- yes in terms of open mic nights I do tend to agree. I think the PA's just part of the performance fantasy for many people. If there's no mic it isn't a proper gig - they think. Of course if you've only ever addressed a room through a mic you've never learned to project properly, and learn, as you say, that the best way to drown out chatter and get people's attention is to sing or play quieter (though you have to start loud or they nver notice)!

Hmm, yes - I'd agree that amplification could well have been a factor in the collapse of the clubs - specially once PAs became commonplace for pub gigs. Anyone from that scene trying to do a club 'commando' would have been in trouble.