Concerts in Smoking Venues

[PeterBale]

Reading the Comments in 4barsrest this morning, I spotted a reference to playing concerts in smoky environments, and thought it might merit setting up a poll to see what tMPers think. As a non-smoker I do not particularly relish the prospect of inhaling smoke when playing - we used to go to play at a London venue at Christmas-time where we played whilst the guests enjoyed their pre-dinner smoke and chat, and it used to be very unpleasant.

The options are not ideal, and are more of an attempt to spark off discussion. When posting, try to keep comments on the subject itself, rather than getting involved in a general discussion on smoking, that is already elsewhere on the Forum.

(Edit: Just amended poll to include option for those not bothered by the effects of smoke)

 

[Lauradoll]

I know when playing at Dobcross or Glossop it gets very smoky and also very warm, which makes playing conditions quite unpleasant. However I also realise both venues have a bar and rely on the paying public to bring in the money so if they were to ban smoking, people would probably go else where if they wanted to smoke.

Personally, as a non smoker and someone who suffers from asthma I'd like to see non smoking venues however in reality I can't see it happening.

 

[Aidan]

agreed laura.
but a good topic

 

[Steve]

As a heavy smoker there is nothing better than taking a huge breath for a 12 bar passage ang getting a lung full of smoke/tar/nicotine. I have to admit I feel bad for the non smokers though, I think Roy Castle is testament to the dangers of playing in smokey venues.

 

[lynchie]

it'd be a nice idea if we had the option to restrict our audience any further...

 

[Keppler]

supposed to be a smoking ban in all workplaces coming in here at the end of Feb.
That includes bars, resteraunts, etc...

will hold my breath until it comes in...

 

[Naomi McFadyen]

good topic...

I think that bands should consider this before agreeing to do the job in the first place... if you do a job in a venue like a bandclub, it's bound to be in a bar where smoking will be aloud...

 

[Accidental]

I hate playing in smoky places and ideally would love to refuse, but I guess it comes down to how well the gig pays, and how much the band needs the cash.

 

[NeilW]

I think Roy Castle was a case in point - they blame his cancer on playing gigs in smokey venues...

Neil

--
I don't mind people smoking, as long as they don't breath out

 

[Maestro]

I can see both sides of the discussion here, but non-smokers, and this is directed more at SA bandsmen/women, what is the difference between playing in a smokey atmosphere, and going nround the pubs selling the SA newspapers, and this is not meant to be antagonistic in anyway.
Since I left the SA, one of the highlights of my year was the local SA band coming round the pubs and playing carols. Not once did they get any abuse, in fact, one year when they felt that this might not be possible any longer due to the dwindling numbers of the band, and the age of the players, there was one heck of an outcry in my hometown.

Apologies if this has rambled on.

 

[Straightmute]

it's bound to be in a bar where smoking will be aloud...

Crikey - they must be very heavy smokers if you can actually hear them above the sound of the band... :wink:

D

 

[Naomi McFadyen]

:lol: yea... powerful isn't it!

stand corrected on spelling once again...

Yea, so I'm against it like....

;-)

 

[bruceg]

Bit of a tough one this but if a band wants / needs the cash available to them from such a venue then they need to put the issue before the band members.

As a smoker I find it hard to see the difference between playing a 2 hour concert in a smoky environment and sitting in a smoky bar for 8 hours after playing at a contest but maybe that's heading off topic...

 

[Accidental]

As a smoker I find it hard to see the difference between playing a 2 hour concert in a smoky environment and sitting in a smoky bar for 8 hours after playing at a contest but maybe that's heading off topic...

Good point, but it is different!
1. I can choose whether or not to sit in a bar/pub/club at any time, but I can't choose whether or not to turn up to a band gig (at least I don't think it would be right to!)
2. I breathe far more deeply when I'm playing .'. take in a helluva lot more smoke.

 

[PeterBale]

I can see both sides of the discussion here, but non-smokers, and this is directed more at SA bandsmen/women, what is the difference between playing in a smokey atmosphere, and going nround the pubs selling the SA newspapers, and this is not meant to be antagonistic in anyway.

I take your point, Kev, but as has been said elsewhere, if I were selling the "War Cry" I would not be taking in gulps of air to fill a bass! Equally, I am sure that concerns about the effects of passive smoking and the lingering smell of smoke on uniforms has been one of the factors in a number of Corps choosing not to carry out a traditional "pub-booming" ministry, but to distribute the papers in shopping centres etc instead.

 

[bruceg]

As a smoker I find it hard to see the difference between playing a 2 hour concert in a smoky environment and sitting in a smoky bar for 8 hours after playing at a contest but maybe that's heading off topic...

Good point, but it is different!
1. I can choose whether or not to sit in a bar/pub/club at any time, but I can't choose whether or not to turn up to a band gig (at least I don't think it would be right to!)
2. I breathe far more deeply when I'm playing .'. take in a helluva lot more smoke.

Which is why I think the bands should ask their players whether or not to accept the engagement. I try to be a responsible smoker but all that goes out the window as soon as alcohol appears before me... sorry

 

[bruceg]

(Edit: Just amended poll to include option for those not bothered by the effects of smoke)

Doh! I had voted before you added my real choice

 

[horn1]

I do think that playing in a smoky enviroment is a problem, as an asthma sufferer concerts can be a huge nightmare when playing in a club. I see the point about after contest etc. but when my asthma is bad I take myself out of that situation, I can't always do that when I'm playing, plus the smoke makes my asthma worse which doesn't tend to make me play well!

 

[bruceg]

I really do sympathise with all those who suffer from any medical condition that is exacerbated by a smoky atmosphere. In our band the smokers are a minority (outnumbered about 3:1 I think) so, as chairman, I wouldn't dream of forcing an engagement in a smoking venue on the band.

However, if the fee is attractive enough, I'm not above getting down on my hands and knees and begging them to turn up anyway.

 

[Lauradoll]

I do think that playing in a smoky enviroment is a problem, as an asthma sufferer concerts can be a huge nightmare when playing in a club. I see the point about after contest etc. but when my asthma is bad I take myself out of that situation, I can't always do that when I'm playing, plus the smoke makes my asthma worse which doesn't tend to make me play well!

Did you get home from the "smoky venue" we were at on Saturday?? I canny remember going home! You need to come round for tea sometime!
I'll let you know when we're out on razzler again!! Should see my lip gloss I won!! Glittery and everything. BLISS!!