I play in what I'd call, a slightly above average rock band. By above average I mean we actually know the songs and sing and play them in tune. We rehearse once a week and try to get the vocals as right as possible. Almost any moron can play the tunes, so it's really the quality of the vocals that put the iceing on the cake.
We were being received here in Vegas with a sorta "eh" attitude by the agents and Casinos. One manager remarked that we didn't look like a rock band, more like a buncha customers who dropped in to have a drink. This pissed me off......
The next day I went over to the stage supplies and costumery and picked up a rasta wig with long dreads, a Mad Hatter oversized hat, and some Bootsy Collins sunglasses.
When I showed up to the gig that night, people went nuts. The attendance was higher and the lounge was still full at the end of the night. The manager was pleased. At the next gig the whole band showed up in similar wear, each with his own slant, and for three nights we turned O'Shea's Casino on it's ear. I was squeezed up and had my pic taken with more women than ever before. What's more, the crowd was way more into our sets and didn't seem to care what we played or how well. They just wanted to be entertained.
Same music. Same members. Whole new perception of who and what we were.
Needless to say, we now play all gigs in the outrageous custumes, now matter how uncomfortable they might be, and business is looking up, up, up.
You see we had forgotten what we already knew. The biggest aspect of show biz is the show! It's nice to have connections and have some gigs, but to simply show up and play like a juke box is a recipe for disaster. People want to be entertained. They come to Vegas expecting a freak show. And I'm gonna give them one. The more photo ops and hand shaking you do the more they love you....
So, thanks to that manager's comment and my pissed off reaction. a new band is born out of the same old ingredients, plus a little freakyness and flash.
Life is good..and getting better. Throw out some Mardi Gras beads and add some smoke and fire and the panties drop and off comes the top. Rock n Roll! Gotta love it......
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