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Badabing · February 27th, 2013, 10:49 PM

I have always wondered what the deal is with Rugs on concert stages?? It is very common from what I have seen with many shows that the stage is covered with Rugs?

Is that for sounds purposes? Aesthetics??

Just curious..?
Thanks!

rideit · February 27th, 2013, 10:51 PM

It's so Jerry and the boys can find the fractals in the black-tar 'persian', maaaaan

RevMike · February 27th, 2013, 10:52 PM

Done it. Less for asthetics and more for covering wires and cables so as to not trip and fall.

Frodebro · February 27th, 2013, 10:53 PM

Aesthetics, though sometimes it goes wrong.

Badabing · February 27th, 2013, 11:08 PM

Well that last rug was for aesthetics for sure!!!

Cat MacKinnon · February 28th, 2013, 09:07 AM

i think they serve a couple purposes (although i'm just guessing here.) using a big-name band as an example, Rush usually has a huge carpet covering their stage. in this case, i don't think they're meant to cover cables: in a pro setup like this, the cables are usually run along the edge or under the stage and out of the way. but, a lot of times the stage is made up of individual pieces that are placed together, next to each other (imagine a bunch of long buffet tables set next to each other.) anyway, there are seams between these stage pieces, and i think the carpet helps to cover them and keep the musicians from tripping.

actually, i think the traction thing is probably the main aspect of the carpets. for whatever reason, every stage i've ever seen has been smooth and slick. i think the main reason for the rugs is just to give the performers a little traction so they're not slipping. plus, for bands that are on long tours and running around on hard stage surfaces every night, it's probably more comfortable to stand on. i would imagine that if it starts raining at an outdoor venue it could get pretty dicey running around a wet stage!

i don't know, and i'm just guessing here. i've always been a little curious about that myself, but never had the opportunity to ask anyone that would know.

Doug 54 · February 28th, 2013, 09:13 AM

I think it would be cool to have shag or astroturf carpet on stage!!

.

eddie knuckles · February 28th, 2013, 09:14 AM

Soft surfaces are more comfortable to stand on for four hours a night.

ghostdad · February 28th, 2013, 09:28 AM

Richard Ashcroft from the Verve used to always sing barefoot so he put a rug down. I seem to remember he was gifted a stage rug around the time Urban Hymns hit big.

purpletele · February 28th, 2013, 09:41 AM

Neatness running cables.

Deadens foot noise.

Aesthetics.

Comfort

Wrong-Note Rod · February 28th, 2013, 09:47 AM

who was the first to start the trend? I remember seeing Emerson Lake and Palmer in their heyday, about 1974, and Gregg Lake had a big zillion dollar persian rug to stand on. Never seen anybody do it before that... was he the first or is the tradition much older?

studio1087 · February 28th, 2013, 10:04 AM

CSN always have nice rugs.

Croz once told me that it makes him feel at home.

GigsbyBoyUK · February 28th, 2013, 11:00 AM

I was stage crew once at a very small outdoor gig held on trailer. There were maybe 50 people in the crowd max at any time. We were running behind schedule and I told the next band this and asked them to be as quick as they could but they took ages dithering about getting the amps on stage and then tuning up.

Finally we were nearly ready to go...and the guitarist disappeared for a few minutes and came pack with his stupid rug (AND CANDLES!) that he just had to have on stage. Oh and they were terrible.

So Neil Young? You bet - have as many rugs as you like, man. But the rest of us lame wannabees? Maybe, maybe not.

DonB52 · February 28th, 2013, 11:12 AM

I always liked it for the soft surface. I have a bad back and it helped a lot. On some stages, it stopped the noise of foot tapping, since I am a habitual foot tapper.

hollowman · February 28th, 2013, 11:22 AM

Our rugs are for mojo. Mojo rugs.

RI G&L · February 28th, 2013, 11:37 AM

Our band uses them and loves 'em. Hides cables, easier for standing on for a long period of time, looks nice(r).

getbent · February 28th, 2013, 11:59 AM

excellent urine and puke catcher...

can get gamey after awhile, but the coin op car wash can fix that.

ghostdad · February 28th, 2013, 12:04 PM

What's the best rug for blues?

telleutelleme · February 28th, 2013, 12:09 PM

Quote:

CSN always have nice rugs.

Shows they bought other stuff in Marrakesh.

WAG - Maybe Persian rugs don't generate as much static electricity as other cheaper nylon ones would.

D in Conduct · February 28th, 2013, 05:16 PM

Rugs also keep the kick drum from sliding away from the drummer.

February 27th, 2013, 10:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Badabing Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Marcos, Ca Age: 45 Posts: 1,736	Rugs on Stage..?? I have always wondered what the deal is with Rugs on concert stages?? It is very common from what I have seen with many shows that the stage is covered with Rugs? Is that for sounds purposes? Aesthetics?? Just curious..? Thanks!

February 27th, 2013, 10:51 PM	#2 (permalink)
rideit Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Jackson, WY Age: 46 Posts: 419	It's so Jerry and the boys can find the fractals in the black-tar 'persian', maaaaan __________________ "Just who in the hell do they think they a-are.... relic-ing perfectly goo-ood........guitars..."

February 28th, 2013, 09:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cat MacKinnon Tele-Holic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Colorado Posts: 803	i think they serve a couple purposes (although i'm just guessing here.) using a big-name band as an example, Rush usually has a huge carpet covering their stage. in this case, i don't think they're meant to cover cables: in a pro setup like this, the cables are usually run along the edge or under the stage and out of the way. but, a lot of times the stage is made up of individual pieces that are placed together, next to each other (imagine a bunch of long buffet tables set next to each other.) anyway, there are seams between these stage pieces, and i think the carpet helps to cover them and keep the musicians from tripping. actually, i think the traction thing is probably the main aspect of the carpets. for whatever reason, every stage i've ever seen has been smooth and slick. i think the main reason for the rugs is just to give the performers a little traction so they're not slipping. plus, for bands that are on long tours and running around on hard stage surfaces every night, it's probably more comfortable to stand on. i would imagine that if it starts raining at an outdoor venue it could get pretty dicey running around a wet stage! i don't know, and i'm just guessing here. i've always been a little curious about that myself, but never had the opportunity to ask anyone that would know. __________________ Curator of fine useless information.

February 28th, 2013, 09:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
Doug 54 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 3,778	I think it would be cool to have shag or astroturf carpet on stage!! . __________________ . KENNY POWERS for Precedent !!

February 28th, 2013, 09:14 AM	#8 (permalink)
eddie knuckles Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Worcester, MA Posts: 1,497	Soft surfaces are more comfortable to stand on for four hours a night. __________________ Commit FACEBOOK SUICIDE - FREE YOURSELF!!!!!!!!!!

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February 27th, 2013, 10:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
RevMike Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 2,899	Done it. Less for asthetics and more for covering wires and cables so as to not trip and fall.

February 27th, 2013, 10:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
Frodebro Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle Age: 43 Posts: 3,723	Aesthetics, though sometimes it goes wrong.

February 27th, 2013, 11:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
Badabing Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Marcos, Ca Age: 45 Posts: 1,736	Well that last rug was for aesthetics for sure!!!

February 28th, 2013, 09:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
ghostdad TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Havertown, PA Posts: 30	Richard Ashcroft from the Verve used to always sing barefoot so he put a rug down. I seem to remember he was gifted a stage rug around the time Urban Hymns hit big.

February 28th, 2013, 09:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
purpletele Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Morgantown,WV/San Antonio, TX Posts: 2,398 20 Photos	Neatness running cables. Deadens foot noise. Aesthetics. Comfort

February 28th, 2013, 09:47 AM	#11 (permalink)
Wrong-Note Rod Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: atlanta Posts: 2,118	who was the first to start the trend? I remember seeing Emerson Lake and Palmer in their heyday, about 1974, and Gregg Lake had a big zillion dollar persian rug to stand on. Never seen anybody do it before that... was he the first or is the tradition much older? __________________ CARGO PANTS - TELE - GIG STYLIN BABY

February 28th, 2013, 10:04 AM	#12 (permalink)
studio1087 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 48 Posts: 13,780 37 Photos	CSN always have nice rugs. Croz once told me that it makes him feel at home. __________________ John "The rock and roll business is pretty absurd, but the world of serious music is much worse." - Frank Zappa

February 28th, 2013, 11:00 AM	#13 (permalink)
GigsbyBoyUK Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Peterborough, UK Age: 43 Posts: 2,058 5 Photos	I was stage crew once at a very small outdoor gig held on trailer. There were maybe 50 people in the crowd max at any time. We were running behind schedule and I told the next band this and asked them to be as quick as they could but they took ages dithering about getting the amps on stage and then tuning up. Finally we were nearly ready to go...and the guitarist disappeared for a few minutes and came pack with his stupid rug (AND CANDLES!) that he just had to have on stage. Oh and they were terrible. So Neil Young? You bet - have as many rugs as you like, man. But the rest of us lame wannabees? Maybe, maybe not.

February 28th, 2013, 11:12 AM	#14 (permalink)
DonB52 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Wenham, MA. Posts: 285	I always liked it for the soft surface. I have a bad back and it helped a lot. On some stages, it stopped the noise of foot tapping, since I am a habitual foot tapper. __________________ Blessings Don

February 28th, 2013, 11:22 AM	#15 (permalink)
hollowman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Age: 49 Posts: 2,300	Our rugs are for mojo. Mojo rugs. __________________ "Lest we forget, this is the sewer part of the forum. How's your pot roast?" ... Threeplyguy

February 28th, 2013, 11:37 AM	#16 (permalink)
RI G&L TDPRI Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 34	Our band uses them and loves 'em. Hides cables, easier for standing on for a long period of time, looks nice(r).

February 28th, 2013, 11:59 AM	#17 (permalink)
getbent Super Moderator Telefied Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 25,208 37 Photos	excellent urine and puke catcher... can get gamey after awhile, but the coin op car wash can fix that. __________________ The world is an amazing place. Go poke a whale." nickjd

February 28th, 2013, 12:04 PM	#18 (permalink)
ghostdad TDPRI Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Havertown, PA Posts: 30	What's the best rug for blues?

February 28th, 2013, 05:16 PM	#20 (permalink)
D in Conduct Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 144 11 Photos	Rugs also keep the kick drum from sliding away from the drummer. __________________ I ain't no grown-up. I'm a musician. -Antoine Batiste Treme

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