I walked out of session

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: The Shambles
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:49 PM

During the World Cup - the pub where we hold our weekly session installed a huge TV.

On session night - it was left switched off - they just put a small TV in the next bar.

But walking out is the only option really open to session musicians, where the music is not appreciated.

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:39 PM

Yes the last post was from me! Please don't go to this link :- http://www.tvbgone.com/cfe_tvbg_main.php

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:36 PM

I recall that someone was recently marketing a device which would remotely turn off any TV. Illegal in the UK, of course, and I wouldn't for a minute suggest that anyone should use one.

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: treewind
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:33 PM

Time to find another pub where your efforts will be more appreciated.
We've had similar at a local session. Pub under new ownership, tolerate us but aren't really bothered, we don't feel welcome and there's another one down the road where the landlord is really keen to get some folk music going because he likes it and it's very quiet midweek. So next month's session will be in the new place and we'll see how it goes.

Don't waste energy on the ones that treat you badly. Yes it is rude; that's the pub's problem but you don't have to make it yours. Plenty more fish in the sea.

Anahata

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:33 PM

If they don't turn off the sound on the TV, the session is over. Or if it's something like a football match on the box, the session hasn't started yet.

If they won't turn the sound off it means they don't want you, so find another place to play. Playing over the sound just means no one's going to enjoy either the music or the programme, unless it's a another bar over in the distance. ("Bar" in England normally means "bar-room", though the American meaning where it means the premises as such is creeping in in wine-bars and such. But you wouldn't find sessions in many wine-bars.

I remember when they had that famous interview with Princess Diana, the one where she made her "Queen of Hearts" bid, we were -laying and there was a television screen on, all the way through, but with the sound turned down. I remember noticing it and thinking that this showed a proper sense of priorities by the publican.

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: Beer
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:29 PM

If it was a paying gig I would think twice about pulling out. Also, did the audience pay to come in? If it is no to both then good for you. About two years ago I was playing at a session and the audience was so loud that I stopped half way through a song and crossed my arms. When the last two people stopped talking I addressed the audience by say that the musicians that are here tonight are here for you to hear what they would like to say. They are all on their time and get no monetary compensation except the pleasure in playing for you. I've never went back and as I hear it is still just as noisy.

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:01 PM

I know the feeling, but I doubt you'll be missed..... You got a choice... play against the TV, or not play at all...

I'm fortunate. Where I do most of my playing, the OWNER will come in and turn the TV off while I'm setting up. If someone asks nicely, I'll leave it on with the sound muted while I play. If someone tries to turn it up over me, I have more volume and can win that battle easily, until the owner/staff goes over and turns the TV off. The offending patron is most often told to leave as well.

A pub is first and foremost there to sell beer.... If your music attracts more beer attention than The Game, the owner will be on your side.... If it doesn't, then you're S.O.L.....

"people turning their backs on real, live music"
People cannot be faulted for picking one form of entertainment over another. One mans tune is another mans din. That you don't agree with their choice is immaterial.

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: frogprince
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 01:00 PM

I would say good on you for walking out. In the setting of an American bar, though, "respect for the performer" would generally be such an oxymoron that the performer would probably know to refuse the gig if he didn't want to put up with almost anything. If the pubs there are going from credible listening venues to American sports bars, that would be a shame.

Subject: RE: I walked out of session
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 12:52 PM

So the Celtic Tiger once more flexes its commercialised claws.
Your experience calls to mind one incident/observation/experience last year at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil, in, Leitir Ceanainn, Donegal. One Youth Session was in a the C------ Hotel just out of ton, and was held the same evening as the final of the glittering "Rose of Tralee" TV event (a sort-of beauty contest with a wee bit of brains, in that the dames have to be able to dance, or sing, as well as wanting to work with children and/or World Peace). So, although there were Televisions in various places in the Hotel, nevertheless, in the central area where the children were playing, I witnessed the depressing sight of people turning their backs on real, live music in order to absorb Their Master's Voice &c.

Subject: I walked out of session
From: Shaneo
Date: 05 Dec 06 - 12:41 PM

Last night I walked out of a session because the sound on the television was turned up while we were playing.
I have played at this pub lots of times before but it has changed
ownership and the bar staff refused to co-operate and turn the sound off.
Most pubs/clubs will show respect for the musicians and switch the t.v. off but I don't mind If it stays on with the sound muted
As we play acoustic mostly it's very hard to compete with a
television blaring away in the corner.
I dont know what other's feel about this but I think it shows a lack
of respect so I got my gear together and left.
The rest of the lads said they would just play and sing louder to
compeat with the t.v
I left them to it and will never play there again.
[this was in Dublin Ireland]