Communication Breakdown
by Iggs
The key to any successful gig is communication. Poor communication between artists, their booking agents/managers, venue employees, or sound and lighting techs can be disastrous.
As a sound guy, I try to make sure I have all the info for an upcoming gig as far in advance as possible. This info includes phone numbers for the band, the band’s management, and someone in charge entertainment at the venue. These numbers enable me to make sure I have a stage plot, input list, and directions to and from the venue. Then I know what equipment to bring and there are no surprises for anyone.
For example, this summer Rand and I did a gig with a Rolling Stones tribute band in Wildwood, NJ. When the band arrived at the venue, we realized it had happened, communication breakdown! The band was immediately upset at their booking agent because the stage was too small for all 8 members; he had told them it was the best spot in Wildwood for them to play. They got upset at us because they were expecting us to provide wireless mics and lighting. Since no one had told us about these items prior to the gig, we had to tell the band “no.” The band got more pissed at their booking agent, who in turn, got pissed at mine and Rand’s boss for not providing us with the equipment. Our boss denied having been told this. So, we’ve been at the venue for less than an hour, and already everybody is pissed at everybody else. Luckily, Rand and I were not to blame, so we just let the other parties fight it out.
The result of this communication breakdown was the band firing the booking agent, and the booking agent cutting almost all ties with our company. Like I said earlier, disastrous.
Save yourself time and aggravation. Get as much info about your gig as you can, as soon as you can. Doing a rock show is supposed to be all about fun. The fun ends and the bullshit begins as soon as there is a communication breakdown.