NAKED CITY: A CASE OF THE FREEBIE JEEBIES!
There used to be an old saying when it came to music gigs that if nobody wanted to be on the guest list, the band and promoter were in big trouble. In other words the number of punters actually paying at the door was often proportionate to those wanting a freebie for the show.
These days getting onto a guest list or talking your way into a gig is an accomplished art – especially if you are not a member of the chosen media, a bona fide celebrity or a close relation of the lead singer. With presold tickets and upgraded security, ‘scamming’ your way past the door girl requires a PhD in skulduggery. “I’m writing a review for a new website called Urban Rumble and…” Sorry – you’re not on the list!
Over the years those desperate to avoid the cover charge have tried just about everything when it comes to sneaking into a gig. One of the oldest scams was leaving something ‘valuable’ at the door, like a watch or wallet, whilst you checked that a friend was inside. Invariably the watch was worthless or the wallet a dummy and the punter, now just another face in the crowd, never returned to claim it. As pub security increased, getting in via the back door or through a toilet window became increasingly difficult but some venues remained vulnerable. Paddington Town Hall held regular music gigs in the 60s and 70s and its front entrance was always heavily secured. However if you were prepared to navigate a labyrinth of back exits, mysterious side corridors and a skip through the kitchen its defences could eventually be penetrated.
An inky stamp on the wrist has always been the mainstay of proof of entry and once again the system has had its fraudsters. Whilst venues these days usually have a dedicated stamp many used to rely on a collection of kiddies animal stamps, varied on each night, but easily obtainable from Coles and Woolies. The enterprising freeloader carried a full set along with ink pads of varying colours and free entry soon became a fait accompli!
Whilst most punters are honest and have no problem supporting a gig financially there will always be the freeloaders, be they genuine guests or sneaky back door Johnnies. Whilst the latter are always a minority, free lists on the other hand can get completely out of hand and with a sold-out gig the freebies often take the place of paying punters. Maybe it’s time to tear up the dreaded guest list forever and make everybody pay. Pigs might fly but then again if nobody wants to be on the guest list, will anybody be at the gig?
THE HIT LIST: Monique diMattina is a Melbourne singer and vocalist who travelled all the way to New Orleans, whilst 20 weeks pregnant, to record her latest album Nola’s Ark. It’s a potent mix of jazz and New Orleans style R’n’B featuring some of the Crescent City’s top session players and has received some rave reviews already. Monique will be in Sydney on Thursday August 1 to launch the album at Venue 505 in Surry Hills along with an all-star band that features Jonathan Zwartz and Matt Keegan. www.moniquedimattina.com
