Every so often someone will come up to me and ask me about playing in one of these so-called "Battle of the Bands" competitions.

My response has always been a firm "NO"!

These sordid affairs are becoming all too common, which I attribute to the following reasons:

1] It appeals to gullible bands who actually think they can win something, especially that elusive "record contract"" [kids- you're better off playing the lottery]

2] greedy promoters who charge bands entry fees, and make money from those fees, as well as from corporate sponsorships

3] the success of American Idol, which feeds on, once again- the gullible for the benefit of the greedy

Look, I'm a musician, not an athlete.

If I wanted to be competing, I'd be playing football, basketball, baseball, or some other sport, not playing music!

If you really want to have a Battle of the Bands, why not hand the members of the bands boxing gloves and have them slug it out?

It would be a lot more entertaining than these stupid ""Battles" we have now

A slug fest would also be a lot easier on the ears than having to hear a dozen crappy bands compete for some stupid prize!

Victor Garcia-Rivera/ Last Gang in Town