if they were real drummers, they would invest in some cymbals of their own at least, thus saving yours. but i suppose not everyone can afford that luxury.. which is what pisses me off about the blatent lack of professionalism in some of our local bands
i don't agree with bands being held responsibile for blowing the amplifiers onstage during the gig, not unless proper hand take over is done and the equipment was GURANTEED not to fail midway during a set i play. how would one prove if my amp died from wear and tear as opposed to me hitting the shit out of it at 11?
i know its more work for the sound guy, but once he settles the front house and stage mixes, the working relationship between the bands and soundman is that bands don't TOUCH the amps once the setup is complete.
this is also why playing with one's own equipment at gigs helps professionalism usually, and more responsibilities and appreciation for everyone's roles in organisinga successful gig. a musician's instruments are his/her basic arsenal, so taking care of your weapon is your first basic responsibility. nobody likes a prima dona who doesn't take care or always demands rockstar dreams when he/she can't even deliver that level of showmanship or publicity.
i've never been to gashaus (i'm studying overseas), but i've played prince of wales using my own equipment (DI and 1x10 practice amp as a monitor), esplanade using the backline provided and various gigs in between with supported backline, plus in doing gigs here, i provide my own bass amp and DI if the soundman wants it. everytime i play for church here, we unload EVERYTHING from the church van, mixing desks, snake boxes, drum kit, foldback/monitors, front house speaker/aeons, amplifiers, DIs, rackmount effects, all instruments every sunday we're on.. i don't experience your pain of taking care of overheads, but i appreciate what you're doing in the local scene, and it makes me want to hurry and get back and contribute to the budding scene -)
moral of the story: it's a team effort. for all the successful sold out gigs you see is a whole country of people you don't see. PUBLICITY, TOUR ORGANISERS, PROMOTERS, VENUE ICs, STAGE MANAGERS, BAND MANAGERS, SPONSORS, LIGHTING TECHS, CAMERA TECHS, INSTRUMENT TECHS, CATERING
so everybody in the 'scene', lets learn to support one another and be appreciative of what everyone's responsibilities.. watch each others backs, don't let some goondoo spoil the market and make life difficult for the rest of us