Concert goers live in a world they believe to be loud and free. But there is, unheard by most, an outer world, a barrier between in and out, just as loud but not as free as they thought — the world outside a venue, where the door guy simply wants you to pay the cover charge. Welcome to a few nights in the life of Tin Roof’s door dude, Rex Stickel.
Friday
9:20 p.m.
A guy is talking to his group of friends that just paid the cover.
Guy: “Yeah, so this is one of those chain bars, like the other Tin Roofs.”
Me: “Actually, no, it isn’t.”
Guy: “Yeah it is, they got one in Columbia, and…”
Me: “Not this one.”
Guy: “You sure?”
9:40 p.m.
Two guys walk up.
Me: “Hello, we have a show tonight. The cover is $7.”
Guy: “We have to pay to get in?”
Me: “Yes sir … there’s a show tonight … and the $7 cover pays the bands.”
Guy: “Well, how do we get in there?” [Points to the patio.]
Me: “Easy! It’s a $7 cover.”
Thursday
8:07 p.m.
Guy walks up to me and another guest.
Band Guy: “Yes sir.”
Me: “Right on.”
Band Guy walks into the venue.
Guy: “How’d you know he’s in the band?”
Me: “Nobody wears pants that tight on purpose and isn’t in a band.”
9:06 p.m.
Me: “Hello, gentlemen. It’s $5 for the show, and you guys got IDs on you?”
Guy: “Really? Me?”
Me: “‘Everybody,’ is what my boss tells me to say.”
Guy: “I’m just teasing. Because I’m old as fuck.”
Me: “We’re all on our way.”
Friday
9:42 p.m.
PSA: No matter how many kids you are related to in the band, if you are attending a show in a bar, don’t drink mini-bottles out of your purse.
Sunday
8:38 p.m.
A couple walks up.
Me: “Hey, guys. We’re having a comedy show tonight, so it’s $5.”
Girl: “I thought it was karaoke tonight?”
Guy: “Is it open mic?”
Me: “Karaoke is right after! And no, not open mic.”
Guy: “Is open mic like karaoke?”
Me: “Uhh … sort of?”
Tuesday
8:19 p.m.
Guy with a camera walks up.
Me: “Hey, man. Here for the show? We’re taking $7.”
Guy: “Well, yeah … I actually used to play with them. I usually run their merch, but [holds up camera] tonight I’m taking pictures, so … Do you think … uhhh … is there any way that, uhhh…”
Me: “Don’t worry, man, I’m fluent in ‘I don’t wanna pay.’ I just need your ID.”
2020 New Year’s Door Resolutions
1. I promise to not only bring cash, but when asked for a cover, not act shocked like an alien just emerged from your chest and asked for a loan.
2. I promise to bring exact change, not actual change.
3. I promise when I blow smoke in your face, it at least won’t be menthol.
4. I promise to provide ID when asked, as opposed to crossing my arms and asking, “really?”
5. I promise to look slightly up and to the left at the marquee to see which bands are playing and won’t throw a fit when the doorman can’t recite them from memory.
6. I promise to adhere to the NO PARKING signs as opposed to explaining to me you’ve “parked there before” or “I didn’t think that meant me.”
7. I promise not to heckle comedians because if I really thought I was that funny I should have signed up to get on stage.
8. I promise not to sign up for open mic comedy if my “set” includes the phrase “on the recent Joe Rogan podcast.”
9. I promise no matter how enticing it may seem, I will not ask for verification if you actually work here, despite every other person showing you ID and paying you the cover.
10. Eat more vegetables. Stay cool. Support City Paper. City Paper has been bringing the best news, food, arts, music and event coverage to the Holy City since 1997. Support our continued efforts to highlight the best of Charleston with a one-time donation or become a member of the City Paper Club.