Ryan's Gig Guide - November 2019

advertising the show then at least members of other bands can make up the audience numbers. Bands burdened with a bad slot or a poorly attended gig might impress a promoter by hanging around for the remainder of the event; creating potential to negotiate an improved slot for a different show or even fill in and play a second time during theAll-Dayer if an act pulls out last minute (Of course, bands cancelling a show last minute is mere fiction). All-Dayer Arrival and Leaving Times Problems are likely to transpire if booked acts all decide to make an appearance at the venue five minutes before their scheduled set time and then promptly escape straight after playing; thus never meeting, hearing or networking with their fellow performers. These attitudes to arrival and leaving times may create future divisions and feuds between bands or shrink the significance of the event; especially if it’s raising money for an important charity. It could be argued that promoters insisting acts arrive at the beginning of all day events is chaotic and unnecessary but it can serve as an effective way of encouraging the entire band roster to be supportive of each other with a combined show of presence; except for the headliner who’ll likely show up when they feel like it because they’re probably the only band being paid. Equipment Needed for the All-Dayer. A basic back line of music equipment, provided by the event organiser or the headliner,that all the artists are allowed to share and reshape is the perfect All-Dayer stage management scenario; instead there becomes no room for the thirty six bass amplifiers delivered throughout the day by the thirty six uninformed bass players each all hoping for their mother to pick up their gear the following morning. Ensuring that there is at least one drum shell, bass and guitar amplifier plus a microphone with a stand from the start of the event to the end is one of the main concerns for an organiser. Blu tack, drawing pins or sticky tape are also an ultimate necessity to bring with you on the day as you’ll need it to hang up the massive pile of event posters that were meant to go up four weeks beforehand. That’s all for the wisdom I can muster this month. If you do want a serious long term career in music then I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading this column every month. Until next time; begone. Nick J Townsend is the frontman and guitarist for British band Weak13. An experienced Underground musician and music promoter, film producer, all round good guy & supporter of original music. www.ryansgigguide.com rgg Nov 2019 33