CandidPicker
Tone Matters. Use It Well.
Some years ago when I was younger and more foolish, I made an observation of how older and better musicians handled rowdy crowds and hecklers.
Most times, we realized that heckler's were merely pushing the musician's buttons, so the common concept of handling rowdy crowds was this...
Many times, the audience would be feeling pumped knowing the alcohol was flowing, and the dance floor would be filled. Although it was difficult to hear above the band, between songs it was common for the lead singer to "talk up" the next song with a little backstory. The band had just played Jimi's "Angel," and had just launched into EVH's, "Eruption." The crowd energy was palpable.
It was at this point that the rowdier patrons might heckle the band, with lame song requests, like "Free Bird!" or "Smoke on the Water!"
The entire band knew they were being heckled, but as was the custom of the times, the band could not shout down the heckler because it would only encourage them more.
What did the house band do?
The bass player would signal to switch songs mid-song. Although I don't recall what the keywords were, the band would break into several stanzas of the "Mr. Ed Theme." And then, without batting an eyelash, break back into the original song. It served its purpose.
The heckler was embarrassed, and cooperative patrons took pictures as he flashed the bird and stormed out. These were times when bands were more professional and used humor to defeat their adversaries instead of brute bouncer force.
Today, there are bound to be a few smart alecks who heckle the band, but if one isn't accustomed to this, it takes time to gain confidence and begin to feel comfortable on stage. It took quite some time in my instance; my hope is that rather than over react or overdo it, repay the slight with some kindness...although the repayment may be a double-edged sword...and though I still need to learn the Munster's Theme song someday...no bad feelings intended to our friend's named Ed...
Most times, we realized that heckler's were merely pushing the musician's buttons, so the common concept of handling rowdy crowds was this...
Many times, the audience would be feeling pumped knowing the alcohol was flowing, and the dance floor would be filled. Although it was difficult to hear above the band, between songs it was common for the lead singer to "talk up" the next song with a little backstory. The band had just played Jimi's "Angel," and had just launched into EVH's, "Eruption." The crowd energy was palpable.
It was at this point that the rowdier patrons might heckle the band, with lame song requests, like "Free Bird!" or "Smoke on the Water!"
The entire band knew they were being heckled, but as was the custom of the times, the band could not shout down the heckler because it would only encourage them more.
What did the house band do?
The bass player would signal to switch songs mid-song. Although I don't recall what the keywords were, the band would break into several stanzas of the "Mr. Ed Theme." And then, without batting an eyelash, break back into the original song. It served its purpose.
The heckler was embarrassed, and cooperative patrons took pictures as he flashed the bird and stormed out. These were times when bands were more professional and used humor to defeat their adversaries instead of brute bouncer force.
Today, there are bound to be a few smart alecks who heckle the band, but if one isn't accustomed to this, it takes time to gain confidence and begin to feel comfortable on stage. It took quite some time in my instance; my hope is that rather than over react or overdo it, repay the slight with some kindness...although the repayment may be a double-edged sword...and though I still need to learn the Munster's Theme song someday...no bad feelings intended to our friend's named Ed...