Backstage conduct – the golden rules

Mike Portnoy tweeted something this morning that just made my jaw drop – are people crazy?!

“A fan “popped by” my house today. I was nice to him, but note to you all out there thinking of visiting your fav musician’s home: NOT COOL”

Some fans often forget common sense, manners or just plain respect for the artists that they admire. That is also why it’s SO crucial who you bring backstage for instance. People often ask me howcome I go to most shows alone – and that’s part of the reason. You need to be 100% sure that whoever you’re with, knows the “unwritten rules”. 

The article from Premier Guitar (below) explains it better than I ever could, and it’s so true.
Other things that they failed to mention, that should have been on the list:

1. DO NOT bother artists when they’re eating,
2. DO NOT interrupt their conversations.
3. DO NOT touch anything (on the stage, in the dressing room, the bus, pretty much any area you are invited to)

4. DO NOT ask for picks, sticks whatever (unless artist or road crew offers it as a gift, and seem to want to get it off their hands)

5. DO NOT stare at the artists or whoever you find fascinating – they get plenty of that once they get ON the stage… Keep a low profile.

I’ve seen some unbelievable behavior backstage, made me glad that I wasn’t the one who invited them.

Like one girl – never mind which band it was – was told that the band had to leave so they closed the door to the dressing room (which means “party is over – go home!”).

She pretty much pushed the tour manager aside and barged into the band’s dressing room (while they were getting undressed!) with the words: “I’m not leaving until I’ve said goodbye!”
Holy fuck. I was so ashamed on her behalf, whereas she didn’t even understand that she had screwed up BIG time.

And even if you do have backstage access and are able to enter a band’s dressing room – don’t RUN back there straight after the show. They want to unwind, talk about the show, get the adrenaline-rush down to a lower level, take a shower, whatever.. It’s their “band time”. Guests can come in LATER. Respect that.

 There’s simply a “code” that most people who have been in this business for a while automatically KNOW and follow. It’s tough to run through all these things with “newbies” who are not aware of all this stuff. And you will always be “guilty by association” if someone makes an ass of himself or herself – which makes it really delicate sometimes.

I feel bad for Mike Portnoy, what a pain in the ass…! You don’t even have to be a huge international rock star to experience fans coming over to your house, not respecting your privacy. A local singer found two girls sleeping on the stairs outside his apartment when he came home one night. A pretty spooky feeling.

Anyway…… it’s a world that not everybody gets invited to and there’s a good reason for that.
This article from PREMIER GUITAR is SPOT ON. Enjoy the read!

http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazine/Issue/2010/Feb/15_Rules_of_Backstage_Access.aspx

 

 

This month we’re going to discuss a different type of problem—something that I’m sure most people don’t think about when they think of live music.

This month we’re going to discuss the Rules of Backstage Access. In other words: how to act, how not to act, how to keep from making a fool of yourself and how to get asked to come back again. 

This was a topic of discussion one day between Dan Boul of 65Amps, Sam Austin of Diamond Amps and myself after some lighthearted storytelling of things we’ve all witnessed backstage over the years. I know that this might seem a little strict in some places, but please remember it is all for your own good, to help you have the best backstage experience you can possibly have.

Above all, respect the fact that you are about to experience something that less than 1/10 of 1% of the world will ever experience. Do not take it for granted. You are allowed backstage because of someone the artist trusts. Every action you take will reflect on the person that got you into the show, and to assume that you can participate in any liberties they have might come across as arrogant. 

Here are the Rules of Backstage Access:

1. Show respect to those who are working. Someone on the crew has taken responsibility for you to be back there and will take the grief and abuse from coworkers when do something you shouldn’t have. 

2. No, that pass you have does not mean you can do whatever you want or go where ever you want.

3. Never knock on a tour bus door. The bus is 100% off limits unless you are explicitly invited by someone who has authority to take you there. It is our house. 

4. Dressing rooms are not for you to visit.

5. Do not assume you’ll get catering. Also that table full of donuts, water and coffee is for the local crew, not for you to take.

6. Always ask where you should stand so you’ll be out of everyone’s way. Even if it means you won’t see as well, this is someone’s workspace. Please stay out of their way so they can do their job. 

7. Do what the crew and security tell you to do—nothing more, nothing less. Don’t take any liberties with your privileges. 

8. Do not approach the artist unless you’re invited. This is non-negotiable. 

9. Do not go wandering around the venue unescorted. Most places have overacheivers for security who will throw you out if you don’t have an All Access pass. (no, your V.I.P. or GUEST pass will not substitute) 

10. Please don’t ask for anything to be signed. It’s considered tacky and rude coming from a backstage guest.

11. Always ask before you start taking pictures, video or cell phone snapshots. While some artists allow cameras, I don’t know of any that like a paparazzi-type scene on the side of the stage. I know of even fewer that allow video to be taken at all, even if the performance hasn’t started. Trust me, your memories will be great!

12. No, you may not bring your friends unless they were invited as well. 

13. If you are offered alcohol, you may drink it but know your limit! Going overboard is one of the quickest ways to accomplish two things: get the person who invited you in trouble, and banish yourself from ever being a guest again.

14. Never place a drink on any piece of gear or someone’s workbox. I cannot stress this point enough. It’s considered disrespectful and may get you kicked out immediately. People make their living with this gear and you are putting it in danger by placing drinks on it. 

15. Please arrive at the time you’re asked to. Show days can be very busy and having breaks long enough to come find you aren’t very plentiful. Even though most of us have been to these venues many times before, we rarely see anything outside of the stage, loading dock and dressing room areas. It usually takes asking a few venue employees before finding one that actually knows where ‘Gate C’ is.

 

Basically, it’s a lesson in respect and courtesy. Try your best to respect the backstage area as a workplace, and remember that you are a guest. When you’re at someone’s house or business, you always treat people with the utmost respect. This is both to us. 

Now go have fun and stay out of the way!

 

I go to Thessaloniki to see a gig – then THIS happens…!

My trips to Greece continue to be unpredictable, impossible to plan yet always somehow leave lasting good memories. This time was no exception. It was fun and full of surprises – and I love surprises!

My last visit to Thessaloniki was almost exactly a year ago, when Firewind played at Kaftanzoglio Stadium (July 6, 2011) with Whitesnake and Judas Priest. That was a mix between nightmare and excitement. I quickly realized one thing though, and that’s that Greek people are kind, open and helpful – whether or not they speak English. :)

 

Back then I was “saved” by Derekenaris, a guy I got to know shortly before visiting the city. When I was stuck in the middle of the night at the staduim, last bus had left and there was a taxi-strike that particular day, he helped me out.

This time I met up with Panagotis from the Greek metal site Metalpaths, which he founded a few years ago. We’ve been in touch since the Firewind-gig in Athens back in January and I’ve written a few pieces for Metalpaths since then as well.
He and two friends of his, picked me up at my hotel around noon and I spent the whole day with them. Had a great time, super nice guys.

After exploring the cafés and food of Thessaloniki (well, at least a a few of them) we went to Mylos in the afternoon. The heat was almost unbearable – especially for me who’s one of those people who always tends to wear black.

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Mylos was an interesting and cool concept – it was in an industrial area which reminded me a bit of Rockhal in Luxemburg. You walk through a gate and there’s an outdoor bar, a club, a nightclub, an exhibition hall and an outdoor concert stage (which was one of the most unique ones I’ve seen!)

The opening acts – 4 bands, were playing indoors. Firewind arrived around 6.30 PM for their sound check. Smart solution, to keep the crowd entertained while waiting for the main act, without having to listen to the usual “one-two-CHECK!“. Liked the setup of the show, with the splitting of opening acts/headliner indoors/outdoors, yet still in the same place.

Panagotis and I were hanging at the main stage doors, Bob (Katsionis) walked over for a chat when he was done with his part of the sound check. Had a chat with Gus as well, but more about that in another blog, later on.

This particular show was about to stick out from most of the Firewind-gigs I’ve seen in the past.
The band was receiving a gold record award from Sweden Rock Magazine for the song “Wall of Sound” and guess who was supposed to present it to them…?

I was freaking out at first when I was asked to present the award. I’m not the one standing on stage every night for a living. But I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge, it’s only a matter of facing and defeating your fears.

I got all the help and support I needed from Gus and Elias before walking up there on Firewind’s stage that evening. Right before it was time (right after they wrapped up “SKG”) Gus was standing behind the stacks laughing at my (probably) terrified face going: “It’s time now!”
My only comment to that was “Shut uppp!” Lol! I was trying to stay cool about the whole deal. Holy lord..!

So I walked out there thinking that nobody cares in a hundred years anyway, even if I do fuck up…! :)

It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve been on a stage – I used to sing in bands and solo back in the day. But I haven’ done it in a long time and most of all, not in front of a major crowd…! But it was a total kick, I’ll admit that. People started cheering before I had even finished my first sentence, there is a good reason why touring musicians get addicted to this stuff!

I survived, it was just bizarre in sooo many ways..! :-)

Looking back, I’m just very honored to have been given the opportunity to turn people’s attention to these guys with the award.

I’ve seen the band a number of times, yet I never get tired of seeing the instrumental acrobatics that they perform. Each and every one in the band is a wizard of his instrument, and when they get together and do their thing – it’s magic.

The place was almost empty ten minutes after the show, people had already left, only a few still lingering, talking, maybe waiting for their rides back home. Talked for a few minutes with Derekenaris, eventhough it was very brief – he had to work the next day, so he left.

Panagotis was cool with the idea to head down to the afterparty. As we were passing through the gates I heard someone shouting: “Goodbye, Daniela!” 
I turned around and there was a young boy with a Firewind t-shirt, waving goodbye.

I guess I got my five minutes of fame in Thessaloniki, I suppose that as one of the very few blonde people there, I was easy to recognize and remember. Either way, it was nice.

The afterparty took place at a rock bar called Dizzy Dolls, which I was told has been Gus hangout for years. My guide Panagotis knew where it was, so we drove there straight after the show.

I liked the place, good music, typical dark  rock bar and fairly cheap drinks (compared to Swedish standards at least). The band arrived after a while and were stuck down in the corner surrounded by people – basically it was extremely crowded, you could barely get to the bar.

http://www.rockguide.gr/Club.php?ClubId=78

Drummer Jo got tired of the crowd and wanted to go outside to get some fresh air so I joined him. Sometimes it can get “too much”, so getting five minutes of peace and quiet was a relief.
Apollo joined us, feeling the same way about the crowds inside.

 

Personally, this is the way I want to communicate with people – in a relaxed environment. I don’t like hanging around tour buses after gigs or pushing and squashing in bars – I like the human interaction so the escape from the bar suited me well. Gus was of course stuck in there, schmoozing, goes with the territory. :)

Panagotis and his friends had to leave, offering me to drop me off at my hotel but I decided to stay for a little while. The outdoor temperature had finally dropped a little so it was more bearable. Apollo grabbed a few chairs so we just sat out there talking about past gigs and coming ones.

Jo and Apollo left to go get something, said they’d be back in just a few. Stayed a few more minutes out there with the tour manager, a nice “british lad” before I felt that maybe it was time to call it a night.

I went back inside, just to let Gus know I was about to split. I got a quick deja vú flashback when I saw the guy surrounded by people – fans, friends, whoever, it was like back in the day when you walked into a room and needed to find Sebastian Bach. All you had to do was look for the CROWD and you’d find the guy in the middle of it all. And sure enough, Gus was in there,somewhere. :-) Managed to work my way in to say I was leaving, a conversation would have been impossible anyway.

I left Thessaloniki with some great memories. I love the people, the food, the city – Greece is definitely a place you want to go back to. If for no other reason, they’ve got some pretty kickass musicians that the country can be proud of!

I will be back.

 

 

Bang Your Head festival 2012 – recap

Bang Your Head-weekend in Balingen, Germany, is over. It’s been two interesting days. Part one has been published in the Firewind-blog here.

It’s not every day that you see Venom in the catering or Cronos walking around in his stage outfit in broad daylight (or have the dressing room across from the ladies room for that matter).

Swedish sleaze/glammers Crash Diet were like glued to their chairs in the backstage area all day on Friday. The only time they moved was when it started pissing down in the evening, and theyhad to move inside. After that, they didn’t move from the catering tent until god knows when. When I left after Venom on Friday night, they were still sitting there.

I forgot that Elize Ryd from Amaranthe was with Kamelot. She walked into the catering as well, right after Kamelot finished their set, being very particular with what was on the menu and what she could eat. :)

Another piece of entertainment was seeing a few half-naked musicians both days when going to and from the ladies room (not my fault it was in the dressing room area, lol…!). 

Some guys who were working at the indoors-stage were staying at the same hotel as Anett and me and one morning, at breakfast I heard them talking, in German (I can pick up on a lot of German as long as they don’t speak too fast or at the same time). One guy was somewhat upset about what had taken place the night before.

– I couldn’t believe it…! Four girls in the front row called EXODUS singer to come over, and when he went there, ALL FOUR of them FLASHED their tits in his face! What the fuck! This is a THRASH-concert, it’s not a fuckin’ STEEL PANTHER-show!

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a guy complain about chicks flashing their boobs, but this guy certainly didn’t like it, lol! :-)

I could enjoy listening to a “private show” on the stage right after Firewind, when Armored Saint‘s singer John Bush was warming up. Usually you hear singers warm up with scales, but he was singing at the top of his lungs, as if he was already on stage. Pretty cool. :)

Walked into the indoors arena on Friday afternoon, as they had signing sessions there during the day. Arch Enemy had a looooong line of fans standing in line to meet “Barbie of death” Angela Gossow and the guys.

Some fans were so taken by the situation that they just stood there like paralyzed staring at Angela and wouldn’t move. There were cameras and people everywhere. I left, couldn’t see much but could establish that the band was as popular off stage as onstage. :)

When Thin Lizzy hit the stage, it was raining again. The festivals this year have been haunted by bad weather. Ricky Warwick walked out on the runway, fearless of the rain and stated: Here’s the deal. YOU get wet – WE get wet!  He stood by his word.

It was guitarist Damon Johnson‘s birthday that day and he looked like a happy kid in a candy store when looking out over the crowd. :-) Excellent show!

[Birthday child]

Went to the VIP tent after Thin Lizzy because the rain kept getting worse. But shortly after there was a loud bang and it was the beginning of Venom’s show. The rain was really pissing down at this point. When I came to the stage I was surprised – it was almost empty. I could easily walk to the front of the stage. There were fireworks and fire and god knows what else in Venom’s show but… the crowds were gone.

DAY 2. (Axxis, Primal Fear, Primordial, Sabaton, Gotthard, Pain)……….. coming up. 

 

Festival time – again!

Only 2 days until I leave for Balingen, Germany and the Bang Your Head-festival…

I’m not a big fan of festivals, really. People are asking if I’m going to Wacken for instance. I tend to avoid festivals the size of Wacken or Roskilde. It’s too far away from all civilization and the main criteria for me is that it needs to be accessible by car and there has to be a HOTEL/hostel nearby.

After the Midfyn festival in Denmark back in 1994, which turned into a nightmare, I just knew I would NEVER do that again.

All I remember is not sleeping for 2 days, drunks everywhere, stolen items and shared showers.
I wasn’t exactly dying to do THAT all over again.
I’m not a fan of tents, I don’t drink at festivals or gigs and I need a good nights sleep and a SHOWER (and I don’t mean shower with a bunch of strangers, I prefer privacy in the bathroom/shower thank-you-very-much).

Cause you’re out there walking around all day long, you barely have time to eat or go to the bathroom or whatever from early noon til after midnight – and then you’re being pushed and shoved everywhere you go – not to mention standing in the front row at the shows.

Being a girl doesn’t get you any favors. Metalheads aren’t known for being the greatest gentlemen in the world, so in that sense I guess that the metal community is the most coequal. You get treated like any other dude. Take it or leave it. :)

But the point is – festivals are challenging. Unless you’ve got VIP/guest pass, that makes things a lot easier of course. We were offered Wacken-passes this year and I didn’t even respond, didn’t want to go.

Anyhooo……..
Sweden Rock Festival is cool, it’s not far from home, I can drive home every night and get some sleep. Graspop is just a weekend and it’s definitely near civilization.

Bang Your Head? I have NO idea. It’s totally new to me. :) Was talked into it by Jon Oliva’s former tour-manager, she said I had to come and check it out, that I would enjoy it.

Why not – I’m off on Friday! :-) She’s arranging everything so for once, I’m just tagging along. :)

At the time I didn’t even know who was on the bill. Talk about a BONUS when I noticed that FIREWIND are playing pretty early in the afternoon. Looking forward to that!

Speaking of Firewind – there will be more of them three days later when I fly back to Thessaloniki, Greece, to see them play in their home-town.
This time I’m prepared. I know now that Greek fans are crazy, lol!

THAT trip will be in the Firewind-blog, http://www.firewindtour.posterous.com

I’ll never forget my trip to Thessaloniki LAST year, you can read all about it here:

Part 1: http://lita77777.posterous.com/rockin-thessaloniki-day-1

Part 2:http://lita77777.posterous.com/magic-and-nightmare-in-greece

Part 3: http://lita77777.posterous.com/current-destination-london-sonisphere

I think it will be easier this year though – hotel is closer to venue. That helps!

Looking forward to meeting Panagotis from the Greek site MetalPaths too, always nice to get to know new people. :-)

Will be a busy week, but that’s the way I like it. If I’m home more than a month I get restless and bored. The road is calling! :-)

 

 

 

RJD – Happy Birthday and R.I.P…..

Today would have been Ronnie James Dio’s 70th birthday. 

I was just talking to a friend two days ago about Dio, what a shock it was when he passed away. It shouldn’t have been, he had been sick for quite a while and he wasn’t young anymore. Still, he was one of those people who was immortal, because he had ALWAYS been there. Every year, pretty much, he would release something. A new album, a live video, live album, best of, whatever – I mean, there was always so much LIFE in him. He was a part of my life since I was 13 and first discovered heavy metal.

The first album I ever heard that Ronnie was singing on, was Rainbow’s Rising. It’s probably not “rock’n’roll politically correct” to say that I never got into that album, but I was never much of a 70’s fan. I didn’t like the sound and the production – I’ve always been more of an audio-nerd who loved the clean, clear, powerful productions of the 80’s…

Anyhow…. Holy Diver was great but my favorite Dio album was always The Last In Line. It was great all the way through – not ONE weak track! The album that followed, Sacred heart, had a few great songs as well – I could listen to King of Rock’n’Roll over and over. There were no CD’s back then so I couldn’t put it on “repeat”. Instead I recorded it on a tape a few times – guess that was how you created your own “repeats” back in those days…

I met Ronnie a few times as well. Fantastic, kind man.
I remember particularly one time when he was playing in Malmo and we had an interview and a photo session scheduled – but the band was late. I don’t remember why but they arrived so late that they barely even had time for sound check. 99% would have told us “sorry – another time“. But not Ronnie.

He walked up to us, smiled and apologized for the “inconvenience” and said: “If you think you are able to do the shoot and the interview in 10 minutes tops, we can do it”.

It was more than enough, we got a great interview and great pics. I just wish that I knew WHERE the hell that material IS right now. 

He ALWAYS took time for everybody. Back in 1998 (maybe 1999) he walked out of the elevators at SAS Royal Hotel, also in Malmo, only to be stopped by a bunch of fans who wanted their things signed.

He smiled and signed everything, had a kind word for everyone and actually looked everyone in the eyes. It’s THAT kind of acknowledgement that means everything to people who love an artist’s music. Ronnie knew the value of that, or maybe that’s just what came natural to him. Either way, I always had the utmost respect for him.

Happy 70 th birthday Ronnie – hope you are celebrating it over there on “the other side” with Jim, Janis, Jimi, John and all the other legends. To us you will always be The King of Rock’n’Roll.