weekendwarriors

I had the opportunity to sit in with Fat Chance for a wedding at the Wellers Hill Bowls Club last night. This review is not so much about the music, but about the gig. All aspiring bands please take note: this is how the real world is...

I arrived at 1630; Mike had already set up the PA. The stage was an OK size but the large upright piano that had wheels but would not budge ate into our space a bit. The plan was an acoustic set while the guests ate, then 3 dance sets with the bridal waltz (shuffle) to open.

Then the bad news: we had to keep the volume down to 72dB 4 metres from the PA speakers due to complaints from nearby residents (as in Resident Evil!). Luckily no-one had a sound level meter, but it translated to 'pretty quiet' according to the manager. David had brought his special (loud) kit so he was a bit disappointed, as were we all - we wanted to cut loose later. Still, Rule One is don't upset management so we turned everything down even before we switched on. The room was rectangular with a wood floor and glass down both sides and the back. It reminded me of the echo chamber at Abbey Road.

There was no MC (master of ceremonies for the youngies) so the formalities happened whenever someone thought of them. We were asked to announce that the meals were being served. We were not asked but did announce the cutting of the cake because they just started and many guests did not realise.

We were asked to grab our meals but we said we were about to play. They said the meals would be unavailable soon so we grabbed some and left them to cool while we played our first set.

OK, let's talk about the music: we had been playing background music through the PA at a low volume and it was being ignored by the guests. We got up and played similar music eg The Rose, Love Me Tender, Burn at a similar volume: and people listened, applauded each song and came to us after the set to compliment us. I'm not saying we were fantastic (although we were pretty good, as you would know if you ever heard Jools and Cyn sing together) but we were live, and that is the difference. No matter how good midi-based music is, there is a magic about live music that cannot be replaced. I know many bands have been replaced with duos, but it is not an exact replacement - some of the magic has gone. Anyhow, we finished the set and ate our meals.

By now we realised that the whole night had come off the rails. The bride and groom were having a great time chatting and the crowd were loud. I reckon they might have exceeded the sound limit (but the manager had become a bit more relaxed).

We started our first dance set with the bride's requested song 'Over the Rainbow' then kept playing. We were at full strength and the songs on the set list were similar to the first set. Rule Two: if they're dancing, give them dance music. We had to grab stuff from the next set as the crowd got into the music. It was great! We were not very loud but we were letting go a bit and we fed off the crowd and everything just worked. Yes there were still a few challenges (a song was announced that I had not rehearsed! Luckily I had a fair idea and we got away with it.

This is the best time on stage: you know what you are doing so you can relax, you can see that you are delighting the audience and that feedback is lifting you to even greater things. It's why I play!

It was a long set but we closed it and took a break. Many thanks from the crowd, several very nice compliments, a cool drink (iced water) and after about 20 minutes we got up to finish the night. And then the bad news: the police were here because of the noise...

It turned out to be a council officer but it was just as bad. He had the manager quaking in his boots and he came to the stage as we played and made that sign: drop the volume. So we did. He made the sign again... and again. Just as I was thinking of switching off he walked away. Our volume was about the same as it had been for the acoustic set. The audience were dancing but the heart had gone from the evening. To be fair, quite a few guests had left by this time, but I am sure the last set could have been a ripper if we had not been so constrained volumewise. Let me say this: we finished the night with 'Johhny B. Goode' played at the volume of 'Girl from Ipanema'.

So there it is: a real band at a real gig. Nowhere near perfect, but we rolled with the punches and still managed to wow the crowd. And we had a ball as well; that could be the best part. No, playing was the best part, that's why we had a ball.

And by the way, You can catch Fat Chance at Arana Hills on March 22nd. I'll be there in the audience as they don't need me for that gig, but I like their sound anyway. See you there.

Cheers

You have hit it on the head Big Al, we play music because it is fun and we get a buz out of people have a great time. Rock on and enjoy it mate.

BlackMaster
Keep on Rockin

Hey Big Al


That's one of the best stories I've heard for a while and I am certain that many of us can relate to it.

I remember very well, an outdoor gig at the Innisfail Show Grounds to raise money for the local 'Miss Australia Charity Queen" entrant.

Despite sound problems and a few dickheads in the audience, we managed to do a great set finishing on Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke" which was huge with the punters.

The time came for the "Charity Queen" to make her way onto the back of a semi trailer ( our stage) when she was attacked by a vicious Drake.

Anybody who knows anythng about ducks etc will tell you that once they start "Pecking" they simply won't stop.

Needless to say her "Creation" was covered in mud and she was in tears.

Ditto the "Fat Chance" who are in their realm with the soul, r & b, motown stuff as I'm looking forward to hearing them again on Sunday when they will be in Top Form.

I wonder if they'll play "Smooth Operator" ?

Cheers

Hi there Sax!

Must admit I've heard roadies called quite a few different names in my time (all unflattering) but have never heard them referred to as "vicious Drakes" ... and only "a few dickheads in the crowd"? sounds like the gig from heaven . Have a great Easter and will try and catch up with you at Arana sometime in the future.

hdo

Hey HDO

Why not reveal your identity this Sunday April 26th @ "Rock Arana". We have pulled out all the stops to make sure that all three bands sound great with some new FOH speakers + sub woofer. Our "Adam" will be doing the sound and we are determined not to let all those 'Arana Meat Trays" get in the road of any band completing their sets.

The mamas will be humpin' and the bands be pumpin' HDO, so you might honour us all with your presence.

The show is being videotaped so remember to smile for the camera and wear your best T-Shirt.

Cheers

Yeah it sounds like there were some nasty little gremlins in the system last time the bands played there so pumping up the front of house a bit should hopefully fix the problem. Club raffles ... don't you just love 'em?

My presence ... an honour? Wow! Usually when i present myself anywhere people whisper stuff like "oh well there goes the neighbourhood" or they enquire into how long i'll be staying

Humpin' mammas?? This gig is G rated ... right?

Ok will wear my T-shirt that says 'Doesn't Play Well With Others'

hdo

Well HDO

You seem to be an international man of mystery....the local version of "James Boag" in the Warrior Fraternity.

Why didn't you reveal your identity on Sunday ?

Or will "The Healer" go to his grave pondering the eternal question of HDO's true identity.

Just like the monolith in 2001: A Space Odyssey, your origin and purpose, is still a complete mystery ( except for a very powerful radio emission aimed directly at Bob in Undie Wood).

As luck would have it, a nine volt battery in Noel's bass delayed our set and a few punters left before we could get into it ...alas, that's life I suppose.

Look forward to a review of all three bands by somebody else.

Cheers