Bluegrass bodyguards????

RW · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 8:20 pm Post subject: Bluegrass bodyguards????

Before I start this post, I want it to be clear that I'm not bashing anyone or trying to ruffle any feathers. I'm just kinda, confused. Friday night was the first night of Dailey & Vincent's 2 night hometown concert here in Cookeville and they done an outstanding job. I've known Jamie for a while and have been to many of his shows. The last couple of times, though, he has had bodyguards with him. Friday night, he came through the auditorium to get to the backstage door and had his big guard following him every step and during the show he had one on each end of the stage. The night before, they performed at the local Cracker Barrel to promote their new cd and had the guards on each side. A couple of years ago, I saw them at the Museum of Appalachia homecoming and after one of their sets, they were going to their record table on the other side of the farm. Jamie and Darrin rode in golf carts and Jamie had 1 or 2 cops riding with him while the rest of the band walked the whole distance carrying the gear. I don't really understand why he thinks he needs all the security, if it's just his ego or what? Folks around here that have known him since he was a kid talk about how he's changed. I guess alot of success in a little bit of time has a way of going to one's head, but you don't usually see that in bluegrass. I guess that's why it kinda bothers me. I've seen ALOT of bluegrass acts, but Jamie's the only one with his own security force. Just thought I'd bring it up to see what everyone else's thoughts on this is.

bluegrasser031 · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:02 am Post subject:

That's pretty unusual for bluegrass. I remember seeing AKUS here at Blossom Music Center and Jerry Douglas came out after the show and met a bunch of fans outside the amphitheater. No bodyguard..just a nice friendly visit.
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cdplayer · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 9:11 am Post subject:

That's too bad, that's one of the things I love about Bluegrass.
I think they got big too fast.

Cindy Baucom · Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2010 2:36 pm Post subject:

As a show producer and stage manager on many occasions, I always really appreciate it when the band members have someone on their staff that assists them being on time. What you are viewing as 'Body Guards' is most likely the band's assistant, who is hired to keep them on track and get them to the stage on time, so the audience doesn't have to wait for the show to begin. There is nothing worse than having to find the band or one of its members so the show can professionally be executed at the time it has been advertised. When band members are among folks they know really well, they enjoy talking and visiting with their friends, family and fans. It is so easy to get caught up in the moment and not realize they need to be on stage. Their assistant has that job and moves them through the crowd in a timely manner, so they can give folks what they have purchased a ticket for: a professional stage show. It has nothing to do with having to protect the band members from the audience. And as for having security posted, that is just a matter of common sense. Thousands of dollars worth of instruments and equipment can disappear quickly when no one is watching the backstage doors. A band is smart to protect their investments by hiring security. Many times at an outdoor festival, Security with Golf Carts or Gators, also have the responsibility of getting bands and their equipment from one stage to another. Sometimes with as little as 10 to 20 minutes before the next set begins. Again, as someone who is waiting at the next stage to bring a band on, it is appreciated that these other folks are in place, helping bands like Dailey and Vincent accomplish what they are there to do. It shouldn't be viewed as a bad thing that it takes several people to help a touring band. It helps them be the professionals that they are. For all bands working full-time in the music business, the dream is to be so good at what you do that a lot of people take notice of your hard work. So I would be curious to know how 'Big' is too big...and how 'Fast' is too fast.

Thanks,
Cindy Baucom

RW · Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 1:18 am Post subject:

cdplayer · Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2010 9:37 am Post subject:

Well, I don't go to festivals that are that big so security doesn't seem to be a problem. That is one of the things about Bluegrass festivals that I enjoy is the casual and friendly atmosphere. Chatting with the musicians is something we take for granted I guess. They are just regular people who enjoy the music and the jamming.