti all over the floor. As I said not enough room.

I did not say the performers had to perform with their backs to the audience. 'I said the DJ had to perform with his back to the audience'. This was because we were shoved up against a wall, with no space in front, or to the side. As I originally said, Nightmare on Gig street.

I wonder has Vibrant Sounds ever been in a situation like the one I was in, I doubt it somehow.

At the end of the day, you have to do the job, if safety permits it. In my book the client is number one. They are the ones paying me and give me my bread and butter so to speak. In my case the client was aware of the situation, but they also had sever problems with the venue manager. I felt as much sorry for the client as I did for myself. It was their party, they had spent a lot of money, both in hiring this gastly venue, hoards of food, and presents, and of course our fee. I believe I acted in a professional manner, and maintained my credability, in spite of the probems on the night. This I know, because the client was aware of the issues, and subsequent, I have had a full letter of appreciation and thanks for our effort on the night.

Anyway, as I said, many thanks for the support all, and welcome to the Twilight Zone, Hoo, Hoo, Hoo, or is that Christmas?????

[Vibrant Sounds]

I would like to take the opportunity to respond to the post of DK Karaoke (#99).

Firstly, I would like to apologise for my misinterpretation of your statement about your performing with your backs to the audience, I completely misread/misinterpreted that part of your post and my subsequent question about this then became immaterial to the thread. (This was pointed out to me by Corabar Steve in post #33).

Secondly, had you mentioned your having visited the venue prior to the event, and that the facilities originally agreed as to being available to you had changed by your arrival on the night, this would have endeared a more sympathetic response not only from myself but also from others who can only respond to what they are originally told. (With the provision that they read it correctly :embarasse ).

I can still not quite come to terms with your problems with the leads and amp/speaker situation, you say that had long enough leads but that you had no space, therefore, how do the leads get stretched enough to stop the speaker working? Still, I wasn't there so I am unable to imagine how this scenario can result in the suggested problem.

You wondered if I have ever been in a situation such as the one you were in.

Well, the answer is NO, not to date. I may have been lucky so far.

But, I would like to think that the preparation I put in prior to the event, (meeting the venue manager, discussing with them my requirements and what they expect from me), physically meeting the clients the week before to ensure I know what they want from me (It is their night after all), the amount of gear I carry with built in redundancy and also backup equipment for the items that have not got any built in backup (spare mixer, mile of leads etc) has increased my luck to prevent me from so far suffering as you suffered at this venue.

I do not doubt, that in time I too will experience a "Nightmare Gig" and hopefully I too will have the wherewithal to continue through the trials and tribulations that would seem to be against me (As I did praise your decision to carry on in my original post).

I would also hope that I would be able in the cold light of day to re-assess what happened and identify for the future, those things that I could have done differently or reacted in a different manner which may have changed the way things panned out.

Whilst I am a newcomer (only started this year as a DJ/KJ) I spent many years as a member of a band and have had many hundreds of gigs during those times. Rarely did we encounter problems, and when we did, it was even rarer when we could not come to some form of compromise.

I apologise once again for parts of my previous post, and hopefully we can all learn from your unfortunate experience.

[Corabar Entertainment]

Whilst I am a newcomer (only started this year as a DJ/KJ) I spent many years as a member of a band and have had many hundreds of gigs during those times. Rarely did we encounter problems, and when we did, it was even rarer when we could not come to some form of compromise.LOL.... you may find that the way you can be treated sometimes as a 'mere DJ' as opposed to a band can be very different on occasion! :omg:

[Vibrant Sounds]

LOL.... you may find that the way you can be treated sometimes as a 'mere DJ' as opposed to a band can be very different on occasion! :omg:

But, being in a band carries it's own share of problems, more people to appease. What might suit one member will put anothers back up.

The question we really need to ask then, is, why are DJs sometimes treated as a "mere DJs"?

I can honestly say, that since I started DJing I have never felt that I was being regarded in this way.

As this is off topic, perhaps it needs to be the subject of a new thread, if you haven't already discussed it previously.

[Have a disco]

Prehaps were treated as mere DJ's because we act arrogant and are also seen as ten a penny compared to bands whom take no crap as to put it bluntly and as bands are usually paid more bands are seen as primadonnas???

[Corabar Steve]

The question we really need to ask then, is, why are DJs sometimes treated as a "mere DJs"?

I can honestly say, that since I started DJing I have never felt that I was being regarded in this way.
You've not shared a gig with any bands yet then? :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

[Vibrant Sounds]

You've not shared a gig with any bands yet then? :teeth: :teeth: :teeth:

Nope, but my comments were based on more how the public and venue owners/managers perceive us.

[Niteowl]

I started carrying a 4ft deck stand after similar problems at a venue. You can get quie a lot of stuff on one including amp and CD's can''t help with the speakers. If the 4ft stand wil not fit in I screwed as well. :sad:

[Vibrant Sounds]

I started carrying a 4ft deck stand after similar problems at a venue. You can get quie a lot of stuff on one including amp and CD's can''t help with the speakers. If the 4ft stand wil not fit in I screwed as well. :sad:

I have an Ultimax stand, I bought the 1.2 mtr (4ft) version originally, I have since bought additional 600mm (2ft) sides for it as well as a shelf unit that fits on an upright and a couple of angled accessory bars, these come off the main uprights at 45 degrees and have a 35mm horn (for a speaker) on each end (I use a 12" 250 watt rms passive on each).

This means the whole outfit can be fitted into a space of less then 6ft diagonal.

500 watt sub on the floor under the stand, 6u flightcase with 2x 2U amps and a 1U x-over in centre shelf, 2U flightcase with 1U UHF microphone controller and 1U 8 IEC switch unit on top shelf, and on top of that my CD Decks and Mixer, on the shelf can be either my laptop or if I was doing karaoke my CDs and lists.

Apologies for the definition of the picture but it was taken on my camera phone.

http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/3021/compactrig2crop2rt9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)