Correcting a few matters

Firstly, let me apologise for not yet replying to my comments and messages over the last couple of days. Once again I have been completely snowed under with college work. I want to clear up a couple of things, concerning my gig review of Cronus and 23 in the Zoo Club last Friday. I’ve had a bit of a response and felt the easiest way to handle it was to post a blog about it.

Firstly to Joey, my apology, I assumed you were one of the organisers of that gig in Wexford. You were present during all the ruckus that night and as you said on my latest gig review, you “simply asked ITF to play”. By being the one asking them to play I assumed you were one of the organisers, but apparently not. I’m a little confused but it’s really not important, I apologise for saying you were involved in organising the gig.

Secondly, in response to Kevin’s message and comments. I don’t think I was harsh with the review, I was honestly giving my opinion and I wasn’t trying to offend you. I’d prefer for it to be taken as constructive criticism and used to your advantage, that is always my intention when writing a review. I pointed out problems I had with your set/music. This has been put down to a number of reasons in various responses from people; small crowd, lack of practice in recent weeks, only asked to play the gig a couple of days before, but I’d also like to discuss these.

These matters go for all bands, not just the lads from Cronus. A small crowd being present at a gig is no excuse for any band who take themselves seriously to not give a gig 100%. I know it can be defeating to have only a handful of people there to hear you play. But it’s even more important to play your ass off in this case, have these people spread word to their friends, who may come and see you next time!? This could definitely be seen by 23, who as I’ve said “rock!”. They played a great set, in front of the same small crowd and as a result; everyone walked away impressed and I have no doubt will tell their friends about 23, who rock!
Also, if bands get asked to play a gig (with short notice) and haven’t practiced for several weeks then you’ve really got to think about the band’s best interests. If you haven’t practiced then you could end up playing a shit set. I know things like school, college, work, having a life etc can get in the way of bands practicing. But like everything worth doing, playing great sets takes a lot of practice. If you haven’t practiced then don’t play the gigs, they may result in reviews that suggest you need more practice.

Some more advice I’d like to offer all bands, not just Cronus! I’m sorry that you end up being the example here but it’s the perfect time for me to share this knowledge from my last few years studying journalism and PR. If you get a bad review or read something said that you don’t like; THINK before you speak!

Don’t get hotheaded and write back. This can result in several bad things. You have to remember that as a band member you are speaking for the band when you reply, PR is important. If you say you “couldn’t give a shit” then other people will read this, including band members who may give a shit and don’t share your attitude. I’ve seen this before and it only results in negativity in and towards your band. You also have to be aware that journalists, bloggers or whoever; can print or use what you say. These situations can easily spiral into stupid little personal wars. In this case, as requested, I’ll be deleting the comment. You’ve expressed regretting the comment and it doesn’t bother me either way. I certainly couldn’t be bothered with a big ruckus over nothing, I was simply writing a review.

I would just like bands/musicians to be aware how little situations can spiral into bigger things unnecessarily, simply because people don’t think before speaking. As a musician you take to the stage and will be criticised, you need to learn how to handle this professionally. The same goes for myself as a photographer, writer and indeed blogger and I always except criticism and feedback. I mightn’t like it but the only thing I can do is to respond professionally.

I hope this resolves the matter and that Cronus now realise; it was nothing personal. As far as I’m concerned my review was honest. I’m glad you read my blog, and hopefully will continue to read it, feel free to respond to any future posts I make, related to your band or not! If I hear you play again, I will be honest. I write gig reviews in the hope that they can be taken as constructive criticism. Whilst sometimes you may think my words are harsh, as in the “air guitar” comment, I’m writing to best describe my thoughts and reactions.

I would also like to point out that you don’t have to give a shit what I say about your music, but just think before you actually say so.

I love doing the work I do, shooting bands, writing about bands, generally working with bands. I’m always here to answer questions or give any advice I can. I don’t like writing bad reviews, but for me to be in any way credible and professional; I have to be honest.

“Be honest and unmerciful” Lester Bangs (Almost Famous)