I would like to warn musicians to stay far away from Fubar. I had the unfortunate experience of playing a solo show there, and Bob, the booking agent, sent me a text message prior to playing, stating that I would receive a certain amount per attendent. The show went fairly well, and that night the staff was at least somewhat friendly. Following the show, I did make the mistake of leaving without gathering my pay, since at a prior gig there, I was mailed a check the following week. I contacted Bob at noon the following day, asking about my pay, and he stated that he would get back to me by 5pm. I tried to be patient, and when I heard nothing by 6:30, I asked him again. Another text message later, finally at 8pm, I heard from Bob that my money had been split between two other bands. When I questioned this, Bob accused me of having been "totally wasted" at the show. Funny thing is, I don't drink at all. We texted back and forth, Bob becoming increasingly irate, irrational, telling me blatant lies, and using incredibly profane and offensive language, telling me I would never see my money or play in St. Louis again. Several of my friends came to my defence, and Bob did tell each of them finally that all I had to do was come down and get the money. I told Bob I would be there the following day at 7pm. When I arrived, Bob was no where to be found, and the man at the door, Keenan (who was the only person I spoke to that was not abusive, threatening, confrontational, or aggressive, actually fairly decent.) knew little of the situation, and did oblige when I asked that he call another manager. This manager was also gone, but I was met by two large, muscle-bound, tattooed thug looking boys, obviously attempting to intimidate me, and who proceeded tp threaten me, yelled and screamed, swearing, threatening that my teeth would be "knocked out, " while I truly focused to stay calm. I did end up leaving with my money, after about 15 minutes of being called names, and physicall threatened.
Fubar has many "pay to play" shows., and does not draw much of a regular crowd at all. Young artists are scammed into believing they will be heard, and since music is my passion, I admit I was one of them. The only people in attendance will be those that come with you. The place is disgustingly dirty, the beers poured for my friends had more head than beer, and my buddies all complained that the mixed drinks were very weak. (The bartender was among the nicer to deal with as well, though.) The accoustics are horrific, the place is small, and not somewhere anyone should feel safe entering or exiting alone after dark (Per the doorman, Keenan.)
I gave the place a second chance, hoping that my first bad experience was a fluke, but will never step foot near there again. And I still have all my teeth.
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