In Support Of Live Music

I've long suggested that people support live music. Without the support of the 'fans', it'll fade away. That said, allow me to address a serious issue with live music. Promoters.

I swear, there should be a test/licensing involved in becoming a concert promoter! I haven't met many that have the intelligence beyond that of a hydrocephalic spider monkey. At least not locally.

I had planned to go to see former Wall of Voodoo singer Stan Ridgway last night at a SMALL bar here in town. I've played this joint numerous times over the years and I'll tell ya, its a nice place. When I got there, I see the poster on the door and the promoter is charging $23 a head! First off...WEIRD price! Why not just make it $25? The section of town this bar is in is pretty low rent/blue collar. People want to go out and have some drinks and a bit of fun. They do NOT want to drop $20+ just walking in the door. (this ain't NYC or LA!) Factor in having a few drinks....and if you're with a date, double everything. This fun night out has just increased to at least a $100. Hopefully you ate dinner at home.

This is not in anyway putting down Stan Ridgway or any musician. We're all worth what we're worth and touring costs money. Travel expenses, hotels, meals, tour insurance, etc. The artist hopes to make their money from fees and merchandise sales. Stan writes some good stuff...even if he's best remembered for "Mexican Radio". Reality is, that was over a quarter century ago. The average bar patron around here is going to view him as a one hit wonder...at best.

The problem goes back squarely to the promoter. The promoter's job is to book the artist and place them in an appropriate venue, advertise the show and collect the money. As for advertising, there wasn't much...at least that I knew of! I heard about the show word of mouth. I'm not a huge fan but figured what the heck...dude is in town, its not far from home, how much could be? I flat out refused to pay $23 just on principal. Its a bar gig for Pete's sake! I'm sure Mr. Ridgway has a set fee for Saturday nights and hopefully he got paid his due...but the promoter should've used some common sense and either booked this show in a larger venue or negotiated for a lower fee commensurate with venue size and potential crowd expectation.

In short, if you're going to book a show...research it! Will this artist draw a crowd? If you're unsure, do everything in your power to attract the potential crowd. That way, the next time that artist comes around, those people will be back and probably bring their friends with them...guaranteeing (you guessed it) MORE MONEY! If you're calling yourself a promoter, PROMOTE! Slapping up a couple posters here & there doesn't cut it. Make sure the press is all over it and make sure its advertised HEALTHILY on radio (internet too). I usually have the radio on at work, tuned to the local station that would put Stan Ridgway into its rotation, especially knowing he had an upcoming gig here. Not once did I hear one of his songs or mention of the show. BAD PROMOTER!!!!! Grease a few palms if you have to!

Pittsburgh "promoters" are notorious for these types of shenanigans. I remember the last time The Blasters were in town. Mike Elko (pure evil if there ever was!) booked them at The Rex theater and the only reason I knew about it was a friend had an art opening across the street and I'd seen a poster at The Rex the day before! The turnout was "ok", probably due in part to me calling about 50 people and telling them! None had known The Blasters had a show booked! Most made it to the show I might add. The Blasters were less than thrilled with the evening...although they put on as good a show as I've ever seen them play. Just shows what a bunch of real pros they are!

Pittsburgh's "promoters" are a lazy bunch...all hoping to make a quick buck. They don't realize that its a JOB and requires WORK on their part. Everyone needs to be paid. The venue needs to make it's money as does the artist (and opening act if applicable). Sure, it's a lot of work. But then again, no one forced anyone to become a concert promoter. The economy is rough but people still want to be entertained. Work with what you have. If, as a promoter, you can't make a show affordable, you may have to pass on it. Sad but true.

I'm sure this blog will do lots to bolster my popularity with the local promoters! But then again, I made it around the world without their help. I hope that those who went to the Stan Ridgway show had a blast. I'm sure he put on a good show. I just wasn't going to pay "this certain promoter" for his lack of work ethic. Its the principal of it....

Another year....

It's been another year since it happened. I thought after all these years it would get easier. It hasn't. If anything, I've merely grown accustomed to the hole in my life without you. I still get angry at the fuckers that you took you and so many others. Some days I can just about contain the anger...then I think of your smile and I'm "ok" again for awhile.

I think I've changed alot since I lost you. I think you'd love me even more (if that's possible). I think you'd be proud of how I handle things these days. I guess you could say I've "mellowed". I have to wonder what you'd be like today. I wonder what would have become of "us". I still think of you on your birthday. Hell, I still think about you almost everyday. I've got cancer again...I'm glad you don't have to go through that with me...you know what a младенец I can be when I'm sick. LOL

It amazes me how much I still miss you...even after all we went through. You still invade my dreams and my music. I can still feel your presence even after 9 years. While I'm still sad, I smile knowing that we were such large parts of each other's lives. I remember how we couldn't stand each other when we first met. I remember calling you an annoying bitch and you calling me an arrogant bastard. I remember seeing you at the party that changed our lives. I was leaving and you asked for a ride. I still think you deliberately got us lost just so you could spend more time with me! LOL I wonder how many more memories we could have made together.

My hair is going gray. I remember when I got my first gray hairs...and you pointed them out while we were driving after a rainstorm. Then the big truck came along and drenched you! LOL I always swore you caused my gray hairs...but it was funny seeing karma come along and drench you with puddle water! LOL The look on your face was priceless...and yet still absolutely beautiful. Even with your hair soaked and your wee bit of makeup all smeared, you were still the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.

There's someone in my life now. You'd like her. Who knows, maybe you had something to do with us finding each other. Wouldn't be the first time, would it? LOL Damn...I still laugh and smile when I think of you. What a beautiful way to memorialize someone!

The anniversary of your murder still gets people riled up. This year, some idiot preacher wanted to burn Korans. When will people learn? Aggression just begets more aggression. I've been studying Buddhism lately...and I think that despite your loathing of all things "religious", that you'd appreciate the sentiments of this particular faith. It's very "you".

Namaste my love. I'll see you when I close my eyes.

M

Zealotry

There are 2 kinds of religious zealots in the world. Those who are in it for their own selfish actions (mostly seeking attention) and those who mean it. That said, this weekend could get very ugly for Americans globally if the fools of The Dove World Outreach Center start burning Korans.

Muslim zealots are serious. They take their beliefs serious enough to die for them. I've yet to meet an American religious nut serious enough to do it. They might miss something on TV!

Pastor Terry Jones exemplifies the worst of America; small minded, mean, disrespectful and ultimately every bit as dangerous as his Muslim counterparts. To even think about burning a Koran, Bible, etc...is just downright wrong. While one may not believe in the teachings, there are others that do and to destroy a symbol of one's faith is not only disrespectful, it's downright evil.

FACT: The Bible and the Koran were both written by men. They have many similar stories. There is yet to be any documented physical historical facts on either Jesus of Nazareth or Mohamed. That's where FAITH comes in. Either you believe or you don't. Sure, there have been, over the years, many attempts at proving one or the other...but they never stand up to rigorous scientific examination. That said, I'm still a Christian. Like I said before...it's about faith.

Throughout the years, there has been a theory that all religions are based on the same principles...but the stories vary according to the locale of origin. Its social science and perception. The basics hold true to all. Be good! Don't hurt people! Don't lie! Don't steal! Don't cheat! Anyone who thinks the Christian Bible isn't mean and evil in parts has never read it. Same with the Koran. Again, both books have been translated and edited throughout history. Short of reading the original texts, we'll never know what they really say...or mean.

If you're a person of faith, do this: Pray that the evil sumbitches at the Dove World Outreach Center DON'T act the fool and burn anything. Pray that the Muslims of the world will understand that Terry Jones does NOT speak for the majority of America, only a very small, twisted group. If you're not a person of faith, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Be good to each other people. We're one species. And at the rate we're going, our days may be numbered! Mad love to you all!

M