dmccombe7

The direct approach

Have the meeting and all cards on the table. Everyone needs to speak their mind and what they expect from the band. Clear the air and see how it goes. Could be that some clarification is all that's required for everyone. If that still doesn't work perhaps its time to have a rethink about who should be in the band. It usualy only works if everyone is reading from the same hymn sheet. Sounds like some people in the band have different expectations of what the band is or should be. At the end of the day it should be fun and enjoyable otherwise what's the point unless you are in it for the money and in that case sort it out and get on with it i'm afraid. Dave

When you put it like that i guess you are probably right for most people. Sometimes a holiday is just whats needed when things are a bit hectic and stressful. Dave

I took a break from bands from my mid to late 30's until i turned 50 and it all started to make sense and i'm enjoying it far more now than i ever did. It was mainly down to my job that i just couldn't get the time for a band. Can't really advise on what bass to keep as that's a personal decision you need to make. For me some of my basses have a personal or sentimental value whereas others are just basses i kinda had a notion for. The one big catch 22 is my Jazz which wasn't expensive as i bought it in a sale. It has no sentimental value ie wasn't a Xmas or birthday present and its not really gone up in value since buying about 8-10yrs ago. Altho its cheaper than my other basses its my goto bass for everything unless i'm asked specifically for a 5 or 6 stringer. So i'd say keep the bass you enjoy playing the most. Amps and stuff can easily be replaced at a later stage and probably a lot cheaper at 2nd hand prices if need be. Take that break. It might only be for a few months, maybe a year or two or maybe like so many of us with various commitments in life it could be 10-15yrs but no matter what how long it takes it could be just what you need at the moment. With regards holidays, i'm not a big fan of expensive holidays abroad unless the cash is spare. I'd rather spend on something that is longer lasting. I just don't get the £3k holiday just for the sake of 2 weeks in the sun. ??? Dave

Don't recall ever being sacked from a band. I've left a few and failed one audition but other than that i'm just a likeable chappie. Reasons i would expect to be fired and i won't accept from anyone in a band :- Regularly not making rehearsals unless plenty of notice. Regularly not learming the songs properly for a rehearsal. Cancelling a gig unless a justifiable reason. Getting drunk at / before / during gig. (don't mind afterwards as long as it doesn't hold me up getting home) Think that's the main reasons i would fire someone or expect to be fired. Ego's i can put up with rovided they are good musicians and do their bit. Dave

They're only watching to see if you make an a**e of the bassline i bet. But then again is that not why the audience watch the guitar solo ? Dave

The right band with the right audience will always be a success and a resulting great night. If the band are competent and showing enthusiasm to enjoy the party i've always found the audience will come alive to be part of that fun. At the end of the day people just want to go out and have fun. Dave

I've got an album with that song on it somewhere. Mandalaband III BC-Ancestors

So what was this thread about ?

I'm in a Glam covers band but even before that i always played the bass part as close as possible to original and then throw in the occasional little run where and when appropriate. I'm not a big fan of bass players over-playing where its not required. I like Fat Basslines tho

Must be the area you live in as i've seen some excellent pub bands over the years altho some have been mediocre at best but i'm kinda 50/50 on it. Maybe its because i generally only go to see the ones i expect to be the better ones and maybe because i know some of the band members or they have built up a good reutation in our area. Dave

Most of the venues i know are classed as "rock" venues and others are larger more club sized where you can hire the venue and take ticket money at the door. These venues tend to have dedicated audiences. Not always rock but sometimes a variation ie thrash metal thru to Prog and everything in between. Also many rock tribute bands will play them. Not your typical average pub venue. My point being that people come in to see the bands and have a beer rather than having a beer and "Oh there's a band on tonight". Often the audience are down the front headbanging or dancing around while the band are on. Usually its a bit to loud to be having a conversation. When i used to do typical pub gigs they didn't want the band too loud so people could talk (loudly) I remember a 3 piece band where our drummer had an early Simmons kit and one of the venues said he liked when we played as we could even turn the drums down Most of the rock venues are based in or around Glasgow or Edinburgh with occasional ones outwith city centres. Dave

Our singer records all our rehearsals or most of it. I've listened to the recordings albiet on his mobile and using headphones with my laptop i can barely tell the difference. The guitarist reckons the P/J bass has more depth than my J but he's a bassist in another band so that doesn't really count. I'm at the point i prefer playing my Jazz bass and that's gonna be the goto bass for this band. If not much difference in tone out front i'll play the bass i prefer and i'm most comfortable with. Dave

This thread is surprising me quite a bit. Most audiences i've played to in rock venues are generally interested in the full band thing. Don't get me wrong i've been in pub venues watching a band where people couldn't care less and were more interested in chatting and drinking. Would agree the bassist generally isn't the front man and only rare cases where he is the star of the band Geddy, Gene Simmons Mark King being a few examples but they are relatively rare. My own attitude when a band is on is that i want to watch and hear them. Dave

Did the Doors not use a bass player for live work occasionally. ? Tangerine Dream the only other i can think of on my fav bands. That's a bit of a struggle to think of any tho. Could make for an interesting thread Al Krow. Dave

I'd like to know who this Sharon is that keeps hanging around my gigs

Sorted thanks for that but still all good for me whether playing or laying Dave

Its all coming across as a wee bit negative and depressing here guys. Can't say i've really noticed anything too untoward when i'm playing. I generally get quite good comments after playing and never been heckled. Must be doing something right then. Dave

Hey watch it.........Dave's have feelings too you know. Dave 👍

Average pub audience will notice a band being too loud or a bass being to boomy. They'll notice levels between members isn't quite right ie gtr too loud or couldn't hear the singer. Not usually bass or drum levels tho as they are the reference point for everyone else. They will notice a band that is enjoying themselves compared to a band that is all serious and no interaction with the audience. As a bass player they probably have no idea what bass or gear i'm using and as long it sound ok they will be happy. If i'm in the audience i will be specifically looking at bass gear and his ability and tone first of all and then looking at the other members gear and how they play. Thats assuming they have a good overall sound. If they sound crap i leave. Majority of venues i've played have a fair collection of other musicians for some reason but that's more on the heavy rock side of music. Dave

Didn't think there prices were anything special. Dave

never heard of them

Brilliant