New equipment? NOPROBLEM

[Erich0316]

In 1987 I played a gig in a VFW hall in south Chicago. We showed up early, set up, performed a sound-check (11 band-members, a lot of sound-check) and I was really pleased with my NEW 36-channel board, amps, effects, and speakers. I had recently purchased a complete 1800-watt P.A. system and I was looking forward to hearing it for the first time.

The kitchen was opened at about 7:00 and no one really thought about it much until we began to play, and the lead singer and I stepped up to the mike.

We did our intro riff and stepped up to "harmonize" when we were both surprised to be getting shocked by the microphones.

Our guitar amplifiers began to smoke and make primal noises and the P.A. system literally caught on fire.

All of the equipment was completely ruined. Apparently when the kitchen manager hired his cousin to install the new fryer in the kitchen he wired the thing up wrong and sent 1/2 of the two-phase 220 through the outlets on the stage.

After the smoke cleared (literally) we all were able to recoup our losses and I invested in an outlet checker (if I remember correctly, $2.99, at the time) to prevent another incident. The lead singer and I had 2nd and 3rd degree burns on our lips & fingers. Mine from the strings & hisfrom touching the mike stand.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

[VintAxe]

Wow, thanks for the "Public Service" post on an issue most of us don't even think about Erich0316. I've done my share of complaining about noise introduced into sound systems from neon signs and the lack of electrical outlets at gigs, but your experience certainly gives us all something to think about.

I think I'll buy one of those $3 outlet testers.

I'm shocked that VFW insurance paid to replace your PA. Unfortunate you got fried; fortunate you got fried in a spot with insurance.

thanks for the story. sb

[Erich0316]

It probably had more to do with the bass players' dad being a Chicago city concilman, but you take the breaks when you can!