I've been leading bands of musicians now for quite awhile. I'm not going to reveal just how long. However let's just say that professional music has been my only ever career, I've toured over three of the five "tour-able" continents, and I am still at it today, somehow, supporting a loving family and still 'burning with fire for the cause'. In fact I am addicted, not only to the endlessly creative and entertaining projects that I engage with, but also to the atmosphere, camaraderie, and banter that is part of the job of being a Musician, and a Band Leader. Hopefully I can pass onto anyone who chooses to read some of my articles, musician or not, a chuckle and some insight into the world of the Working Musician.
The most common place for musicians to 'have a laugh', other than on-stage, is of course backstage. Most often just before taking to the stage, as the long waiting and hanging around backstage comes to a head; musicians are usually at their peak of wittiness. Most professional musicians I've ever worked with don't get nervous prior to performing on stage, however they definitely do get a charge through their system, which often manifests itself in a bit of 'toungue and cheek'.
Night Lights
Just recently while waiting to go on stage for a second set of dance music, a very familiar situation for my band and me, my vocalist and I came up with this terrifically funny game of naming the top five songs associated with different situations we've found ourselves in with clients, as a band. Have a read below as it makes much more sense, but as you can see, they are an easy way to waste away a few minutes waiting backstage.
It's your 50th birthday party. All of a sudden the lights go down, and a giant cake is wheeled into the room. Just as soon as you blow the candles out, a scantily clad girl leaps from the cake and starts dancing for you! What song is she dancing to?
1. You Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker
2. Hot Stuff - Donna Summer
3. Barbie Girl - Aqua
4. My Ding-A-Ling - Chuck Berry
5. D.I.V.O.R.C.E - Tammy Wynette
It's the office party, and everybody's having a great time so far... but Colin from accounts who's been pestering you all year has cornered you! What song's going through your head?
1. Leave Me Alone - Michael Jackson
2. Gett Off - Prince
3. Leave Right Now - Will Young
4. Get Back - The Beatles
5. Shaddap You Face - Joe Dolce
And
It's your 25th Wedding Anniversary, and your wife wants you to ask the band to play "your" song... but you can't remember what it is! You try and take a lucky guess - what song do you choose?
1. Hello - Lionel Richie
2. I Just Called To Say I Love You - Stevie Wonder
3. I Feel For You - Chaka Khan
4. Together In Electric Dreams - Giorgio Moroder with Phil Oakey
5. Ghostbusters - Ray Parker Jr.
As you can see, with a little bit of wit these things really just write themselves. We did have a laugh that night, and the second set went down smashingly! But this type of humour is only a small taste of the typical kind of 'chat' that goes on backstage.
..Turns out that we found these top five lists so amusing I've started using them on my function band's website, come and have a look at the animated versions if you like! - http://www.edpfunctions.com/
Musings of a Long Time Band Leader - Back Stage Banter
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