Q. Let us get the most obvious question out of the way first. How did you choose your band’s name?
I’ve always been a fan of alliteration. Bards, Beers, and longBeards seemed to roll off the tongue, tell people what the band was about, and stood out as a bit unique. BBB is the short form and much easier to type.
Q. Have you had the same band name from the start, or has there been a change?
Yes, it’s always been BBB. We do like to joke that the initials can stand for anything you like. I think we had a spreadsheet at one point with over a hundred variations… think of things like ‘Blood Bath & Beyond’ or ‘Bards Behaving Badly.’
Q. Of any of the locations you have played in Middle Earth, is there a special spot you love to play, and why?
BBB started as a traveling pub band but it proved difficult to find a crowd willing to look up the location each week. We settled for playing in front of the fireplace at the Prancing Pony, but moved outside as the band and audience grew. We now stand in front of the big rock outside so that we can claim we are a legitimate rock band. The devs were very kind and built a lovely stage across the street, but we are stubborn and like our rock. Members of BBB have also helped close out Weatherstock for years in coordination with the Lonely Mountain Band, and playing on top of Weathertop to a large supportive audience is a thrill.
Q. What would you say is your most requested song?
This one is tricky. We’ve been playing together for nearly 13 years, so it has changed through the years. An original song that’s been a favorite of many over the years is a medley of jigs Aegthil wrote for a character named Khizli.
Q. Do you have a favorite of all the songs you play?
Aegthil wrote me three tunes over the years that I’m very fond of. I also love it when people roast or love on my doofus character with their arrangements because it gives me the warm fuzzies.
Q. What would you say is your favorite style of music to play?
Classic rock would rank first, but we have tunes that range from jazz manouche to show tunes and polkas. It’s a grab bag of anything that’s catchy, clever, or interesting.
Q. You have played many events and stepped in to cover many acts. Is there any other show or time you would like to play?
We’ve played at 11:59 pm Saturday nights for a very long time to be US/Oceania friendly. I sometimes would prefer an earlier spot as it would mean a larger crowd. We’ve had Europeans get up in the middle of the night to jam with us and I hate that there isn’t a time that works well for everyone. I also wish I had more time to attend and perform at other shows – that’s not BBB being snobby, just real life getting in the way.
Q. With more and more bands forming all the time, do you get asked for advice often?
I’ve offered advice in forums when asked and have mentored many musicians over the years. Many of those musicians have gone on to form their own successful groups.
Q. What one piece of advice would you give new bands on Landy?
Be patient, consistent, and kind. BBB started with two people and now regularly fields ten to fifteen (before alts.) You will likely face setbacks, but be resilient and examine what you might need to change up to get the results you want.
Q. Last Question Beor, all of Bree wants to know, Boxers or Briefs?
Freebird!
Is there anything else you would like us all to know about your band?
Until we’ve got a full raid, BBB always has room for one more. Our humor isn’t for everyone but everyone is welcome. We have a Discord server people are welcome to join (https://discord.gg/Cm6HhnCSKk) and some old moving pictures located at https://www.youtube.com/user/BardsBeersLongbeards. Our shows happen outside the Prancing Pony most weeks at 11:59 pm Saturday night and we play the occasional show elsewhere. Our players have ranged from 18 to 70+ and come from all walks of life and musicianship, so chances are that there is a place for you and that you will fit in. If you don’t know what you’re doing, we’re also happy to help you get started.