To all the Portlanders who insist on getting on the guestlist at a five dollar show, only to turn right around and spend fifty bucks on shitty beer and tater tots, you’re the reason that quality entertainment is becoming harder and harder to find. This is the only city where people who don’t fall into the “drunk skank who wants backstage” category feel entitled to free admission, simply because they know a guy who once worked with the dude who’s girlfriend is bartending tonight. No one cares about your shitty blog, podcast or whatever other excuse you’re using to feel special at the cost of the artists you pretend to care about. If you want to be seen, start your own fucking band and get on stage, instead of hanging around in a Dead Moon shirt talking to the sound guy and taking selfies. It’s hard to describe the feeling of taking a loss so the owner of the donut cart can take up space, but being onstage in a Portland venue is about as close as you can get to experiencing it. There’s a reason major acts opt for Tacoma or Salem instead.
Get Off the Guest List
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You had me going, right up to the part about major acts choosing Salem. And you meant Salem, Oregon, right?
Amen! Also, dance!
“Opt for Salem” will appear Friday night, with opening band “Shitty Tater Tots.” $5
Eprophet, you haven’t heard about the scene in Salem? Lots of options, as long as you’re into leather.
Todd, are you crapping pants right now? Holy shit! That was no win, but I’m glad you’re back. Hey did you see that Bernie IA about the kids? Pathetic, right? They’re out there, though. Shudder.
If your primary fanbase is “people you guilt-tripped on facebook”, please don’t compare yourself to the great Tacoma/Salem acts like Whitesnake and Sugar Ray.
If your band kicks ass at the Salem Armory, your band kicks ass!
You know who’s in charge of the guest list? It’s BANDS AND PROMOTERS, aka the very people whose bottom line you’re so concerned about. If you don’t want people to get in free, it’s simple: don’t put them on the list.
But by all means, please make your spouse or partner shell out $5 for the privilege of standing around in an empty club all night waiting for crappy bands to set up and tear down while you network with your fellow middle-aged hobbyists. Who else will drive you and your gear home after you’ve burned through your drink tickets and done post-set shots with your bros?
And you deserve that fifty bucks spent on beer and tater tots, not some dumb venue that’s struggling to keep its doors open so that you can sing about your feelings. After all, you’re a rock star, man. You’ve earned it.
that tater tots in salem are dericious.
ICP plays better shows in Salem anyway.
The entertainment draws the crowd. The venue doesn’t exist unless people buy the shitty tots and beer (though wells are preferable). Be better at drawing a crowd who is willing to pay to see you. Problem solved.
If people aren’t willing to kick in $5 at the door, that might be a sign it’s not actually “quality entertainment.”
Quality entertainment typically doesn’t have this problem.
You know what else is lame….the sliding scale pay what you want door charge. Best thing ever if you have no shame, though. Or money.