What Def Leppard, Cheap Trick, Rush of Fools, and Freedomfest Taught Me

Well the last 10 days have been full for me. I did three different events 1. Delays for Def Leppard/Cheap Trick, Rush of Fools at DSC, and Freedom Fest w/10 bands over the Labor Day Weekend.
1. The first thing I learned is I might be getting to old for this many shows in a short time, at least with a full time day job. I also realized I still love doing the shows so I hope Audio Excellence keeps calling.

2. System Setup: I watched and listened as the system was set up and dialed in for Def Leppard Cheap Trick show, even got a little input on how the lawn speakers sounded. These guys knew what they were doing. They know there system, they know there band. System set up is huge and making me rethink how I have set up my own system at DSC. There could be some changes coming.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice: The Front of House guys for all three bands knew what their bands sounded like how they wanted them mixed. Both Def Leppard and Cheap Trick do different sets every night. Now for Cheap Trick this is pretty simple just mix it up, but for Def Leppard where effects/tone etc... change from song to song this really shows you have to rehearse with your band.

4. The Rush of Fools show was great. It reminds me that we put together a pretty good system at DSC. We just added a couple of subs to add that extra bottom needed but other than that it was all DSC's system. We got use our moving lights in a concert situation and they worked great really made it look like a real show. I think one thing to remember if you are a band is make sure you play enough music. ROF only played 7 songs in 2+hours, to much talking not enough singing.

5. Freedom Fest is always fun. I think I have done 13 or 14 of these things so I think Jay (audio at Calvary of ABQ) and have it down. I think Jay and I have done 10 of these together. I really realize the importance of a technical rider on these shows. I also think bands need to know the kind of show they are playing. This is a festival, 10 bands, 3 days, not everyone is going to get everything they want. I stress want. Bands can get a little picky sometimes. I will say one thing for M88 they do spend the money to do it right. We get great equipment from Audio Excellence and great help from the volunteers.

Well that is all I got. I did not do a lot of proofreading so this might sound like just a bunch of ramblings but it has been awhile since I last posted.

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