even the sloppiest playing is tolerable with enough booze

It's called "the novelty effect". That's when you play the theremin really badly but end up getting a standing ovation because the audience has never seen a theremin before and is intrigued.

It's only a problem when the thereminist believes that the audience is responding to his or her brilliant musicianship and Rockmore-like virtuosity, and becomes drunk with POWER! LOL