As one who still often needs the words in front of me. It's worth pointing out that many seasoned, and well known performers I've seen, regularly forget words, often start again despite being over half way thrugh and it takes up quite a lot of time, the same types are also usually the ones taking up yet more time with endless tuning. I always have my guitar tuned and ready before we start. Often these types haven't even taken their instrument out of the case and rarely apologise for the time they take up. I can remember more than a few occasions when these so called word perfect 'better performers' have taken a full half hour to get through a couple of numbers!

And while I'm having a whinge, I must also mention those, who on very busy nights (as most are in our club I'm glad to say) When you're struggling to get everyone on before closing time, will get up and do some great long epic number preceded by the dreaded tuning ritual. So Performers, try have one or two quick songs/tunes ready for those nights, your host will be so pleased AND remember you next time and you'll not be the one asked to drop out when it's too busy a night (buying the host a pint can be useful too!)