Point of order Mr Fisher...wouldn't that make them both birthday peoples? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
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Point of order Mr Fisher...wouldn't that make them both birthday peoples? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
I had 2 really good weddings last week and finished on Sunday with a band gig at my local which was packed.
Friday - This was a wedding at one of my residencies out of town. They were a really nice couple. The Bride was an ex model who had appeared in FHM regularly and the Groom was in PR running his own business. They were a cool couple. They'd paid for an add on marquee at the end of the venue to house a creche and had also paid a creche company to look after the little ones (there were a LOT of little ones!). They booked me to provide the Disco, Uplighting and also a Starlit Dance Floor too. I set up everything on the Thursday afternoon and met the couple who had travelled down from London early, to go over the last few bits and bobs. We were unable to meet beforehand but had kept in touch via email and phone regularly (almost daily!), over the past 8 months. The Groom emailed me almost daily with requests to add to the list and there were lots of different genres so it looked like it could be an interesting one.
I was also advised that 2 of their very good friends were in a band and may get up at some point to do a couple of acoustic tracks. Not sure if this will mean anything to anyone else but the 2 friends were from the band The Twang.
Arrived at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start only to be told that the whole day was running late........2 hours late! It turned out that the creche people had been caught in a traffic jam.
Eventually I started at 10.15pm just after the room had been turned around. I knew exactly what would happen. A number of the guests who had little ones in the creche left as it was getting late. This meant that it went from around 120 guests to about 70 (at a guess?). I had a list of around 150 songs which I knew I would never in a million years get through. During the evening I spoke to the Bride & Groom and asked if everything was ok as I felt like I was (probably wrong word to use here but), kind of cheating them in a way as I wasn't doing anything. I said that if they needed any help with anything, just to let me know. They were fine, apologetic and said that they were having a great time and it wasn't a problem. They did need my help when it came to the speeches (which went on for just over an hour). I sorted the sound out for them as the Groom's speech was done via a projector as he'd pre-recorded everything, it was hilarious.
When we finally got going it was a great night. Dance floor instantly packed and I mixed some of the tunes together and had them all going for it. A mix of 90s Dance, Indie & Current Chart was played in the time that was left. First Dance was 'Beneath Your'e Beautiful' followed by Apache Indian - Boom Shack A Lack. Last song of the night was 'Champagne Supernova'. They couldn't thank me enough (or apologise enough). Great night.
Saturday - This saw me back at the same venue. This time Disco & Uplighting. Another really nice couple and another delay. This was supposed to be a 7.00pm start. I was there at 6.45pm and finally kicked in with some background music at just after 8.00pm. With this one I had a very select request list with just band names on it which included Mumford & Sons, The Kooks, The Killers, Stone Roses, The Kinks, Small Faces, Two Door Cinema Club, The Black Keys..................and Five! (er??). The couple had said to me in the pre-wedding meeting that they were happy for me to just do my thing.
As soon as I started playing the background music, a young boy and a young girl came over and asked if I could play 'Gangnam Style' and 'Gentleman'. I thought I'd use it to my advantage to get the party kicked off straight away as they weren't intending on doing the first dance until later. I announced over the mic that the 2 children wanted to show off their moves and it worked like a dream. Near enough everyone in the venue watched and clapped along as these 2 little ones did all the moves. I have to say that since the song came out, those 2 were the best I had seen.
First dance was 'Then I Kissed Her' - Beach Boys followed by 'I'm Yours' - Jason Mraz. Last song of the night was 'Hey Jude'.
This wedding is now in my Top 10 best weddings list because the dance floor was busy all night. Nearly everyone danced to everything. I had the Bride & Grooms parents come over and thank me and compliment me on the music and after half an hour I had a guy come over who said he wanted to book me for his wedding in January. There wasn't really a lull when the Fish & Chip van turned up. People were dancing and eating at the same time!
A really enjoyable couple of weddings for 2 very nice couples. I've had some great feedback already and may have something pretty cool in the pipeline coming from one of them.
As an end note, there was a point in the evening at one of the weddings where I didn't know where to look. Let's just say that a very nice young lady didn't realise that she was showing me that she had gone 'commando'.
Sounds excellent.
I've 2 weddings this weekend. Both are couples around my age and aside from the first dance and one wanting a bit of ceilidh music and calling, they've told me just to do my thing which means all going to plan they'll be great nights.:beer1:
I had a fun one last Saturday - Wedding for a lovely couple in their 30's in a lovely, albeit quite small, venue.
I got the booking just 3 weeks ago to work alongside a band and was told I would have access to the room to start setting up (with the band) at 6:30, ready for the first dance to be played at 7:30. I arrived at 6:00 along with the band to be told that the whole thing was running about an hour late. Long story short, they finished the meal at 7:40 and the venue staff finally let me and the band into the room at 7:55. Band then took an hour to set up, ready for the first dance at 9:00 - which the B&G then actually did at 9:30. Two sets from the band later and I played for a grand total of 1hr and 5mins (from their 3hr playlist), during which the buffet was served :daft:
Out by 12:25, home by 1:00am.
Band were great though and the party guests were pretty lively anyway so everyone had a great time - and yes the band did run through my PA as the room was tiny and we wouldn't have got two sets of speakers in (leaving room for the fire exit and the venue staff to come in and out).
No major issues with this arrangement except for the band forgetting to push up the master faders on their mixer during the first dance - but luckily they didn't have to sing for it, and a combination of their monitors and the sheer volume of their acoustic instruments in the small space meant no-one noticed!!
Julian
Just read over my planning form and aside from the usual stuff, tonight's couple have expresely asked that a certain guest's requests are ignored because apparently she's a bit of a :Censored::Censored::Censored::Censored: and will ask for rubbish :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
Blimey, she must be on holiday further North. She's usually at my gigs. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
There's always one isn't there?
I'm a bit apprehensive about the fact that she's been blacklisted before the thing has even started so she must be a nightmare.
That was fantastic.
This Claire character never darkened my booth, all of the requests were good and I had a full dance floor just about all night which is good going as there was the main room, then a conservatory off to the side, the bar in a seperate room at the back of me then a bunch of other snugs and rooms for people to hide in. Could very easilly have ended up me playing to half a dozen people.
No pests, the kids didn't feel the need to try and touch any of the gear and the guests were right up for it from the get go.
Ive got a good feeling that tonight is going to be of a similar vein although it's in a much smaller venue with smaller crowd so here's hoping.:beer1:
Had a prom Friday night - absolute nightmare. I've never been asked for such absolutely :Censored: songs ever! Teachers were treating me like I was one of their students with that really patronising "right what you need to do is play some of this music and turn it up on this song and if you could say - come on everybody lets have a party really enthusiastically that will get them all dancing" followed by "did you understand all of that".
Was absolutely dreading last night, my first Cival, parking was terrible - in bath double yellow lines unloading narrow busy one way street - turned out to be an absolute cracker! had the dancefloor packed for about 3 hours solid, got asked for a lot of business cards and the owner came up to me at the end and said I was the best DJ she'd seen in 20 years! It's nights like this with everybody leaving smiling and thanking me that make me feel like I couldn't have a better job!
I had another cracking weekend with the highlight being a really good wedding on Friday night at one of the golf clubs just up the road from me.
I had a PA hire on Thursday at my residency and a small Disco hire on Saturday so it was Friday really that I had to concentrate on.
I'd been to the venue a couple of times in the past and the last time I was there (about 18 months ago), the lady in charge of the functions asked me to provide a quotation for the venue for their Christmas parties following a really good wedding that I had done a couple of weeks before. The venue ended up going with another supplier and I was told it was down to pricing as one of the directors happened to know who the supplier was and put in a good word for them. When I called up to arrange access and set up times for Fridays wedding, the lady asked me if I could possibly pop to the venue earlier to have a chat and again, it was about this years Christmas parties. Apologies if I am going off elsewhere on this one. I found out that the previous supplier was so ridiculously cheap. I told the lady that I could not compete with those prices. She actually said to me that she was aware that they were very. very cheap but wasn't interested anymore as she said (quote) "the service was sub standard". Anyway, we chatted and I provided her with a full quotation later that day which I am waiting to hear back on.
When I was setting up the Disco, a guy approached me and introduced himself as the General Manager. He was very complimentary about the equipment and one of the first things he asked me was "What are you charging for Christmas parties?". I told him that I'd provided a quotation to the lady and I also told him what I would be prepared to charge. He seemed very interested. I also told him how I worked and what I did and we chatted for a while and it was very positive. I'm hopeful that I can put someone in there for the 12 party nights that they have planned.
So, this wedding was a cracker! No children, hardly any teenagers and mainly 100 guests in their 40's to 60's. The Bride & Groom were guests at 2 weddings I had done in the past for friends of theirs (one of the weddings was at this particular venue). I knew a lot of the faces either from the previous bookings or via friends. They both wanted "a good party" and weren't too specific on the music that was played although their preference was for Northern Soul, Mod, 60s, 80s, Indie, Soul, Motown, Ska & Two Tone. The time flew by as it was a really good night. Lots of dancing and lots of really good requests.
First dance was 'First Time I Ever Saw Your Face' and this was sung by one of the Bridesmaids. Her voice was stunning. I didn't know what to expect when the Bride & Groom told me that it was happening that way in the meeting a couple of weeks before. I expected some teenage girl who was keen on karaoke but it wasn't the case. We soundchecked and I was amazed at how good she sounded. She went down brilliantly and everyone loved her. Both the Bride & Groom were in tears. This was followed by me playing "Make You Feel My Love" as a 2nd Dance and the dance floor packed out. I started off with a bit of Motown straight after that and the dance floor remained full. As I said, the time went really quickly and before I knew it, it was in the last hour. A lady came over and asked for some current chart stuff. I played a couple of tunes but the reaction wasn't the same as what it had been to the other stuff. On went 'Mr Brightside' and the floor went mad again.
Lots of really good feedback on the night and a couple of cards requested.
I love reading these reports and especially the bits about running late as is often the case too here in Ireland. For example, my wedding on friday. I arrived at prearranged time of 9.45 to setup with the band and we didnt get access to the room until 11.50. The band started at 12.50, I started at 2 and finished at 3.20!
Right, I haven't posted on this thread for a while so.......here goes.
I had two weddings this weekend and they were like chalk and cheese.
FRIDAY NIGHT.
I got a call Wednesday night from another DJ asking if I could cover this wedding for him as some family stuff had arisen and I was free so, why not. It was in a small hotel and I had to wait for the turn around to set up. Because the usual happened with the timings (running late) I spoke to the B&G and warned them that I would get set up as quick as I could but I would be about 30 minutes later than the original time. The couple were very laid back and said," No problem, take your time", which immediately took the pressure off me. I had received a play list in advance and it certainly wasn't the usual wedding stuff. As I just finished setting up and waiting for everyone to wander back into the room and the Best man came in and asked if I had any Cure, Stone Roses or Echo and the Bunnymen, so instead of the usual background music, I played one from each band and him and another couple of blokes were dancing from the off!
First dance song was If You Were The Only Girl In The World And I Were The Only Boy by The Chelsea Pensioners and the second song was by Kiss- I was Made For Loving You. The rest of the list consisted of groups/singers like Squeeze, Elvis Costello, ELO, Bowling For Soup, The Jam, Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, 10cc. Anyway, to cut a long story short, there was not a time that the majority of the crowd wasn't dancing, even the kids and teenagers, to everything that I played
SATURDAY NIGHT.
This was a totally different kettle of fish. They booked me a year ago, through a very good friend of mine (who I owe a few favors) and I was determined to do an extra special job as my friend was supposed to be paying for it as a wedding present to his nephew (the groom). The layout was I would set up in the hotel room that the ceremony had just taken place and the room with the buffet was in a room just opposite to the room I was in, so that meant people would be in and out all night. As I was setting up I had to tell some kids not to play on my trolley (that was in the middle of the dance floor) with my flight cases and bags, as they playing too rough and was going to damage something. After the forth time of telling them to leave it alone I asked their parents to make them stop, as they could get hurt. "Oh.....yeah......they could do that, couldn't they?" said the Mother of the delightful urchins. Next I had a kid of around 11 (who was a page boy) ask,
KID: what have you got?
ME: Pardon?
KID: what have you got?
ME: music wise do you mean?
KID: yeah
ME: I got most things. What songs do you like?
KID: I dunno.........What you got?
ME::doh:
Then he noticed that I had CDJs.
KID: are we going to be able to use them tonight?
ME: what? My gear?
KID: yeah. Me and my brother coz it's my sister's wedding.
ME (totally lost my patience):AND WHY WOULD YOU THINK THAT?
It takes a lot to make me mad but it was just the arrogant way he was asking me questions that got to me. The kid just wandered off and I was ready by 6-30 as planned. I briefly saw the B&G, offered my congratulations and asked what time they wanted the first dance. They said around 7 o clock and I then told the photographer and video guy the arrangements and the B&G wandered off, while I played background music for the 10 or so people in the room. After about 10 minutes of background music, some "geezer" came bowling into the room and shouts at me from 20 yards away, "turn this :Censored: off and put some bangin tunes on, you :Censored:"....Very nice.
I ignored him and kept it nice and gentle until 7 o clock and then I went to find the Happy Couple for the first dance. I couldn't find them but I did find the video guy who informed me that the first dance would now be at 8 o clock, to give the groom time to sober up a bit because at that precise moment he was chucking up on the grass outside. The demon drink was to blame. Once again,.......Very nice
I played a mixture of tunes (old and new) and asked the 30 or so people in the room if anyone had any requests (leading up to the first dance), which got no response from the adults. The kids came up and asked for Gangnam every 5 minutes or so, so I played it and 5 or 6 kids were dancing with their mums. I was then approached again by the Bride's little brother.
KID: this is :Censored:. turn it off
ME: are you asking me or telling me?
KID: just turn it off, no one likes it.
I just pointed to the dancefloor and he wandered off again. Eventually it got to 8 o clock and again myself and the video guy tried to get the first dance out of the way, as he and the photographer had been there all day. This time it was put off until 8-30.
At 8-30 it managed to take place and then the groom asked me to play Gangnam Style for him and his boy as the song after the first. I did as instructed and the groom, his brother and his son were the only ones dancing to it.
I think in total there were around 50 guests but I couldn't be certain as everybody was walking in and out of the room all night. I did spot a couple in the corner who couldn't be bothered to go outside to smoke and would only put their cigarettes out when told to by the bar manager. The music of choice that night was Old Skool, garage, R&B and anything "BANGIN". By 11 o clock I hadn't seen the B&G for an hour so when their 8 year old came up to ask for Gangnam again, I asked where his parents were and was told that they had gone to bed! As I was instructed to play till 12-30, the last hour and a half, I was playing to anyone who wandered in and occasionally no one in the room at all. The groom surfaced at around 12 o clock and I asked him where his uncle (my friend who was paying for my services was, as I hadn't seen him).
"Don't have a clue mate"
:(
I finally finished the night to a grand total of 3 people and the Bride and Groom no where in sight. As I was packing away, I got talking to the bar man who told me that there had been three fights (not witnessed by me), some people reported by hotel guests snorting away in the public toilet and two people arrested for abusing first the hotel manager and then the police called to calm them down. I went to the car park to get my van and noticed that it looked like someone had tried to siphon the diesel from my van, as the cap was off. I loaded the van up and the groom and 4 blokes and 3 or 4 boys were sitting on the steps at the front of the hotel, watching me load up, while still drinking. Finally it got to the time when I needed paying. I tried to call him over, away from the others but he was quite comfortable where he was and asked, "how much mate?" I told him and my "friend" the kid was earwigging and said.
"HOW MUCH. Cor that's a lot of money just for playing music. I got to be a DJ for *** pounds". At that moment I honestly wanted to hurt the kid, I was that angry. The Groom searched his pockets and was a little bit short of what I was asking. He asked the others if they had any money and they all just laughed. I had had enough. I told him I would come round his house tomorrow and we could sort it out then
I went round his house the next day to collect the remainder of my fee but even now I am still fuming and upset with the whole night.
Sorry for the length of this post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dj foureyes
Nightmare. Sounds like a ned-fest.
Get your money before the date and then you don't have to chase up drunk half wits on the night.
My 2nd wedding of the weekend was also a good one but a very different vibe to Fridays.
It was in a palatial house and each room was essentially that: a room. Meal and buffet was in one of the drawing rooms, I was set up in another drawing room and the bar was in another. Really nice venue and the perfect size for the amount of guests (I think they had about 40 all in)
He was from down South and she was from Belfast so the families set up shop in the bar room and left the more inebriated Scottish folk in the main room. Plenty of dancing going on throughout the night and both sets of families couldn't have been nicer.
One girl was completely hammered and I was worried about her knocking a speaker over but she was fine. Another guy (who turned out to be her husband) asked me to play Penny Arcade. I told him that I didn't play any football related songs and even showed him in black and white on my planner where the bride and groom had said "no football songs" He went off to harass the bride and groom to see if they'd let it be played. They told him to gtf but I was like - why would you do that on someone's wedding day? As I was loading out he was going: Man that's a big case are you going to Ibiza? Man that's abig bag are you going to Benidorm. Hilarious.
There was another girl who was quite drunk that started moaning "I'm a primary teacher :rolleyes: and I'd have been better showing folk how to do the turn in the Gay Gordon's."
I replied: "I bet you don't have a mic in one hand and a drunk guy in the other whilst you're doing your instructing..." and that shut her up.
So a couple of minor annoyances but nothing too bad. Got weeeeeeeeeeeeks off now as I'm away on holiday tomorrow. And on that note, I really need to pack and get money sorted :o
Brilliant wedding for me last night!
It was a longer one than usual with a 01.00am finish but the time flew by (always a good sign).
I posted the requests on another thread and I also mentioned a few other things too (Mother of the Bride being a potential problem).
I set up in the morning (thankfully as it was baking hot) and as I was doing so, I met the Best Man. He was told to come and introduce himself. One of the first things he said was "Everyone is really looking forward to tonight, we've all heard that you're good!". That was a nice compliment but for some reason it made me really nervous throughout the day.
What with the weather being so nice, I knew that it could potentially be a bit of a task getting people on to the dance floor......I was wrong!
When I arrived at the venue, the room had been turned around and the dance floor was put down. All of the guests were sat outside drinking Pimms on the grounds and they looked like they were having a great time. The Bride spotted me and shouted out to me and everyone cheered!! A nice touch and one that put me at ease straight away. I started off with the chilled out tunes and background music and I had people coming in and giving me the thumbs up. It was really nice. I was playing to an empty room yet people could hear the music outside and the vibe was really cool. I'm glad I took my clip on fan with me as it was seriously hot in the room.
The first dance saw everyone come inside and I kept them all there for around 45 minutes with some of the 60s and 80s requests. Then I had to announce the buffet and guests grabbed their food and went to eat outside. I was really enjoying the whole vibe. A little while later I started chucking on some of the more Indie/Alternative requests and guests started getting into it big time. I could see how hot they were getting and didn't blame them for going outside from time to time. From around 10.00pm - 01.00am, the dance floor was packed solid. I had 2 requests all night and these were Radiohead - Lotus Flower and Erasure - A Little Respect (the latter went down a storm with everyone singing along).
Every now and then I would be playing a song and there would be a cheer and people would give me the thumbs up. I couldn't seem to do anything wrong. I was mixing up stuff, playing mash ups and doing loads of different things and it just worked. The Bride came over at one point and just hugged me and said "This is amazing!". It's funny isn't it how you can do weddings every weekend and play a full range of music to please everybody and sometimes get a mediocre response yet another time you do something where they are specific about the music they like and they are really complimentary. It means so much more to me. I am in my element at bookings like this. I don't want that to come across as egotistic because it's not supposed to.
At the end of the night a number of guests went back outside to have a last drink as I started packing up. They wouldn't let me pack down the equipment without having a drink with them first. I sat there for a while with them sipping on a pint of water and again, they were very complimentary.
One of the best compliments however was from one of the staff at the venue. She said that it was really good to hear something different for a change but also said that the wedding the night before was totally different as most of the guests stayed outside all evening and the DJ was playing to an empty room most of the time.
I used the RCF subs too and at times it was really kicking. Disclosure - White Noise, sounded awesome pumping out!
I have a question about the RCF's which I'll ask in another thread.
Week off now and I think I picked the right one!
I hear that, I was pretty much in the same boat. It's difficult playing to an audience who aren't in visual range - how on earth can you guage reaction?Quote:
Originally Posted by Shakermaker Promotions
I'm a huge Radiohead fan, but even I wouldn't want to play that one! Did anyone get up to it? My favourite from the album is Seperator, which is just as mellow but very uplifting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shakermaker Promotions
The other thing is that it doesn't get dark until 10pm, so who would blame anyone for sitting outside on such a lovely summer's night? I'd do exactly the same, no matter the music :beer1:
The Radiohead track actually packed the dance floor. I agree, I wouldn't normally play it myself BUT.....There was a reason for it.
Early on in the evening a guy came over and asked for it and said that the Groom would love it but he didn't say why. He kept coming back asking when I was going to play it. I had a busy dance floor at the time and honestly didn't think it would work. Over the next hour or so, around 8 guests asked for it and it was only the last girl that requested it that told me that it was the Groom's username on a Radiohead forum and that was how the Bride & Groom met.
Wow... that's really something, isn't it? Probably the only way you'd fill the floor with a Radiohead track :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Shakermaker Promotions
Did my first wedding for about 3years on Saturday night. I don't usually do weddings because they are just not my cuppa tea. However this specific couple asked for me, the gig was local so I thought why not.
Arrived as planned at 6.30pm to be set by 7.30pm but they were just starting their main course. I got the gear outside the room ready. I eventually loaded in at 8.30pm, I was set up and changed by 9.15pm. First dance at 9.30pm. Played until midnight.
Only 40 or so guests who spent most of the time outside, older crowd so I played lots of 60's and and the bride and her friends like reggae (Janet Kay, Althia & donna, UB40 etc). The hotel staff were lovely, fetching me cold water all night and the bride and groom and their guests were such nice people, it was very refreshing actually. Home by 1am eating a kebab!!
Overall a excellent gig last night BUT..
The bride and groom booked me last year for a high end wedding, This would include Mobile Disco, Led Curtains and Uplighters.
When they sent me the booking forms back they stated there may be a band playing. I stated from day one there would not be much room because of a fire door in the way because i have done this venue before and there is just enough room for me (5metres x 2 metres)
Well 1 month before i had a email from the bride and groom stating there was a ska band turning up. I emailed straight back stating my terms and conditions about room, sockets and no bands could use my equipment. They said fine they would sort it..
2 days before there wedding i send them the normal email stating all there details like access times, starting and finishing times etc and they said it was all correct.
They also said that the band would set up while guests was in the room around 7.30. This straight away thought it was weird and unprofessional and i thought there would be trouble.
As i thought i was correct. Band arrived at 7.40 and he said he was going to plug into my sound system (they never asked, they told me). I said no chance i have guests on the dancefloor and no one uses my equipment. The band member then said fine he would go home then and told me to :Censored: . I could not believe how rude he was.
5 mins later he came back over and said he would have to use my plug sockets. I said i have got a extension lead they could lead and there nearest plug sock was 4 metres away. He said that no:Censored:good and he started unpluging some uplighters to make room.
I plugged them back in and he said he already had enough and was going home. My response was have a word with the bride and groom 1st before leaving cause its very unprofessional.
Anyway soon enough he admitted defeat and started setting up his own equipment with a extension lead from the other socket.
Bride came over and said they would start at 9pm. At 8.50 without warning they did a sound check while the dancefloor was busy and straight away guests was looking at me as if it was my fault.
Anyway the band done there 2x 45 min slots and it went done ok. At 11.15 i was back on, The the bride came over and said could i play new chart music for the last 45mins (midnight finish). I replied yes fine. Well dancefloor was packed and the groom came over at 11.55 asking for Stone Roses and i said ok i will play it next and it would be the last one. He replied ok great.
I wish it was that easy. I finished at midnight and the groom came back over and he said he wanted 1 more indie song. I told him i was booked till midnight and i have already gone over and i had to be out of the function room before 1am. He would not have it. He said i have paid you a lot of money for tonight and you will do what i want. I said 1 more song and thats it.. I then played 2 more songs and finished at 12.15. The groom rushed back over saying i had to play 1 more. I said i have already turned equipment off and we had finished. He was not happy and the bride came over and calmed it down.
While i was packing away all i could hear from the groom was i am going over to the dj in a minute and knock him out (yes he was slightly drunk). When the bride left the room he came over and threatened me but i kept cool and just asked him with short answers to his questions. This went on for 15 mins until some of his friend decided enough was enough and they taken him away.
Its the first time something like this as happened to me really. I hope its just the hot weather getting to peoples head
Hmmm definitely something in the air last night then, I had a few problems with 4 or 5 guests complaining about the music choices I was playing last night. Bride and Groom wanted more indie/rock type stuff for the last part of the evening, Arctic Monkeys, Blur, Killers, etc etc. Said the bride and groom chose this type of music, wouldn’t have it, cue usual "Your :Censored:", play something more commercial cause this is :Censored:. Politely informed them sorry but it’s the bride and grooms day and this is what they would like. "But no :Censored: is dancing (30 odd dancing at this point + b&g).
Then they decide to go take it out on the bride and groom. I couldn't believe it, I’ve never had guests do that, usually I explain they are the b&g choices and they go away happy. I admit I did smile when the bride firmly told them to :Censored: off lol. Did feel sorry for them though, it’s their day, is no need for rudeness because you can't get your own way. Maybe the 35c heat in the marquee wasn't helping.
Have to finish at this venue at dead on 11.30, no excuses. Council is extremely hot on it. Finished up on last dance as requested by b&g, at bang on 11.30. Cue "one more song" from the drunks. Sorry Music has to be off by 11.30. "Well your a :Censored::Censored: :eek: charming. Had great pleasure in saying "well you definitely aren’t having a song now!
Amazing how people can go from being so nice to complete :Censored: once had a few drinks. First wedding in a very long time I’ve had abuse from people.
Hey ho, Today’s another day. BBQ and lots of beer this afternoon I think :)
I didn't work last night as I was playing a festival gig with my band (which was amazing as it goes).
Shame you both had idiots at your functions.
When it comes to people moaning about the Bride & Grooms music choices, I always make sure that I tell the person saying "I'm going to speak to the Bride & Groom" to just leave them alone, it's their day and they don't need the hassle.
What is it with some people? At the most it's 4 maybe 5 hours in the evening out of someones life. It can't be that difficult to just TRY and enjoy yourself can it? It's just music!
It's not a matter of life or death if some 'moaner' can't hear something like 'Dancing Queen' because the Bride & Groom don't want to hear it and would rather hear something different on THEIR big day.
Yes, take the guests into account and all that BUT it is THEIR day.
I had a rare kids party on Friday, 10th birthday so ages 9 - 12'ish, about 50 guests in a very small room (unlike the main hall next door where the same amount just made it look empty, always prefer small venues).
2 hours of non stop dancing, a few games, favourite songs played several times, no tantrums or fights, no drunken 'one more song' at the end (wished all guest's parents would whisk then away at the end of gigs). Even found a reggae version of Happy Birthday with the girls name in it - told her friends I had it made specially for her when they asked who sang it :D
Highlight was Gabz - The One, room in darkness apart from glow sticks being waved above their heads as they sang along.
Quote:
Originally Posted by surround sounds
That band sound like a joke.
As for the groom, there's no effin way I'd have played anything after him saying "I've paid you a lot of money, you'll do what I say." We're hired professionals not dancing monkeys and are entitled to the same dignity (and safety / freedom from harassment) at work as anyone else.
If I'm having a really good night and think I might get the 1 more song thing I always run it by the bar to see if they're OK with it. I worked bars at functions for years and the last thing you want is some superstar DJ (even if you're just doing the client a favour, it doesn't always come across that way...) playing later meaning it'll take longer to clear the tables, get the punters out and get home... just something to consider.
Another thing to consider is that by playing one more song except in exceptional circumstances really doesn't have any benefit to you. You bent over backwards for this ignorant prat and the end result is you've worked longer for no extra money, got home later, potentially annoyed the bar staff / venue and he'll still be running you down stinking this morning.
Laptop closed, mixer off, jobs a good un. They're not going to keep at it when you tell them the exceptionally long amount of time it'll take to reboot your DJ software and set your system back up ;)
Yes band was a joke and some good points you have said.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
On upsetting the staff etc. I always check what time they what me out (this case it was 1pm. i was gone at 12.55)
I always ask what time bar is open till (This case 12.30)
About the laptop thing etc- Thats what i had to do in the end and thats when he kicked off.
As stated before in 20 years i have never had this problem before but everyone always get 1 once in a while
It's hard to 'back down' sometimes when you have a customer who has paid you to provide a service and you want to keep them happy.
I guess that sometimes it seems like the previous 4 or 5 hours however good they were, can go to waste and be forgotten by the customer and they could concentrate on the last few minutes because they weren't happy. Does that make sense?
What I mean is, everyone has had a great time and the customer is happy but it's that last bit of the night where they've kicked off that will be remembered and could affect the feedback they provide. I must admit, I check with the bar about calling last orders and time etc and I always ask if there is any leeway on the finish time. Saying that though, what I do in advance at my meetings with the customer is get a last song of the night from them so it tells everyone and kind of indicates that the last song really IS the last song. I'll announce it 5 minutes before the finish time, thank everyone and get a round of applause for the Bride & Groom or Birthday Boy/Girl and then play the song and 99.9% of the time I'll finish when I am supposed to.
I've had a customer before (couple of weeks ago) ask for one more song after I have played their agreed last song. On this occasion, the song requested was on my laptop as it was a last minute addition to the request list and I had to get hold of it and hadn't added it to the Denon as yet. I had turned the laptop off, unplugged everything and it was back in it's case because it was no longer needed. The night flew by and I hadn't played it. The Groom came over after the last song as the lights went up because it was finish time. He simply said "Any chance?" and I told him that I had to finish. He was fine, no arguments, no "I'm paying you, do what I say" type stuff....He just said "No worries, thanks for a brilliant night".
I did feel quite guilty actually as he was a nice guy. To be honest though, if I had a customer that was getting all high & mighty and narky with me, I would have definitely not budged one bit. They pay us to provide a service and we quote for a specific duration. We've done what we're supposed to do.
I had an alright wedding last night, was a 15 hour day in total with my first FULL mood lighting using all 16 uplighters. Took me an hour and 30 mins to pack away going as fast as I could which I don't think the venue were all too happy about as everybody else was finished in 40mins!
Some people are unbelievable, I've been very lucky with my last few weddings and upcoming ones - all details have been discussed I've spoken to the bands / venues so I'm hoping I've covered all angles.
I think it's quite important to get to know the bride and groom / chat with them on the night so they have a more personal connection are more forgiving when you end the night before they are ready.
I've only ever had the "one more song" problem with people I've not had much chance to talk to.
Some might be inclined to say "Aren't they all"? but of course I wouldn't, because I respect my fellow Professional Entertainers.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
Blimey, a low flying Gloucester Old Spot has just knocked my chimney pot off!!! :eek:
OK, before anyone points out that I'm not being fair, may I point out that I'm not being serious, either. Some bands are an absolute pleasure to deal with. The last two I've worked with have been superb. Would that they all were.
Indeed. How I wish though that they helped us a little more, ie venue lights on full at the appointed finish time. Not only does it help to convey to punters that the Entertainment has ceased, it helps me to see to pack my kit up and :Censored: off.Quote:
Originally Posted by surround sounds
Oh Gary, never was a truer word spoken. Many many years ago, when I complained to a mate that my punters weren't dancing (early on ) he told me that they wouldn't remember the beginning of the night, but they would remember the end. Wise words.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shakermaker Promotions
Sadly, a two edged sword though. Isn't it amazing how you can be the best DJ they've ever seen for two hours, and when you won't play "one more" you're :Censored: ?
.
Again, absolutely true. Sadly, they weren't taking any notice of the first three hours we did, and only left the bar with an hour to go. Then they asked for their song while we were playing the last two songs cued up. :bang:Quote:
Originally Posted by Shakermaker Promotions
That last icon in your post is spot on. Yes, it is like knocking your head against a brick wall sometimes.
As the Doors said "People Are Strange".
The more I think about it, the more I think that sometimes we might aswell just do a 2 hour Disco starting at around 10.00pm once everybody is full of alcohol. That sounds silly I know but it could appeal to those scenarios where the "One More" crowd are in attendance.
I will say though that they are (in my case anyway) in the minority thankfully. Most bands that I have worked alongside HAVE been professional and a pleasure to work with. One of the most important things is co-operation and planning in advance. Ideally I don't want anyone going through my system and if the band are professional (and usually earning a lot more than me because each member has to earn enough for it to be worthwhile them doing the gig), they SHOULD have their own system to go through.
I guess it might be because I have been in bands myself and I am also in one now but I make a concious effort to get on with them. I see it as WE (both of us) are there to entertain and it's not a case of trying to outdo eachother. I've helped out before and carried in equipment once I have been set up or I have commented on levels when they've soundchecked etc...
I remember one band in particular that I worked with a few years ago that weren't so co-operative. On this occasion it was a wedding and they were a covers band who had massive egos from the start. One guy in particular was instantly dislikeable. We'd both set up and were sitting around waiting as the day was running late and the wedding party and guests hadn't finished speeches yet and hadn't come into the room where we were. We chatted and within minutes I had heard this guys life story, what he'd done over the years etc etc. He came across as very condescending at times and the "DJing is easy" comment came up at some point followed by "No offence". It was then that I decided to give him some of his own medicine and I did something I never do and that's big myself up. I probably came across the same way as I saw him (arrogant) but thought "Sod it".
I told him that I had been in a band a few years back and he didn't really take much notice until I told him that I had made records, toured the UK and Europe with named bands and had been on TV too. I said it was all original stuff too and not covers. Covers were/are easy to do etc. He soon shut up and probably knew where he stood with me from then on.
As I said, this was a rarity because the majority I have worked alongside have been great. They don't feel the need to get all egotistic. I have nothing against covers bands at all as there are some brilliant ones out there and at the end of the day, we're all there to entertain. That's how I see it and that's how the majority of bands I have worked with have seen it too.
I'm working with a band at a function towards Christmas and what's the betting that all of the positive things I have said above just go out of the window and they turn out to be the biggest ego monsters ever! Let's hope not eh!
Well, the nice weather strikes again.
Spent most of the night DJing to an empty room while everyone was outside. B&G came up to me at the end & told me it was a great night & apologised for the weather keeping everyone outside.
Also a night for a first. Due to the lack of people inside, the first dance was put back & put back & put back. At 11pm I had a brainwave & suggested to the B&G that maybe it would work to have their first dance as the last dance of the night. Neither of them had been dancing until this point. They loved the idea, so that's what we did. At 4 minutes to midnight....."Ladies & Gentlemen, please welcome to the dancefloor for their first dance as man & wife....."
An odd, but somehow fulfilling night.
How true. I had the bride on Friday night asking me (after I had fully set up in the empty room, if I could set up again outside. She offered to get "the lads" to help me carry it all out. I did explain that it would take 2 hours to break down, carry out and re-set and that sort of put her off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Corabar Steve
Then, of course, you have the neighbours who always have to be advised in writing if there is an outdooor function at the venue, and that any outdoor function has to end at 1100 (90 minutes earlier than indoors) due to noise etc.
Finally of course, would these "lads" still be there to help me carry all of my gear back round the building to my car?
You can guess the rest!
Snap!Quote:
Originally Posted by Corabar Steve
Ditto on Saturday night.
RBL club on Hayling island , fancy dress 80`s night , well it looked good on paper....lol.
Grand entrance of the birthday girl
Attachment 15987
er , that's where they stayed for the rest of the evening.....:(
I was lucky!
I DJ'd on Friday. It was an 80s themed joint birthday party at my local which had literally hundreds of pre-requests and I'm glad to say that there were a lot on the list that were a bit more obscurer than usual which made it a great night.
Everyone was up for it and I had Saturday night off so I had a few drinks myself and joined in. Loads of people stayed inside because they wanted to hear their requests but they were all very sweaty!
I actually played on for an additional hour too.
I'll keep this brief....
Thursday night - Leavers disco for 7/8yr olds
Great night and the kids were all well and truly in the mood to party, joining in all of the games.
Fri night - End of year party for my childrens' teachers!
This was a bit of a favour for the teachers as I know most of them and they'd had a bit of fun with their venue. They'd booked a Chinese restaurant for their meal and thought they were getting dance floor and disco included, then at the last minute discovered that they got the dance floor free if they had over 100 attending and they got the disco free if they had over 120. They had 80, so they had to pay the restaurant a subsidy for the dance floor and me to do the disco, so I gave them a stupidly low price on the basis that I'd bring a very small rig (as I only had 30mins to set up) and I only had to play from 9:30 - 11:00! They failed to mention that the restaurant was on the 2nd floor of the building so it's good job I did bring a small rig and I was in and ready within 20mins. The dance floor was pretty busy from the off as I started by announcing that they only had 90mins, so they should make every minute and every request count. Started off with chart and a bit of 90's (as requested by the smokers who gave me a hand in with my kit) and rapidly moved into cheese (Grease) and slightly "older" music (Stones, Quo, etc).
The night was only marred by two things: Firstly, the restaurant had divided a quarter of the room off for other diners using a hanging partition and I was set up next to the partition. When I started I asked if they could fade the lights down and they did... in the half of the room were the diners were, not where the dance floor was. I asked if they could fade down the dance floor end - no, because the lights were linked to the quarter of the room filled with other diners. At 10:40, they finally cut the lights and the atmosphere improved no end. Secondly, at 10:45 (5 mins after getting the house lights off) the manager comes over and tells me to start making announcements to make sure that they know that the music will be finishing soon, and then hovers for the last 5mins to make sure I finish on time. I finish at 10:59 (1min early) to keep them happy, but the teachers are really only just getting started. It was one of those parties where the crowd were properly up for it (for a change) and we had to stop :(
They've asked for help choosing the venue for their Xmas party - specifically somewhere with a 1am music license :D
Sat pm - 5yr olds birthday party
In complete contrast to Thur's school disco, the kids were hot, tired and subdued, but compliant. They did everything they were asked to do absolutely brilliantly, but I don't think I've ever heard such complete and utter silence from the kids throughout the party!!
Sat eve/Sun - My fortnightly walk up gig at a local club
Roasting hot and sweaty - especially since this club has a budget install and I have to stand in front of the amp rack while I DJ. Guy comes over half way through the night and tells me to turn it up and I have to reply that I'm keeping it down so I don't fry any of the kit (or me). Two amps are stacked on top of each other in this place with a Berry crossover on top of the stack (and no air gaps inbetween) and I could have fried an egg on the crossover. Good evening non the less. I took the approach of "exercising my judgement" on the requests (after the thread I started on the subject a few weeks ago) and (as predicted) got much more movement on the dance floor. One of the bouncers confirmed what I thought on the subject, quote: "Don't take any notice of their requests in here - they're :censored:, they've never been in a proper club in their lives"
Mon eve - Year R/1 end of term school disco
Again in complete contrast to the other two kids parties, the children are just hot and somewhere between restless and listless. I reckon I got about third of them joining in the dances and about half of them in the games. I did a competition where the kids sat down and watched and I took to the stage with a couple of volunteers to do some games and this got the biggest reaction with ALL of the kids sat down to watch, cheering on their friends. The rest of the time a good number of them were just restlessly hanging around the edges of the school hall (where some Year R parents were sat down). By the end it was roasting in there and I have never, ever seen parents collect their children and exit so quickly in my life.
I'm now half way through my manic period (9 gigs in 10 days) and just have one more leavers disco tonight, one family night (Fri), one kids party (Sat pm) and a wedding with requests for 40's/50's swing (Sat eve) before I can chill out for a couple of weeks (and hopefully get back on my bike before summer is over!!) as my August is currently empty.
Julian
Last nights booking for me was an 18th Birthday party in a venue around 5 minutes away from me.
I've done loads of bookings at this venue before and have actually refused to provide a Disco there on the last few occasions as a few years ago they had sound limiters installed in the downstairs section.
The booking was the 3rd booking this year for the same customer. I had done his wife's 50th Birthday in February, his 50th in May and now it was the turn of his son who was 18 a couple of days ago. When the customer told me the party was to be held at this particular venue I did advise him of the sound limiter and what it did and what could potentially happen.
In the end he opted to have the party upstairs which has never been a problem apart from the stairs!
So, yesterday afternoon I set up as arranged with the venue. I walk in and I get a really nice welcome from the lady that runs it. She remembers me from a number of Discos I have provided at the venue but also because I provided the Disco for the chairman's daughters wedding a couple of years ago and his sons 40th in the same year.
It was very hot setting up and going up and down the stairs was a bit of a task. You can imagine my surprise (to put it mildly) when I had finished lugging all of the gear upstairs to turn around and see.............a sound limiter unit on the wall ":Censored:!" I thought to myself. To be honest there wasn't a lot I could do now but I did ask about it and was told "Don't worry" ;)
Anyway, all set up and I return at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start and DJing until 11.30pm.
The pre-request list was as you'd imagine with an 18th, pretty upfront. Lots of Dance, RnB, Dubstep etc but there were also some cheese tunes on there. At the previous parties I had done for the parents, the younger ones had asked for some cheese and action songs as they loved them.
Everything went really well. The adults were dancing to the more mainstream current chart stuff along with the teenagers and when it came to some of the harder stuff, the dance floor was packed. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves....................apart from one bloke who was sat with his wife and 2 kids a few feet away from me. Every now and then I'd look round and see that they were all sat there not even talking to eachother with proper gloomy faces on them whilst everyone else had a great time.
There were a couple of occasions where I thought I could hear shouting in my direction but I couldn't see where it was coming from and I was concentrating on mixing.
Then I suddenly realised where it was coming from. It was the Dad of the gloomsters who were sat nearby. His timing was hilarious. I'd just been playing a kind of current Chart / RnB / Dance section and decided to go a bit harder as the requests were coming in. I look over and the guy is shouting in my direction. I can almost lip read what he's saying (and it isn't nice) but I make out I can't hear him. He comes over and blasts me with a load of abuse, more or less saying that what I am playing is rubbish (that's me being polite again).
The song playing at this moment is now Skrillex - Bangarang. "What is this :Censored:? he shouts. I advise him (pointing at the dance floor too to where the birthday boy is dancing with a packed dance floor), that it's what the birthday boy wants and although it wasn't my cup of tea either, he gets what he wants. The bloke shakes his head and no word of a lie, he shouts at the rest of the gloomsters and they get up and leave! The wife gave me a look as if to say that she didn't want to go. The two kids (teenagers) didn't even crack a smile. They really were the gloomiest of gloomsters from gloomsville.
Birthday cake comes out. Everybody sings a long and then I ask everyone if they want the birthday boy to do a speech. The response is deafening. He gets on the mic, says his thank you's and as he is finishing I start Mr Brightside. There are screams and clapping and nearly everyone in the venue packs the dance floor. After that it's packed for the last hour with cheese and action songs before the last couple of songs Rudimental - Feel The Love and Chase & Status - End Credits.
Round of applause, lots of cheering and lots of very wobbly guests.
It was mega hot in there and I am glad I took my clip on fan. That has really come in handy lately. I was packed down and home as the clock struck midnight.
(and that was with a couple of teens snogging on the stairs and getting in my way)
Well last night I took on a pub gig at what I thought was a nice family pub....
Constant grief from half a dozen different people, there was no dancefloor area as such, the lights weren't turned off and the customers were really rude, the worst bit was at the end the 'one more song' got totally out of control with a man actually shouting abuse in my face (I couldn't play one more song as I'd already done so, and the pub has to stop music at midnight), I lost my temper and went over to the bloke and we exchanged words, after realising I wouldn't tolerate his behaviour he decided to try it with my brother, who calmly offered the man out to the car park, the man swiftly declined. To conclude it was a horrible night, horrible people, makes me wonder if i want to carry on. Thats the first time I've had a gig like that.
One thing I'd like to get your opinion on is this, when the trouble started I saw out of the corner of my eye the landlord and bar staff go and hide down the other side of the pub, surely its their job to deal with rude idiots?!
Got asked if I'd consider DJing at a wedding in Greece.
Unsure as to whether it was the offer of a job or the distance from where I was that they actually wanted to hear me from.
Actually they did take a card first. :)
Could be a nice little urner.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Corabar Steve
<GROAN> <GROAN> and again <GROAN>Quote:
Originally Posted by funkymook
:taxi::coat:
Best gig of the year last night. Full floor, lots of mixing and friendly people.
:thumbsup:
Excellent - they're the ones that remind us why we do it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Solitaire Entertainments Ltd
Mine last night was supporting a top Ska band where I played NS, Ska and Mod classics to a packed pub full of appreciative people.
Not a DJ gig but I got to play with my huge band at the Wickerman Festival this weekend. Got to swan around with an artist wristband looking all VIP. The sad reality of it is that the only difference between the normal bar and VIP bar is that you could buy your overpriced lager with cash and cards instead of tokens. I never even got a chance to fire into the lovely Miss Amy McDonald. ;)
Great weekend though. 33 of us in the band with our +1s = a lot of laughs and madness.
Highlight (apart from our set): Nile Rodgers being a total boss on the main stage.
Lowlight: Dexy's. I had so much hope for them and they were trully dreadful. Now every time I have to play Come on Eilleen at gigs I'll be transported back to watching Kevin Rowland dressed like a Frenchman (seriously!!!) doing a calypso version of Geno.
Come back to a bunch of enquiries too which is nice.
Some nice chappy only went a filmed us and put it on Youtube :D
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTq8dtQuedg
A rare Sunday gig, in Deepest Lincolnshire. Last minute affair. Awful parking in a little Market Town, a fifty yard carry for the kit, to the bottom of a winding staircase, and then upstairs. 18th Birthday for the birthday girls mates, following the family celebration earlier for the older and younger ones. I'd had a "discussion" about revising my fee, due to the access, as I'd quoted for ground floor. If I was granted access only at the stated times, I wouldn't be able to set the kit up in time for the start. Promising start, eh?
Got there early, and found I could actually park the van in the least worst place for loading, and get access to the setup area once the buffet was cleared, an hour before the time I'd ben given. So far so good. Stripped the kit down to the barest of bare minima, Half Giraffe, screen, two Titans, plastic playout case, cable box, powerbar and all necessary tripods.
Was actually set up before the intended time, without a lot of difficulty, although I was suffering dreadfully from "sweaty DJ syndrome". Large doses of Lynx were applied, which helped no end. Kicked off with the normal charty/modern background stuff, expecting to move into the more current "bangin' choons " shortly. How wrong can a DJ be? If I showed you the playlist, you wouldn't be able to tell whether I was doing a fifth or a fiftieth birthday. Steps-Tragedy, S Club7-Reach, followed by T Rex, Men At Work, Men Without Hats, Ram Jam, Rolling Stones and Survivor-Eye of the Tiger. Varied to say the least.
They went absolutely wild for the obscure tracks I hadn't played for twenty years, were an absolute pleasure to deal with, weren't drunk, and generally made the evening an absolute pleasure. With the aid of volunteers, the kit was in the van in short order, and I was on my way home in half an hour, with a mutually acceptable fee in my pocket. Just goes to show, eh? :)
Did a wedding for a hotel on Saturday night, don't usually do them but I was helping out as we were short staffed on dj's for this weekend.
Arrived at 2pm for a 4pm set up time. Guests did not enter room until 5pm. 50 adults and 30 kids. I was asked if I could play some gangnam style and kids songs from 6.30pm. So I did all that and ended up doing laods of interaction with the kids , playing go fetch, jokes competition and tongue twisters.
I made a huge school boy era in the the way I set up. I put my speakers and tripods against the wall behind me and sat my decks 2 metres infront uptight to the dancefloor. Unfortuantel for me, this was a green light for people to take a shortcut and behind the decks to get from one side of the room to the other. This resulted in one drunk guy who had a leary look anyway, turning up my background music whilst the buffett was taking place and I was at the bar getting a drink. I went over and asked him what he was doing, he said it wasn't loud enough so he turned it up. My reply was, if you think it needs to be loud, please ask me and I will turn it up. He was very apologetic and went on to apologise a further 5 times during the night. Which was more of a pain than his initial behaviour lol.
Lovely bunch of people who laughed at my cheesey DJ jokes and patter all night and I received lots of compliments about my childrens entertaining and music selection!!
Bad point.............My starcloth front got broken by kids fiddling with it, I couldn't see them from where I was standing but my stuff was getting knocked all night. Bit cross but it was my fault for setting up so far forward, next time I will set up tighter to the wall when lots of kids are present!! Long night on my feet from 4pm til 1am.
You'll never guess which guest has only gone and enquired about booking me for her wedding after being a guest at this one :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
Quote:
Originally Posted by Solitaire Entertainments Ltd
I look forward eagerly to the proposed playlist, tee hee. :D:DQuote:
Originally Posted by Jim - Scotland's Party DJ
And the feedback from Sunday?
Hi,
I just wanted to say a big thank you for the music at my party last night. The night was great fun and thanks so much for accommodating my friend's eclectic tastes in music! Everyone commented on how great the night was due to the music and you helped to create a great atmosphere! We were very pleased that we were able to jive which is somewhat of a tradition at our parties!
Again, many thanks; you made the party!
Thanks, Megan
:o:o
For the first time in ages, I took on an 18th last night. It was a last minute booking and I was dealing with the birthday boy directly.
He assured me there would be plenty adults attending as it was a 'family event'.
The booking got off to a bad start when I learned the venue, a run down dump where the staff, 2 older ladies, don't allow loud music and the lights have to be left on.
Got in and setup no problem for a 7pm start. Around 30 guests when I got going but that slowly increased to about 100 by 9pm.
First problem, there were no adults at all, the oldest guest was no more that 21 (I know that's an adult but drunk 21 year olds are as bad as 18's)
Second problem, the birthday boy supplied me with 6 'rave' cd's and said I wasn't to take requests. 'Just play these cds, one after the other'
Third problem, many of the guests were drunk before they arrived, some to the point of falling over and being sick.
I had plenty guests complaining about the music. The staff were constantly removing drink from underage guests and several had been chucked out before 9pm.
At 9.20pm, I was told by the staff to stop the party, as the police had arrived and caught guests drinking outside. Stopping the party caused a few guests to get angry and a couple of chairs were throw.
I was packed up and driving away by 9.40, there were still around 50 teenagers in the car park area, with 4 police trying to move them on.
I was paid in full and even got a £20 tip :D
Dave
Another really enjoyable couple of bookings this week.
Firstly, here's a photo from a wedding I did a couple of weeks ago. I didn't actually take any photos when I set up as I'd forgotten my phone and it was too busy later on but this was sent to me by the photographer (it's his cases next to one of the subs).
Attachment 16021
So, Friday I did a 90s themed night in town and it went down really well. Lots of really cool requests and lots of dancing. I decided to take 4 lasers with me and a couple of Kam Panels and with the smoke it looked great. Again, didn't take any photos which is a shame.
Last night I was out of town doing a wedding that was booked with me a year ago to the date.
Went to visit the venue on Monday and met the Bride & Groom. I had never been there before and when I turned up and saw a tiny place I wondered how they'd manage to get me and 130 guests in there. I was then told (the B&G never mentioned it before) that the wedding was going to be held in a marquee on the grounds. We met at the front of the venue so when we walked round the back I could see the structure of the marquee being put together. I chatted to the guy in charge to get an idea of where I would be etc etc and all was cool. I wish I'd known in advance but it wasn't a problem. They were having a starlit ceiling and black & white dance floor too (supplied by the marquee company).
Anyway, one of the first things I noticed was (see photo below) that there were 3 small apple trees on the grounds. Obviously once the marquee was up, they'd be in there with us. I thought it was quite quirky as did the B&G and my first thought was "I'll uplight that!". I didn't say anything to the B&G about it at the time.
I set up at 9.00am Saturday morning and space was a bit tight but I got there in the end. It didn't take me long at all as access was very easy as I could back the van right up to the entrance.
I arrived back at the venue at 7.15pm and was ready for a 7.30pm start. Guests were milling about enjoying Pimms and sitting by the river which was behind the marquee. I started off with some ratpack and acoustic stuff and the vibe was really nice. I had a list of around 100 requests from the B&G and their guests. I'd advised them when they booked me to ask their guests for requests and it was a really good varied list. I played some of the slower requests and at one point a very nice young lady came up and asked me "Are we allowed to dance?"...."I requested this song" (Mr Bojangles). I said "I'm sure you can....can't you?". She was unsure as she thought she'd have to wait until after the first dance. She sat back down and just slow danced by her table with her partner.
First dance was Boyce Avenue - 'We Found Love' which is a kind of acoustic version of the Rihanna song. The B&G wanted me to mix it with the original so all of their guests could join them on the dance floor. It worked really well and the dance floor was packed. Followed it with 'Blurred Lines' and 'Get Lucky' and then played current chart stuff for around an hour with the same result. After that it was mainly going through the request list and working other stuff into it too and it just worked well.
It was one of those bookings where I didn't really look at the time. When I did I noticed it was 11.05pm and I was finishing at 11.30pm. I had some more requests to play including the last 2 songs which were 13 minutes long between them. I did what I could and then announced that we were coming towards the final songs of the evening and it would be great if everyone could join the B&G on the dance floor. They all listened and it went perfectly. 'Champagne Supernova' was the first one that had everyone singing along and as the waves at the end of the song faded out, the choir at the beginning of 'Never Forget' faded in. Everyone sang along and there was a massive round of applause as the song came to an end.
This one was really enjoyable.
As you'll see by the photo below, the apple tree didn't give me much room. I didn't take any photos of it uplit as I was busy but you get the idea I guess.
Attachment 16022
Wedding last night in the Hotel in Hull where John and I had the infamous "Travellers Wedding". I turned up as arranged to get the kit in before the reception. On parking where I expected to get in, I realised the place had had a radical overhaul, and I wasn't going to be in the same place as before. If I had to go where I found them setting up for the function, it was going to be a nightmare load in. :eek:
Except it wasn't. It just got better and better. :D I was told to drive the van further round the back, near the fire doors at the other side. When I got there, there was a nice stage a few paces from the doors, and better still, room dividers between me and the reception. Nice easy, leisurely set up, no worries, DSB, powerbar and two EFX500s on the overhead, and subs and tops. When they moved the dividers, there I was, ready to Rock and Roll.
It was a big room, and halfway through the night, I was asked to turn it up, as it was too quiet at the back. Doesn't often happen, but I simply turned it up. Sounded pretty loud on the dancefloor to me, but hey ho, the customer is the customer.
I'd prepared for the first dance by turning the EFX off, and setting the bar to a whitish colour, via the dmx controller. Photographer comes up and asks is it possible to dim my lights at all? Pull fader seven down to the bottom, stygian gloom ensues, and a voice to my right says " can you give me a chance to get off the stage? " Tee hee. I then dimmed the light to his preferred value, and he was a happy little bunny. Unusually, he stayed taking piccies right to the end.
It's funny how things seem to go in trends, and my last few gigs have seen many "off the wall" requests. This one was even more like that, and funnily enough many of them worked. I had a really wide spread of requests, and found myself changing styles rather a lot. Nice gig though.
Last night’s wedding was a bit of a eye opener.
Arrived at venue at 6pm, speeches still going on, had a peek in the marquee to see the groom merrily swaying away to himself at the top table. Was dressed in full army uniform and was from Burnley from what I made out, long way from home! Was 80 Guests for the day and meant to be a extra 50 for the evening though I think maybe 5 extra turned up.
First Dance was set for 8pm, Bride and groom approached the floor (well the groom staggered) Had around 10 seconds of slow dancing before the groom decides he wants to be naked! Shirt comes off, Trousers ripped off and spend the rest of the track swaying around the dance floor in his pants. :p
Everyone thought it was hilarious though it was pretty plain to see the bride was less than impressed.
For the next 3 hours it was a case of guests trying to keep the grooms clothes on while he propped up the bar getting more and more drunk. A lot of the guests were leaving early, whether out of embarrassment I’m not too sure. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for the bride. What a way to remember your first dance as a married couple!
Music wise, most of the night consisted of wedding cheese and a little indie/rock which had a pretty much full floor all night.
Would love to be a fly on the wall this morning at the hotel: D
Back at same venue tonight, small wedding of only 50 people but music requests are all late 90's early 00's dance music, looking forward to it, will make a nice change :)
A game of two halves for me. Friday and Saturday covering for a mate in a Local WMC. Minimal kit, easy money. Friday was packed for an engagement, really lively crowd, including some young ladies ( poetic licence :D ) who were very "lively and interactive". Played a very varied set, which mainly went down well. Everybody happy. ( Especially the DJ who was the result of some affectionate interaction at the end! :o ) :D:D
Saturday was a grueller. I'd left the main kit in place, as the venue security is more than adequate. All I had to do was plug in the new toy, and away we went. 21st this time, and what a crowd. Two young ladies who wanted some profanity ridden bilge which made me want to slash my wrists there and then, guest of honour who liked some pretty heavy metal, and the rest of them couldn't really care a lot. Mum was into Tamla, Rod Stewart and MJ, so she was easy to deal with, and Dad wanted some Whitesnake, Rainbow and 70's rock, so he was great as well. Lovely couple. Shame the rest of the crowd weren't a bit more animated. They'd decorated the room brilliantly, and it was a shame to see it half filled of apathetic guests. Ah well, can't win them all.
"Profanity ridden bilge". I love it.
I had to supply karaoke at the wedding on Saturday. This being a rare occurence as I only get one or two a year and I usually try to talk / price them out of it to save me the hassle of the extra work.
Amyway, bride it seems was the only one wanting to sing and she only did two songs. So in 1.5 hours, we did 5 songs. I got bored, turned it off, went for it, and rammed the dancefloor for the rest of the night. Until the groom fell over drunk. Finished at 1230 and the remaining guests retired to thehotel residents bar, the last of whom went to bed at 0625.
Saw the B&G next day around 1215, both admitted to being very delicate and couldn't remember much of the day.
Last week was the most drunken wedding I have ever done. I arrived at 6pm to set up and most of the 60 or so guests were bladdered. First dance, bride dressed as an air hostess and danced around the groom to come fly with me.he was a mix of drunk and embarrassed. Then all did some rock and roll, and after that a lot of staggering around. Bride was drinking out the bottle of wine, and insisted I played avicii wake me up four times. I was supposed to play until 12, but by 11 she fell over, so did the groom, bar closed early and at 11:15 a bloke nearly knocked over my speaker stand. 11.20 I announced the last song, they were too drunk to complain and I had enough. The funniest thing is they did everything I said on the dancefloor, it was like stage hypnosis. Conga line disappeared out the door for ages. Don't want too many like that mind you.
I have now decided what my all time number one pet hate is about this job. Venues where you habg about for two hours kicking your heels, cos the (usually ) wedding's running late, and then when they finally deign to grant you access, wonder why you aren't ready at the drop of a hat. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr:mad::mad:
That said, I had a great one last night. A wedding from a referral from a bride last year at the same venue. They wanted a more complicated rig than normal, with CD playout and slide show, which meant I couldn't deploy the new slimline, easy access, rapid setup kit. Shame. :( Anyhow, the kit was setup, I introduced the Bride and Groom by the bride's maiden name Oops. :o First dance done, I played CD's for a Scottish Gentleman to do a spot of traditional dancing, Strip the Willow, St Bernards Waltz, Gay Gordons et al.
So, away I go to try to pick it up from there. Half a dozen songs to total apathy, and then I got a request for Arctic Monkeys, and we had a mini Indie and Rock Fest, with the lads giving it plenty. From there I balanced things between big chart songs, classics and cheese, with the only track bombing being Black Lace! Oops filled the floor, as did most everything else. I finished with Wonderwall, and then uncharacteristically nowadays, gave them "one more", Charli XCX. Finished the night on a real high, after a somewhat trying start.
Tonight, a gig at Doncaster Dome, allegedly Hair Metal/80's/90's/Rock. Could be fun as well.
Oh, I hear that Peter!!! In fact, it's something I've encountered a lot of late, and it's something I will be addressing very soon! I feel another thread coming on... :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Excalibur
Last night I did the annual RAF Dinner & Dance at my town centre residency.
Always a pleasure to do it for them as they are very appreciative and love the night. It's always something a bit different for me as it involves lots of 50s & 60s and Swing, Waltzes etc.
Pretty easy night too. They were eating until 9.15pm and didn't require any background music so I set up in the morning and went back for 9.00pm. Did the raffle for them and had a laugh. Then there were some speeches and it was pretty much solid dance floor until Midnight finishing off with God Save The Queen and New York New York as requested.
Very positive feedback and the organiser said to me that he is definitely going to book me twice a year rather than just the once as everyone loves the night so much. I lost count how many hands I shook at the end and how many kisses I got off the over 60s brigade.
Tonight I am doing a wedding with a great playlist that is really varied but includes a lot of classics. The requests have come from the guests.
I'm around 8 miles from town and it's easy access so I'll be leaving in 30 minutes to get set up for an 8.00pm - 00.30am gig.
After a pitiful wedding last night (totalled 14 INCLUDING B+G!) a brilliant surprise 40th tonight really made up for it with promises of more bookings from an enthusiastic crowd!
Snap, but in reverse! Dismal turnout for a 40th, after a great wedding gig. Nice folk, and I got to play various flavours of Rock all night long*. Another twenty or so punters, and it would have been a great night. Ah well.Quote:
Originally Posted by musicologydisco
* Do you see what I did there? The under 30's probably won't get that.
I have a booking next week where there are a maximum of 20 guests yet they are insisting on having a Disco. Should be interesting. I think I may just ask them to bombard me with requests.
The wedding I did tonight was a stormer. It was absolutely spot on from the first dance onwards and I was on the ball all night. The venue owner asked me for my details afterwards as did a couple of guests yet I have come away from it quite peeved off to be honest due to one comment AFTER I had finished and was packing up.
The father of the groom came up to me whilst a couple of guests were giving me positive feedback and he didn't seem too happy at all.
"You didn't play 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' - why not?" He said.
"Erm, sorry" I replied..."Was I supposed to?"
Before I had a chance to check the pre-requests list that the Bride & Groom had given me that guests and family had requested, He butted in again...."And you never played 'Our House' either!".
I replied.."Our House by Crosby, Stills & Nash or Our House by Madness?"
"You didn't play either!" He said "But I wanted to hear Crosby, Stills & Nash".
It was so frustrating. I tried to tell him in the nicest possible way that they weren't on the list and that I had been asking people to request songs all night (like I usually do) but he wouldn't listen at all. He just kept ranting as I started packing up the rest of the stuff. A friend of his took him away and then came back over to apologise and said "Sorry about that, he's been sat there all evening waiting to hear it". I explained that I wasn't a mind reader and it was not my fault that it wasn't on the list.
The Bride and Groom left the venue just after Midnight to go to their hotel and the Disco finished at 12.30am and he waited until I was packing away to have a go at me.
I had a brilliant night as did 99.999% of the guests but those comments have spoilt it for me.