Drunks..what to do with them

[peppe]

Hi all. I'm looking for some fellow KJ advice here. I have been KJ'ing for a couple years now and have sang in band for 8 years now, so my experience with drunks is extensive..BUT, its wearing me down and a drunk is a different thing with Karaoke than with a band. Just some ideas on how to please the crowd with out being offensive or having to act like a wet blanket per se.

Some jump on stage while others are singing because they want to sing that song too. or they hang out with me and my husband at the laptop and cause great distractions. this is not always the case nightly but it happens often enough to ask for a little advise. thanks to all that answer.

peppe and wendy, Joky Karaoke, Naples, Italy

[bryant]

Can't offer anything right now, but a good thread to develop useful discussion from.

This (drunks acting out) is starting to happen to me
a lot lately. So, I'm listening.

[billyo]

Originally Posted by bryant

Can't offer anything right now, but a good thread to develop useful discussion from.

This (drunks acting out) is starting to happen to me
a lot lately. So, I'm listening.

i'm not sure if this will work, i have a karaoke rules in all my songbooks, the first page actually..i know that some people hated it, but thats the only thing that can stop people ( drunk ) from jumping in and also protect your gears..specially the wanna be rockstar.swinging the mic etc..

[Lonman]

Rules in the book are a start, I have them as well. Now you have to be the enforcer of those rules. If you say people aren't allowed to jump on the stage while another is singing, you need to get the joiner off the stage & explain it's not their turn.
If people are standing at your laptop, you need to ask them to go sit down while you are working, if you have a chance, you'll come visit for a few at their table.
The bartenders/security also need to have your back, if someone gives you guff for having them sit down when it's not their turn on the mic, then the bar staff needs to do their job as well - if not, the place probably isn't worth keeping.

[kedmison]

When you start a new place, lay the rules down fast and hard. As Lonman said, stop it as soon as it happens. Be polite but firm. No one on stage except who the singers wants up there. Don't put up with folks heckling the singer regardless how bad they are. You take up for your singers and they will take up for you. I tell my hecklers the standard line. "If you don't like what is being sung, then pick something out you would like to sing. If you can't sing, then find someone who will sing your song. If you're still not happy and can't keep your mouth shut; we've got a front door and a back door. Take your pick."

That usually gets a thunderous roar of approval from the crowd. The offender seems to always then do one of two things: shuts up and behaves or gets up and leaves.

The bartenders and I watch each others back. If I say someone has to go they are told to leave by management. I'm fortunate in that regard. When they know the KJ or 'Host" has the power to order you to leave they seem to pay a little more attention to the rules.

Keep your rules fair and enforce them. I don't have my "rules" written in my book. Maybe I should. But I tend to give everyone the benefit of doubt that they know the golden rule and I expect then to act and treat others like I would. I guess I feel by putting rules in the book it sends a message that I expect there to be problems. I personally have just found it easier to enforce them as they happen. Doesn't take long and they seem to learn.

I have found drunks to be a lot like kids. They respect strict consistent "punishment" as long as it's fair.

Just my two cents.

Kelly

[ddouglass]

Well said Kelly. I have found that as long as the establishment and you can work together and just like parents be consistent then those problems seldom come up.

[marko]

anyone in this biz is gonna get 'em. Its a fact of our lives. You know most are being friendly and are interested. Give them a minute or two and show them how things work and then let them know you are being paid to work and tell them thanks for the interest. Rarely does anyone come alone. Feel free to ask their friends to move them along. Ask nicely and explain the situation and the cost of your equipment. Have a code word or some signal you can give the bouncer or owner when things get out of hand. And one of my favs for the bad ones is to say hey let me buy you a beer. Get them away from your equipment. Go up to the bar and explain yourself. Do the listen we're all here for a good time but this is my job and I could get fired if I goof off to much. It never fails. Also what has worked for me a number of times is if they are really trashed and we walk up to the bar I turn around and leave. You'd be surprised how many times that has worked for me. And guard your equipment always (its your living). Finally smile, smile, smile. Hard to get angry at someone who won't get mad!
Good Luck,
marko

[peppe]

best advice! pure simple and I think it could and would work. I am fortunate that I have a partner ( my Husband ) most of the time with me so the opprotunity to walk away from the equipment is there. I still will make the rules list just cause it makes sense. But I think I like yours the best. I'm printing it out and taking on gigs!

[peppe]

wish I could see pics of all of you. I've got to know your names nad opinions and now would love to see who you all are.

wendy