Plectrums, drumsticks etc in the pit

[Nouks]

Okay funny question for all of you who shoot from the pit on a regular basis...

What do you do when a musician throws his or her plectrums, drumsticks and other things in the pit instead of in the audience? Yesterday on a festival I've been asked for that kind of stuff 4 times, and frankly I don't really know what to do in that kind of cases... Give it to the person who asked, or throw it into the audience more or less randomly so "everyone" has got a chance? I usually don't really want to choose someone but when throwing into the audience I usually feel pretty sorry for the person who asked me.

[DDCSD]

Ha, I've never had picks or drumsticks land in the pit when I've been shooting (at least not that I've noticed). I did have a water bottle that the lead singer of 10 Years tossed land in front of me in the pit. I picked it up and handed it to a girl in front. She acted like I just handed her a gold brick.

I'd be half tempted to keep a pick or stick, but only if it was a band that I really like.

In most cases I'd probably just hand it to someone in the front row that looks like they'd appreciate it. I know they'd get a lot more enjoyment from it than I would. The reason I'd give it to someone up front is because then I know it wouldn't get lost in the crowd or have some jerk bully a girl or kid for it.

[dmb70]

If it was a band I really liked I'd keep it, if not I'd give it to the 1st person who asked for it nicely. IMO it would be kind of a d*ck move to throw it into the crowd after someone just asked me for it, again just my opinion.:cool:

[Nouks]

If it was a band I really liked I'd keep it, if not I'd give it to the 1st person who asked for it nicely. IMO it would be kind of a d*ck move to throw it into the crowd after someone just asked me for it, again just my opinion.:cool:


So someone who throws it into the audience is a dick, but you aren't when keeping the plectrum/drumstick/whatever yourself after a fan in the audience asked you for it while it was *meant* for the fans in the audience and not for the photographers?

Thanks for your replies though :)

[dmb70]

Again just my opinion, but there are bands that I have shot that I am a huge fan of, so just because I happen to be shooting them doesn't mean that pick or stick isn't going to a fan as was intended.
On the other hand if it meant nothing to me & someone asked me nicely for it & I just looked them straight in the face & threw it into the crowd I think that would be a d*ck move.
Worse yet, I've been at shows as a fan & seen either photogs or security people "tease" a fan with a set list or pick & then just throw it into the crowd. Which IMO is sh*tty.

[rab_cilbup]

Depends - if it's not a band I'm bothered about then I'll pick it up and pass it to someone in the front row, usually the youngest fan I can find. Or sometimes I'll pocket it and give it to a friend later. Very rarely keep them for myself these days.

The only thing I don't do is when people ask me to take setlists off the stage at the end of a gig.

[Nouks]

Depends - if it's not a band I'm bothered about then I'll pick it up and pass it to someone in the front row, usually the youngest fan I can find.

I guess that's when you see something yourself, and not when someone asks you for something?

[René Damkot]

I'd give it to the 1st person who asked for it nicely.

Same here.
Then again, I've never understood what's so cool about a used plectrum / drum stick / you name it.

[Nouks]

Then again, I've never understood what's so cool about a used plectrum / drum stick / you name it.

Me neither, that's why I don't keep those things myself :P

[rab_cilbup]

I guess that's when you see something yourself, and not when someone asks you for something?

Just depends really, most of the time I seem to grab stuff before anyone has a chance to ask me....am pretty quick. Have got eyes like a ****house rat as my wife used to say. If someone spots something and asks me for it, then as long as they're not rude about it and it doesn't involve me reaching onto the stage then fine.

Was at a Journey gig (not shooting) a few years ago and I came away with about 3 of Neal Schon's picks - sent one to a friend, gave one to a lady in front of me who'd been desperate to get one, and kept one for myself.

Have been asked for all sorts when I've been shooting as well - from a discarded neon lipstick used by a singer to the classic "I'm a really big fan, can I have your laminate at the end of the gig ?" !!