On arranger keyboard job I once had someone come up to me on a break and with a disgusted look & say, ..........
"Oh, You Play Other Peoples Songs,..Karaoke Right?
So I said "why, do you like original artists music only?".....and she said,"why of course is there any other kind I consider it stealing?"...
This is another thought process that goes on out there in musicland on jobs,...some will express it some will not,.after that confrontation I went to the bar ordered a shot of jack and went back on stage and wowed the audience.

How do you feel about it?...Thoughts..

You play all original material you might work in a coffee shop for tips and even then they want to see an Acoustic Guitar not an Arranger
All pros like yourself know we're in the "make people happy" business and that means give them what they want and make believe if you have to that there the greatest songs in the world. I'm bored with a lot fo what I have in my sets but those aongs have been proven to work over many gigs and I'm there for the audience, not me.
I would of told that lady "if i was doing all originals I wouldn't be here to play for you tonight. Think about it. "

I've encountered hundreds of crazies in the decades I was on stage, but never had one like that, Donny. For the most part, I just plain ignore the crazies.

Gary

Sounds like a frustrated Songwriter who shoves his music down other people's throats and can't get one of his tunes cut....

I've come across so many different fruitcakes in my musical travels thru the years also,.....in today's world of arranger KB acts you still hear things like after seeing you playing an arranger KB,..
"Hey buddy you got "Sweet Home Alabama", or "Crazy" in that box thing of yours?" referring to the KB,.....
they have no clue as to you playing or singing!! lol...
years ago "PRE COMPUTER' :DJ" etc there was NO question everything was live bands, etc,....but today of course it's a free for all out there confusing the audiences as to no end whats happening on the stage at all....sad,.....whats next?

What's next?
Hello Alexa.

Eddie

Even live cover bands have to put up with this sort of crap.

Sorry Donny but it is not about what she said but how you handled it. (Responded to it)
No one can make you feel unless you let them.

John C.

Learning how to handle the audience and different situations is a big part of the game for sure,...people will sometimes try to put the "ROYALTY GUILT TRIP" on you being your a cover artist which the majority of smaller venue acts actually are,
..it's a big "Grey Area" of the live music business which I can understand to a point. In any event just do what you have to to survive in the trenches.

Nigel that was spot on mate OMG!!!!!
thanx for making my day!!

I sorta guessed that would make you laugh Donny

Damn Hipsters. I'm returning to a venue I worked YEARS ago, that has since relabeled themselves as a "Hipster Dive Bar" ... What have I DONE?????????