Good Gig, Bad Gig.

I had quite a nice weekend actually. I did a fund raising race night for my nephew's football team tour on Friday, which was something I haven't done for about 20 years and included me also doing a charity auction, which I wasn't expecting to do and something I found fairly easy. (not that I talk a lot :sj:)

Thanks to James H and Chris from PP for the help with the race night.

Then on Saturday, a quiz night for a local P.T.A. which I do a couple of times a year, is totally enjoyable and runs from 8-10:30pm, so I was home about 11:15pm as all I use is a pair of EV SXA100s, Denon mixer and DAC-2 and laptop.

:eek: well it's the morning after my "biggest gig" in relation to importance. A wedding night do at Carden Park in Cheshire. 200 guests in the large suite at the hotel.
Set up at 5.30 for 7.30 start, background music until 8.45, and they had a casinio until 11pm. I would have preferred a daytime set up but i had to work!. I was a bit "paniccy" if there is such a word about my sound equipment.
I had 2 EV sb122 subs running off an EV P600 amp, and 2 cheapo skytec 200watt speakers linked to my Toa sl 121 240 watt speakers running off the Wa 800 amp, not a clip all night, and i must admit, a crisp sound with loads of bass.
Lighting was 2 acme boogies, 2 prosound scanners and an impossiled on the top , 2 doctored vasto's, (took coloured mirrors out, so just gives white light), for the first dance, and various uplighting, 4 led par 56 on dmx colour control across the top of the room where i was, and 4 led par36 set to r&b.
Playout is a Citronic Cd1 running through a Kam 1000 mk4 mixer, and a numark cdn22 and citronic am7 mixer as back up, oh and my ipod just in case:eek:.
Usual music, chart, cheese, party, disco, chart and slowies. 1am finish packed down and on the road by 01.50, home by 02.45, and a beer:beer1:
Really good night, and i am liking the uplighting experience, but do need some more pars, and deffo longer dmx leads:D .
If any photo's came out from my better half wandering around with my old diggi camera i'll post later.:cool:

Did a 60th birthday party on Friday night (some pics at the bottom) The party took place at the Hollyhill Sports and Social club in Gateshead and boy is it cheap for a drink in there (2 pints of snakebite £3.40 A double vodka and coke £2.60) No wonder rumour has it there's a 5 year waiting list to become a member.

Anyway back to the gig. Set up in the afternoon. Went home and chilled for a couple of hours. Went back to venue 6.45pm.

Played background soul music for about 40 mins whilst guests started trickling in. (The buffet by the way was the biggest I've ever seen for only 120 Guests. Buffet can be seen in the pictures only about 100 showed up)

Kicked the disco in proper about 7.40pm played mainly chart stuff at first as there quite a lot of teens and early twenties there. Then played an hour of eighties stuff. Apart from a few people singing along the odd track in their seats it looked like I was going to die a thousands deaths.

Broke for the buffet at 9.15pm. I needed a couple of ciggies and a think as to how I was going to turn this disaster around.

Restarted at 9.45pm house lights off disco lights on away we go. Started off with Sweet soul music-Arthur Conley, suddenly signs of life on the floor, quickly followed that with Do you love me- Contours then Land of a thousand dances-Wilson Pickett. The cheap amber necter had kicked in and the dancefloor was full all evening.

Then to top it off at the end of the night a guy came up to me and said How much do you charge for weddings. I gave him a price after a 5 minute conversation, he put his hand in his pocket pulled out his wallet, pulled out 5 £20 pound notes and said will that cover the deposit. Wow you bet your :Censored: it will. What a turnaround. Alls well that ends well.:) :) :) :)

Sorry can't post pics as I keep getting the message upload of file failed:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STEVE HANLEY

Sorry can't post pics as I keep getting the message upload of file failed:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

---

Try reducing the picture. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by penmare42

Try reducing the picture. :)

---

Sorry Tony. I wouldn't have a clue where to start:confused: :confused:

You have PM. :)
But in case you missed it....:)


OK....here we go....:)
Copy and paste pictures onto desk top.
Right click on picture.
Open with Microsoft Picture Manager.
Pick from top tool bar - Edit picture.
Reduce to web page.
Save on desktop.

Then up-load......try it out. :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STEVE HANLEY

Sorry Tony. I wouldn't have a clue where to start:confused: :confused:

---

I will happily resize them for you, and I'm sure other members will be willing to as well

Nope still won't upload

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DJMaxG

I will happily resize them for you, and I'm sure other members will be willing to as well

---

Ok then. How do I send them to be put in the gallery now I suppose?????:beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by STEVE HANLEY

Ok then. How do I send them to be put in the gallery now I suppose?????:beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

---

If you email them to me, I shall resize them, then send them back to you in the correct format to be uploaded. (address in PM)

I'm struggling here........sorry. :o ....can go it tomorrow at a different station though...:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DJMaxG

If you email them to me, I shall resize them, then send them back to you in the correct format to be uploaded. (address in PM)

---

The size that you sent to me was below the limit anyway, so they would have been fine :approve:

I don't know what happened, whether there was too many of them or what :confused:

Pictures are sorted now and in The Gallery - See here :approve:

smashed my night club gig couldnt put a foot wrong. Played all sorts of music from whitney to some dnb. Loads of people commented to the manager about the "new" dj being awesome so at the moment I feel on top of the world. Its a buzz I cant get from anything else. Life is good :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by deckstardeluxe

smashed my night club gig couldnt put a foot wrong. Played all sorts of music from whitney to some dnb. Loads of people commented to the manager about the "new" dj being awesome so at the moment I feel on top of the world. Its a buzz I cant get from anything else. Life is good :D

---

Good work... nothing like that buzz is there? :approve: :approve: Are you being asked back there? :)

I'm feeling in a similar mood today, the last 2hrs of my wedding last night ended up in a full on club and rave fest, plenty of mixing, a packed dance floor and fully cranked up 4kW sound system. The marquee was in the middle of nowhere so had no restrictions on volume... brilliant night. :) :)

Cracking night for me last night.

School prom... They came in at 7pm, The buffet was served at 8 and by 8:15 I had a full floor all the way until 12am and it was bouncing all the way.

I like doing proms they are so laid back and easy to do.

Good Gig.

Was dreading it really ... Poshest hotel on the island, £1000 just for the room hire ... 35 guests for a surprise 60th birthday in a room that comfortably fits 100. The only help provided with music choices was "he likes The Stones".

Now 60th's aren't my bag at the best of times, and I only agreed to the gig because it came via the hotel who I've been wooing for some time having only played there a couple of times since they reopened last year after a big refurb.

It was a 5:00 setup for a 6:30 guest arrival followed by a 7:00 birthday boy arrival; sit-down meal with background music and then music until 12.

So after playing Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday when BB arrived, it was straight into Melody Gardot as starters were served, then slightly uptempo with a mixture of Robbie Williams' Swing album chopped around with a few Tony Bennett, Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum tracks through fish and mains, then upping the tempo ever so gradually through dessert with a bit of Anggun, Sade etc. and finally into some warm-ups for the 60's fest that was about to come - a bit of Neil Diamond, Hendrix etc. to get them singing along after the booze.

BB's name was Nigel, and he was genuinely surprised at his party organised by his wife, so the first two songs were, of course, We're only making plans for Nigel (to lots of cheering and smiles) followed by 19th Nervous Breakdown (a) for BB as The Stones are his band and (b) in recognition of his Mrs's efforts.

And so it went. Three and a half hours later, and the very large dancefloor was never empty (OK so it got down to 2 or 4 a couple of times) and even when there were only about 10 people left they were still up there, complaining of sore feet :) The interesting thing was that even though there were a few late teens/20-somethings in the room I didn't play a SINGLE song that was newer than 1985 :cool:

A great time had by all, and the most Stones material I've ever played in a single gig. It seemed that half the crowd loved them, and I even played the whole 7+ minutes of You can't always get what you want to every single person in the room on the dancefloor.

(I've just done a quick count and I played 13 Stones tracks last night) :D

:beer1:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vectisvibe

Good Gig.

The interesting thing was that even though there were a few late teens/20-somethings in the room I didn't play a SINGLE song that was newer than 1985 :cool: :

---

Well that would probably be because they stopped making good music at 11.59pm Dec 31 1979. :sofa:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vectisvibe

A great time had by all, and the most Stones material I've ever played in a single gig. It seemed that half the crowd loved them, and I even played the whole 7+ minutes of You can't always get what you want to every single person in the room on the dancefloor.

(I've just done a quick count and I played 13 Stones tracks last night) :D

:beer1:

---

Well done that man. Even I tend to stop at half a dozen. ( For our younger readers, that would be six tracks. ) ;) :D :D

Had a wedding booked in a lovely Georgian Mansion, in the Northumberland National Park. I know the area fairly well, but never been to this particular venue.

Anyway, instructions were that as the room is small and they would be eating in there first, I only had minimal time to setup in. No problems there. I was to turn up for 6.30 and the disco to start as close to 7 as possible. First dance 8pm, bacon sandwiches at 10 and a finish at 1am.

Fairly standard I thought. In true fashion for me, I was there by just after 5. Introduced myself to the venue owner, passed on copies of PLI, PAT etc. The staff were great, showed me where to park, best place for access, discussed what room, requirements etc.

I then went for a coke and got talking to the photographer. His first words were 'I would go home for a few hours if I was you'. Apparently the bridal party were just starting to sit down. This didn't alarm me, it was a 3 course hot buffet followed by speeches, so expected to finish around 7.30.

I am playing at another venue nearby next month so took the opportunity to call in with paperwork and then returned to my venue. It was now 6.30 and the starters were still going out. Sat in the car, read the paper, looked at the web on my phone, 7.30 I popped back inside to see how they were getting on. Main course just being served. :eek:

Just at that the photographer came out 'more bad news, apparently the grooms fathers speech is exceptionally long'.

So I hung about, 8 o'clock came and went, 9 o'clock came and went, 9.45 – MOVEMENT.

The room was cleared very quickly and by now I had most my kit setup outside so only took 10 minutes to take in and wire up. Just as I was about to do a soundcheck a lovely waft of hot bacon came through the room – yes, the 10 o'clock bacon sarnies were on their way on time, even though they had just finished their main meal. I was invited to help myself, as most went to waste.

10.15 I finally started the disco. I was a bit worried by this time as apart from it being so late, there were loads of kids, the bar was in a different room, the buffet in a different room again and there was a lounge available.

I need not have worried though, after 3 songs the bride asked for the first dance to allow everyone to party. The floor never cleared after this. Pre-arranged we had the hens from the hen night doing a cheerleader performance and the stags replying with the funniest Full Monty I have ever seen.

The night just flew by and did not realise 12.30 came so soon. Finished off as arranged and a huge round of applause at the end (I still feel humbled by this). The best man came and asked if I could do an extra couple of hours. Unfortunately the venue said there licence was only till1am (not sure if true but always go along with what the venue say). It was a shame as I normally do not like anything after 12 but could have happily carried on.

I packed away and went to say goodbye and ended up stuck in the bar (soft drinks obviously) talking till well after 2. Lovely drive home along the country roads to finish off the night.

So a long long wait, but great night to follow.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ppentertainments

So a long long wait, but great night to follow.

---

Welcome to my world :) About two thirds of my weddings go like that. Similar venues, similar over-runs, similar drive home. :beer1:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by vectisvibe

Welcome to my world :) About two thirds of my weddings go like that. Similar venues, similar over-runs, similar drive home. :beer1:

---

I think some month I am going to log how much time I actually spend waiting outside venues. I bet if everyone done this there would be a few suprises.

Well I am onto the 3rd gig of the weekend now, Been a good weekend so far with Friday & Saturdays gigs been great nights with lots of full dancefloor action.

Shame the venues weren't the best looking in the world or I would of had plenty of pictures.

Tonight is looking to be a good night as they are up dancing to background music at the moment!

Happy days.djsteve21

Had an 18th Birthday last night at a fairly nice venue in Northamptonshire. In a nut shell - It was pretty boring, as hardly anyone turned up! Loads of hanging around, a :Censored: awful get in... one of those gigs where I wish I had charged double what I did, even though I'm friends with the Birthday girl...

I'll post a gallery thread tomorrow, as I've got another gig tonight.

im at at 40th just now, its very dull. at the most, there was 20 people here, now theres 12.
they asked for karaoke to be provided, so far 3 different people have sung 7 songs.
ive only had 2 music requests, 1 was from the bar staff.
i know im getting paid, but this is vey boring, and ive missed the football for it :(
hope tomorrow nights wedding is better

dave

I'd been dreading last Saturday's gig for three reasons:

Firstly, the venue had sent me a form with all sorts of weird and/or irrelevant questions including what are my emergency procedures and how many fire officers I supply. I then had to sign the form as "The client" even though I was not the client, but the service provider. You might remember the following thread which I ran on here at the time for advice: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirector...=health+Safety

Secondly, the venue had a sound limiter, which I didn't find out about until AFTER I'd taken the booking. As I'd already accepted the booking, I decided to cross my fingers & go ahead rather than cancelling.

Thirdly, my client (the bride) was the biggest pain in the rear that I've ever had to deal with in all my 26 years in this game. I met her late last year at the venue, and didn't take to her at all. Following our meeting, she asked for a list of all my songs, which I printed & sent her (I no longer do this due to the time & cost). After a few weeks, she told me she'd lost this list & asked me to send another one, she lost the booking form and she also sent me loads of emails asking all sorts of questions...many of which she'd asked before. I really don't understand how people like that get through life...let alone organise their wedding!

Anyway, it was a small wedding with only about 50 guests (knowing what she's like I'm surprised she has THAT many friends!), and it was in a massive permanent marquee at the back of a De Vere venue.

I arrived at 5pm and was set up an hour later. She had asked for background music consisting of old & new jazz classics white they had the meal, so I made up a playlist of stuff from artists including including Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Kenny G, Jimmy Smith, Ronnie Laws, Weather Report, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Errol Garner, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, Clifford Brown, Billy Taylor & Dexter Gordon.

After a while, the bride came up & the first thing she said was "Hello Rob. Thanks for turning up". I just laughed & said I've never let anyone down before, so I'm not going to start now. I did think this was strange though, as I'd always been very efficient in answering her many emails within a few hours, and had also arrived early when I met her at the venue last year.

She then said that there was plenty of food as some people had dropped out (I wasn't surprised!), and told me to go outside & get some food. I was pleased to oblige, as it was a barbecue, so I had a chicken leg, a steak, a lump of salmon, new potatoes, coleslaw and a kebab, which I had outside at one of the tables in the grounds. Very nice it was too!

They had previously arranged to have the first dance (which they'd emailed me to change at the last minute) at 8.30pm, but in the end they weren't ready until 9.00pm, so that's when I did it.

There weren't many people in the marquee at the time, as the football was on in a couple of public rooms in the main building, and I heard a number of people were in there, and others were taking advantage of the lovely grounds.

After about 15 minutes, the limiter triggered & everything went off for about 10 seconds (although it seemed a lot longer), and while I was waiting for it to come back, it was nice to look down at my D2 & see it was still playing the track - thanks to my UPS (even though it couldn't be heard due to the lack of an amp!). It was great that when the power came back & the amp & lights came back on, the track just carried on playing & there was no delay while I had to reboot the D2 or re-cue the track that had been playing. After that, I kept the levels pretty low (only 4 green LEDs on my CM100 mixer coming on), just to make sure it didn't happen again.

From this time onwards, there were fewer & fewer people in the marquee, as there were a fair number of older people there, a number of who left quite early. The bride was on the dancefloor most of the time until about 10.30pm, and after that I never saw her or the groom again. By this time, there were probably only about 20 people in the marquee, a third of them dancing, but with so few in such a massive marquee there wasn't much of an atmosphere, and I found myself becoming rather bored & the time dragged. More & more people slowly disappeared, and for the last 30 minutes there were about half a dozen people in the marquee, and none of them were dancing.

So that was my night on Saturday. The reason it was a bad gig was the complete lack of numbers to get any kind of decent atmosphere, but I'm just pleased it's now over with. I assume the bride & groom were happy with what I did, as every song I played was from their request list, apart from a couple of requests I took on the night itself.

There you go...my first "Shakermaker" type gig report, although not as good as his, as I'm not used to doing them!

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

I'd been dreading last Saturday's gig for three reasons:


Thirdly, my client (the bride) was the biggest pain in the rear that I've ever had to deal with in all my 26 years in this game. I met her late last year at the venue, and didn't take to her at all. Following our meeting, she asked for a list of all my songs, which I printed & sent her (I no longer do this due to the time & cost). After a few weeks, she told me she'd lost this list & asked me to send another one, she lost the booking form and she also sent me loads of emails asking all sorts of questions...many of which she'd asked before. I really don't understand how people like that get through life...let alone organise their wedding!

:D

---

Two words, Rob. Media Monkey. ;) Two mouse clicks, ten seconds, and attach an .xls file to an email. Simples. ;) :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Excalibur

Two words, Rob. Media Monkey. ;) Two mouse clicks, ten seconds, and attach an .xls file to an email. Simples. ;) :D

---

It's already sorted, thanks Peter.

I bring up my music list, click on print, change the printer to the pdf creator, save it as a pdf, then email that.

Sorted!

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

I'd been dreading last Saturday's gig for three reasons:

Firstly, the venue had sent me a form with all sorts of weird and/or irrelevant questions including what are my emergency procedures and how many fire officers I supply. I then had to sign the form as "The client" even though I was not the client, but the service provider. You might remember the following thread which I ran on here at the time for advice: http://www.forum.mobilediscodirector...=health+Safety

Secondly, the venue had a sound limiter, which I didn't find out about until AFTER I'd taken the booking. As I'd already accepted the booking, I decided to cross my fingers & go ahead rather than cancelling.

Thirdly, my client (the bride) was the biggest pain in the rear that I've ever had to deal with in all my 26 years in this game. I met her late last year at the venue, and didn't take to her at all. Following our meeting, she asked for a list of all my songs, which I printed & sent her (I no longer do this due to the time & cost). After a few weeks, she told me she'd lost this list & asked me to send another one, she lost the booking form and she also sent me loads of emails asking all sorts of questions...many of which she'd asked before. I really don't understand how people like that get through life...let alone organise their wedding!

Anyway, it was a small wedding with only about 50 guests (knowing what she's like I'm surprised she has THAT many friends!), and it was in a massive permanent marquee at the back of a De Vere venue.

I arrived at 5pm and was set up an hour later. She had asked for background music consisting of old & new jazz classics white they had the meal, so I made up a playlist of stuff from artists including including Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Kenny G, Jimmy Smith, Ronnie Laws, Weather Report, Dave Brubeck, Duke Ellington, Errol Garner, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Benny Goodman, Clifford Brown, Billy Taylor & Dexter Gordon.

After a while, the bride came up & the first thing she said was "Hello Rob. Thanks for turning up". I just laughed & said I've never let anyone down before, so I'm not going to start now. I did think this was strange though, as I'd always been very efficient in answering her many emails within a few hours, and had also arrived early when I met her at the venue last year.

She then said that there was plenty of food as some people had dropped out (I wasn't surprised!), and told me to go outside & get some food. I was pleased to oblige, as it was a barbecue, so I had a chicken leg, a steak, a lump of salmon, new potatoes, coleslaw and a kebab, which I had outside at one of the tables in the grounds. Very nice it was too!

They had previously arranged to have the first dance (which they'd emailed me to change at the last minute) at 8.30pm, but in the end they weren't ready until 9.00pm, so that's when I did it.

There weren't many people in the marquee at the time, as the football was on in a couple of public rooms in the main building, and I heard a number of people were in there, and others were taking advantage of the lovely grounds.

After about 15 minutes, the limiter triggered & everything went off for about 10 seconds (although it seemed a lot longer), and while I was waiting for it to come back, it was nice to look down at my D2 & see it was still playing the track - thanks to my UPS (even though it couldn't be heard due to the lack of an amp!). It was great that when the power came back & the amp & lights came back on, the track just carried on playing & there was no delay while I had to reboot the D2 or re-cue the track that had been playing. After that, I kept the levels pretty low (only 4 green LEDs on my CM100 mixer coming on), just to make sure it didn't happen again.

From this time onwards, there were fewer & fewer people in the marquee, as there were a fair number of older people there, a number of who left quite early. The bride was on the dancefloor most of the time until about 10.30pm, and after that I never saw her or the groom again. By this time, there were probably only about 20 people in the marquee, a third of them dancing, but with so few in such a massive marquee there wasn't much of an atmosphere, and I found myself becoming rather bored & the time dragged. More & more people slowly disappeared, and for the last 30 minutes there were about half a dozen people in the marquee, and none of them were dancing.

So that was my night on Saturday. The reason it was a bad gig was the complete lack of numbers to get any kind of decent atmosphere, but I'm just pleased it's now over with. I assume the bride & groom were happy with what I did, as every song I played was from their request list, apart from a couple of requests I took on the night itself.

There you go...my first "Shakermaker" type gig report, although not as good as his, as I'm not used to doing them!

:D

---

A very honest post Rob....shows you have a human side !!;) ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StarZSoundS

A very honest post Rob....shows you have a human side !!;) ;)

---

Thanks StarZSounds.

Contrary to what some people think, ALL my posts are very honest!

:beerchug:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

It's already sorted, thanks Peter.

I bring up my music list, click on print, change the printer to the pdf creator, save it as a pdf, then email that.

Sorted!

:D

---

Same result, different method. Fair enough. :thumbs_up:

OMG!!!

Unreal tonight! At the club and it was pretty quiet at half 12. Looked like the night was a write off. I was actually questioning my decision to go full time as I still take it personal when its not a great night (I know I was doing my best and I cant force people into the club)

Anyways loads of people come in and had an amazing night. Mixed up loads of different stuff like dance new and old, some classic cheese and even slipped in Informer. Couldnt put a foot wrong!

End of the night the venue owner Dan whos a legend said "You really pulled that out of the bag" and thanked me. I was well chuffed! Its just what I do, its what you pay me for.........

Got back into the van and just screamed I was that pumped up. When you have nights like tonight its amazing the rush I get. Nothing else has ever come close, Liverpool winning Champions league, girls, drink etc.....


So glad Im going to be full time in a couple of weeks!


Oh and Ive got two more saturday dates filled for this month, foot is well and truely in the door there. Just having a large beer to celebrate and chill out.

Glad you had a good night, been in that situation a few years back, one of the worst things is when self doubt creeps in, but keep plodding on. If you have got the passion for what you are doing, then the buzz that you get when it all goes right is amazing. There will always be setbacks, but you will be able to learn from them.

Never regret what you have done, regret what you could have done.

:clap: :thumbsup:

About to pack up after a gig for a Charity nearby. When I get home, and get outside of some Leffe, I'll tell you about the access. :eek: :eek: :bang: :bang:

Right then, brace yourselves. :D I was doing a gig for a local charity, at a local Leisure Centre. In the Good Old Days, you used to ring up five minutes away, and pull up oputside a fire exit, the doors of which were open, due to the advance warning . Up a set of the most user friendly steps imaginable to the first floor, and straight into the room where you work. Simples.

Now Elf and Safety have improved the system. You park at the furthest corner of the car park, at the greatest possible distance from where you want to be. In through new fire doors, which self close, and have no lock open facility. ( unless you count the lump hammer I wedged under one of them). Fifty yards along a corridor to a lift. Up one floor. Through a set of self opening doors no problem. Then the fun really begins. Three sets of wheelchair friendly doors with low level switches to open them. Bad nerws is two sets aren't responding to the switches, so are now " Barge Open". Except, they only barge open one way, and still self close. :eek: :eek: :bang: :bang: Give me strength. :( :( :(

Glad to hear you had a gig with easy access.

:D :D :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DeckstarDeluxe

OMG!!!
Informer.

---

Excellent tune ... not to self to play that more.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Excalibur

Leffe,

---

Excellent beer!

... anyhow I've just come back from a great night. It was a wedding at my local WMC. Dancing at 830, the floor was busy all night and mental by the end. i'm a happy bunny ;-0

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

Glad to hear you had a gig with easy access.

:D :D :D

---

I had. Years ago. Now they've improved it for me, and it's abysmal. :bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

Interesting night.....


Working with an Guy on his own playing an Acoustic Guitar through a system.In a large barn so both of struggled with the acoustics.He played a lot of Jason Mraz type stuff.;) ;)

He went well but you can't really dance to an Acoustic Guitar act....so they were gaaging for a bit of Disco afterwards!!Nice!!:)

Pretty good gig last night. It was only a primary school disco, I do the same event a few times each year. They never want any games or anything like that, so its just two disco's of an hour and a quarter for two different age groups. Loads of pop, charty stuff, and some cheese. It's one of those gigs that I can't stand until I'm actually there and doing it...I struggle enough to tolerate my own kids, let alone 400 of somebody elses!

Kids being kids at that age, there are generally quite a few dancing, but an equal number running around and stuff. However, toward the end of the night last night, the chair of the PTA came over and pointed out that every single child was dancing. Every one, for about five consecutive tracks. I honestly couldn't believe it! Worst thing is, I can't remember a couple of the tracks! I know there was a combination of DJ Casper, the Macarena and Ghostbusters in the middle. Top night.

This was a charity event with a bollywood theme ( apart from the disco)
I had a strict running order , guests arrive a 7:30 bollywood background music , Indian dancers , speeches ,sit down meal , ah yes the sit down meal , unfortunately people don't eat to a schedule :D .
disco was suppose to start at 9:46 -mid night , well as you can see by the play list it started at 10:47 , I must admit , I have always been a bit sceptical about the "packed dancefloor" comments , but I can honestly say the floor was rammed till the end , biggest song , Black eyed peas -I got a feeling.
the guy who wrote "reach" by S-club was there , at the end around £5000 was raised , and that was just in the evening.

In the raffle , the first prize was a flight on a private jet to St Malo , meal , wine and back , I think that went for around £2400 :eek: .

All in all an excellent evening

THIS is what it was all about , the total is much more now :D

Daz disco start 7/17/10 10:47 PM
Kool & The Gang -Celebration 7/17/10 10:51 PM
Rose Royce Car Wash 7/17/10 10:55 PM
Black Eyed Peas I Gotta Feeling 7/17/10 10:58 PM
Beyonce Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) 7/17/10 11:03 PM
Lady GaGa Telephone Feat Beyonce 7/17/10 11:06 PM
Rihanna Te Amo 7/17/10 11:09 PM
Katy Perry California Gurls (feat. Snoop Dogg) 7/17/10 11:13 PM
Alexandra Burke Broken Heels 7/17/10 11:16 PM
S Club 7 Reach 7/17/10 11:20 PM
Azzurra Music Ymca 7/17/10 11:24 PM
DJ Otzi Hey Baby 7/17/10 11:27 PM
Tony Christie Is This The Way To Amarillo 7/17/10 11:30 PM
Bee Gees Stayin' Alive 7/17/10 11:33 PM
Shania Twain Man! I Feel Like A Woman 7/17/10 11:38 PM
Robert Palmer Addicted to Love 7/17/10 11:41 PM
JLS Everybody in Love 7/17/10 11:46 PM
A.R Rahman and the Pussycat Dolls Jai Ho (You Are My Destiny) 7/17/10 11:49 PM
The Foundations Build Me Up Buttercup 7/17/10 11:52 PM
Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes (I've Had) The Time Of My Life 7/17/10 11:56 PM

Friday night - okish Gig. Kids disco at the local school. I had a family emergency so I had to drop a trusted friend with the kit at the school and go and pick them both up later! The Gig went really well through (1hr of 4-7yr olds and then 1hr 15 of 7-11yr olds) and they're already talking about rebooking us in Dec. When I turned up the hall was packed with sweaty people doing the Macarena :)

Saturday night - a family oriented joint 18th and 30th. Bit of a weird one because of the massive difference in musical tastes between the two main groups there (the 18yr olds and the 30yrs+). The early evening started off with the usual background music. Because of the hot muggy weather the majority of people were milling around outside so I entertained with a mix of some fairly laid back music. As the evening went on I was asked for a few party dance type tunes (Macarena, YMCA, etc) and then went into the usual party favourites (BEP, Scissor Sisters, Duffy, etc followed by a bit of Disco and some of the usual party cheese which had most of the crowd up and moving). Then I start getting bugged by the teenagers for "more modern music" so I work from Disco through to a bit of Guetta, more up tempo BEP, Beyonce, etc etc and then after about an hour of this the 18yr olds start drifting off. It's about 11:00 by this point, so I'm not too bothered, and switch styles again and start playing some of the requests which have been coming in on slips during the evening... and then as I get into the last 30mins the requests start getting a bit weird. 20mins to go and I announce last orders and invite the guests to get their requests in quick before the end of the night.

Anyway, long story short, I built the set for the last 20mins purely from the guests requests and ended with (by popular demand):

Damien - Timewarp
Black Lace - Music Man
Black Lace - Superman
Glee cast - Don't stop believing
Tinie Tempah - Pass out!

Bizarre as it might sound, it actually worked quite well because they all got up for the cheesy party dances, then the older folk (i.e. 30+) got their final song (don't stop believing) and then the 18yr olds all got up for Pass out!

I have never before been left with a choice between Aqua, Tinie Tempah and Glee for the final song of the night! Really surreal.

Luckily the venue had a strict midnight finish so I had to turn down doing an encore - I have no :Censored: idea what that might have been!! Birthday girls were happy, parents happy, job done :D

Julian

Right then boys and girls, settle down with your cornflakes and coffee, get comfy and dive in. Move over Shakermaker, this is War and Peace, the unedited version. :D :D :D :D

Thursday night, primary school disco. Nothing out of the ordinary, except for various reasons, I left the KAM panels off the overhead, and replaced with three Spin3's. Seven barrels on the truss!!!!! Also, didn't use standard amp and cabs, but used my trusty old Peavey's and my newly acquired mixer amp which I got from Deltic. What a stunning piece of kit. Phonic 740 de luxe. No dramas, everything performed well, except
one of the barrels on a revo roll came off the shaft!!!!!!! :bang:

First job on Friday was obviously to fix this. It simply screwed back on, but I think a dab of Loctite will be called for in the long run. Then foillowed a lengthy sorting job with cables and kit, cos I was due for a Wedding at Cave Castle with Justin where I was providing the karaoke gear, and then an early start to a store launch in Liverpool, with mostly different gear and different motors, cos if I don't need a full rig, I ain't driving an old 3.5tonne twin wheel behemoth on a 250 mile round trip. ;) :D :D

So, van loaded up with karaoke rig and off to Cave Castle at the appointed hour of 5pm. Two weddings going on, ours is the later of the two, they've not started speeches. Exercise in heel kicking ensues, and eventually, we fight our way in. It's not a big room at all, and we've got to fit in Justin's rig, my karaoke rig, and a four piece Indy band!!!! :eek:

In we go, and pick a handy wall, leaving band easy access by the window. Band arrive, with the most amazing home made trailer I've ever seen, and believe me, I've built a few. It's virtually a garden shed on wheels! They amaze venue staff by asking for a trolley. :D :D :D Fortunately, I've got two with me, and we've got our kit in, so off they go. They proceed to bring in a six cab PA, with monitors. We all get rigged up with alacrity ( we had loads of that, even if we were short on space ). Running order is rejigged to take account of time, and after first dance, the band strike up. Part way through their first set, Buffet comes out. :D :D Band finish second set, and borrow trolleys again to remove kit through exit behind them. Good planning on our part, eh? Don't let the cheeky blighters take the rig out through our dancefloor. :D :D Turns out one of the band was in the duo which performed at Twinspin's gig last week, so he recognised me, and said hello. Nice lads all, and a pleasure to work with. It could have been a bit messy if anyone had been awkward, but we all worked together, and even though we were pushed for space, it all worked well. Karaoke finished at midnight, and I was able to get 90% of my rig out the same way.

Justin finishes at 12.45, and we then get his rig out. 2am, and I'm home. Then proceed to load Store rig into car, with the few bits needed from karaoke rig. Inside for a quick Merriemaker, and see bed at 3am


Saturday 5am, what the :bang:'s that noise? :confused: :eek: :eek: Oh, it's the alarm clock. :( :( :( Into the Astra, snag an all day breakfast sarnie and fuel at the garage, and Liverpool here I come. A quick gallop along the M62, and here I am at the store. Set up in the lobby, and joy of joy, I've got a choice of power supplies. :D :D ( A notable feature of the store jobs has been that in almost every case, the refit involves ripping out every useful mains socket. I've got used to heading straight for freezers, photo booths, and one occasion, a kiddies ride. )

Used Phonic amp, and one superb feature is that when I need a louder PA outside and a quieter one inside, this amp can be switched so that each channel has independent control of everything. So two Peaveys outside, to entice the shoppers in, and two Skytecs inside on the new pole adapors. Magic. :thumbs_up: Sadly, the day's a grueller, despite lovely customers and team, cos the store is at the end of the retail park, and we can't intercept passing trade, they're coming in, or they're not. Back in the Astra, and return home, where I finish the last of the Merriemaker, and collapse into bed at 10pm. I'm getting too old for this lark. :D :D :D :D :D

we did a wedding last night in a marquee in the garden of a huge house in Edinburgh, working with a ceilidh band.

due to the meals running late, neither us or the band started setting up till 6.45pm, we were setting up while the guests had there coffees. We had just finished setting up when the speaches started which went on for about 40 minutes.

The band were due to start at 8pm, but with all the delays it was now 8.30 and they still had to do their sound checks. It was nearly 9 when the first dance was finally started. They played till 10.15 and had plenty of people joining in with the ceilidh dances. Time for the buffet which consisted of different posh cheeses with crackers and bread.

I was dreading starting the disco as these were a bunch of really posh people but when i did start, at 10.50pm, i got a full dance floor straight away & plenty requests. I finished at midnight and was thanked for a great night buy several people :)

It made a nice change from the dull 30th birthdays where no one turns up.

Dave

Last night's wedding was at a village hall where I last worked 9 years ago to do a 14th birthday party. I'd been down there 24 hours beforehand to meet the couple & chat things through while people were setting up the room.

It's a nice hall anyway, but they'd got a company in to transform it. Along the walls were metal frames about 12 feet high & 8 feet wide with white fairy lights hanging down & white drapes in front of them. The ceiling had also been covered with hanging drapes, and the back & sides of the stage had drapes around them. There was also uplighting along the back of the stage and the sides of the hall. Therefore, it looked & felt more like a marquee than a village hall.

This was a long gig, but I didn't mind, as I was charging extra for the early set up and extra for the additional playing time, making it my best paying gig ever. I arrived at 1.30pm to set up, and was ready to go by 2.30pm, which gave me an hour to relax, cool off & dry off before they arrived. As people arrived & walked through to the patio for bubbly, I could hear words like magical, enchanting & stunning being used to describe the hall, and only wish I'd taken my camera.

At 5.00pm they came in for their meal, and I kicked off with the background music, which was jazz. Two hours later, it was time for the speeches, for which they'd arranged to use my microphone. Although it's not wireless, this didn't matter, as the top table was literally right in front of the stage. Considering the fact that the microphone is touching my mouth when I use it, I was amazed that it worked at all...as all three speakers were holding it at waist level! My fault, really, as I hadn't told them to hold it close, but it didn't matter, as you could still hear them quite clearly.

Next came the part of the evening which I thought was a mistake. After the speeches, some of the tables had to be moved to make a space where people could dance, so I asked the groom if I should play some more background music while the tables were being cleared, but he said no & told me to turn it up & start properly. I asked if he was sure & he said yes, so reluctantly that's what I did.

Two or three people were dancing between the tables, and I used this opportunity to play the dozen or so less danceable songs from their 105 song request list. After about 45 minutes, and with the tables long cleared away it was time for the first dance, followed by main disco, which went well, with lots of dancing.

Their request list was almost perfect. Apart from a few less danceable songs (which I'd already played on the false start), it was virtually all great party stuff. In addition, their request list contained instructions which were music to my ears..."No R&B & no Hip Hop"

The bride & groom gave me 5 minutes notice that they were leaving, and someone suggested I sort out an archway, which I did, and after they'd gone, the remaining time went very quickly, as it was an 11.30pm finish.

Just after I'd finished, the young barman came up to have a look at my set up, to tell me he did a bit of DJing (surprise surprise...not!) & to have a bit of a chat. Ironically, he also said it was nice to hear me mixing everything together so that there were no gaps & the music flowed, when in reality I'd just been starting each song as the previous one faded out like I always do. He didn't mention the gaps between the background music though!

While I was packing away, a number of people came up & thanked me for the music, which is always a good sign.

I was ready to leave just before midnight, and arrived home at about 12.30am.

So, an enyoyable gig in a beautifully decked out hall for some really nice people, a great choice of music, lots of dancing, some nice compliments at the end, and for more money than I've ever charged a client before, which is just as well, really, as I'm off for the next two weekends, although I do have two weddings the weekend after that.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

As people arrived & walked through to the patio for bubbly, I could hear words like magical, enchanting & stunning being used to describe the hall, and only wish I'd taken my camera..

---

As do we. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

wo hours later, it was time for the speeches, for which they'd arranged to use my microphone. Although it's not wireless, this didn't matter, as the top table was literally right in front of the stage. Considering the fact that the microphone is touching my mouth when I use it, I was amazed that it worked at all...as all three speakers were holding it at waist level! My fault, really, as I hadn't told them to hold it close, but it didn't matter, as you could still hear them quite clearly..

---

Telling them makes no difference Rob, they all think that simply having it in their hands will make it work, even though they've seen you holding it to your mouth all night. :bang: :bang: :bang:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

Next came the part of the evening which I thought was a mistake. After the speeches, some of the tables had to be moved to make a space where people could dance, so I asked the groom if I should play some more background music while the tables were being cleared, but he said no & told me to turn it up & start properly. I asked if he was sure & he said yes, so reluctantly that's what I did..

---

:agree:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

Their request list was almost perfect. Apart from a few less danceable songs (which I'd already played on the false start), it was virtually all great party stuff. In addition, their request list contained instructions which were music to my ears..."No R&B & no Hip Hop".

---

My kinda gig.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

Just after I'd finished, the young barman came up to have a look at my set up, to tell me he did a bit of DJing (surprise surprise...not!) & to have a bit of a chat. Ironically, he also said it was nice to hear me mixing everything together so that there were no gaps & the music flowed, when in reality I'd just been starting each song as the previous one faded out like I always do. He didn't mention the gaps between the background music though!.

---

Or the pinspots? And the lack of a laptop? :D :D :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

So, an enyoyable gig in a beautifully decked out hall .

---

Which we didn't get to see. :(




Seriously, glad it went well Rob, sounds like a great gig in all respects.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rob1963

.

No R&B & no Hip Hop"

---

Lucky :Censored: .

A whole gig without R'n'B / Hip Hop

Real music all night?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Excalibur

Seriously, glad it went well Rob, sounds like a great gig in all respects.

---

Thanks Peter!

:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by robbiedj

Lucky :Censored: .

A whole gig without R'n'B / Hip Hop

Real music all night?

---

Exactly...it was heaven!

:D :D :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by robbiedj

A whole gig without R'n'B / Hip Hop

Real music all night?

---

Yeah, Macarena, Saturday night, YMCA, Agadoo.... :D

:sofa:

Julian

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Excalibur

Used Phonic amp, and one superb feature is that when I need a louder PA outside and a quieter one inside, this amp can be switched so that each channel has independent control of everything. So two Peaveys outside, to entice the shoppers in, and two Skytecs inside on the new pole adapors. Magic. :thumbs_up: Sadly, the day's a grueller, despite lovely customers and team, cos the store is at the end of the retail park, and we can't intercept passing trade, they're coming in, or they're not. Back in the Astra, and return home, where I finish the last of the Merriemaker, and collapse into bed at 10pm. I'm getting too old for this lark. :D :D :D :D :D

---

I have a small phonic mixer for my Mini Disc and Cortex---nice piece of kit.

All Peavey Powered Mixers have the facility to play each channel independently including EQ and volume:D --I have two--:beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

I use this facility during the summer for inside/outside events.

In particular a venue at Old Deer Park in Richmond where we have quiet music inside and blasting level outside for the Rodeo Bull Competition and the drinkers!

Which Peavey cabs do you have Pete---XTs?

Your only too old when you cant yank a Peavey UL15 on to a Speaker Stand!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im hanging in there at the moment.;)

regards

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DJ Jules

Yeah, Macarena, Saturday night, YMCA, Agadoo.... :D

:sofa:

Julian

---

If that's what they want and they dance ................. enough said! :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DJ Jules

Yeah, Macarena, Saturday night, YMCA, Agadoo.... :D

:sofa:

Julian

---

To be honest, none of those were on their list.

They did ask for a few cheesy tracks that have a special dance with them, but only two or three.

Most of it was just good party stuff.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CRAZY K ROADSHOW

I have a small phonic mixer for my Mini Disc and Cortex---nice piece of kit.

All Peavey Powered Mixers have the facility to play each channel independently including EQ and volume:D --I have two--:beer1: :beer1: :beer1: :beer1:

I use this facility during the summer for inside/outside events.

In particular a venue at Old Deer Park in Richmond where we have quiet music inside and blasting level outside for the Rodeo Bull Competition and the drinkers!

Which Peavey cabs do you have Pete---XTs?

Your only too old when you cant yank a Peavey UL15 on to a Speaker Stand!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Im hanging in there at the moment.;)

regards

---

As far as i know they are Peavey Eurosys 3s

Just got home from a gig , 7:00 till 10:00 at a local army camp for the cadets , all 350 of them , aged between 14 and 18 :eek: I must admit pushing my system to the limits , drum and Bass , Dubstep . hip hop , chart , 90`s club , you name it they went wild , a full dance floor all night , great thing was , at 9:50 , the guy in charge made an announcement ," At 10:00 all the girls will make their way back , the boys will stay and clear up" , and at 10:00 that is what happened , on the dot :D
really good crowd , I was a bit apprehensive before hand , but I can say , that's the best gig I have done this year by a long way, maybe the best I have ever done

Daryll

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Daryll

Just got home from a gig , 7:00 till 10:00 at a local army camp for the cadets , all 350 of them , aged between 14 and 18 :eek: I must admit pushing my system to the limits , drum and Bass , Dubstep . hip hop , chart , 90`s club , you name it they went wild , a full dance floor all night , great thing was , at 9:50 , the guy in charge made an announcement ," At 10:00 all the girls will make their way back , the boys will stay and clear up" , and at 10:00 that is what happened , on the dot :D
really good crowd , I was a bit apprehensive before hand , but I can say , that's the best gig I have done this year by a long way, maybe the best I have ever done

Daryll

---

Glad to hear it. Most of the gigs I've enjoyed have been the ones that have been shall we say "out of my comfort zone"

I was booked for a wedding at a lovely venue just outside town which I have played at a number of times. I set up yesterday afternoon as arranged beforehand. I was also supplying sound outside in the gardens as the ceremony was on site too.

140 guests for the day and evening. There were bouncy castles, Sumo suits and remote controlled boats on the ponds. I wish I had taken my camera because this wedding was great.

Equipment inside was -
2 x Mystic LED's / 2 x Marvelled's / 1 x Laser UK Moonbeams / 2 x LEDJ Uplighters.
Denon HD2500 / Laptop with VDJ / Cerwin Vega CV2800 / JBL JRX125's

Equipment outside was -
1 x Radio Mic / Pioneer Mixer & Customers I-Pod for background music / 2 x DB Technologies Actives

Got to the venue at 7.10pm for a 7.30pm start. I was told things were running late (as usual) as they were just having their starters. Went round to the summer house where the ceremony had been and packed away the equipment. I made sure that the B&G knew I was on site and then went and sat in the van for a while and listened to Absolute Radio.

I was backwards and forwards checking how things were going for a while and the caterers kept me up to date. It looked like an 8.40pm start was on the cards but that passed. The Bride came over to me and apologised for things running so late and said that they would like to do their first dance (James Morrison - You Give Me Something) at 9.00pm. Well, 9.00pm passed too. The staff had to clear the tables and then move some away so that there was a big enough dancefloor so whilst they were doing it, I started to play some background music. I played 3 tracks and it was approaching 9.30pm when I announced the first dance. The venue was packed. Lots of cheering, tears...the whole lot.

Kicked off with Andy Williams straight after the first dance and the dancefloor was rammed, followed it with some classic motown tracks and that was it, it went down really well. Got into the chart stuff, Disco, the usual Indie and Rock and some cheesier stuff and it was nearly time to finish. Last song of the night was Florence & The Machine 'You Got The Love'. Despite having the flu (yes, I've had a bad few weeks of illness), I really enjoyed this one. Lots of dancing all night.

Best tracks of the night?
The Killers - Somebody Told Me and Sister Sledge - We Are Family

The Negatives.... Well, they aren't really any negatives as such. Starting late wasn't that great but in a way it helped as I had a lot of requests and went through the genre's and decades as much as I could.

More of an irritant really and something we have spoken about on here before about people being rude etc etc...No word of a lie, when the B&G had finished their first dance and Andy Williams was fading in, I was approached by a woman in her (at a guess) late 40's. She pointed at me and said "Play Love Shack!!"...."Of course, no problem" I replied and she stood there, looked at me and said..."Er, like now!"...

I told her that I would play it for her no problem but not just yet and she walked away. 10 minutes later she was back! I said the same thing again. I could see her dancing away to other tracks but every now and then looking over at me and nodding more or less to say "Hurry up!". I had a request on the sheet from the B&G to play The Jacksons - 'Can U Feel It?' so I played that and the dancefloor cleared apart from the Bride and a couple of guests. This woman took that as an opportunity to come over to me and say "Look mate, you're losing them now, play my Love Shack song!"....

I'll be honest, I ignored her. I know that's not great but she was becoming a pain, especially when she said "You're losing them now" so I thought "Right, I'll show you!" and after The Jacksons I played The Kings of Leon and 'Sex on Fire'....The dancefloor was rammed. Even the caterers joined in and started dancing. The woman looked over and nodded as if to say "Ok, you're not losing them". You could tell that as every song finished, she expected 'Love Shack' and when it wasn't, she shook her head and carried on dancing so it wasn't as if she was having a bad time...she just wanted to hear her song. When I played it after 'Summer of 69' you could hear her scream out above the music. It was a sight!

Anyway, that's about it really. A great night with a bunch of guests that were totally up for a party. Just to add, the Groom was a massive 'Only Fools and Horses' fan so each table was named after a character from the show....Rodney, Delboy, Trigger, Boycey etc and instead of table numbers, they had photos of the characters. About halfway through the night when the dancefloor was busy I made an announcement about the Groom being a fan and the tables and played 'Hooky Street' and for the first 10 seconds or so, everyone apart from the Groom and a few guests stood there wondering what was going on until they all caught on and started singing it...it was great.

Cheers
G

Sounds good.

That "I want my request playing now" client is getting more and more popular both at club and private gigs. You were lucky in a way that love shack is a fairly popular song as quite often its stuff that doesnt suit or just plain and simply is rubbish.

We finished as requested on we are family and it worked a treat everyone joined in.

Good review, Gary.

This is a bit spooky, but my wedding was also due to start at 7.30pm last night, but I didn't play the first dance until 9.30pm, and "We are family" was also one of MY top few tunes!

:eek:

Bad gig.

45 people in a room which will comfortably take 100, in a venue with other distractions such as a bar in a (very) separate part of the building and a HUGE lawn outside with comfy sofas under gazebos with candles on tables, lawn games etc.

So it was going to be a struggle gaining and retaining an audience before I even started.

Then the revelation that most had travelled from the North West that morning for the wedding and had been on the road since about 6am.

Finally, absolutely no music guidance apart from the first dance and "some Motown for my mum".

First dance 8:45, buffet 9:30, lanterns on the lawn 10:30 (well at least it killed half an hour) and last song 11:45. Felt like an eternity.


Looking back at the video this morning and it's not as bad as I felt it was last night - I was jumping around the genres all night looking for something that would latch a few dancers onto the floor - anything post-2007 brought a clutch of girls aged around 9-12 up for half a song at a time - but otherwise I had a really tough time of it. Even the revered Motown only managed a few shufflers for a few minutes.

I called for requests more times than I can ever remember, and played everything that was asked for including, wait for it (well I had nothing to lose), Foo Fighters. No dancers (oh really!).

Disco - nothing. 60s - nothing, apart from a couple of Motown numbers. 70s - nothing. 80s - nothing. 90s - a bit of action to 'Relight my fire' and 'Don't stop movin'' but that was all. I dabbled with the less well played genres - tried a bit of Northern Soul given that the Motown had a bit of a reaction - nothing. Shake a tailfeather missus? Not likely. Some modern R&B / Indie perhaps? Niet. Aaaaaaaaaaaargh!!!!

Absolutely shocking night. I had plenty of banter with the audience (they were all Northerners after all) so quite a chatty night for me but most just sat and stared all night.

Last couple of songs went down well because B+G dragged everyone up one by on. I had a little chat with them as we were loading up the car and they were waving off their guests. They were really happy and thought they'd had a great night.

So that's all that matters really :beer1:

I had a Principal Haley awards ceremony last night. Arrived at 6pm to plug into the venue's supplied EV P.A. and was ready in 15 minutes. The 450 capacity room was stunning, complete with 3 massive backdrops, 3 projectors, stage, lecturn, moving heads and 4 man AV team running it.

The guests had dinner first, followed by the very glitzy award ceremony and then the band. We were given a 3 course mean and drinks, which we had after I returned from visiting Neil (see other thread!). The band were supposed to be playing 2 x 45 minutes sets and then said they'd do one hour set, but ended up starting at 11:40 and finishing at 12:20pm. A guy from the band said he wanted to give me a chance....yeah right! Anyway, the organiser (one of the companies top women), asked me to play a little longer and I went against all my principles and stayed until 1:30am, but as I didn't start until 12:20am, I thought it 'may' be a little harsh to say no!

Anyway, the floor was rammed and a good time was had by all. The organisor told me afterwards that I was basically guaranteed to be booked next year, but without the band!

Packed away in 10 minutes, thanked the P.A. guys for the use of their rig, then shot round to Neil to pick up the spare lappy.

terrible, just terrible for me anyways. Its in the supporters area so I wont go too much into it but hopefully all my bad luck came in one go last night.

Course helped when Darren told me how easy his night was, got fed and drinks. Me? no food, had to get my own drinks :(