Lovin' Kry was a local band I used to see a lot, especially at The Station. They broke up, but one of the guys from that band mentioned on his own website that his own band "is no longer accepting regular club shows under current conditions. (And we challenge other entertainers to strike with us.)" I think think he wrote one of the best (actually, one of the only) "wake up" posts on this subject. Here's what he says on his website:

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I'd like to thank the clubs who have allowed us to play over the years. We've learned a lot and had a great time. There are too many clubs to even name. Some are still around and others have disappeared. You all know who you are. Thank you for letting me pay some dues. It was a great ride.

Unfortunately, the rock club scene is dying in many parts of the country. I watched it happen before my very eyes. Not all, but many clubs are filthy and unsafe. The security is way under par. Illegal activities are happening in basements and dark corners (Some of which is fun to watch...Some just plain deadly). People are dying. Clubs just don't have a natural draw to them anymore. Clubs officially have a bad name. You would think club owners would try a little harder the change that image, but they don't.

Most club owners don't pay the entertainment (at least not in original venues). They expect the entertainer to bring an evening of entertainment, bring the crowd and sell the booze for them for free (and in many cases actually charge the entertainment to play). What do they promise in exchange?

Exposure. Exposure to whom? The people whom we've brought with us.

Clubs! Stop being so cheap. Clean the dumps up. Hire honest people and start offering fair transactions to the entertainment. Do that and it will all come back.

We'll be back to perform in rock clubs as they become acceptable. Clubs, feel free to contact us with decent offers and professional treatment. Until then, you can find us hanging out in the private sector.

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