Comments on: Stage Etiquette 101

By: Cai'lin

Cai'lin — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 06:26:28 +0000

I think one part of stage etiquette that also should be mentioned is keeping band politics OFF-stage. It’s a pretty uncomfortable scene when the audience can see tension within the band flourish during a set. Aside from it being uncomfortable, it’s also, in my opinion, EXTREMELY unprofessional. It sends a message out that as a band you can’t keep your shit together.
When you’re up there and you feel you need to chastise a bandmate for one reason or another, do a double-check of whether it can wait until AFTER the show. Chances are, it can wait. A common example of this is someone playing badly. It’s more than likely they KNOW they’re playing badly, and reminding them of it in the midst of things is only gonna make them play worse. You can assign them extra rehearsals AFTER you’re in the public eye. If, for some reason it can’t wait, be very subtle about it; Do it with a smile, and for the love of god do it away from the mic!
Secondly, I think it’s important to have one guy calling the shots if things go awry while you’re up there. It cuts down on people stepping on other peoples’ toes and unnecessarily butting heads. This also requires leaving your ego at the door.
I’m LOVING these articles Pam, keep em coming : o )

By: Devin Monster Sound Productions

Devin Monster Sound Productions — Fri, 15 May 2009 05:27:08 +0000

Great article. I have to agree with Jess.

I have a fair number of shows under my belt as a promoter. Some flops, some successes. The successes were always because the bands were professional and prompt, and listened to me (as promoter/stage manager) when I told them to get off the stage or last song was up.

Another point to add, though I don’t know if it’ll help, but VENUES need to be professional and courteous as well. I’ve held shows where the venue didn’t unlock their doors for bands to load in till 15 minutes before doors. This is extremely inconvenient for myself, all the bands involved, and the fans who are out front in the rain/snow/cold weather/whatever who have to wait out there longer because the venue sucks at keeping promises.

By: Amalgamated Beast

Amalgamated Beast — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:23:17 +0000

Too true – it makes a huge difference to how enjoyable a night is for everyone – bands and fans – when people keep to their times and get on and off quickly! P.S. The stage manager at the Siksika metalfest was a GOD.

By: Pamela Porosky

Pamela Porosky — Sat, 02 May 2009 19:29:22 +0000

Thanks for that insight, Jess! I think the most information bands can have, the more smoothly everything goes for everyone!

By: Jess Devil's Work Morrison

Jess Devil's Work Morrison — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:42:58 +0000

Great Article – to add something tho…as a band, ALWAYS know what spot you are playing! I myself as a promoter send out a detailed list of this kind of stuff weeks in advance so bands know what’s up. Don’t always assume that it is the order on the poster. Designers can fuck up and make mistakes on stuff like that. Make sure you know what spot is yours and what your time limit is IN ADVANCE of the show. Don’t assume one of your mates has that stuff figured, ask questions.

By: Denim : WFTB

Denim : WFTB — Fri, 01 May 2009 15:48:03 +0000

That was a great article. All true & good information.