Interesting takes on drinking and playing or playing and drinking. It is interesting to hear what everyone thinks in this respect.
RUI ...I think your viewpoints on this have credence and I agree although of course there are many various situations which arise. I am impressed by your bringing up the moral issue re playing and promoting drinking. I think it depends upon the individual but I can not dispute what you state re promoting drinking. Some religions find this unacceptable and if a musician is of that religion then they should accept the circumstances. Of course most do not.
Sex and Drugs and Roll and Roll have long been firmly associated with one another. When I was first in bands which were "Cover Bands" playing bars, lounges and parties, there was alot of all three and to be honest I was considered a prude being an innocent "Farm Lad" from Nebraska. I did not do one night stands like the others nor did i get drunk or drink whilst gigging as a Vocalist I found it severely affected my voice. There was drinking at rehearsals and some drugs which I did my best to ignore. Eventually I succumbed to a one night stand and lost my virginity but I did not pursue such. I have never done any drugs, smoked cigs or pot but grew up drinking at home. My Father always had a bar well stocked and after becoming a teenager i could just go make myself a drink if I wanted one. My school mates were amazed but when in High School I did not have to sneak away on some country road or barn to drink. I could hang out at home listening to music, talking or relaxing.
Later when I began managing my Bands and doing originals at Concerts in Festivals, Theatres and Halls. I have strict rules that all must agree to and sign. No drinking in rehearsals or shows until afterwards. No drugs before during or after. A long time ago I stopped playing stages in Bars and small venues. the nature of my works demands a large stage and proper Venue ... even out of doors. Because there is money involved then things are more serious. Also having dancers, actors and more professional venues makes for more serious concentration.
But at Theatre Vampier where we rehearsed our friends, wives and even some walk-ins would bring beer, wine and food whilst watching us. I never allowed any drugs or smoking . If someone wanted a cig then they had to go outside. All the rules were logical and therefore acceptable. At times children were even brought. Afterwards we would have a fire and sit around listening to our recording of the rehearsal and stop\start and discuss. These sessions werer of varying lengths and not mandantory. Pizzas at times were ordered or other fast food delivered.
For years now I have done this with no negative repercussions. Musicians in my bands always have a free 24 hr accessible and secure rehearsal space available to them. All the PR and Contract negotiations are done without cost to them. They play on proper stages with lighting, audio and video\photos. Everything must be memorized and played the same each time ... even leads. They can contribute in arrangement and some writing like bridges etc but accept that the final decision is always mine. They must ring if they are unable to make a scheduled rehearsal. After three infractions they are out. They are paid in percentages based upon how long they have been involved. The total of these percentages is what is left after cost. They have posters, articles and video\photos done and marketed at no cost to them.
They are told about all this up front and either accept or decline. Very few have declined because the alternative is much more expensive, time consuming, and on a level which is lower usually ... ie small bars etc. I guess I got a bit carried away and off the beer thing ... sorry.
RUI ...I think your viewpoints on this have credence and I agree although of course there are many various situations which arise. I am impressed by your bringing up the moral issue re playing and promoting drinking. I think it depends upon the individual but I can not dispute what you state re promoting drinking. Some religions find this unacceptable and if a musician is of that religion then they should accept the circumstances. Of course most do not.
Sex and Drugs and Roll and Roll have long been firmly associated with one another. When I was first in bands which were "Cover Bands" playing bars, lounges and parties, there was alot of all three and to be honest I was considered a prude being an innocent "Farm Lad" from Nebraska. I did not do one night stands like the others nor did i get drunk or drink whilst gigging as a Vocalist I found it severely affected my voice. There was drinking at rehearsals and some drugs which I did my best to ignore. Eventually I succumbed to a one night stand and lost my virginity but I did not pursue such. I have never done any drugs, smoked cigs or pot but grew up drinking at home. My Father always had a bar well stocked and after becoming a teenager i could just go make myself a drink if I wanted one. My school mates were amazed but when in High School I did not have to sneak away on some country road or barn to drink. I could hang out at home listening to music, talking or relaxing.
Later when I began managing my Bands and doing originals at Concerts in Festivals, Theatres and Halls. I have strict rules that all must agree to and sign. No drinking in rehearsals or shows until afterwards. No drugs before during or after. A long time ago I stopped playing stages in Bars and small venues. the nature of my works demands a large stage and proper Venue ... even out of doors. Because there is money involved then things are more serious. Also having dancers, actors and more professional venues makes for more serious concentration.
But at Theatre Vampier where we rehearsed our friends, wives and even some walk-ins would bring beer, wine and food whilst watching us. I never allowed any drugs or smoking . If someone wanted a cig then they had to go outside. All the rules were logical and therefore acceptable. At times children were even brought. Afterwards we would have a fire and sit around listening to our recording of the rehearsal and stop\start and discuss. These sessions werer of varying lengths and not mandantory. Pizzas at times were ordered or other fast food delivered.
For years now I have done this with no negative repercussions. Musicians in my bands always have a free 24 hr accessible and secure rehearsal space available to them. All the PR and Contract negotiations are done without cost to them. They play on proper stages with lighting, audio and video\photos. Everything must be memorized and played the same each time ... even leads. They can contribute in arrangement and some writing like bridges etc but accept that the final decision is always mine. They must ring if they are unable to make a scheduled rehearsal. After three infractions they are out. They are paid in percentages based upon how long they have been involved. The total of these percentages is what is left after cost. They have posters, articles and video\photos done and marketed at no cost to them.
They are told about all this up front and either accept or decline. Very few have declined because the alternative is much more expensive, time consuming, and on a level which is lower usually ... ie small bars etc. I guess I got a bit carried away and off the beer thing ... sorry.
Ta Live Well Die Well... sunt enim ultima tempora.
://outpost-of-exile.jimdo/
://outpost-of-exile.jimdo/
