Questions for Those who play in bands

[ArnelRox]

I can't sleep so my brain is working maybe weirdly. Anyway, I was wondering about a few things & would appreciate answers from those that play in bands. I know there are many of u here.

1. How much of an effect does the audience's enthusiasm have on ur performance? I noticed JSS telling the guy to get off the phone in the boot Dean gave us & several people said that guy was just chatting away in the front row. Is this really bothersome to see? If the crowd is into u, do u perform better?

2. I think most bands seem more energized when the crowd in front of them is standing up dancing, enjoying the show. I always get mad when I'm in the front few rows and lame asses are sitting down quietly Do u prefer to have those folks in the front standing up? Or doesn't it matter one way or the other?

3. I am probably imagining it but...I often go to see the same bands year after year & sit in the front rows. I have felt like band members recognized me & smiled/nodded to me. My friends say this is insane because bands play at so many places half the time they barely remember what city they're in. They would not recognize/remember one face from another. I've also been told the bright lights onstage prevent them for really seeing anyone in the crowd. Do u recognize faces at all?

Thanks.

[McNeil]

I can't sleep so my brain is working maybe weirdly. Anyway, I was wondering about a few things & would appreciate answers from those that play in bands. I know there are many of u here.

1. How much of an effect does the audience's enthusiasm have on ur performance? I noticed JSS telling the guy to get off the phone in the boot Dean gave us & several people said that guy was just chatting away in the front row. Is this really bothersome to see? If the crowd is into u, do u perform better?

2. I think most bands seem more energized when the crowd in front of them is standing up dancing, enjoying the show. I always get mad when I'm in the front few rows and lame asses are sitting down quietly Do u prefer to have those folks in the front standing up? Or doesn't it matter one way or the other?

3. I am probably imagining it but...I often go to see the same bands year after year & sit in the front rows. I have felt like band members recognized me & smiled/nodded to me. My friends say this is insane because bands play at so many places half the time they barely remember what city they're in. They would not recognize/remember one face from another. I've also been told the bright lights onstage prevent them for really seeing anyone in the crowd. Do u recognize faces at all?

Thanks.

Audience enthusiasm is absolutely of paramount importance.

1 Its a direct feed off their energy and enthusiasm. A full house and a noisy crowd is what we want. Having said that..if yr a pro... you can still create a "mask" by which a small disinterested audience will still see almost exactly the same enthusiasm level from you, even though inside, you are mentally working out what you need to buy when next you visit the supermarket!!

2 doesnt matter one way or another.... as long as they put their hands together between songs...and look happy..nowt worse than a rude audience... who talk as you play, or turn their backs to the stage

3 .... Wishful thinking on yr part I suspect, unless your are Deano, and have personally serviced band members orally and anally (sorry..couldnt resist it) I doubt they can even remember the next verse and chorus. never mind your face from 9 months ago!!

[Wally_Hatchet]

1 - YES!

2 - YES!

3- I RARELY NOTICE ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE, BUT THEN AGAIN I TEND NOT TO LOOK
AROUND MUCH WHILE PLAYING - I AM EASILY DISTRACTED.

[fred_journeyman]

If the crowd isn't getting into it, it's much more difficult for me as a drummer to get into it. Their excitement translates to my increased energy.

If a guy was on the phone, maybe he was talking to someone about the concert! I've been to concerts where I've called someone and said "Hey, listen to THIS!"

- Fred

[brywool]

1. How much of an effect does the audience's enthusiasm have on ur performance?

A lot. You definitely have more energy with a better crowd. I think Jss's comment was just a joke. That would tell me that the crowd was probably pretty good!

2. I think most bands seem more energized when the crowd in front of them is standing up dancing, enjoying the show. I always get mad when I'm in the front few rows and lame asses are sitting down quietly Do u prefer to have those folks in the front standing up? Or doesn't it matter one way or the other?

Dancing, but I'm in a bar band...

3. I am probably imagining it but...I often go to see the same bands year after year & sit in the front rows. I have felt like band members recognized me & smiled/nodded to me. My friends say this is insane because bands play at so many places half the time they barely remember what city they're in. They would not recognize/remember one face from another. I've also been told the bright lights onstage prevent them for really seeing anyone in the crowd. Do u recognize faces at all?

Thanks.

Yes. I can NEVER remember names though.

[TRAGChick]

I can't sleep so my brain is working maybe weirdly. Anyway, I was wondering about a few things & would appreciate answers from those that play in bands. I know there are many of u here.

1. How much of an effect does the audience's enthusiasm have on ur performance? I noticed JSS telling the guy to get off the phone in the boot Dean gave us & several people said that guy was just chatting away in the front row. Is this really bothersome to see? If the crowd is into u, do u perform better?

Audience participation is EVERYTHING!! It makes you want to work THAT MUCH HARDER - because what you love to do is really being appreciated.

2. I think most bands seem more energized when the crowd in front of them is standing up dancing, enjoying the show. I always get mad when I'm in the front few rows and lame asses are sitting down quietly Do u prefer to have those folks in the front standing up? Or doesn't it matter one way or the other?

See above.

3. I am probably imagining it but...I often go to see the same bands year after year & sit in the front rows. I have felt like band members recognized me & smiled/nodded to me. My friends say this is insane because bands play at so many places half the time they barely remember what city they're in. They would not recognize/remember one face from another. I've also been told the bright lights onstage prevent them for really seeing anyone in the crowd. Do u recognize faces at all?

Well, TRAG still does not have a following, so can't help ya there....

But yeah...the lights are really bright...you can't see people, but you can "feel" them...It's hard to explain...

Thanks.

No problem.