What a strange experience from a so-called pro this weekend! From the weekend report, I put in this update:

Perhaps he thought he was a Dean Martin tribute act.

I think I'd invite his agent out for a coffee and discreetly advise him of the problem by asking him for advice as to how to best manage working with the guy. Odds-on this isn't the first time. The entertainment industry has enough problems getting itself recognised as a bona-fide profession without this sort of carry-on. It reflects poorly on all of us in my opinion and I wouldn't stand for it.

Put it this way Frank was old blue eyes..Dean was old red eyes

Wicked, well the Frank I saw was ol' red eyes too then!

I think I'd feel obliged to let the agent know that he should check the guy out. I would feel guilty if I didn't as he could ruin somebody elses function.

i would imagine the birthday boys father was on the phone to the agency, or will be first thing monday morning, if he did not pay the full fee in advance i hope he refused to pay the rest. but i would certainly refuse to work with him again.

I think Centrestage is right - someone will complain, although you may be asked your opinion too. Failing that, an anonymous email, a phone call tip-off, etc. should do the trick.

We should also consider the talent as well. He must be good or at least have a decent reputation so, possibly, this was just a one-off due toi an unforeseen circumstance - he may have even told his agent in preparation of the flak coming his way Monday morning.

Still, you had a stormer!

As you did half his set too, and supplied the kit, demand half his wage.


Did you charge for PA ?

I had a very similar thing happen with a Robbie Williams Tribute. Sounded great in the sound check, then, following too many G&Ts, he was awful. Left his gear when he went home because he lived near the hotel!!

My honest opinion is leave it, its not your job to go to another agent and critisize one of their acts. It is no reflection on you, but if you do go to them, they may start to stir it up for you.A lot of agents work closely together. I would leave it.

On the night, I'd have mentioned the singers condition to the bar staff - they have a certain obligation, or at least responsibility not to serve someone who's had enough. (not sure if that applies to mobile/temp bars though.)

An unprofessional entertainer doesnt do any future hirers any good and can only taint peoples views and increase their suspicions and nerves about hiring entertainers in the future. I'd have taken one of the guys cards and contacted the guys agent, as a "guest" rather than the DJ.

If the agent was worth his title and at all concerned about the reputation of him and/or his acts, he would then contact the hirers (as an innocent follow-up call) and ask what they thought of the singer.

It would be upto the agent to piece together whether this particular alcoholic binge was "par for the course", or "the exception to the norm". As said above, the guy might have had some particular upset at that time only, which meant that he could'nt help himself. eg: Loss of a close relative etc. OK...easy to say "Dont mix business with personal" or "leave your troubles at home" but sometimes its not always easy.

1471 (Agents phone number) and tell him, no need to tell him who you are, just a concerned guest is all you have to say.
No need to upset the apple cart directly

I spoke with the agent who booked him last night (funnily enough, I was at Mikeees house when he rang me back). In my mind,the agent needed to know before the customer called him and complained. I know this agent quite well, so it was more of a chat about what happened rather than a non-productive slagging off session. As it happes the agent does not use this chap, but was specifically asked for him by the client!

I pride myself on positive feedback from all my clients, I also welcome negative feedback as a way of fixing defeciencies, and improving the show or the customer experience or my processes. This is what delivering a professional show is all about in my book. It's customer service. I cannot sit back and watch a drunk entertainer make a complete fool of himself. I would hopefully never make a mistake as big as this myself, but on the occasions when I have made mistakes, I have taken action to make sure they do not re-occur.

This is the magic of DJU, SEDA, etc... we can openly discuss potential issues affecting us and hopefully other DJs will take away some awareness of what not to do.