...cringing both for, and with, the band...

...years ago, I sniffed with derisive pleasure, both at known and "unknown" bands I felt weren't worthy of attention, until a good friend of mine, let's call him "Gordie", clued me in to a few things...
...first, and foremost, that if a band, ANY band, can get a record deal, and tour for several months, they must have at least some talent, even if their style isn't particularly to one's liking. Now, having been in bands for years, I tend to agree. Rock N' Roll's a Hard Life, as the song goes, and its true. I give full credit to those who willingly endure poverty, humiliation, and frustration to make a go of it, at least. Personally, I will never give up my day job, and that's why I clap for the band--any band. Gordie also reminded me what fortitude (natural or otherwise) it takes to get up onstage, not to mention do it for ten, twelve nights in a row--perhaps to the bar staff only, or groups of smug hipsters (guilty!) who do nothing but cross their arms and sneer into their ironic brand beer. It's a wonder why there aren't more stories about bands (perhaps like the one pictured above) who suddenly snap and "go postal" on an unsuspecting audience, before heading for the promoter...
..which is why I *always* pay cover. I put the "always" in stars because I don't believe in absolutes. Naturally, if I were ever offered free tickets to see a band I was interested in, I would *never* say no, but normally, I pony up at the door. In my experience, many times a group of local bands seem to have trouble getting the idea across that there is a cover, regardless of how small. Also, some bars are indeed regular haunts for people who have no real interest in paying for music, let alone listening to it. Mostly, they are left alone, for health and safety reasons. More than once I have been "waved in" at these places, but consider it a point of pride to pay cover--after all, buying, repairing, and hauling gear is not cheap, and neither is recording and pressing CDs, or printing T-Shirts for that matter. All told, I supposes I have a certain sympathy, having shared many of unfortunate experiences...
...which is why I sometimes feel an emphatic tug at my heartstrings when I see a band having problems on stage, in particular, fellow guitarists. A broken string, I can feel in my bones--even worse, when a screw comes out of a strap lock unexpectedly, and the neck crashes to the ground. Just typing that made me feel edgy. A shorting-out amplifier is also a no-win situation, making me wish that I carried one around for just such occasions. I like to be helpful when possible..Less tangible, but no less humiliating is an entire audience booing you, and calling for your removal from stage because the simply don't like you (on a mismatched bill--four thrash metal bands and a synth duo), or they want to get you "over with" so the headliner can come on. Again, it takes cojones to stand it front of that...and then to possibly be greeted with the classic "We were going to pay you, but you broke something of the club's on stage that happens to be of the exact same value..so, we're even", and then maybe a warm OV, before loading your gear into a decomposing van that has been stolen/ towed away..
..but, we still do it...grind on, fellow minstrels, grind on...I feel for you, and with you, brothers and sisters...and once again, thanks to Gordie for opening my mind and ears...who am I to be critical...?