I prefer some banter on stage, regardless of how well I know the band. I especially need it while the guitar player tunes between every darn song.

However, in contradiction to your viewpoint, I think that having a band you know really well and have seen several times let you in to their world for a minute is a special thing.

I will agree that an opening band often has 30-40 minutes and can't dawdle with a five minute tale of how they wrote the next great punk song. In that case, I don't mind a little grip-and-go.

i think you said it better than i ...thanks for that.
bb

Sent by Alex Ezell | 3:17 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I agree that there is a balance between being annoying and being engaging with banter.

The last few times I saw Matt Pond PA perform I was a little annoyed at the amount of time he spent talking about things not even related to his music. So there is a downside to talking too much.

Sent by Rob | 3:19 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I actually hope for some banter. I think one of the best things about a live show is the more personal connection you are attempting to make with the music/band. So any insight into that personal side, such as band comments and gestures, are usually what I am looking for. Within Reason of course.

Sent by Brendon | 3:21 PM ET | 02-20-2008

This is something we always discuss post-gig!

I'm really not a fan of mindless babbling, or an over-indulgence of the singer's own opinion on stage. However, we went to see Clap Your Hands at the Barrowlands in Glasgow (Scotland) last year and they were no banter at all. One could say they were distinctly grumpy. It felt all too generic and 'another opening, another show'. Everyone after spoke about how disconnected the band seemed from the audience and as a result, didn't enjoy the show.

There's no point forcing it if you're shy, but a simple and genuine acknowledgment of the good folk that have come to see you is only good manners.

Sent by Sandie | 3:59 PM ET | 02-20-2008

Generally Zappa's advice to "shut up and play your guitar" applies, unless of course your silence is part of a well crafted and self-conscious pose (see Pink Floyd references above). Wouldn't you love to have heard Ian Curtis tell a joke on stage? I guess if banter confounds expectations then i am all for it. Otherwise, i don't care about the van breaking down, or your fast food diet, or how much this song means to you because your grandmother told you how much she liked it right before she expired. Ugh. At that point I can't get to the bar fast enuff.

Sent by JD | 4:29 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I like band banter, I agree that it helps make the audience feel apart of the concert. Even something simple like making fun of the guitarist for taking too long tuning helps the show move along. I hate waiting in silence between every song while the band tunes. I don't need to be entertained every second of the show, but a line or two here and there helps humanize the band and keep everyone engaged.

Sent by Brian | 4:32 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I saw the Foo Fighters play in Worcester, Massachusetts on Monday, and I was thoroughly impressed with Dave Grohl's willingness and eagerness to interact with the crowd. This is a guy who's been in two of the biggest bands of the last 15 years, and he still has such passion for his craft.

Early on in the show, he ran around on stage like a crazy man, encouraging each side of the arena to cheer louder and louder, and even engaged in an imprompteau rock-off with guitarist Chris Shiflett.

Partway through the show, a second stage descended from the ceiling on the other side of the arena, and the band went into an acoustic set. Grohl took around 10 minutes to introduce and acknowledge the members of his band, and congratulate them on their two Grammy wins. Now, playing at the other end of the arena, he moved around the smaller stage to give the further out fans a chance to watch the band closer up. At one point, he even pointed to one specific fan in the crowd, and had a back-and-forth with him about a T-Shirt he was wearing, apparently from one of the Foo Fighters early tours.

Finally, when it came time for the encore, Grohl toyed with the crowd. After a few minutes of darkness following the bands departure from the stage, the screens turned on, and showed the set-list for the show, before Grohl popped into the frame. Shot in night-vision, the camera panned down to show a slip of paper covering the bottom of the set-list. Grohl clowned with the crowd, starting to pull it back, then stopping, urging the crowd to cheer, holding up fingers to ask how many songs they should get in the encore. After the crowd cheered for three songs, drummer Taylor Hawkins edged in on Grohl and held up five fingers, before being pushed out of frame.

Once the Foo Fighters came out for the encore, Dave Grohl reminisced on-stage, talking a little about the path that brought him to where he his, before reciting his oft-told story about the aftermath of the "Big Me" music video and launching right into the aforementioned song.

All of this came from a 39-year old man, in one of the biggest rock bands in America, playing in a minor-league hockey arena in Central Massachusetts (for the record, the place was packed to the brim). If the show I saw was any less inspired than one in a major city or larger arena, I would be truly surprised.

Sent by Dan | 5:07 PM ET | 02-20-2008

You know, I've witnessed both delightfully successful and horribly awkward stage banter. If it's good, it makes the show special and great. And some of my favorite shows did have banter and engaged me beyond the music. Chris Martin -love him or hate him- is a master. (We Are Scientists, Pelle from The Hives, and the singer of The Long Winters also spring to mind.) If it's bad, you start feeling uncomfortable and worried for the band. I lean towards not forcing it. If it seems natural to you, you should chat. If you are more into the music (like Interpol), your passion for the tunes will translate. I admit that last night I was hoping the band would shout out "Anyone come see us last time we were in DC?" so that I could enthusiastically jump up and down. But really in the end, it didn't matter. The music spoke for itself. And it rocked! I especially enjoyed Don't Run Our Hearts Around. And I was really impressed by Bon Iver as well. What did you think of them, Bob? I liked the careful presence of each instrument -especially the drums. Each note was exactly where it was meant to be at that moment. And then I'm a sucker for crescendos.

I quite liked the Bon Iver show. A little more stage presence would have been nice, but it was fine. as for Black Mountain, it just left me puzzled at their disregard for the crowd. I did like their live music better than the record however, for the most part
bb

Sent by Hannah | 10:26 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I go to shows because I want to experience an interaction I can't possibly by simply listening to a record. An artist's interaction with the audience is definitely part of what I'm looking for. When I saw Colin Meloy on his solo tour a couple winters ago, he made the experience so much more enjoyable than I expected (and I had high expectations to begin with) by chatting with the audience and seeming like he was genuinely interested in interacting with us. It's those kinds of shows that stick in my memory forever. But then I've been to shows I can barely remember, because there was nothing that set it apart from sitting in the comfort of my bedroom, listening to a CD in my stereo. Banter is essential!

Sent by Tamara Vallejos | 11:14 PM ET | 02-20-2008

You know who has really great banter? We Are Scientists. They crack me up every time, and I'd swear it's completely off the cuff. Funniest band I've ever seen, and I see a lot of bands....

Sent by Ed | 11:20 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I prefer banter to nothing at all. It makes the show much more personal.

On the other hand, I saw a Muse show last year where they hardly said anything, but they put on such a powerful performance that banter would almost seem out of place anyway.

Sent by Nick | 11:56 PM ET | 02-20-2008

I like a good banter now and again, but sometimes it comes off as scripted and occasionally goes on so long that it interrupts the flow of the concert. Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is a great band, but often falls into this trap. They also made the mistake of including banter on their live album, where it became apparent that they use the same lines at many of their shows.

Sent by Jesse M. | 9:06 AM ET | 02-21-2008

Some of the more memorable gigs that I have been to have been those where I feel that the singer or band made a *connection* with the audience. A charismatic front man (or woman) can sometimes even make up for a less than perfect performance.

I fondly remember Badly Drawn Boy getting the entire crowd to split in two to form an aisle so that one fan from the back could walk to the front of the stage. If we hadn't all been so cheered up by his banter I don't think he could have commanded the crowd in the way that he did.

Sent by Keith Bradnam | 10:09 AM ET | 02-21-2008

I prefer banter to nothing, definitely, but it definitely depends on who it is. It can either draw you in and make you feel part of a vast inside joke or special moment, or it can repell you. Jeff Tweedy, Rhett Miller and Josh Ritter are all experts at wooing the crowd. Ryan Adams - not so much. Belle & Sebastian? Aces. Ani Difranco? Really depends on the election season.

I saw Ryan Adams once dancing on stage, like he was making everything up on the spot He was inspired, playing with an onstage record player, dancing to Madonna and having a swell time with the audience (wonder if he remembers) so as with everyone, some nights are better than others.
bb

Sent by ljc | 10:25 AM ET | 02-21-2008

Sold out??? That was oversold and I happen to think that was obnoxious on R and Rs part. (Actually, Bob, I was the particularly short red head who accosted you in your booth for not including my chosen best love song...that and a bit of shameless promotion). That being said, band banter is alright but i do not expect artists to be emcees, or even "performers" in all its defintion. There are a lot of eccentric musicians rolling around and sometimes they don't have it in them. I can always respect that. I think a good solid performance can prove their engagement, their desire to impress their audience. Sam Beam barely spoke a word at 9:30 last Sept. and nor did the enraptured audience. Recently saw local Shortstack at Black Cat. Guitarist begins with band introductions and quickly stopped himself: "Why am i talking like this...?" That cracked me up. Anyway, speaking of banter, I should stop. But also pause to mention the f'in audience at R and R. Kills me. The cacophony coming from the bar. Go upstairs you obnoxious drones.

Hi Elish, I agree the audience was loud and self absorbed, but that goes to my point, isn't it the "job" of the person on stage to engage and entrance? and what did you think of Black Mountain's stage demeanor? wondering...
bb

Sent by Elish Healy | 11:04 AM ET | 02-21-2008

You know, I might be an old guy...but I've been playing in the bands all my life. With that said, if you want to how it's professionally done....go to a Paul McCartney Concert and attempt to take it all in....then...after you wittness true perfection and greatness, discuss the importance of banter. Thanks for the time.

Sent by Harland Lieberman | 2:19 PM ET | 02-21-2008

I absolutely prefer stage banter, it lets you know that the guys in the band are, you know, People, and that they acknowledge the fact that as People, they are on equal ground with the People in the audience. No condescendance from a band is a huge plus.

That said, the bands that just say "how you guys doin tonight?" and "its great to be back in boston" over and over again aren't winning any points either.

Bands with great banter that totally made the show for me were the Mountain Goats, Art Brut, and Death Cab (Chris Walla gave the shoe he busted dancing to a girl in the audience. Gross AND awesome.)

Sent by David | 4:31 PM ET | 02-21-2008

Yeah, I think Black Mountain might have been a little more chatty last time they were in DC -when they played the Warehouse. They just strike me as caught up in their own world and not so good as idle chatter. I was okay with it in this instance. But it's true that sometimes I wish for some interaction. Like I said, that always makes for a special show. One thing DID irk me. When they did talk, they kept mispronouncing Bon Iver's name as "bahn ay-ver". And they are from Canada where you'd expect them to know a little French. It was so odd.

And Ed, thanks for backing me up on We Are Scientists. They are truly the funniest guys. Every show, interview and post on their web site makes me laugh.

I didn't get that Bon Iver pronunciation thing either...anyone get that?
bb

Sent by Hannah | 12:43 AM ET | 02-22-2008

If you're a band, you have got to engage the crowd. After all, it's us that are helping you live out your dreams.
Some of the most memorable shows for me are the times when the band makes it personal. And you are absolutely right, a little goes a long way.

sort of like commenting on a comment on the blog !

bb

Sent by Bryant | 11:43 AM ET | 02-22-2008

I love banter. I just saw the Duhks play a tiny little casino show at Tahoe and they had to work hard to get the crowd up and dancing, but their banter didn't seem forced. It made them seem like they were really enjoying themselves and loved playing together. It made for a super fun show. On the other hand, I also recently saw the Foo Fighters in an arena in Reno and that show was excactly as described above. When banter turns into a rehearsed act, it loses a lot for me. I appreciated Dave Grohl's enthusiasm, especially since he was getting over the flu, but I could tell he'd said those things over and over and it just made me wonder, what happens when a band goes from playing 200 tiny shows a year to playing 50 huge shows a year that turns them into robots? Is it the sheer number of people that somehow disconnects them from the fans? The Foos could probably never turn in a boring show, but it wasn't nearly as fun for me as watching the Duhks rock a tiny little casino bar.

Sent by Merrie | 2:52 PM ET | 02-22-2008

This is a tough call. I was at the Black Mountain show on Tuesday, and thought it was quite fitting for them. They said something like "thanks for coming out on a Tuesday night" a number of times. Granted, that may have been about it, but to say they didn't acknowledge the crowd at all is a bit much. Maybe i'm biased because i'm a long time fan. On the other hand, every time i've seen NOFX, they talk almost as much as they play. I guess it works for both. Black Mountain is a bit heavier and solemn, while NOFX is like the hyped up obnoxious step brother, that says everything but thanks. you can't please everyone.

Sent by Justin S | 5:54 PM ET | 02-22-2008

I know how much love Wilco gets from NPR, and it's well deserved, they're a great band. I definitely agree with LJC's comment that Jeff Tweedy (among others) know how to woo a crowd. Like Tamara Vallejos said, it's about the personal connection to the show. "Banter" is essential for making that connection, and every time I see Jeff Tweedy, I feel connected to the show. I saw him play solo once, and while I'm sure he played great music, I distinctly remember him making "poop jokes" with the audience, and then commenting on how people who probably heard about his show on NPR were leaving saying "Who is this guy? This is so JUVENILE!" Those comments between songs, if you want to call them banter, are the gems that I remember from shows, that change my impression of what songs mean, and what they mean to me.

Sent by John Michael | 1:37 PM ET | 02-23-2008

It depends entirely on the show. At the last Of Montreal show I saw I was perfectly content to have an hour long uninterrupted dance party, but one of the highlights of Jens Lekman's show was hearing the previously untold details of his dinner with Nina in between verses.

Then there's John Darnielle who could talk for the entire set and I would be thrilled.

I just saw Kimya Dawson and her stories were incredible.

Sent by Sophie | 4:33 AM ET | 02-24-2008

I thought I liked a bands comments but the best concert I've listened to on All Songs Considered was the Wilco concert in, perhaps, 2006. Sadly it is no longer available to listen to, but one of the best things was an opening of 40+ minutes without comments, just music. It was fantastic. I think they just got so involved with the music they forgot - sounded a little chagrined when he finally remembered to check in with the audience.

Sent by Michael McCarthy | 4:41 PM ET | 02-24-2008

I always hope for a little banter, or at least acknowledgment. My favorite band to see live is The Avett Brothers. Their stage banter hits on the perfect amount, in my opinion, because their banter is always authentic. They care about their fans deeply, and it shows in their songs and in their stage presence. Stage banter is best when it stays fairly short and gives some background on the songs that are before or after it.

Sent by Roy | 6:19 PM ET | 02-24-2008

I think it totally depends on the act. I saw Mark Lanegan a few years ago, he was lit from behind so you couldn't see his face, and he didn't say a word all night. And to be honest, I really didn't want him to.

But then a band like Belle and Sebastian. They take a good five minutes to tune up between every song, and their banter is like a bunch of your mates hanging out in your front room. And it's a great part of the show.

Sent by missplet_name | 3:35 PM ET | 02-25-2008

It's a good thing to banter, but good banter. I like to hear briefly about stories behind songs, or shout outs to the audience. I think Belle and Sebastian are masters of the banter.

Sent by Stephen W | 5:38 PM ET | 02-25-2008

I was watching Heart of Gold tonight and it Neil Young's bantering reminded me of this post. I would have to agree with most of you that bantering makes the show just a little more interesting. It definitely makes Neil Young's performances better.

Sent by simon | 11:19 PM ET | 02-25-2008

I am going to see Black Mountain in Moncton tonight. I will report back with comments tomorrow. Do you think they were a little intimidated by the idea of being broadcast on NPR?

I agree with Micheal about Wilco- that was the first time I heard them- very good show.

And I also agree with Elish- Audience at the R & R : What's up with all the talking? Seems that every other show I heard in the All Songs concert series I could hear the wide eyes and the appreciative silence of the crowd.

Off to BM and Bon(ne) (H)iver(s) and Nordic Nomadic and hope to hear some chatting, comments on banter tomorrow.

Sent by Pierre | 5:47 PM ET | 02-26-2008

What I want at a show is to be blown away by the band. Depending on the band, banter can help or hurt that. I've seen both ends of the spectrum and everything in between; from Explosions in the Sky, whom I don't think even had microphones that weren't in front of guitar amps to hardcore bands that literally spend more time talking before each song than they do playing the songs.

In general, a band's stage show including banter or lack thereof is really a part of the personality of the band and its members. Half the fun of a Mike Doughty show is his interaction with the audience, stories, jokes sing-alongs, Q & A. KISS' stage banter is as over-the-top as their music and image. Phish's banter changed nightly along with the setlist. The Ramones' stage banter was as short, stripped-down and well-rehearsed as their songs. Radiohead, like Pink Floyd, say very little and let the music speak for itself.

That said, I can think of some hardcore bands that need to shut up and play, some moody bands who need to lighten up and some self-absorbed types who need to acknowledge the people who paid the money to get in the door.

Sent by John | 8:37 PM ET | 02-26-2008

It really depends upon the artist. Sometimes the banter is an inherent part of the show. A good example is Arlo Guthrie- his banter is almost the show while the music is a bridge to the next banter session. However, less banter can equal more music and that is a good thing since you've often paid $50+ for a ticket. A good example of this approach was Willie Nelson. During one of his concerts he played for 20+ minutes without breaking or talking. It was fantastic.

Sent by Lauren | 6:36 PM ET | 02-28-2008

I've been to seven gigs this last month. All at small venues (less than three hundred people), ranging from a friend's band to Tegan And Sara. All of them talked to the audience, most were funny or had obscure stories, but some (such as Polysics) just introduced songs and yelled encouragement/appreciation. I would have thought it was lesser-known (therefore perhaps newer?) bands that bantered more, because they know they need to and they aren't as weary and dissociated from the audience (some large concerts I've been to and felt the band had no interest in entertaining or even enjoying the music themselves, only doing completing their shift and leaving).
Unfortunately with Tegan And Sara the crowd talked back far too much and they were obviously (though perhaps not to the drunkards who were there to ogle them) annoyed with the unoriginal/ignorant yelling out.
The banter is appreciated and entertaining. I'm there to see a performance, not just hear, unacknowledged, the music repeated. I think it's more important with warmup bands, which are often new to me, because I'm not familiar with the songs and... well... I'll be more interested to look them up if they're humourous.

Sent by Peter | 10:23 AM ET | 03-01-2008

I love the banter! The musicians' interactions with the audience engages them in the show and invites them to be participants and not just listeners. The setting immediately becomes more personal and unique. My only stipulation when it comes to banter is that it shouldn't cause the set too be significantly shorter than it otherwise would have been.

Sent by Emily | 3:38 PM ET | 03-02-2008

If all bands banter like the Decemberists, than yes they should. If they banter like Conor Oberst--spraying whisky on the groundling hopefulls and telling anyone who shouts a song request to go have intercourse with themselves, than not as much. Though having said that, if we were permitted to banter back in the same way it was dished out, I'd say all banter welcome.

Sent by Sarah | 5:47 AM ET | 03-05-2008

I think it depends on the feel of the show... I recently saw the Magnetic Fields and their banter made it totally worth while. They played in a small theatre in Somerville, MA that felt very intimate and was a unique space. Their banter was hilarious, interesting, interacted with the audience and just generally made everything more enjoyable. Then again, I see their music as being pretty informal and friendly.

Tortoise, on the other hand, did not talk very much when I saw them but their music was so amazing that I think it would have ruined the effect. They had motion graphics going in the background and would play for 20 minutes at a time or so before taking a short break. Very powerful, mostly because they are simply excellent musicians. I see their music as being subtle, something you need to actively listen to.

Sent by jess | 2:10 PM ET | 03-06-2008

Band banter connects us with the performer. It at least makes it seem as if they want to be there - that they appreciate our company as much as we appreciate them performing for us.

I especially love it when the performer tells the audience all these quirky stories about their current tour, or provide background about how they created some song. It makes the performer much more human real than some distant "live mp3 recording."

Sent by tiff | 9:24 AM ET | 03-07-2008