As one of you pointed out, the thread is titled excess drinking and I think that we all agree that drinking too much is bad. I think I just have a different view of what too much is. Most of you seem to object to 1 drink and I think 3 would be scandalous.

I maybe misunderstanding, but it seems like there are only a 3 reasons considered for why someone would have a drink.

1. To separate themselves from the audience and create an "us & them mentality"...this may be true if the band in the original posting was playing in a church hall, but not if they were playing in a pub. Having a beer would probably connect them more (think of all the examples given in this of singer's using "prop" drinks)

2. To overcome nerves...this may sometimes be true but it ends up sounding like "granny" from the Beverly Hillbilly's TV show grabbing a drop of her medicine for her rhumatis'...playing more often settles nerves or bringing a friend probably better than a drink. I don't think this is the best reason to drink and if it were the only reason I might side with the majority of you.

3. To destroy oneself - It is sad to see alcohol, drugs, gambling, or any number of things tear someones life apart, and I my heart goes out to you who have suffered or have watched a loved one suffer

What is suprising to me is that hardly anyone thinks that they would "enjoy" a drink...its either medicinal or suicidal. That's not why you have a glass of wine with your meal, or a drink at a pub with your friends. Performing is a party, its fun...at least it is supposed to be. A performance is supposed to have energy and be dynamic. Drinking isn't a neccessity, but neither is complete abstinence.

I keep going back to the original post and all I can see is

"Did the alcohol affect their performance? I'm not too sure. Yet I would have much preferred listening to these folks play with out so much booze involved."

The drinking didn't hurt the sound, it was just off putting to Bonnie. I respect her opinion. But from there we jumped to assuming anybody who has more than 1 drink is a sloppy inconsiderate lout.

Ceol agus craic (music and fun), let's not separate them.