Lock & Load- Marina Centre Battle of the Bands
Round Two Statement
Week thirteen and we’re here, Round Two of the Lock & Load-Marina Centre Battle of the bands. Over the next six weeks, twelve bands will ‘duke it out’ on stage to see who makes it into round three. The new play-list is drawn up, all points are reset, fresh marking sheets dosed out and the bands are itching to get up there and strut their stuff.
There have been educated guesses, wild rumours and as always a fair dose of BS on the BOTB website concerning things such as the possibility of disqualification, how points are awarded, judging, who should get what and who shouldn’t, etc. etc. blah, blah, blah…
As always, I raise my voice, as much as one can on this soundless medium, in order to dispel all myths, clarify all matters and exorcise whatever needs be to put all suffering minds at rest.
Voting Day…
On Thursday 5 th May (Week 12), final votes were taken in from the remainder of the competing bands for the instant permanent implementation of the 50/50 Rule. Eighteen out of twenty four bands voted for the addition of theruleand as a result, points were modified, the leader board re-organised and the successful top twelve selected from list.
Bands were asked in confidence, and only a majority vote would see the implementation and permanency of the rule. An equal number of votes for or against would have not brought the rule in. The majority won, and the rule was actioned and will now remain in place for the entirety of the remainder of the competition.
What is the 50/50 rule and why bring it in?
In short, the 50/50 rule penalises the over use of covers in a band’s performance set and awards extra points to bands doing more original material. This rule works in conjunction with the already existing judging system. Copies of all additional, updated rules and judging criteria are available elsewhere on this site.
The 50/50 rule existed from the very start of the competition but was not implemented because it was thought that the judging system alone was enough to encourage a sway towards originality from all bands participating. From the outset, this competition has been about promoting and rewarding original bands and material.
The timing of the introduction of the rule was questioned but after much careful deliberation it was decided that if the rule was applied at a later date, it had to affect everybody from day one without anyone being able to take advantage of any prior knowledge that the rule may or may not be implemented, hence the vote and execution of the rule on week twelve with instant repercussion and permanent implementation.
More Reasons?
Other reasons exist for the facilitation of the 50/50 rule. Most of those reasons can be summed up in one word.
Credibility.
We know for a fact that A&R persons and Label Rep’s have been present at the Lock & Load-Marina Centre BOTB Competition.
We know for a fact that these people are scouting for originality in terms of new bands, showmanship and material.
We as Lock & Load in partnership with The Marina Centre would like to keep this competition as credible as possible in order to benefit bands, music loving public and those who make their living from the music industry.
Whilst cover material has its place in a band’s set-list, Lock & Load as a promotion company are attempting to bring you something new, to help proliferate the recognition of original talent in and around the Norfolk area, to help get the many talented bands out there, heard. The addition of the 50/50 rule is not to vindicate covers, but to help encourage and gain recognition for those willing to venture into the realms of originality.
Whilst many people were satisfied if not disappointed with the results, just as many were profoundly ecstatic. On the whole, we as organisers believe we have managed to maintain the integrity of the competition thus far. Either way, we’re damned if we do, and damned if we don’t. Only time will tell, so back to the contest at hand and on with the show…
Our Thanks
If you’re in one of the competing bands and you’re waiting to be contacted, our heartfelt thanks go out to you for taking part but it does more than likely mean that your band has not gone through.
Suzi and I are endeavouring to contact everyone either way just to say thanks in person but at the time of writing this message, I know that all round two bands have already been contacted. Thanks again for all those bands who took part this year and were unable to get into round two, better luck next year. Remember-big things happen a little at a time.
Many Thanks and Good Luck to all Bands.
Dale & Suzi.
Lock & Load Management.
Added 13th May 2005 by Adam Larner |
