Editor’s Note: Now we all enjoy hearing a good band, even a cover band, rocking out live, on stage, right? DJs generally have no problem with the concept of live music performance, correct? And some have even been able to work in tandem with bands to provide a wonderful entertainment experience for their clients—yes, it’s true. However, just as it isn’t usually the best idea for a bride and groom to hire a “friend” as a DJ, it may be an even worse idea to hire their friend’s band…
Had to share stage with a band. Another DJ from my company was doing video, and I was DJing…and a local band whose members were friends with the bride also played.
Here is my story:
Met with the bride and groom and the band at the band's house. The band was doing shots while I was talking with the couple. As we were discussing arrangements for the Friday evening event, the band's "leader" came in abruptly and said they would start playing after dinner, and an hour later I could do my usual "DJ" things, like the bouquet toss, garter toss, and dollar dance. Then they would play for 45 minutes to an hour. After that, I could play for about 45 minutes. I said that would work, but I had more than just the "DJ" things to do, and if I took longer, that was out of our hands. I also found out that the band would have open bar privileges at the reception. The bride said the same went for me, but I declined, telling her I do not drink on the job.
Friday rolls around. After the wedding ceremony from 5:30 to 6:30, guests start arriving at the hotel reception hall at about 6:45. The band shows up at 7:00. No sound check by them. The bride and groom are supposed to arrive at 7:30. 350 guests are now waiting, getting hungrier by the minute, but, of course, the mother of the bride orders the hotel staff not to serve any food until the newlyweds arrive. They end up getting there at 8:40. At 8:45 we do the intros, they cut the cake, and the bride dances with her dad. With the guests becoming increasingly impatient, dinner is finally served at 9:10.
The band says they want to start at 9:30 and that I can do the “DJ” stuff at 10:15 or 10:30. I said no. I went and talked with the bride and groom, and they agreed that people were already leaving, and they wanted to have people do the dollar dance. It was said we would do this at 9:45.
At 9:40, my video guy tells me that the bride just went up to the hotel room for a few minutes, and the groom goes off after her. About 20 minutes later, they come back down. We do the garter, bouquet, and dollar dance. The band is supposed to start then, but one of the members has walked off. He was at the bar, and he was already drunk. They get up and start their set—one guy hammered and one guy buzzing nicely. The third band member is underage, and not drinking. They slaughter a number of songs, but manage to be good on others.
Then I take over again at about 11:15 for my final 45 minute set. During the set, I typically get the crowd into a circle to salute to the bride and groom. During the salute I have the guests repeat what I am saying to the bride and groom. This time, it is going well. The newlyweds each have a huge smile and are totally into it, when the most toasted band member starts chanting "Beer! Beer! Beer!" in the middle of it. The moment is ruined and the bride and groom are left looking shocked.
Needless to say, I never want to work with a band again.
Source: www.MobileBeat.com
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