Yeah, for sure, sound advice. But the people (albeit, haven't heard any real grumbling lately...maybe I've parted ways with my cheap friends over the years...ha!) that I tend to hear moan and groan about cover prices are in reference to bands that they love, have heard before, and WANT to see. If you can't afford to support their mediocre fee for service, or if you're unwilling to sacrifice the price of that extra drink that you probably don't need anyways in order to lend some appreciation, then stay home I figure. I agree with ersh' comments about perceptions around the whole bar-band thing, but that really is too bad. Some of the best damn shows I've ever seen have been in that setting. If anything its a treat to see some of the quality musicians we have access to at that type of scale. That alone should count for a couple bucks.