Birmingham Drummer Declares Pub Boycott After Repeated Booking Blunder
A furious Birmingham musician has publicly vowed to never perform at a city pub again following a second double-booking incident that led to his band's gig being cancelled. Drummer Bill Jefferson, of the classic rock, pop and blues band Back on the Road, expressed his outrage after the group's scheduled performance at The Three Tuns in Sutton Coldfield was abruptly pulled last Saturday, March 14.
"Shove It" Message to Fans and Venue
Jefferson took to social media to announce the cancellation, stating bluntly that he finds it "a bit iffy for it to be the same repeated saga." He explained that while he could accept a single mistake, a second occurrence was unacceptable. In a strongly worded post, he advised fans not to attend the venue, as Back on the Road would not be appearing, and issued a defiant message to any band offering him a gig at The Three Tuns in the future.
The drummer emphasised the challenges of coordinating a five-piece band, noting that members juggle family commitments and general life responsibilities. Jefferson, who works with multiple bands, said he prioritises bookings by putting other offers on hold, making the double-booking particularly frustrating.
Venue Manager's Apology and Explanation
In response, Three Tuns manager Jack Morris offered an apology but detailed the immense pressures of running a pub solo. He described his role as a "24-7, 365-days-a-year job" that involves a lengthy list of tasks, from daily maintenance and staff organisation to beer orders and unexpected issues like breakdowns.
"All while maintaining a positive demeanour front of house for all customers to see," Morris added. He expressed regret over the situation, stating he had apologised to the booking agent and hoped it was passed on, and acknowledged the band's frustration while citing the occasional oversight in a hectic schedule.
Impact on Local Music Scene
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between musicians and venues in Birmingham's vibrant music community. Double-bookings can disrupt not only performances but also the livelihoods of artists who rely on gigs for income and exposure. Back on the Road, meanwhile, are scheduled to perform at the Waggon & Horses in Cradley on Saturday, March 21, moving forward despite the setback.
The dispute raises questions about communication and reliability in pub bookings, potentially affecting future collaborations between local bands and venues across the region.
