When Jon Taffer needs some expert help in revamping a joint down on its luck in his hit Spike TV series Bar Rescue, he turns to the best in their respective field — like chef Brian Duffy for the kitchen, mixologist Jenny Costa behind the bar, and comedian Owen Benjamin for the laughs.
In 2012, the series was looking to add a live music aspect to its bar overhaul, and interviewed Boston booking agent Dan Millen, who is currently the head talent buyer at Johnny D’s in Davis Square Somerville. Millen was approached for Bar Rescue’s February 2013 episode on horror-punk bar Headhunters in Austin, Texas.
Millen says the show’s producers eventually wrote out the live music portion of the show, and he wasn’t needed to overhaul the Headhunters live music approach. But the 20-minute interview tape lives on and can be seen up top.
In it, Millen offers his own Taffer Tips, like how rooms can increase revenue by ending the music before last call, and never allowing the sound guy to select between-band music. He even boasts that he’s been doing “the musical version of Bar Rescue” around Boston for years, going into clubs around town and stopping them from hemorrhaging cash.
As the founder of Rock On Concerts, Millen has an extensive resume around the Boston area, having booked shows everywhere from Bill’s Bar to the Middle East, and most recently, Church and Johnny D’s.
Bar Rescue airs Sunday night’s at 9 p.m. EST on Spike. Catch up with the Vanyaland interview with Taffer here.