Playing out in my day / my story

[nubdrummer]

When I played out regularly over 30 years ago the live music scene in the Tri-State area was starting to wind down. For 2 years we played up to 4 nights a week all in local clubs within a 20 mile radius from where we lived. We arrived at each gig about 6 PM, loaded in, set up and played three 45 minute sets starting at 10:30 with 15 minute breaks in between. At one point we had a truck, a sound man and 2 roadies, who we paid $50 and $25 a night respectively, so we started each gig $100 in the hole. We typically played for the door and at $2 admission we barely broke even sometimes. During this period I was also attending college full time, many times just getting home in time to turn around and go to class. After a while we were pretty burnt out, but I'm glad I had that experience and wouldn't change a thing if given a chance.

[NPYYZ]

In this picture, see that wooden thing on the right in front of the keyboard player? That was an upright piano, it was very heavy.

[pastor_bob]

NPYYZ, that must have been a monster to move. How many guys did it take to get it on stage?

[NPYYZ]

NPYYZ, that must have been a monster to move. How many guys did it take to get it on stage?

Fortunately it was on wheels so we ended up building a ramp so we could push it up on stage, that still took 3 of us. We played a club in New Hampshire called The Ranger Club, it was down a long flight of stairs to the club. Going down wasn't to bad but getting that thing back up those stairs was not fun at all. One step at a time. 4 guys two on each end.

[EddieV]

Fortunately it was on wheels so we ended up building a ramp so we could push it up on stage, that still took 3 of us. We played a club in New Hampshire called The Ranger Club, it was down a long flight of stairs to the club. Going down wasn't to bad but getting that thing back up those stairs was not fun at all. One step at a time. 4 guys two on each end.

How often did you have to tune it?

Our Keyboard player had to have his Baby Grand tuned once a month.

[Ricardo]

In this picture, see that wooden thing on the right in front of the keyboard player? That was an upright piano, it was very heavy.

Awesome pic !
Reminds me of the day.
Me and the keyboard player hated the guitar and bass players............they would tune and plug in in 10 minutes and be ready to go.
Keyboards and drums are always a real pain to set up and be ready to go.

[EddieV]

Awesome pic !
Reminds me of the day.
Me and the keyboard player hated the guitar and bass players............they would tune and plug in in 10 minutes and be ready to go.
Keyboards and drums are always a real pain to set up and be ready to go.

That still hasn't changed...........

[NPYYZ]

How often did you have to tune it?

Our Keyboard player had to have his Baby Grand tuned once a month.

Our keyboard player tuned it himself. Can't remember how often but I do remember seeing and hearing him do it.

[rickthedrummer]

I miss the gigs themselves. The before and after, not at all, and for the last 20-odd years, we had roadies. Most of them were not experienced roadies, but rather young guys that thought it would be exciting to travel with a band.

They were paid a nominal amount to basically lug the equipment and get it in position on-stage. After that, the bass player and keyboard player did the rest. I always set my drums up (there would be no Portnoy hissy fits) so I knew that they were where and how I wanted them.

It was good times, but now, I am sooooooooooooooooooooo enjoying my retirement.