Bouncer

On the upside, you get to kick people's asses from time to time...

Years ago I had a friend who was a bouncer at TGI Friday's when it first opened in Memphis. I taking about 1969 or '70. Friday's was new anfd all the top bands were playing or trying to play there. It was always crowded and a long line to get in into the late, late evening. My friend, Billy Ray, stood about 6' 4" , weight to match, and a black belt. Well, late one night a fight broke out on the dance floor, over who was dancing with whom. You know, a bunch of drunks. Billy Ray steps in and ask what's the problem.  This guy, in a flash, whirls around, pulls a gun, puts it to Billy Ray's head, cock the hammer and says, "I don't see no f***kin' problem, do you."  Billy says, "Nope, me either." Went downstairs picked up his weeks check, and to this day has not been back in a Friday's. I've played a lot of music in some prety ruff places, but never wanted to be a bouncer!

Last bouncer I talked to: "I don't get paid enough to fight." So he doesn't. Comm major putting his degree to use.

Depending on the place this could be a very cushy job.

I know a few guys that did this for awhile, and most of them were in over their heads. All of them were huge physically but had never been a fight, and took it for granted that intimidation would carry them through the job. They found out the hard way, why this is such a lousy job. Just as a sidenote, beware the quiet, lean bouncers, for them this is a good job.

It's not something you can imagine building a career on. Most guys I know that have been bouncers only did it temporarily. Depending on the kind of place, sometimes the bouncer can have some fun during the night. A lot of places just want their bouncer standing in the corner looking mean. They do have to deal with a lot of drunks, obviously, but all in all it's probably not that bad of a job.

I have to rate it in the middle since I don't really know. It certainly isn't anything I'd want to do but you have to think that the guys who put in for it know what they're getting into and don't have a problem with it.