my bands first gig in 9 months

midlifecrisis

we did our first gig since March on Saturday. A last minute booking as the venue weren't sure if they could open and under what conditions, But it was brilliant. It was the jungle bar in Hertford. A venue we've played a few times before under normal conditions. The event was ticket only and sat at tables. I was apprehensive at first thinking its going to be quiet and clinical but the atmosphere was great. Precautions were taken, temperatures of people were monitored as they entered, masks were worn when people left tables for loos and people enjoyed themselves and behaved. Even had half a dozen local police popped in to see rules were adhered to and they were quite happy and left.
Although i think gigs are going to be a bit thin on the ground for a bit, it shows it can be done with the right venues, staff and punters. Im certainly more optimistic now for future gigs.

Switch625

Sounds like it was all done responsibly and everybody enjoyed it. If people are sensible and precautions are taken then there's no reason why things can't slowly start up again.

But there'll always be idiots that ruin it for everybody, like in London on Saturday... https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/06/hundreds-of-maskless-young-people-try-to-storm-harrods-13708172/

midlifecrisis

Switch625 said:

Sounds like it was all done responsibly and everybody enjoyed it. If people are sensible and precautions are taken then there's no reason why things can't slowly start up again.

But there'll always be idiots that ruin it for everybody, like in London on Saturday... https://metro.co.uk/2020/12/06/hundreds-of-maskless-young-people-try-to-storm-harrods-13708172/

that looks so scary.

ESBlonde

I think it's a bit age related (sorry younguns), but we all seem to value life more when we have less of it.
There is a Jam over on the Essex coast every Tuesday and they have been able to run most weeks subject to rules. Currently you have to book a table and a meal, but they always used to provide a hot buffet anyway so they have just expanded that slightly. The regular crowd are mainly older with a few youngsters taking their first steps on a stage. It's all very civilised and people are aware they are privileged. I haven't been recently and I know a few punters are giving it a break to be well enough/within the rules to visit family for the big day. I've had a pair of gigs pulled recently mainly through a lack of audience uptake (again older people being responsible for themselves and others). Like everything else, this will pass. It saddens me to see friends selling gear to make ends meet just now. Please stay safe everyone, it will change.

Jalapeno

Well done ! Dead (geddit) jealous - can't wait to get practicing with the 8 piece !

Hattigol

How had you managed to rehearse?

roberty

Managed to get a similar gig in just before the nationwide lockdown a month or so back. It was tense because we didn't know if we would beat the tightening of restrictions, but we got in just in time and it was just a lovely thing to be able to do. I miss everything about it, PAs and sticky stages, making a racket, socialising, being silly. Get out there if you can :-) 

midlifecrisis

Hattigol said:

How had you managed to rehearse?

since march, we've rehearsed 3 times between various lockdowns. our last rehearsal was over two months ago, the gig although we wernt as tight as we normally were was ok, a few mistakes here and there but no complaints

newi123

Hattigol said:

How had you managed to rehearse?

Our local rehearsal studio had taken advice that rehearsal was still ok, as long as it`s rehearsing for paid gigs. It therefore fell under the work meetings exemptions. 

Hattigol

newi123 said:

Hattigol said:

How had you managed to rehearse?

Our local rehearsal studio had taken advice that rehearsal was still ok, as long as it`s rehearsing for paid gigs. It therefore fell under the work meetings exemptions. 

That's a good point. 

I wasn't finger-pointing at the OP, by the way. Just curious as we had been offered a couple of gigs but weren't sure about the rehearsing situation. And I know as a fact that we'd be rusty as hell!

Glad it went well anyway.