Pet peeve # 437. Ok, I don't really keep a running tally of my pet peeves, but if I did, #437 would be bands that don't have a grasp (or sometimes even the first clue) on how to address and hold an audience. This is such a tricky topic, because there are no set rules, no set parameters for becoming 'one' with the audience. Sort of like answering the question 'What is jazz?' There is no perfect answer, but there are lots of things to think about. When I see a band, whether in the local juke joint or the Enormo-Dome, I find myself amazed time and time again at how a band forgets that the crowd is part of the show. When you are at the arena level, you had better be putting on a great audience-driven show, or else you won't be on tour for long. For the rest of us, maybe there are some things we can work on to make the local gig nicer for everybody. So the fans plunked down $5 to come see you. What are you going to do for them? I know - you are going to play your wonderful monster-chops licks, toss your girlfriend-cut hair around and show us all how your wonderful rendition of the bass breakdown in 'Brown-Eyed Girl' is better than any other. Now step back and ask yourself if this is what you want to see or, more importantly, what your audience wants to see? Try to see yourself from their point of view. That is the first step to connecting with the crowd. You have to lose some ego without losing integrity, and you have to know how to reach out to people. When I was younger, I swore that Bono looked past the other 20,000 people in the arena and looked right at me. I know he did. What are you looking at while on stage? The floor? The clock? Your neck? (Shame on you for all three). Even if you don't have a mic, you need to connect with your fans. Don't be scared to look up and act like you're having a good time - even if you're not. Flirt if you want, but that's your business. I find that the players that are balanced - comfortable on-stage, smiling, and genuinely happy to be alive are the most enjoyable to watch. I know you are sick of playing that song again - whatever song that is - well, here's the harsh news: If you don't like it, go home. Someone else is right behind you that will play that song and be happy to be doing it. Smile and relax. It's better than working. The person most 'in charge' of creating a rapport with the audience, of course, is the lead singer. He is your spokesperson on-stage, so respect that. The singer needs to talk to the crowd the right way, and about the right things. If needed, work out ahead of time things to say, and when to say them. It's a skill you will learn, in time, so don't get frustrated if the words aren't as smooth as they can be. I love singers that pick out audience members and talk with them. Not to put them down, but just to say a sort of thanks for appreciating what is happening on stage. Another tip: Just because you have a microphone, it doesn't mean you have to use it. Nothing is more irritating than a band where every person on stage decides to talk between songs. I am not saying don't talk, but rather just fill the holes when necessary. If your singer breaks a string, jump in and take charge, but with tact. 'The singer broke his G-string on his guitar. Any ladies want to repeat the act?' Come on, guys, it's been done. And taking care of the bartenders and waitresses is very nice, but find a better way to say it, or just say it once or twice. I saw a band that said it no less than twenty times, for lack of anything else to talk about. You have a thousand things to promote, but again, just saying 'We have stuff for sale somewhere in the bar' is not going to win anybody over. Another faux pas I always see is a lead singer who puts down his band members on the mic. There is a line, and more often than not, it is crossed. Example: The guitar player has a technical problem, and the lead singer wants to start the song. Lead singer says "We'll start up as soon as Bobby gets his stuff together. It's always these guitar players…" The singer thinks he's being funny, but he's taking a dig, however lighthearted it sounds, at one of his guys. If there is a technical problem that may be a minute, tell a story. Promote the new CD. Talk about the show last night and how you got stuck in the middle of nowhere afterwards. This is really psychological, but showing your weaknesses and that you are human gives the audience something to relate to. Just don't call out your band members, no matter how mad you are at them. A couple more things to think about: Don't yell when talking will do. Unless you are in the stadium. But even then it's ok to use a softer tone. Remember you are trying to communicate with the audience, so address them, don't scold them. Another tip: Know your audience, and adjust accordingly. If you are at a VFW with the band, don't curse up the same storm you would at the fraternity house. If you are in a resort town, there's going to be children around somewhere. Be nice. So go play your shows, talk to your fans, and make them feel like they are part of the band as well. As I always say, be nice and everything finds a nice way of working itself out. And of course, don't forget to tip your …. soundmen. Gotcha. See you on the road. |