Can I play a Song or Two with You?

It's been a while since I've added to my blog. I've been out-of-my-mind busy lately and have not had a chance to check out many bands.

However, I do feel compelled to address a topic that I think all musicians are confronted with from time to time. Why is it people feel compelled to ask the band if they can play or sing on a song or two? Why is that?

I think we all know that almost 98% of the time, when a band member is confronted by a person who asks this, and that requester actually is allowed to play or sing, that requester is simply not good.

For those of you who aren't actively playing in a band, you should understand that the band is usually being paid to play there that night. They have been hired to do a job. Unless you are the owner of the establishment, you shouldn't be asking if you can interrupt the show, the flow and the song list. Also, if you can really sing that great, why aren't you playing there that night?

A REAL musician does not go up to the band and ask if they can sit in. It's as simple as that. This is not karaoke. There is a show going on here. Unless you are Robert Plant, please don't do it.

Also, it's one thing to ask a band member to do a particular song. However, do not ask an AC/DC cover band member if they could do a Justin Timberlake song. Do not ask a hair band guitar player if they can do any Brittney Spears. I swear to God. This actually happens! Do not ask a solo acoustic guitar player if they know any Godsmack.

Also, do not go up and ask a band member if they do a particular song and when the band member says, sorry, we don't do that one, ask for the song list so you can look through it while the band waits for you. Just don't do that. Please. Please.

There, I've said it. Musicians know where I'm coming from. All of you who do this sort of thing know who you are. You're the best friends of those guys who are leaning up against a pillar yelling "Free Bird" and thinking it's the funniest thing that's been yelled out in that bar in the last 30 years. (see my Blog about those guys!).

Got that off my chest, eh?