Despite how lovingly we like to talk about fans these days, let's be honest, some of the time, especially at shows, they're some of the most obnoxious, rude, and demanding people (read: assholes) you've ever met. You're on stage, jamming with your friends, hoping that the free beer and pizza will be worth your Saturday night. And they're talking on their cell phones, screaming things toward the stage, and getting drunk and maybe even bumping into your equipment. Reluctant, yet not wholly jaded, you announce that this will be your last song. The audience boos and cheers in an attempt to get you to play a few extra covers. It's Saturday night and they're not done partying yet. You glance over at the sound-tech and he gives you the 'thumbs up' motion. OK, you'll play a few more songs. They go well. And then you say that this song will really be the last song. Again, they boo and cheer, but to no avail. The set is over. In every bar across America, this story is played out thousands of times each weekend. Well, sadly, if you gig in Mexico, this isn't always what happens. Members of the band La Excelencia were playing a show in Guadalajara, Mexico. Once their set ended, four drunk men reportedly demanded that they play more songs after their set had ended. For awhile, they did. Around 4am last Monday morning, the group stopped playing. One of the men threw a grenade on stage. He threw a fucking grenade on the stage. People sprinted out of the bar. Amidst all the confusion, two of the band members were shot and killed. The shooters exited the scene. No one saw the vehicle. Investigators have little to no information.This is sad story. Why retell it? I'm not sure. There's nothing funny about it. From time to time, we talk about gigging and the perils of touring. Perhaps, next time you're gigging and the audience is being livid and you're getting sick of their crap, maybe, just maybe, finish the set. Eat your large pepperoni pizza. Drink your tall PBR with a slight smile. Because you know what? No one threw a grenade at the stage. You're not dead. I'd say that's something that anyone can be thankful for.
Musicians Refuse To Play Longer, Get Shot & Killed
Despite how lovingly we like to talk about fans these days, let's be honest, some of the time, especially at shows, they're some of the most obnoxious, rude, and demanding. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2011/01/musicians-refuse-to-play-longer-get-shot-killed.html]
Despite how lovingly we like to talk about fans these days, let's be honest, some of the time, especially at shows, they're some of the most obnoxious, rude, and demanding people (read: assholes) you've ever met. You're on stage, jamming with your friends, hoping that the free beer and pizza will be worth your Saturday night. And they're talking on their cell phones, screaming things toward the stage, and getting drunk and maybe even bumping into your equipment. Reluctant, yet not wholly jaded, you announce that this will be your last song. The audience boos and cheers in an attempt to get you to play a few extra covers. It's Saturday night and they're not done partying yet. You glance over at the sound-tech and he gives you the 'thumbs up' motion. OK, you'll play a few more songs. They go well. And then you say that this song will really be the last song. Again, they boo and cheer, but to no avail. The set is over. In every bar across America, this story is played out thousands of times each weekend. Well, sadly, if you gig in Mexico, this isn't always what happens. Members of the band La Excelencia were playing a show in Guadalajara, Mexico. Once their set ended, four drunk men reportedly demanded that they play more songs after their set had ended. For awhile, they did. Around 4am last Monday morning, the group stopped playing. One of the men threw a grenade on stage. He threw a fucking grenade on the stage. People sprinted out of the bar. Amidst all the confusion, two of the band members were shot and killed. The shooters exited the scene. No one saw the vehicle. Investigators have little to no information.This is sad story. Why retell it? I'm not sure. There's nothing funny about it. From time to time, we talk about gigging and the perils of touring. Perhaps, next time you're gigging and the audience is being livid and you're getting sick of their crap, maybe, just maybe, finish the set. Eat your large pepperoni pizza. Drink your tall PBR with a slight smile. Because you know what? No one threw a grenade at the stage. You're not dead. I'd say that's something that anyone can be thankful for.
