Category Archives: Uncategorized

More on Obama and Benghazi…

President Obama maybe in hot water right now for the attacks of Benghazi, but one thing I don’t get is how could one person still be silent after all the heated backlash he’s getting from the people? If so many people were hating on you for doing something bad, wouldn’t you want to respond to them? Come forward with information? Maybe give yourself up or even try to defend yourself? President Obama refuses to do all that stuff. The President is getting so much disrespect. The more he continues to stay silent about Benghazi, the more it shows that he’s all about power & greed. Why doesn’t he appear on television to tell America the truth which the people have been begging him to do for a long time? I think the only reason that Obama continues to stay silent about it ’cause he knows it’s gonna get him impeached. He knows he’s gonna suffer some harsh consequences, and he knows he’ll be in deep shit.

Sure enough, there are gonna be a handful of people who think Obama is innocent. Not only the supporters, even some anti-Obama people think he’s innocent as well. Some anti-Obama people claim they hate Obama, yet, they continue to defend him for whatever reason. Then they compare Obama to George W. Bush, claiming George W. is much worse. If people really feel that way, then they are traitors of America. This is not about George W. Bush or any other Presidents. Yes, I agree, other Presidents can be no different than Obama. Other Presidents have done much worse, but I find it idiotic how the people try to defend Obama by saying other Presidents did similar things. It’s just shows how they are not intelligent and shows they don’t know what the hell they are talking about. Want to know what I think about these people who compare Obama to other Presidents? They’re all hypocrites. Since they don’t like people saying how Obama is evil and all, they’re doing the same thing by accusing other Presidents of being evil. See, what I’m saying? I’m just making an observation here. Not afraid to say it. The Obama supporters or the anti-Obama people who continue to show him sympathy are just delusional people who need to wake up and look at reality.

It’s amazing to me how the attacks of Benghazi, is not good enough to show what kind of an evil son of a bitch, Obama really is. Obama is the commander in chief so that means he’s in charge of the US consulate in Libya. Obama calls the shots. He was the one who gave the orders of the military to not help the victims, and I also believe he was the one who ordered all those gunmen to attack the consulate, wouldn’t surprise me. He’s using Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice as protectors to help cover himself up.

Of course, this brings back memories to the Richard Nixon Watergate controversy. When Richard Nixon got busted for Watergate, he resigned just before he was getting ready to get impeached for his actions. He tried to break in the Democratic National Committee and tried to get away with it. Kind of like what Obama is doing with Benghazi.

I don’t see how people can believe Obama is innocent over Benghazi, he’s not, far from it. It’s gonna be interesting to see what’s gonna happen when the truth will come out, and believe me, it will. You can’t hide forever. You can’t get away with doing something bad. This also makes Obama a hypocrite since he shows sympathy for attacks in the U.S. when he’s the biggest terrorist of them all. He needs to be held accountable. Everybody knows. We’re not gonna ignore this. If you hurt Americans, then you hurt us. Period. End of story. When ever violence happens, they can’t be ignored. That includes Benghazi. It doesn’t matter who is behind the attack. Whether it’s Al Qaeda or any other terrorist groups whether it’s an American politician or who ever, we’re NOT gonna ignore violence who kills innocent Americans.

I believe Obama’s plan all along was to assassinate Ambassador Stevens over that Islamic youtube video. Obama is possibly hiding more survivors and protecting them, hiding more witnesses. Besides the three witnesses that were at the last Benghazi hearings, I’m feeling that there are still more witnesses out there.

I just wish the President would give himself up. Tell the truth, resign, and maybe turn himself in. He better or an impeachment will be on his way soon enough. Hopefully, an impeachment will be quick before he ends up serving his full 2nd term. Some of you may ask, if Obama gets impeached then we’ll have to put up with Biden? True, but in all honesty, the entire Obama administration needs to go down and that includes Hillary. They all need to be impeached and get prosecuted. They’re all evil scum bags. Every last one of them.

Kev

Why I’m so outspoken in music and other things…

A lot of people wonder why I’m so honest and outspoken in music, and other topics. Sometimes my thoughts on music and other things can spark some controversy. I’ll sometimes get a public backlash on some of the things, I say, sure. I’ve always believed it was a good thing to tell the truth. I’m just not afraid of the truth. If other people want to tell the truth about me, that’s just fine. I’m not afraid anything. I know the truth may upset some folks, but why hide your feelings on things inside? Don’t hide your emotions and thoughts. I have nothing to hide. There are so many bloggers out there and websites, being so positive and lovely about everything. Again, I just think it’s good to tell the truth. Be real about stuff. Have the balls to say the stuff that people are afraid to say. That’s always been me, and I’ll never change.

I’ve always believed that it’s an important thing that a musician needs to be honest and real about things. Why would you want to be happy and lovely about everything, ya know? I try to be. I’m just not afraid to speak my mind. No holds barred, anything goes. I’ve always been this way in forums and other places online. Why am I like this online? It’s because it’s how I am, off the computer. Just an honest and real guy. It’s just who I am.

If I ever got to get interviewed for radio, newspapers or magazines someday, people are probably not gonna like what I have to say and many of the stuff I’ll have to say will probably get edited out. This is probably part of why I post on my blog. It’s just my own area where I can have my own freedom of expression. Even if I have my own blog, people still seem to get mad at some of the stuff I say on here.

My opinions and thoughts on certain topics will always remain the same. People can argue and debate with me all they want to, I will always believe in and stand by the things I say. I just feel it’s good to tell the truth about things and it makes life easier.

I do support all national music, and local music. I support musicians of all kinds, but I’m still gonna have some brutal honesty. If a band plays a show that’s not all that good, I won’t be afraid to say it. If they act unprofessional or if I disagree with how bands do things, I won’t be afraid to say it. Maybe this is part of why I’ve always had a love & hate relationship between musicians and music fans.

That’s okay, though. I like telling the truth. I don’t feel ashamed of doing it, either. I’m not afraid to give things bad reviews either. Nothing wrong with having an honest opinion on something. If it’s on your mind, get it out of you. Don’t hide it in. Whether the public reaction you get is either good or bad, hey, it’s not the end of the world. It’s not perfect. Life isn’t about pleasing everyone. Just simply be yourself. That’s what it’s all about.

Kev

I think people who criticize Whitney Houston for her drug addiction, are a bunch of hypocrites…

Whenever Whitney Houston is brought up anywhere online, chances are somebody is gonna call her a dead crackhead. It happens pretty much every time her name is brought up. Same happens when Amy Winehouse’s name is brought up. I look at all this, and I see them all as hypocrites. Here is why…

There were many musicians from the past that people admire, but the only thing is, that many of their favorite musicians either died of drugs or the ones who are still alive had a past with drug addiction. That includes crack, cocaine, heroin, etc. All of it. My question is, why would so many people hate and disrespect Whitney Houston, when some of the heroes they liked were drug addicts too? Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Jerry Garcia, Elvis Presley, Ike Turner, James Brown, etc. This list can go on and on, guys. Those guys I listed are well respected by the public too…but when it comes to Whitney, all everyone wants to do is hate, hate, hate.

You don’t see people calling Layne or Jerry or Janis low life drug addicts, you see everyone respecting them to this day. Why do people respect them? It’s because they feel that their personal problems should be separate away from the music. Why can’t it be the same with Whitney, you know what I mean? Whitney Houston should be remembered for her music and film career. She shouldn’t be remembered for her drug addiction, but it is what it is. The reason Whitney’s drug addiction is more recognizable than her career, is because, that’s how the media made it out to be. I totally blame it on the media, that’s how they control people. The media heavily focused on her drug problems more than her career when she was alive back in the day.

You should not hate these people for their problems. You need to give them their support and wish nothing but the best for them. When you call them low lives for their drug problems, they are not the low life. The low life is pretty much, you. Why? Because people just don’t understand how difficult it is to battle their demons. On top of this, I can see how people get onto drugs ’cause this world is crazy and messed up.

I also think that the reason people hate Whitney for her drug addiction is because she’s a woman, and she is black. People are assholes when it comes to Whitney Houston and I’m not afraid to say it. She was a talent. She was the best of all time. Despite her drug problems, the legacy of her career will never die.

Kev

Dexter “Season 7” brief review…

Well, Dexter “Season 7” is already over. I would have to say that this was the best season so far! This is a very addicting series. The stories, keep you wanting more and more!

I don’t want to give away too much, but to give you a little preview, this season leaves off from where Season 6 ended. It starts where Dexter is about ready to kill the villain from the last season, yet Debra who is Dexter’s adoptive sister, catches him. She now knows Dexter’s secret. She now knows that he is a serial killer. Dexter reveals all his secrets to Debra, how his father taught him, “The Code”, and all that stuff. Debra doesn’t turn Dexter in ’cause she loves him and wants to protect him. There are two new characters introduced this season. Two other villains by the name of Hannah, who is also a killer. Her killings is a little different than Dexters, she loves to kill people with poison, but Dexter and Hannah ends up falling in love with each other throughout the season, which makes Debra jealous and angry. The other villain is by the name of Isaac Sirko (who is played by the great Ray Stevenson), who is the leader of a Russian crime gang. He is after Dexter, ’cause he killed one of his mobster members named, Viktor. Dexter killed Viktor, after Viktor killed a stripper at a nightclub. While Dexter continues to do his thing, by killing bad people that fits, “The Code”, Debra is struggling with her emotions ’cause she’s trying to deal with her brother being a serial killer, and all.

This was a pretty strong season. The writing was at it’s best. The season got pretty crazy and very dark. There’s quite a bit of shockers, especially the ending for the season finale. I don’t want to reveal it, but could Dexter have a serial killer partner for season 8? I’m not saying who, but you’ll figure it out. I can’t believe we have to wait for another year, to find out what happens after ’cause the ending of season 7, was definitely a, “WTF”, moment. Dexter seems to be getting better every season.  It is a pretty intense show. If you haven’t started watching this, you must. You’ll be addicted quick. It’s kind of too bad that it’s on Showtime ’cause not a lot of people get that channel. I think this show should be on HBO instead. Would get a lot more ratings. This season had Michael C. Hall’s best acting too. He is one of the best TV actors, I’ve seen, and sooner or later, he’s no longer going to be a TV star. I can see him landing some big movie roles in the near future. Season 7 was amazing, and already looking forward to Season 8.

Kev

The Brock’s Top 15 Music Albums of 2012…

As for something fun to do on 12 – 12 – 12, I figure it would be cool, to do my “Top 15 Music Albums of 2012” right now and get it out of the way. The music industry keeps getting worse and worse each year, but I still happen to find some good music still. These were the best albums that came out this year. What is my no. 1 for best record ever made in 2012? Well, some of you may find it surprising, and some you may not find it surprising.

Enjoy the list below, counting backwards to the no. 1 choice.

15. Heart – Fanatic
(This is the 14th album by the legendary classic rockers, Heart, who is still going to this day. I love Heart, and I think this is their best album, they’ve done in a long time. It’s a really rocking album, with great guitar riffs, excellent guitar solos all over, and Nancy Wilson’s vocals, oh my god, KILLER! The Wilson sisters still got it, folks! They still ROCK! Congrats to them on their Hall of Fame induction.)

14. Joe Satriani – Satchurated: Live at Montreal
(The Satch has been my favorite guitarist for years, and this is one of the best live albums ever. Instead of playing his most popular songs, the album is full of obscure stuff we never heard before. Of course, there’s a few songs on it from his iconic, “Surfing with the Alien” album, though. Other than that, this is a pretty sick live album and Satch’s guitar playing was on fire, like usual. I know what it is like to see Satch live, as I saw him in concert once myself. Get this one if you like shred guitar.)

13. Tenacious D – Rize of the Fenix
(Kyle Gass and Jack Black, are back with a third Tenacious D album, and I think this is the best one out of the three they have. While the album is still full of offensive and obscene lyrics that are not suitable for children, there are some very strong and powerful songwriting on this album. They have matured as songwriters and seems to be getting better every album. Kyle’s guitar playing is just sick, and Jack has more emotion with his singing in this one. The songs are hilarious like usual.)

12. Sharon Van Etten – Tramp
(I’m not really much into the indie rock scene, but when I came across, Sharon Van Etten, singer/songwriter from NYC, I fell in love. She’s one of the best singer/songwriters in the Indie rock scene. It’s her amazing voice that draws you to her music. That is what did it to me. There’s something about this woman. Her songwriting is beautiful, and amazing. It’s good folk rock music. You should really check her out.)

11. Smashing Pumpkins – Oceania
(The Smashing Pumpkins has returned with their 9th studio album, and even if they have a completely new lineup of musicians now, they still sound stronger than ever. I know, the last few Smashing Pumpkins records haven’t been that great. There haven’t been a great Pumpkins record since, “Mellie Collie”. Surprisingly enough, “Oceania”, is full of old school sounding Pumpkins songs. This album will bring you back to the “Siamese Dreams” days. Finally, this is a true Pumpkins record that we’ve been wanting to hear for years. There are a mix of heavy songs and mellow songs, but this is an amazing Pumpkins record. Great job, Billy!)

10. Joe Bonamassa – Driving Toward the Daylight
(I’ve been reading a lot about this guy through Guitar World magazine ’cause they like to hype him so much. After listening to this record today in Spotify, I can see why! This guy’s music is phenomenal. His guitar playing is sick and he has blistering guitar solos, all over. He’s a blues rock musician, and he’s a great singer too. Pretty tight songs on this album, I was very impressed with it, and I want my own copy of this album soon!)

9. Mumford & Sons – Babel
(I was late getting into Mumford and Sons. I got into them ’cause everyone was talking about them. So I decided to check them out for myself. When I picked up their album, “Babel”, it wouldn’t leave my CD player. I kept playing it over and over again. I don’t know why. The album just kicks ass. Everyone was right, they are very talented.)

8. Aerosmith – Music From Another Dimension
(Everyone is always wondering when Aerosmith is ever going to go back to their old school rock sound they had back in the 70’s, well, your wish had just came true. People were so tired of Aerosmith writing pop songs all the time, and they finally gave us a rock n’ roll album. Aerosmith hasn’t made a good album since “Get a Grip”, and “Music From Another Dimension” was surprisingly great. So this album deserves to be high in the list. Even though the boys had some personal troubles over the years, they finally got together and made an album. Good job, dudes!)

7. Slash – Apocalyptic Love
(I’m glad Slash finally got rid of the special guest singers, and went with one singer, Myles Kennedy. This is Slash’s best album outside of Guns N’ Roses. It’s his best guitar playing too. Myles singing was also incredible. This is one of those albums that came out this year, that I can’t stop listening to. It’s an addicting album. This album does feel a little Guns N’ Roses sounding, however, but at least, Myles can sing, better than Axl.)

6. ZZ Top – La Futura
(This album by the legendary blues rockers, ZZ Top, is creating a lot of buzz in the industry, so I had to give it a listen myself. I would have to say that this was their best album since, “Eliminator”. It’s a tight rockin’ album all the way, through. Incredible guitar sounds, and the solos are just amazing as well. The dudes in ZZ Top, still have it! Billy Gibbons is a phenomenal guitar player!)

5. Soundgarden – King Animal
(I still don’t understand the mixed reviews on Soundgarden’s new album, “King Animal”. I think it’s a killer record all the way through, and it won’t leave my CD player either! I love Soundgarden’s older music more like most fans, but get over the past! It’s about moving forward, not backwards. I loved it the first time, I heard it. They still sound like Soundgarden, no matter what you think of it. Amazing album.)

4. The Sword – Apocryphon
(I’ve been a fan of, The Sword, for a long while, and this is their best album, out of the four they currently have. They still sound a little Black Sabbathy like they’ve always had, but I like those bands who don’t change their sound. Their songwriting is maturing, however, this is a much stronger album, than their previous albums. I enjoy the Sword ’cause this is the kind of metal I want to hear. Metal with real singing. Not the screaming & growling, death metal type, not my thing. The Sword, rules.)
The Sword_Apo
3. Rush – Clockwork Angels
(Rush, who are now Hall of Fame inductees, has returned with their 19th studio album, this year. This is a concept album that tells a story. The album is full of great guitar riffs by Alex Lifeson and it has full of catchy songs. It’s a heavy rockin’ album too, all the way through. The last several Rush albums haven’t been that great, but this has been the best one they did in years. All musicians played great on it. You learn something new every time you hear the album. Whether you’re a Rush fan or not, you should definitely give this one a listen. Check it out soon.)

2. Van Halen – A Different Kind of Truth
(EVH and David Lee Roth has reunited for a new Van Halen album, minus, Michael Anthony. Still a kick ass album though. Even though this isn’t the original VH lineup that we all wanted, they still rock. This is another album, that I couldn’t stop listening to. They still know how to write songs that will never leave your head and Eddie’s guitar playing is on fire, like usual. This is an old school Van Halen album and this is the way they’re supposed to sound. I know they’ve tried other sounds and styles over the years.)

1. Neil Young – Psychedelic Pill
(Yep, so I find Neil’s newest album, “Psychedelic Pill”, to be the best record released all year. I’ve been a Neil Young fan for years. This is definitely the best album he did with Crazy Horse, ever. This guy wants to make it alright that you can listen to long songs that are between 15-30 minutes. Why does Neil write long songs? It’s called jamming and improvisation. I’m willing to bet that’s how these songs got it’s start. They came out of jamming. Even though the songs are very long on this double album, Neil continues to write catchy songs that never leave your head. Neil’s guitar sound is at it’s best on this album. His guitar solos are out of this world. Great musicianship all around, with all the guys in Crazy Horse. With all the guitar legends and singer/songwriters out there retiring from the music business, Neil is still going. Still doing his thing like he always did. People just need to stop listening to garbage commercial music in the mainstream and listen to Neil Young. His music is better than most stuff out, nowadays.)

Enjoy!

I’ll have the “Best Movies of 2012”, up sometime after Christmas.

Kev

Bands and their egos – Part 3

One last thing I needed to get off my chest, and then I’ll shut up about this.

Ya know. Maybe if I had years of experience of playing gigs and maybe if my music was played on a professional level, maybe other musicians would take my advice, and opinions more seriously, then. I completely understand. This is probably the reason why I’m having trouble helping out others…this is probably why they ridicule me after. Still though, we should put our ego’s aside, and help each other out as a musicians community. I kind of would like the same success other bands are getting, but it would be awesome if they can help us get there. I mean, just because you have more professional experience, than me, does not really mean you should put us down. We should all be able to help each other, and that’s what I see this as.

If other bands don’t need my help, that’s fine, but as long as I spoke my mind and got things off my chest of what I had to say to them, my job is done. I don’t feel any regrets.

I’m a big local music supporter. You should know that, since I like to plug a lot of local bands and artists on here if I like their music. I enjoy meeting new musicians and people in the scene. I like to go out and see gigs of other bands sometimes. I have been a part of local music for years, so this is why I feel it’s deserving to be honest about stuff. I’ve been a part of local music since the 90’s, but didn’t start playing out ’til about 2004, I believe.

I have been criticized in return, musicians claiming I have no experience or worse, talking crap about my music, which is what I’m used to. If that’s the best response musicians can come up with, then that proves that we don’t have a very positive music scene.

I guess it’s pointless, trying to help other musicians. I’ll just concentrate on my own music, and my own music alone. I don’t have to prove anything. Stay out of everyone’s way and my music life will be much easier.

Kev

Walking Dead last night ****SPOILERS****

Well, I was kind of disappointed in last night’s “Walking Dead”. Remember, how I keep teasing that the Governor was going to do something horrible to Michonne but I wasn’t gonna say what it is? It was taken from the books and I wasn’t sure if they were going to use it for the TV show or not.

Let me explain below with Spoiler warnings!!! Do not read if you haven’t seen the episode yet.

If you haven’t seen it and curious on what it is, anyway, don’t yell at me, ’cause you’re the one that read it.

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**********************DO NOT READ HERE************************

In the books, there was a point where Michonne sliced one of the Governor’s ears off with her sword. So in retaliation, the Governor held Michonne captive in one of his garage’s similar to the one you saw on the show last night. He had both of her arms chained up. The Governor raped, and tortured Michonne, while Glen listened to her next door. Then he used her for one of his zombie fight arena shows that he has. Later on, Michonne was able to escape.

Instead, on the TV show last night, The Governor ends up keeping Glen and Maggie captive. Glen was in one room and Maggie in the other. The Governor, came pretty close to raping Maggie but he stopped, as if it was a warning kind of thing.

I’m not sure if this season is planning to use the big Michonne vs. the Governor feud that was in the books for the TV show. Keep in mind, we still have the 2nd half of Season 3. So maybe the almost rape on Maggie was just a little preview of what’s coming up. Setting up for the big Governor vs. Michonne feud.

All of this season was not just adapted from book 3, they’ve been taking a lot of stuff from book 3, 4, 5, and 6. So much they left out, and changing the story around some.

I’m not quite sure if the rest of season 3 will use the Michonne rape and torture storyline or not. I’m hoping they will ’cause it will be a bit too controversial for TV. It will help the show get higher ratings, and it will sure as hell get everyone talking.

Remember I keep saying on this blog, that the Governor is not gonna be a nice guy? TOLD YA SO!!!!!!! 🙂

1st half of this season may be good, but if they use the Michonne rape stuff, the 2nd half will be even better.

Kev

Honestly, my personal facebook page seems to be more popular than my blog…

With the popularity of social networking sites like facebook, my personal facebook page seems to be getting more recognition, than my blog here these days. People are always coming up to me in the town of Greenwich, saying how they are so entertained how I use my personal facebook page. I have people that like everything I do online, and there are some out there who think I’m a complete lunatic. Usually, my web presence online, is mixed. You either love me or hate me, I’m good with either.

I like to use my personal facebook page just the same way I do here. Talk about the entertainment industry. I don’t use my personal facebook page to put my personal life on it like many do.

So to those certain few out there who keep criticizing my web presence, saying how I’m controversial, dark or negative or it destroys my reputation, I don’t believe that shit for a second. I get people out there who find nothing wrong with me. So you’re entitled to your own opinion. Stop thinking that you have control of how I post online ’cause I hate people like that. I’ll post how I want to.

Like I said before, I’m the type of guy that likes to speak my mind without any fear. I like to discuss things, no holds barred, anything goes. I don’t really care how offensive things can get, ’cause the truth needs to get out. Swearing and dirty talk, whatever, get what’s off your mind. I never found that stuff offensive.

My blogging will not hurt my chances of a good music career at all. So for those who say that, is full of shit. I’m done explaining myself for now.

Kev

How to put on a professional gig, so the owner can be happy enough to bring you back…

Gigging may sound like an easy thing, but a lot of times it can be difficult and a bit of a pain in the ass. If you want to be a successful musician and keep gigging at the same club, or other clubs, then you must be as professional at the gig as possible. How do you be a professional? Professional enough, that will make the owner or booking agents happy enough to book you back again? Well here’s a short list…

  • Do as the soundguy or club owner tells you to do – When you get booked at a venue, you don’t make yourself at home, the world doesn’t revolve around you at the gig. If they want you to use their provided sound equipment, do so. If they want you to play at a certain order either first or last or somewhere in the middle of the gig, do so. If they want to shorten your set, do so and take it all gladly without bitching or complaining. If they won’t pay you enough money, take it gladly anyway, without bitching or complaining. A positive attitude at all times, no matter what happens, will give you the respect you deserve. Things may not turn out the way you want at gigs, but that’s the way life is, get over yourselves and accept things for what they are.
  • Be prepared – Have all the equipment you need at the gig. If the venue allows you to use your own equipment, bring your usual amps, guitars, or whatever sound systems you guys use. Bring extra packs of guitar strings at all times. Bring an extra amplifier and an extra guitar for back up in case that stuff goes out. If you need to unplug your instruments, turn the amps down, so the amps won’t make this loud popping sound. I’ve seen too many bands where they unplug their instruments without turning the volume down first. Also bring extra guitar stands, so you can set your guitars on the stands instead of putting them on the floor or leaning them against the wall, when you don’t need it anymore.
  • Be positive, be happy and smile a lot – Like I said before, having a good attitude and being a nice person will want to have the venue owner have you back.
  • Practice & rehearse before the gig – Some bands would mistakenly rehearse like once or twice a week. I disagree. You need to practice as often as possible. Memorize the lyrics, don’t read off lyrics sheets ’cause that’s cheating. If you want to play the best performance possible, practicing is key.
  • Save the drinking ’til after the gig, not during – I’m amazed at the large number of bands who drink beer while they perform on stage. In my opinion, it’s pretty stupid and unprofessional. If you want to win the respect by people save the drinking ’til after the show. Plus, you can play a much better performance when you’re not intoxicated.
  • Make sure you are able to bring in a crowd and actually entertain them – This is the big thing that owners will want to bring you back. If they see you can bring in people and put smiles on their faces after the gig, they’ll definitely bring you back for a second gig. I know from experience.
  • Show up early before the gig – I’m also amazed at the large number of bands who show up really late on the night of the gig. A lot of them like to show up like 5 or 10 minutes before their time slot schedule. They don’t show up early to check out the other bands or acoustic acts. It’s always professional to show up early. Me? I always show up at my gigs either a half hour early or an hour early. It really makes the owner happy. Being on time is important.
  • If for some reason, you aren’t able to make the gig, let the booking person know asap: There are too many bands that aren’t able to make gigs, but they do a “No Call, No Show”, kind of thing. A lot of them just don’t show up at all, not letting them know a thing. I have bailed out of several gigs in the past for my own reasons, but I always let them know, by either calling or e-mailing ahead of time. Sometimes booking agents will still get pissed at you even if you let them know you can’t make it, but don’t let that bother ya. It’s life. If you can’t make a gig, you can’t make it. Free country and we have things going in on our lives too. Just be a professional about bailing out of gigs and things will be fine.
  • Support other musicians and bands booked on the lineup, no bashing or hating – Stick around to see the other acts perform on the gig. Don’t just go to your gig to support yourself. Support other musicians. Make friends with other musicians on the gig. If the owner sees that you are friendly with other musicians, that will give you a pretty good chance of coming back to the venue.
  • Clean up after yourself – After your gig clear out your stage and start putting your equipment back out in your vehicles, make sure you get everything that you own. Also, stick around the venue so you can help the owners and employees clean up the place. I always do this. Help them close the venue, by putting up the chairs on the tables, wiping things down, etc. When booking gigs, I always try to be buddies with the owners just to be professional and a sneaky way of getting another gig booked. They did your service by allowing you to play at their venue, so you should help them in return.

That’s all I can think of. Knowing from my own experience, gigging in the past, those things will indeed bring you back and get you more gigs at places.

Kev

WWE RAW world tour last night…

Last night, I went to the Glens Falls Civic Center to see WWE RAW World tour event. It’s a house show, so it’s not going to be aired on TV. There were no cameras there. What are house shows? It’s a wrestling term used to describe live wrestling events that aren’t televised. They don’t follow the current storylines on TV, and just have matches. They have the good guy wrestlers win most of the matches as a way to keep younger fans happy.

It was a fun show though. Nice time. The WWE RAW guys did a good job. Who wrestled in matches last night? Well, here is a list of the Superstars that appeared: Zach Ryder, Dolph Ziggler, Santino Marella, R Truth, Kofi Kingston, Beth Phoenix, Layla, The Miz, John Cena, CM Punk, Lord Tensai and others.

No Brock Lesnar appearance, of course but I bought his t-shirt they were selling at the merchandise area. I also bought a CM Punk shirt too. Huge fan of both of those guys.

I am amazed on how popular John Cena really is. He has fans everywhere. Mostly little kids and women of all ages dig him. I am no Cena fan and it was fun booing the hell out of him last night. As I boo’ed Cena, kids looked at me, lol.

It was a nice time. I like seeing WWE shows live because, I am a wrestling nut. I respect the business, and they do a good job, entertaining people.

Kev

Edit to add: More information on House shows, here.