Open Letter From Bar Owner to Musicians

Bill McCloskey · Post by **Bill McCloskey** » 13 May 2013 5:04 pm

oh, and of course the number one reason of all to buy a bar: I'm an alcoholic!

Leslie Ehrlich · Post by **Leslie Ehrlich** » 14 May 2013 2:55 am

Makes me glad I don't try to make any money at playing music. That's too depressing.

I like to get out and play once in while, but it's just for fun.

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 14 May 2013 6:38 am

Even though club owners are often poor businessmen and rude idiots, they do provide the venue for us to do what we love. That said, they are one of the main reasons I left the music business as my primary income source.

Owners hire us to enhance their business, and I always feel that obligation at any club date. My job is to entertain so that more food and booze is sold. If that's not happening because of the band, than I'm not holding up my end of the bargain. I personally consider myself fortunate to be able to play 70% of what the audience wants in exchange for 30% of the tunes that I truly want to do, because clubs exist to turn a profit for their owners. They are not merely a public service. If I find the gig too miserable, I just never book it again.

For all those that hate "selling alcohol" their are other venues too choose from (e.g. church, casuals etc).

Gene Jones · Post by **Gene Jones** » 14 May 2013 9:22 am

I always tried to cooperate with bar owners trying to build their business, but for too many times I witnessed bar owners shucking the bands who had hung in with him while building the customer base, and then hiring a band from a competing club who had a better following.

It's a cut-throat business!

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 16 May 2013 5:03 pm

Anyone who trys to make money at a bar as opposed to a bar/resturaunt is foolish. Also, as a band, if you can't attract 23 year old women to come and see you, you are not going to be very successful. Showing up fat, bald, unrehearsed, in sneakers, a baseball cap, carrying your Guitar Center Cherry Burst Les Paul is also a losing proposition.

Joe Casey · Post by **Joe Casey** » 17 May 2013 5:16 am

I have found club owners to be honest, generous, and trust worthy .

When they told me stick with them,they just couldn't pay much at the moment but when they start to make it they will make it up,

You could take that to the bank.

When they told me they loved Country Music I believed them even with a Jukebox full of acid rock songs and an old Hank Williams song.

Whats not to like?

Doug Palmer · Post by **Doug Palmer** » 17 May 2013 7:08 am

Just speaking from my local experience, several decades ago there were clubs with live music 7 nights a week. Friday and Saturday were the big nights, always packed. Wednesday and Sunday nights were pretty good,too. Lots of bands were around - not just country, but top 40, beach and rock. Two things happened that changed all of that. The drinking age went to 21, and DUI laws became very strict. The clubs lost the young people, and the over 21's don't drink much if they are driving. DJ's have also taken a toll on live bands, but back to the original thread. If you have a gig, play and dress to your audience. The old formula still works, if the ladies come out the men will be there. It's not so much about talent as it is being smart.

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 17 May 2013 7:32 am

Kevin Hatton wrote:...Showing up fat, bald, unrehearsed, in sneakers, a baseball cap, carrying your Guitar Center Cherry Burst Les Paul is also a losing proposition.

I'm pretty sure the jist of the article is that the Bar owner doesn't care about any of this if you put money in the Till, and that bands like this bring better cash generating audiences than better bands.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 17 May 2013 9:14 pm

I agree with you Doug. Here in N.Y. they are getting ready to further lower the blood alcohol legal limit after too many late night car crashes. (2) drinks for a women would put them over the limit. No women, no bar business. I would not invest in a bar anytime soon. You must have a resturaunt.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 19 May 2013 9:15 am

I get the sloppy dress and grungy appearance, but I don't understand the Les Paul comment. Man, I'd love to have a Cherry Gibson Les Paul, no matter where it comes from.

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 19 May 2013 10:08 am

Kevin Hatton wrote:I agree with you Doug. Here in N.Y. they are getting ready to further lower the blood alcohol legal limit after too many late night car crashes. (2) drinks for a women would put them over the limit. No women, no bar business. I would not invest in a bar anytime soon. You must have a resturaunt.

Kevin,that initiative is on a national level as well-I think from the NTSB.There's some pushback from restaurant owners,so it may not happen this year.When (or if) it does,it'll make things even worse for bar-band players.

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 19 May 2013 10:52 am

Kevin,that initiative is on a national level as well-I think from the NTSB.There's some pushback from restaurant owners,so it may not happen this year.When (or if) it does,it'll make things even worse for bar-band players.

Dave, things could get worse?

Dave Hopping · Post by **Dave Hopping** » 19 May 2013 12:03 pm

Y'know what they say,Barry:

"It's always darkest before things turn completely black"

The Steel Guitar Forum

Open Letter From Bar Owner to Musicians

Demise of Clubs