Originally Posted by John Lawrence Schick
Originally Posted by Fdemetrio
I played in two man bands or full band for over a decade in the 90's.

Always seem to remember the weird ones

We once were doing a gig in winter bad snow. Somehow a school bus of kids had to stop and get out of bus and into the bar, for warmth.

Were like cool . Dozens of audience, here's our chance. They were largely black and Latino though, and therefore looked like they were walking into a different world, completely unimpressed not their thing for sure.

I played a frat party at Pace university, it was summer but unseasonably cold. Outside so my hands were bricks could barely play.

I'm like let's call the gig, friend is like NO you know hard I worked t I get this gig.

Well, the audience helped us out too, bathing suits on but freezing, dancing and fist pumping.

Turned out to be a great gig.

I also remember getting into a fight, at one gig, guy kept coming up and stepping on my foot pedals, amusing himself. After a few warnings I push he goes flying.

You mutha facka, lunges at me, falls forward

And of all people a drunk guy head down on a shot, got off his stool said, dom is a friend of mine mess with him you mess with me...

Barely knew the guy lolahh memories.

A dart game within ear length at another gig.

Sounds like a pretty rough crowd Fd. We had some fights, but they always left the band alone. And playing outside in cold weather is a tough one. Thanks for sharing.


Best, John

Playing NJ bars is always a tough gig. Great place to to develop thick skin .

We tended to play the seedier bars too cause they were the ones willing to try something to jumpstart their business.

But a lot of the memories inspired this song I just recently finished.

https://www.jpfolks.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1206479/12-bar-blues-new-jersey.html#Post1206479

Last edited by Fdemetrio; 09/11/25 08:55 PM.