How do bands -- and Built to Spill, specifically -- react to requests for songs?
October 11, 2006 12:07 PM Subscribe
How do bands -- and Built to Spill, specifically -- react to requests for songs?
FreebirdFilter:
I'm going to see B2S this weekend. There are several songs that I would LOVE to hear the band play, which have not been showing up on their recent playlists that I've seen floating around the intertubes lately. (Examples: Viriginia Reel Around The Fountain, The Plan, The Wait, Just A Habit, Trimmed and Burning)
The band has a myspace page, and I thought about e-mailing them to request that they play one or more of those songs during their show. Is this considered presumptuous, rude, or offensive to a band? Don't worry -- I don't plan on yelling "Freebird!!!" from the crowd (even though we are in Alabama, and even though they apparently do a pretty mean version).
I guess I'm just curious how bands like B2S respond to this sort of thing -- indifferent? insulted? flattered? bored? Any chance they'll actually respond to the request?
FreebirdFilter:
I'm going to see B2S this weekend. There are several songs that I would LOVE to hear the band play, which have not been showing up on their recent playlists that I've seen floating around the intertubes lately. (Examples: Viriginia Reel Around The Fountain, The Plan, The Wait, Just A Habit, Trimmed and Burning)
The band has a myspace page, and I thought about e-mailing them to request that they play one or more of those songs during their show. Is this considered presumptuous, rude, or offensive to a band? Don't worry -- I don't plan on yelling "Freebird!!!" from the crowd (even though we are in Alabama, and even though they apparently do a pretty mean version).
I guess I'm just curious how bands like B2S respond to this sort of thing -- indifferent? insulted? flattered? bored? Any chance they'll actually respond to the request?
I saw them in detroit last week, it was pretty sweet. They didn't really seem to care about requests from the crowd. Don't worry, they'll play The Plan, it's one of their best songs. Built to Spill is really old, and I'm sure they've heard it all before, so you probably can't impress them too much :\ sorry.
It'll be a good show, Enjoy!
posted by patr1ck at 12:40 PM on October 11, 2006
It'll be a good show, Enjoy!
posted by patr1ck at 12:40 PM on October 11, 2006
I saw BTS not long ago in Albuquerque, and I got the impression that they were generally annoyed by yelled requests. People kept screaming "Hurt a Fly" the entire night, and they never played it.
I've gotten the same vibe during many performances by bands that have been around for a while. Violent Femmes mercifully refused multiple requests for "Blister in the Sun" when I saw them in 99, Wilco ignored multiple requests for old Uncle Tupelo songs, and so on. I didn't see it, but a legendary early-90s performance at Kent State University by Flock of Seagulls reportedly devolved into a lecture about respecting an old band's new efforts after repeated requests for "I Ran."
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 12:42 PM on October 11, 2006
I've gotten the same vibe during many performances by bands that have been around for a while. Violent Femmes mercifully refused multiple requests for "Blister in the Sun" when I saw them in 99, Wilco ignored multiple requests for old Uncle Tupelo songs, and so on. I didn't see it, but a legendary early-90s performance at Kent State University by Flock of Seagulls reportedly devolved into a lecture about respecting an old band's new efforts after repeated requests for "I Ran."
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 12:42 PM on October 11, 2006
Often, song lists are made up before the sound check so that the sound and light crew can get their sh*t together. To throw in a song can throw the whole production off kilter.
No harm in requesting in my opinion. If the band is the type to get pissed, well they wouldn't have played it anyway upon request and if they are capable of changing on the fly, they may actually play it.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 12:53 PM on October 11, 2006
No harm in requesting in my opinion. If the band is the type to get pissed, well they wouldn't have played it anyway upon request and if they are capable of changing on the fly, they may actually play it.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 12:53 PM on October 11, 2006
I am pretty sure they are going to ignore you. Seems kosher to request songs in basically one situation: small intimate shows. If you can state your request with reasonable hope of the frontman hearing, chances of success are good; if you are screaming along with 30 other people, well..
They definitely played like half those songs you listed when I saw them last. I thought they looked kinda pissy when the crowd kept yelling requests--but the crowd was pretty bad in general.
posted by shownomercy at 1:05 PM on October 11, 2006
They definitely played like half those songs you listed when I saw them last. I thought they looked kinda pissy when the crowd kept yelling requests--but the crowd was pretty bad in general.
posted by shownomercy at 1:05 PM on October 11, 2006
I've seen BTS twice, and the second show was a disaster (the first was great, however) save for when some drunk asshole screamed Freebird and they immediately launched into a fantastic version of the song.
Not sure if this answers your question.
posted by saladin at 1:06 PM on October 11, 2006
Not sure if this answers your question.
posted by saladin at 1:06 PM on October 11, 2006
I had the same experience as Saladin...some ass yelled Freebird and Doug was like "fine."
That said...don't be that guy. It's annoying.
posted by youcancallmeal at 1:16 PM on October 11, 2006
That said...don't be that guy. It's annoying.
posted by youcancallmeal at 1:16 PM on October 11, 2006
I personally hate it when I am at a concert (say, Patti Smith) and someone (or several people) keep yelling out "Because the Night" or whatever, rather than showing appreciation for the song just played and respect for the moment of preparation for the next song. It's annoying to hear the repetitious, demanding yelling all night, as well. I have seen Patti tell people, "I'll play what I want to play, so save your breath."
In a small club situation, or if you are pals with the band, or if the band asks what you want to hear...have at it. Or, you could leave a note on the stage by the nicest band member and see if they'll read and comply.
posted by Riverine at 1:22 PM on October 11, 2006
In a small club situation, or if you are pals with the band, or if the band asks what you want to hear...have at it. Or, you could leave a note on the stage by the nicest band member and see if they'll read and comply.
posted by Riverine at 1:22 PM on October 11, 2006
I just saw Bettie Serveert and someone in front of the stage kept yelling "Palomine." Finally, the singer said "OK, we'll get to it, but we have some other songs to play first, all right?" and sounded a little annoyed. In fact, most of my experiences have been that the folks on stage get slightly annoyed when people yell out requests. I guess if you really want to request something, yell it once. Just don't keep repeating yourself until they play it (or tell you to stop)!
posted by jdl at 1:55 PM on October 11, 2006
posted by jdl at 1:55 PM on October 11, 2006
Best answer: Whilst yelling has gotta be a pain, I think the OP is talking about dropping the band an email in advance. I have no particular experience with this sort of thing (indeed, have never heard of the band in question) but... what have you got to lose? Even if they think the request is presumptious, the worst that can happen is that they ignore it.
posted by handee at 2:14 PM on October 11, 2006
posted by handee at 2:14 PM on October 11, 2006
It seems like there's probably three categories of song requests. The first is the "heckle request," which is yelling "Freebird!" to bands that are not Lynyrd Skynyrd. The second is the "casual fan request," which is the guy at the Dexy's Midnight Runners show yelling "Come on Eileen!!!!" Or, rather, "Your one big hit that I know, and not that other crap on the album that I skip over!" Finally, there's the "superfan request," which is some guy at a Modest Mouse show yelling "Path of Least Resistance!" (look it up), i.e. something from the deep catalog.
Bands don't take kindly to the first, except in examples like BtS playing Freebird, which was more of a "fuck you" than an "okay!" The second is annoying as well, because it's the *one* song that everyone keeps yelling about, and the band probably sick of it and don't want to play it anymore. So if you're going to yell something, keep it to type 3. A good, but more obscure song.
posted by The Michael The at 2:22 PM on October 11, 2006
Bands don't take kindly to the first, except in examples like BtS playing Freebird, which was more of a "fuck you" than an "okay!" The second is annoying as well, because it's the *one* song that everyone keeps yelling about, and the band probably sick of it and don't want to play it anymore. So if you're going to yell something, keep it to type 3. A good, but more obscure song.
posted by The Michael The at 2:22 PM on October 11, 2006
Best answer: No band likes some idiot ruining their set by repeatedly screaming for their biggest hit, it's annoying for everyone. They're going to play it, but not until the encore.
Requests for lesser-known tracks are more welcome-- an email before the tour might have been your best bet, but if you're up front you might be able to get someone's attention and ask nicely.
But don't be offended if they don't play it. In addition to the lighting/stage show concerns expressed above, a lot of bands won't like to play something they haven't rehearsed recently. It's amazingly easy to forget changes in a song you haven't played in a while, even if you're the guy who wrote it.
posted by InfidelZombie at 2:32 PM on October 11, 2006
Requests for lesser-known tracks are more welcome-- an email before the tour might have been your best bet, but if you're up front you might be able to get someone's attention and ask nicely.
But don't be offended if they don't play it. In addition to the lighting/stage show concerns expressed above, a lot of bands won't like to play something they haven't rehearsed recently. It's amazingly easy to forget changes in a song you haven't played in a while, even if you're the guy who wrote it.
posted by InfidelZombie at 2:32 PM on October 11, 2006
To go with what InfidelZombie said, I've seen at least one band try and play a request for an older song, get about 10 seconds into it, then just stop when the lead singer couldn't remember the words.
It would have been funnier had it not been my favorite song of their's and the one I wanted to see! (no, I did not request it).
posted by KirTakat at 2:55 PM on October 11, 2006
It would have been funnier had it not been my favorite song of their's and the one I wanted to see! (no, I did not request it).
posted by KirTakat at 2:55 PM on October 11, 2006
Along with The Michael The's suggestion, may I offer my own experience, that of yelling out the 'superfan' request at a Beulah show. The indie-rock assholes in the crowd started mocking me. A couple songs later, the band started in on the song but the lead singer refused to start in with the opening riff until he got me up on stage, handed me a guitar, and had me PLAY ALONG and SING BACKUP.
I even got a little solo. He was damn lucky I'd been playing guitar for more than a decade. After the show, everyone treated me like a rock star. Pretty awesome.
So sometimes it can turn out well, although Beulah did have a habit of dragging audience members onto stage.
posted by incessant at 3:10 PM on October 11, 2006
I even got a little solo. He was damn lucky I'd been playing guitar for more than a decade. After the show, everyone treated me like a rock star. Pretty awesome.
So sometimes it can turn out well, although Beulah did have a habit of dragging audience members onto stage.
posted by incessant at 3:10 PM on October 11, 2006
My brother and I saw Wilco in London on their Yankee Hotel Foxtrot tour and, after drinking too much, he spent the entire gig yelling for Sunken Treasure. Eventually Tweedy looked up to where we were on the balcony, said "okay, shut the fuck up" and they played it.
I've seen Wilco a couple of times since and they've played it then as well, so I'm guessing it was part of that night's set list rather than something they did to shut my drunken sibling up.
posted by TheDonF at 3:21 PM on October 11, 2006
I've seen Wilco a couple of times since and they've played it then as well, so I'm guessing it was part of that night's set list rather than something they did to shut my drunken sibling up.
posted by TheDonF at 3:21 PM on October 11, 2006
The second is the "casual fan request," which is the guy at the Dexy's Midnight Runners show yelling "Come on Eileen!!!!" Or, rather, "Your one big hit that I know, and not that other crap on the album that I skip over!"
LOL, I saw Therapy? a few years back and someone down at the front yelled for Screamager. Their bassist said "Screamager? Of course we're going to play it. You're the kind of guy that would shout for Stairway To Heaven at a Led Zeppelin gig!"
posted by TheDonF at 3:28 PM on October 11, 2006
LOL, I saw Therapy? a few years back and someone down at the front yelled for Screamager. Their bassist said "Screamager? Of course we're going to play it. You're the kind of guy that would shout for Stairway To Heaven at a Led Zeppelin gig!"
posted by TheDonF at 3:28 PM on October 11, 2006
Response by poster: OP here, with some follow-up.
Whilst yelling has gotta be a pain, I think the OP is talking about dropping the band an email in advance.
Yes, handee. That's exactly what I was talking about. I even said, in the post, that I had no intention of yelling from the crowd. Maybe I didn't make that clear enough....
My question was about asking them to play certain songs via e-mail before the show. And the reason I wanted to ask was because they haven't been playing these songs in recent sets, and I'm wondering if specifically requesting might be the only way I have a chance to hear them.
The concern I had was whether the band might think it insulting or presumptuous for a fan to try and shape / influence the band's setlist before the show, so the main point of my post was -- would a band react favorably to this sort of request?
And, incessant -- I'll just be happy if they play them. I'm not getting anywhere NEAR the stage.
posted by fearless_yakov at 3:28 PM on October 11, 2006
Whilst yelling has gotta be a pain, I think the OP is talking about dropping the band an email in advance.
Yes, handee. That's exactly what I was talking about. I even said, in the post, that I had no intention of yelling from the crowd. Maybe I didn't make that clear enough....
My question was about asking them to play certain songs via e-mail before the show. And the reason I wanted to ask was because they haven't been playing these songs in recent sets, and I'm wondering if specifically requesting might be the only way I have a chance to hear them.
The concern I had was whether the band might think it insulting or presumptuous for a fan to try and shape / influence the band's setlist before the show, so the main point of my post was -- would a band react favorably to this sort of request?
And, incessant -- I'll just be happy if they play them. I'm not getting anywhere NEAR the stage.
posted by fearless_yakov at 3:28 PM on October 11, 2006
Let us know what they do play... I am going to see them in Houston next week.
posted by nimsey lou at 3:46 PM on October 11, 2006
posted by nimsey lou at 3:46 PM on October 11, 2006
Other people have given you good advice. In my experience, most bands of the non-jam variety tend to have their setlist picked out before the show and aren't going to alter it in the middle. That said, yell out the name of a song if you want to, but please don't yell it out during every single lull in the concert. And you've certainly got nothing to lose by trying to contact the band before the show. If you arrive at the venue early enough, depending on what it's like, you might be able to request the song in person while the band is setting up. That would likely yield the best results.
posted by ludwig_van at 4:14 PM on October 11, 2006
posted by ludwig_van at 4:14 PM on October 11, 2006
Hmmm... about to see them in a couple of hours at The Cat's Cradle. If I have any relevant experience I'll post it.
posted by malaprohibita at 5:02 PM on October 11, 2006
posted by malaprohibita at 5:02 PM on October 11, 2006
As an aside (and as an answer to your original, more general question) I saw Steve Kilbey of The Church play a solo gig in 1994 or so; he responded to shouts from the audience requesting Under The Milky Way with exasperated eye-rolling... then held his guitar aloft and announced, "I'm not going to play that song, but if anyone here can do a decent job of it, you're welcome to have a shot."
A young fellow from the back of the auditorium scrambled on stage and took the guitar while Kilbey covered his face with a handkerchief and feigned a brief nap. That kid sang as though his whole life had been leading up to that moment; as though his chest would burst with happiness. Afterwards, there was wild applause, and euphoric cheering, and even the cantankerous Kilbey smiled a little as he peeled the handkerchief from his face.
posted by hot soup girl at 5:28 PM on October 11, 2006
A young fellow from the back of the auditorium scrambled on stage and took the guitar while Kilbey covered his face with a handkerchief and feigned a brief nap. That kid sang as though his whole life had been leading up to that moment; as though his chest would burst with happiness. Afterwards, there was wild applause, and euphoric cheering, and even the cantankerous Kilbey smiled a little as he peeled the handkerchief from his face.
posted by hot soup girl at 5:28 PM on October 11, 2006
I once shouted out a deep-catalog request at a pretty tame Michelle Shocked concert. She looked right at me and just said "Fuck You". Jeez. Felt like a toolbag. Could've been worse. At a License-To-Ill-era Beastie Boys show, they had everybody in the audience point at this one asshole who was throwing things and shout "fag" at him. (Hey, it was the 80's). Sucks to be that guy. Group scorn is awful. I think your email idea is nicer and more considerate and especially safer. Good luck getting through, though.
posted by kookoobirdz at 8:02 PM on October 11, 2006
posted by kookoobirdz at 8:02 PM on October 11, 2006
I saw BTS yesterday actually. Doug Martsch spent the second half of the show fiddling with this portable dvd player/projector thing on the stage playing youtube cat videos. I was pissed. I didn't pay $20 to watch youtube. and they didn't play broken chairs.
Not that I yelled for it.
posted by stratastar at 10:13 PM on October 11, 2006
Not that I yelled for it.
posted by stratastar at 10:13 PM on October 11, 2006
Best answer: I am posting this from a friend's account.
I played in a touring band on the same circuit as BTS for many years. I know many, many bands, and still see bands with whom I have a friendly relationship, and bands who don't know who the f**k I am. I think the answer is pretty much the same in either case when I go out to see bands live.
When I was touring, as I think is the case for most bands, we often had a repertoire of songs with which we were great, some with which we were comfortable, and some that had never been performed outside of the studio. The set was generally about 75% of the same night-per-night, with a few songs thrown in for variation, or because someone in the band was feelin' it, or because a player (or I, as the singer) found the song difficult and needed a break because we were tired or hurt.
I very rarely saw bands who had a set planned out for a whole tour. That just isn't anything with which I encountered. Bands doing that are bands like The Flaming Lips who rely on sequencing, tracks, and video. And even they have some wiggle room.
Yelling NEVER worked, especially on a song we already knew we couldn't play. Sometimes you just haven't played a song for a long time, or with the new guy, or whatever. It ain't going to happen.
I can tell you what worked for us and for bands with whom we were friends, and what still works when I see bands -- ask *IF* they are playing a certian song on the tour. Try to snag a guy in the band beforehand, and mildly say, "Hey, I won't take any of your time, but ..." and ask if it is something they have worked out. They may sit down and talk with you for an hour, or they may be busy -- but give them the easy out. If they are worried that you are trying to start a fan club right there on the spot, they'll might try to duck you. If they can tell you are a respectful person who really likes what they do, they'll let you know if it is even on the back page of the menu. Martsch plays with different guys, and it may be that the current lineup has no idea how to play XXX or YYY. So just be cool, catch them before (you may get them before they even have a list drawn), and ask if they have a version worked up with the lineup. They are very good folk, and respect of their limitations will get you a long way.
If you can't catch one, do what 23skidoo suggested, and ask in a talking voice. The screamers only get what they want because it was already in the plans, trust me. We often said back, "If you ask one more time, we won't play it." We also had screamers escorted out WHILE we played a song (by making a deal that we'd play it if they left). But that was almost only if we were already going to play it.
NEVER scream for the "hit." If they aren't playing it, it isn't because they think no one wants to hear it, and you are going to PISS THEM OFF.
And the BTS "Freebird" cover is phenomenal and hilarious. If you look around, it is on CD. It went out as radio promo for Ancient Melodies.
I think the e-mail idea is a good thought, but for them to remember all that is a bit of a stretch! (NOTE: Play "Yesterday" in Toledo, play "Mack the Knife" in Nashville. play "Satisfaction" in Austin ... you get the point).
Cheers and good luck.
posted by mezzanayne at 10:14 PM on October 11, 2006
I played in a touring band on the same circuit as BTS for many years. I know many, many bands, and still see bands with whom I have a friendly relationship, and bands who don't know who the f**k I am. I think the answer is pretty much the same in either case when I go out to see bands live.
When I was touring, as I think is the case for most bands, we often had a repertoire of songs with which we were great, some with which we were comfortable, and some that had never been performed outside of the studio. The set was generally about 75% of the same night-per-night, with a few songs thrown in for variation, or because someone in the band was feelin' it, or because a player (or I, as the singer) found the song difficult and needed a break because we were tired or hurt.
I very rarely saw bands who had a set planned out for a whole tour. That just isn't anything with which I encountered. Bands doing that are bands like The Flaming Lips who rely on sequencing, tracks, and video. And even they have some wiggle room.
Yelling NEVER worked, especially on a song we already knew we couldn't play. Sometimes you just haven't played a song for a long time, or with the new guy, or whatever. It ain't going to happen.
I can tell you what worked for us and for bands with whom we were friends, and what still works when I see bands -- ask *IF* they are playing a certian song on the tour. Try to snag a guy in the band beforehand, and mildly say, "Hey, I won't take any of your time, but ..." and ask if it is something they have worked out. They may sit down and talk with you for an hour, or they may be busy -- but give them the easy out. If they are worried that you are trying to start a fan club right there on the spot, they'll might try to duck you. If they can tell you are a respectful person who really likes what they do, they'll let you know if it is even on the back page of the menu. Martsch plays with different guys, and it may be that the current lineup has no idea how to play XXX or YYY. So just be cool, catch them before (you may get them before they even have a list drawn), and ask if they have a version worked up with the lineup. They are very good folk, and respect of their limitations will get you a long way.
If you can't catch one, do what 23skidoo suggested, and ask in a talking voice. The screamers only get what they want because it was already in the plans, trust me. We often said back, "If you ask one more time, we won't play it." We also had screamers escorted out WHILE we played a song (by making a deal that we'd play it if they left). But that was almost only if we were already going to play it.
NEVER scream for the "hit." If they aren't playing it, it isn't because they think no one wants to hear it, and you are going to PISS THEM OFF.
And the BTS "Freebird" cover is phenomenal and hilarious. If you look around, it is on CD. It went out as radio promo for Ancient Melodies.
I think the e-mail idea is a good thought, but for them to remember all that is a bit of a stretch! (NOTE: Play "Yesterday" in Toledo, play "Mack the Knife" in Nashville. play "Satisfaction" in Austin ... you get the point).
Cheers and good luck.
posted by mezzanayne at 10:14 PM on October 11, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Uncle Jimmy at 12:20 PM on October 11, 2006