Should fans be allowed to choose the bands setlist.......

[Sarc]

Now I'm not a big fan of NME but every so often they print something that catches my eye that I have to have a read of and this is just such a thing.

The writer basically says he doesnt think that fans picking setlists is a particularly good idea as if its a huge band (ala Aerosmith or Bruce Springsteen) they'll more than likley just end up playing all the obvious tracks which, while pleasing the casual fans, will possibly bore the hardcore fans where as if they're a cult band they may end up playing the really early stuff and tons of b-sides and non album tracks which will excite the hardcore but bore the casual. I completely agree with what he says,

What do you lot reckon?

http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=58&title=music_for_the_people_why_fans_should_nev&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

[melx]

I think a 50/50 split would be better, the fans choose half, the band chooses half.

I don't think I'd like the fans to choose all of the set.

[geordierussell]

I don't think bands should be allowed to play their own material.

It would make gig going really interesting going to see AC DC and they are playing Madness tracks or Duran Duran doing Wildhearts.......

[Ross]

They'd never agree. Just look at Metallica. This tour they've played loads of oldies. But even when they play Dyers Eve, or Trapped Under Ice, someone pops up wishing it was Frayed Ends of Sanity...

[lob]

Bands should always play what they want - I have seen some horrible gigs by bands playing what they (or their management) felt they should, rather than what they wanted, to play. If their choice is crap - fine that is how they will be remembered, but if they have real talent and belief - it might be different BUT it will worth hearing.

Mind you I once saw Clapton at the NEC single most boring hours of my life, excellent musicianship not a single bugger on stage (3 miles away) had any passion, I don't know if Clapton wanted to play what he did (I assume he did) but it did me good and helped me decide - I won't go to anything bigger ever again than the (late lamented) Astoria.

[weebleboy]

I liked the approach that Therapy? took in 03 or 04 when they supported the Wildhearts in Newcastle- they handed out a load of "menus of rock" to the fans and picked one fan before each song to choose which one they'd play! Genius!

[Col]

I liked the approach that Therapy? took in 03 or 04 when they supported the Wildhearts in Newcastle- they handed out a load of "menus of rock" to the fans and picked one fan before each song to choose which one they'd play! Genius!

Now THAT was a gig