I hate it when I have to do this...

[ducklite]

I'm writing a concert review, one of the bands that played was one of my favorite bands, and they put on a terrible show that night. I've tempered my comments as much as I could without jeopardizing my integrity as a writer, but I really hate having to write anything bad about them.

I had another show I attended recently that the singer of the headlining band was having such an off night that I spoke to their publicist the next day and told her that out of respect for him, I was going to submit photo's but not a review so I didn't have to say anything negative. Unfortunately I can't do that with this other show, as it was an assignment as opposed to a spec piece.

Anne

 

[DawnCt1]

is there anything negative to say?? of course you could always opt for "full disclosure" and say that this is one of my favorite bands but you will try to be objective. btw. you have a REALLY INTEREST JOB.

 

[MushyMushy]

Musicians know when they're having a bad night.

I like what Dawn said -- put it in the positive, that this is one of your favorite bands, then go on to say what you like about them, but then say their show wasn't their best.

 

[annegal]

Do you write for a local paper? Or a trade mag?

 

[Martha7]

I can see how this would be the tough part of your job.

What was bad about the performance?

I guess you have an obligation to provide the info to concert goers who want to get their money's worth. Somehow you need to shift your concern for the band members to the consumers, but since you probably know the former and not the latter, it's awkward. I think in the end though, your journalistic integrity dictates that you tell the truth; otherwise, people will remember that you weren't forthcoming. I'm sure you'll do a good job of softening it as much as possible. Maybe there were technical problems that weren't the band's fault? Good luck with the assignment. I have so much respect for your level of comiittment to your work! I know you must do an excellent job!

 

[ducklite]

Do you write for a local paper? Or a trade mag?

This is for a local paper in Orlando. I also write for some nationals, but feature pieces, not concert reviews.

Anne

 

[DisDaydreamer]

If you are just reviewing the show and not the band I think you will be fine by portraying the performance as an obvious off night. Then let them know what seemed off to you. Surely, if they (the band) know you are a big fan they will be more accepting of the criticism. Good Luck!

 

[barkley]

i would say just be honest. you can do it in such a manner that it's not hatefull of insulting-just the issues that made it a poor performance in your opinion.

we have some reviewers in the bay area that honestly no one respects-not the readers nor the performers. they only give good reviews and never offer any critical information. i think most performers and readers appreciate honest and factual information about a performance-both know that there's always going to be an 'off night' and if there are other elements of the show that indicate subsequent performances will be great then share those.

 

[Kristi1357]

If you are just reviewing the show and not the band I think you will be fine by portraying the performance as an obvious off night. Then let them know what seemed off to you. Surely, if they (the band) know you are a big fan they will be more accepting of the criticism. Good Luck!

That stinks Anne! Just write the review as honestly as you can. I'd definately make it known that this was an off night for them, and that they usually perform much better live.

 

[Cindy B]

Perhaps you can blame technical glitches.. the sound engineers, the lighting, etc...

 

[ducklite]

Perhaps you can blame technical glitches.. the sound engineers, the lighting, etc...

I refuse to blame those guys when it's not their fault. In fact I try to give little props to them when I can, because no one has ANY idea of how hard they work. (Except crazyme5kids!)

The singer put on a really bad show, they played only half a set because he was falling over. Drunk? Ill? I'm not sure, frankly it could have been either knowing what I knw about them. I did give props to the bassist who always does a great job!

Anne

 

[ducklite]

Well, it's done and submitted. I feel bad, but I had to be honest, and the honesty is that it was a really poor performance that left a lot of fans disappointed. What can you do?

Anne

 

[budbeerlady]

Hey, you have to be honest.

 

[ducklite]

we have some reviewers in the bay area that honestly no one respects-not the readers nor the performers. they only give good reviews and never offer any critical information. i think most performers and readers appreciate honest and factual information about a performance-both know that there's always going to be an 'off night' and if there are other elements of the show that indicate subsequent performances will be great then share those.

I've only torn one band up so badly that my editor wouldn't even publish it.

Normally I try to find something positive to mention for even the worst of shows. There's a local band here in Orlando, they've got great music but TERRIBLE stage presence. I actually thought they were the road crew doing sound check when they started their set the first time I saw them! So I concentrated on their songs, and added a little bit at the end saying that they need to tighten up thier live show a bit because it was sloppy, something like that. I'm not going to lie, if it's bad, it's bad, but it's nice to find something good to say to temper a generally bad review.

Anne

 

[JulyGirl]

Who was the band?

 

[jodifla]

That IS hard. But I can't imagine you being any less than truthful and professional...it's just your nature!