Karaoke Forums

Just thought I'd share a story with you about a place here in Leicester, UK...

My girlfriend and I have been into karaoke for about 10 years now - it's one of the things we love to go out and do/see together. Back in our university days we would go to the local "stedent bar" where they had a great vibe, good karaoke and cheap drinks. She then became friends with the host, and we went to some of his other gigs. It's always been something we (and our friends) are into.

So, about 5 years ago, it was her birthday. Our friends and I arranged to go out for dinner, and found a place called (then) Liberties in our hometown. They advertised it as a fairly up-market restaurant with karaoke. Friends came across the country and we all got dressed up nicely for a good night out.

When we arrived, the venue looked really nice. Courtyard, enclosed, nicely laid out...

The meal was not to the level we expected at all, and the drinks were through the roof. And they made a mess of the bill. But hey, it's a birthday, I sort the bill and keep the GF away from any isues. Then we get the karaoke.

Oh no we don't. We were aghast! It was a guy in his late 40's, long blonde hair, silk shirt and leather trousers. He was the owner, his wife "ran" the restaurant and yet he was flirting outrageously with every female in the room, and just came across totally seedy. But all hosts have their flaws.

But his major flaw was not so easy to accept from a host. He pretty much sang all night by himself. Badly. I mean, he came across as if he felt he was in a Vegas lounge, and a cheap one at that. The books were all full of what we assume was his music (Atlantic soul), and he sang it all night.

My girlfriend sang ONCE. 1 time. She had about 4 requests in, and we had hired half the restaurant. And just 1 song. Nobody sung more than once. Except him.

We were disgusted and left.

We've never returned, but I gigged there for a friend's 21st once. Still equally as accommodating - ie. not!

I mean, we have been to other places for birthdays since that have been ludacrously funny. Cantonese restaurants that also offer a "karaoke room" (JVC player, TV, 2 mics, home-stereo sound system and a selection of 4 Japanese disks). But that was just for a laugh...

Thank goodness I've been to more good karaoke then bad.

When I go to a bad show I usually end up staying for a while then never going back. I don't think I've ever just walked out imediately. I always wonder how a bad karaoke business stays hired.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Me too. I fail to see how they make money or get bookings.

Everyone has thier own Karaoke HORROR story!!

My own is one in Portland where the host is an actual Transvestite/cross-dresser person---not to bust on a person's oreintation---but just the whole male voice(baritone) in female garb and fishnet stockings, blonde wig and perfectly done make-up on serious KJ on stage is just a bit too much for me........and this is a for-real karaoke show in a NON-TV bar in a suburban, working class neighborhood.

I dropped in one evening out of curiousity just to check it out and see what it was really all about. It was just to weird for me.

Apparently they have some sort of success with it as he(she?) has had the gig for over a year now. Just not my cup of tea.

Now in Portland they have some really good Karaoke shows at some of the downtown gay and lesbian bars---at those you know whats what and Ive know some of the KJ's there for a long time---never been hassled the few times Ive been in to see them at their gigs. So I can handle gay/lesbian Karaoke bars.

But a for-real serious TV KJ thats a bit too much----EVEN FOR ME!!

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

Several shows here have a random trans gender person show up to sing..

Quite scary really.. 275 lbs, hairy, $4.00 wig, and spike heels..

Oh, boy.. what a treat..

R U describing yourself JD?????

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

No, I never wear spike heels..

But you like those $4.00 wigs???

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

Yup..

That's a new one. He (she) probably dresses more like a girl than me. You'd never catch me in heels all night. Maybe I can get some tips fron him (her).

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Used to go to a gay bar on Sunday nights, karaoke was run by Talulah - a drag queen. Real caustic personality (part of the act) and a real laugh.

Problem is, she took a liking to me (the guy being Talulah was gay) and the flirting got a bit... not sure of the word, but - "much".

I have also gigged in gay bars, and loved it - until the VERY "scene" people came in. Really in your face about being gay. I was like "Yes I know you are, I can tell"

Wore what was supposed to be an Afro wig for a gig on Saturday....but it flopped leaving me looking like a Scouser..(Brit members know what I mean...so heres a pic for those that dont..).....By the way....non of these are me....but of Tv's Harry Enfield Show

So these guys look like Liverpudlians?

A TV Comedy show in the UK Stereotypically portrays liverpudlians as sports gear wearing scousers with Curly Permed hair..to be fair to Liverpudlians they take this satire with good grace

I'm still thinking liverpudlians look like this....
http://www.jesuitcp.org/campuslife/Beat ... s_live.jpg

Well... Oasis, Shed7, Blutones, and all the other northern indie bands went BACK to that haircut...

In the USA, we have the equivalent...they're called NASCAR fans

Hay.. Back oft..

Yeah..I remember them portrayed in Talledega Nights

Never understood the NASCAR stereotype...

Looks to me like a bunch of guys and gals having fun at a track meet?

I mean, sure any "Grrr manly, grrr 80's" sport is gonna have it's fair share of mullets...