How Do You Handle Fights During A Show?

[LarryGH]

I agree with the person saying my first concern is my wife then my equipment.
Two weeks ago several guys went after a guy backing him against the wall. My $700.00 speaker was wobeling around in the middle of them.
Having my cordless mike in my hand I told my wife to cut the music. As soon as it stopped I pushed inbetween them and shouted into the mike KNOCK IT OFF every one stopped for a moment, so then I said you want to fight take it ouside.
The bar owner stepped in and I stepped out. Then announced that we don't tolerate this kind !/*@#%! and said good night everyone. (The other people were disapointed but It was almost closing time anyway.)

Last week everything went as smooth as silk. I believe most of the people are their to have agood time, and will try to disgorage trouble when they know that the DJ ends the night if trouble starts.

[gduns - with the Lord]

Loud feedback will stop a fight in its tracks. Just turn up the mic till it squeels!

[S. Parks]

The best this is to protect yourself and equipment as best you can, and at all cost don't get involved. The owners of the establishment have the obligation to deal with the problem, not the karaoke host. So if the problem doesn't include you, the best thing to do is step back and don't make yourself part of it.

Last time I checked, carrting a firearm into a bar anywhere in the country, with blanks or otherwise is illegal unless you are permitted to carry it. Not real smart to intimidate a guy with a gun with blanks who might feel compelled to point his at you, and I doubt theirs will have blanks. Frankly it concerns me that anyone would even consider this as an option.

[muzicman144]

I have been playing music for 30 years and have never had a blow passed inside where i'm playing. Don't know where you'all play, but if they have fights I don't play there. One would be a complete idiot to get involve themselves except to protect one's equipment. I have been to places as an observer and seen it happen. Generally its in a place known for this or, not in all cases, a show run inadequatly, or breaking rotation. My advice, work hard, be fair, have great selection of music, which attracts the best singers, most patrons will then listen instead of fighting, and you move up professionally to clubs that absolutely do not allow this

thirty years 4-6 nights a week

[bryant]

More thought-provoking thoughts after reading all these.

What about in clubs or even the private clubs where the only person in authority is one female bartender behind a horseshoe-shaped bar down at the other end of the room?

[gotrich]

Barney I love you I have tried music, feed back, and the others mentioned. The best is barney, most people treat as the chiken dance, most join in, ALL of the laugh, and then they laugh at the two fighting. I had one guy come up after hed been seperated and said dude I counldnt fight I was laughin to hard. PEOPLE LOVE IT!