Piper and Bubba

**pipesndrumsnun** · 1st February 08, 01:34 PM

That is actually a GREAT story!! Perhaps the deceased brother-in-law helped your pipes to smack the jerk!!

**JS Sanders** · 1st February 08, 02:09 PM

The incident this week really pales in comparison to others I've witnessed. Mind you, I've been doing this a number of years and I perform a beau coup of funerals annually.

I've seen altercations at funeral homes and graveside. Swearing & tossing of chairs, shouting at the ever calm funeral directors too. Sometimes grief takes extreme forms, it ain't right but that's what can occur. Almost always I come out unscathed.

Three weeks ago I performed at a memorial service for this feller who suffered a coronary and died in his girlfriend's arms at her home.

And I'm here to tell you, this goomer's (current and 3rd) wife was madder than a cardiologist in a stalled golf cart at the memorial service. She made it abundantly clear that the girlfriend was not to make an appearance. And yes, the girlfriend did try to attend.

Not surprisingly the families sat segregated from each other. The tension in the air was mighty thick.

Everyone treated me quite well - even paid me an additional $50.

A piper's life for me!

Slainte yall,
steve

**highlander_Daz** · 1st February 08, 03:01 PM

I agree that the guests can either treat you as invisible or some kind of pipeing megastar, for unusual reactions to your pipeing the I can state that the north of England is the "wierd pipeing reaction" of the known world in terms of strange requests, daft questions, baffling comments, and picture opportunities,
turning up in full no1 dress with a set of pipes can often get you asked "whats your business sir?" by wedding planners, - once in a supermarket i was made to play a set of 6/8s by the "golden greeter" before I was allowed access, to prove I wasnt a deranged lunatic that was wearing highland wear as a disguise, while a man dreessed as an officer of the SS walked past without being challanged at all,
once asking for directions in a town called Bury in lancashire I was told by an elderly chap "first its the Bl$dy Koreans now its the Scottish! can you not just be satsified with your own country and leave us alone we dont want you here Pis$ off back to Ho Chi Minh city !!!!"

"can i have a go on them bagpipes mate?"

"Sorry we had a collection for you, but it was stolen" (excuse for no fee)

"I hate those things but the Mrs wanted them for the wedding , her dad was a sweaty sock"

"My son loves Wallace and Gromit,"

"my mum loved Scotland, especially the cheap drink"

"my mate recons you Jocks dot wear any undies under them skirts, is it because your so tight? you wont buy any??"

"It good of you to play for us, when were having drinks will you play something quiet and soothing in the background?"

"we visited Scotland last year, my husband hated every minute of it"

"mate put those things away., your in Britain now you know!! when in Rome etc"

"did you know those things are banned here mate? honestly yeh after your lot nicked that big stone from westminster Abby and that wallace fellow got the queen mum pregnant".

**JS Sanders** · 1st February 08, 03:08 PM

highlander_Daz,

Actually you've given me another idea for a separate thread consisting of the goofy things people have commented to me.

**Ian.MacAllan** · 2nd February 08, 08:20 PM

Well, the main thing is---if your pipes weren't damaged then all's well with the world.

.

**JS Sanders** · 13th February 08, 08:05 AM

I know full well the frustration JackDaw wrote about.

I no longer do gratis gigs, though will perform at charitable events as my schedule permits. Gratis gigs would be girl scout functions, elementary schools, civic organizations, etc.

I have nothing against these groups, but those who've requested my unpaid services have a tendancy to treat me with little regard or consideration. It finally happened once too often. Other musicians have told me of similar experiences.

It's the paying gigs that the piper is treated with a beau coup of courtesy. It's as if the promoter & attendees can't do enough for you.

And then there's the famous statement, "We can't afford to pay you", which is always followed by, "but you'll get great exposure".

Slainte yall,
steve

**highlander_Daz** · 13th February 08, 11:14 AM

I play free for certain charities that I support, and for an old folks party around christmas time. if the customer is able bodied and is able to pay for things like a DJ and wedding cars then they can pay for a piper. simple as
I dont need the exposure I have enough work.

I evaluate each booking request for free pipeing as it comes, however 9 times out of ten the requestee can afford my services but tries to get me free, often I get booked for events that are community based or involve disabled or elderly people or veterans, these are the only ones I will consider and often these are the ones who are willing to pay.

all to often musicians are the one that the client and promoters will scrimp on, the DJ the sound guy the security guy the limo driver the cake maker and the dress maker all want paying

SO DO I