I do have to play clubs, tiki bars, biker bars, you name it. I'm not a fan. Smoking is the worst. I try to book places that have smoking outside, or at the very least good ventilation systems.
And I'm certainly not talented. I'm just consistent. have of success is just to show up when others don't.
There are always ten guys in the room who are more talented guitarists/bassists, who would love to be making 100 to 200 per night for a 3.5 hour set, who just can't get it together.