How To Handle Hecklers

There's not but ten hecklers in the world today. But they move around a lot. Consequently you will run into one of them every once in a while. Do not be discouraged. Here is a little advice on what and what not to do.

First and foremost, be good at what you do. Nothing invites heckling like an act that is not together. I can not impress upon you how important it is that you have your act down. Practice until you can do your act in your sleep. Better yet, practice until you are doing your act in your sleep. If you are really good, the crowd will not accept any negativity from someone out of place.

Second, show no fear. Bad crowds can smell fear. You have to be fearless on stage. You have to exude the confidence that shows you are totally relaxed and in charge. Slow down. Nothing shows nerves more than playing music too fast. Relax between songs. Read the crowd. They are constantly telling you what to do if you listen. And I do not mean they are telling you with words. Do not get lost with your stage fright. This is called posture. As far as I am concerned you should have this "cool" posture at all times. On stage and off. You have to carry this posture until it becomes a part of your persona. Ever wonder why people think musicians are so cool. This is the reason. Those that play a lot on stage and have been around a while develop this posture and carry it always.

Now to the nitty gritty. Do not fall into the trap of responding in like manner. Usually if you just look at the idiot that is giving you the "what for" and just smile until he has talked out, then you can simply ignore what was going on and continue with your act. People will recognize that you are being professional and will respond to you and not to the jerk in the crowd. Do not ever try to be funny at his expense. Just smile and shrug your shoulders. And by all means go on. Do not try and talk or play over the guy if he is loud. Just look at him like you are waiting for him to get it out of his system. Then play on.

Now the thing that throws a wrench in the whole deal. If the dude is drunk, you will have to make sure you have a good relationship with the waitress and bartender. Management that knows how to run a club will never allow this to happen to you. They will realize how this is so bad for business. Unfortunately, there are many club owners who should maybe be driving a truck. You can not tell them how to run their business, but you do not have to let a bad apple ruin your act. So here is where you might want to take a break. I have found that a good break song is worth it's weight in gold. For years I played Hideaway by Freddy King. People recognize this as a break song. It kind of takes the edge off of the stage. Play your song, get down, and....well this part is up to you. No matter what you can never be confrontational. Sometimes these things just have to play out. It's your gig though, not some jerk's.