Most of us have done it once in our lifetime and for those who haven’t, you’ve probably thought about it.

I’ve done it.

I’ve been the worse offender of this.
But now I plead to fellow drunks, leave musicians alone!The best way to explain this awful phenomena is start at my drinking habits.  I have two types of drinking modes; sober and out of control.  When I get out of control, I can embarrass myself in a record amount of time.  But one of my favorite things to do is when I am at a drinking establishment with any type of music, I like to position myself near the band or DJ and talk (with slurred speech) about how they should present the music.

If there is a DJ, I request songs.

If there is a band, I tell them what to play.

And god forbid if they are doing a good job, I give a nod of approval as if I was a talent agent looking to sign the next big thing.

Normally, I’m never conscious enough to realize how annoying this can be.  Either to the music maker or to those just trying to have a good time.  But I have seen the errors of my way and I vow to change.

Don't Do it!Recently, I was at a local watering hole enjoying a couple of late night drinks.  The music was coming from a DJ who had a bongo player beating along to the music.  I was the designated driver on this night so I wasn’t indulging as much as I would’ve like, but I loved the music.  So with a Budweiser in my hand, I made my way near the bongo player to watch him go to work.

And that is when the first drunk guy made his appearance.  He tried to have a conversation with the beat-maker which was nearly impossible because of the loudness of the music but as he tried to get closer he was knocking the mics out of position.  The bongo player decided that the best course of action was to ignore the drunken mess until he went away, which he did.  However, within minutes another drunkard made his way near the bongos and stared at the musician and nodded with the music inches from the musicians face.  I don’t know how he did it, but the guy just slightly turned his head and pretended as if this nuisance wasn’t directly in front of him.

And that is when it hit me.  It took 27 years but I finally realized that when you are drunk it is really annoying to bother musicians.

The bongo player was probably making $25-50 that night and was just trying to do a good enough job to come back the next week and get a paycheck.  He didn’t want to be bothered.  He was just trying to provide music so that everyone would have a good time, but for whatever reason drunkees unknowingly try to ruin this.

It is as if we are trying to prove that we have as much musical talent as these professionals…we do not!  If we were as good as them, we would’ve been hired to perform.

So the next time you think about making your way to the band, stop.  Stay where you are and enjoy the company of those you are with.

Unless the band is really awesome!
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