Scrump:
Your description describes in every ghastly detail my own experiences in the days I used to do pub gigs, particularly in Europe. Except that you missed out "throwing coats over the PA speakers" (because there were no coat-hangers, not because the musicians were too loud). I don't play those places any more, although it was character-building at the time, and there were even occasions when the massed ranks of smokers / drinkers / talkers were persuaded to shut up and listen for a while.

Spot:
Yes, sometimes it is the musician who's at fault, but all of us have played shows where no amount of effort, talent or good humour on our part would salvage a 'lousy gig'.

Jim:
Terrific summary (including several topics discussed at the ballad workshop last weekend). If you are confident with all the techniques (vocal and instrumental), then you can actually enjoy and express yourself and do justice to the songs.

Tootler:
It's not always easy to remember it on a concert stage, but I *always* believe in "sharing" songs or tunes with an audience, rather than performing at them - and not just on Singers' Nights.

Peter:
If you lot behave yourselves I will attempt to present an entertaining evening at the Red Bull. Looking forward to it!