partly_dave

Oddest audition was on a small boat, hauled out of the Thames on one of those islands near Richmond. Was told that a well known comedian played bongos for the band but wasn't present that night. No amp. Played acoustically (electric bass) in a freezing cold, damp, cramped cabin sat in front of wood burning stove. guitarist and singer both a little drunk. Recently been looking for another gig to go along with my not-that-busy covers thing. Auditioned for a heavy rock covers band with a good following, and even better reputation. Nice lads, great players. I'd learned my stuff. Didn't get it, was told I played fine wasn't "metal" enough compared to the other guy. Who was also balding, so at least it wasn't a hair thing Possibly it was because I'd explained I was pretty much 100% metal for my teens and grunge for most of my twenties, I'm 45 now (so are they) and listen to a diverse range of music inc metal, but no, I hadn't heard the last Judas Priest album and have no visible tattoos. Or, they thought I sucked and were just being nice about it. No hard feelings though, their band, their choice. But the "not metal" thing annoyed me. So I auditioned for a metal band doing originals, Polish lads, hairy, everything pointy and in drop D, all in their 20's except me. Auditioned at 10:30am on a Sunday, they had beer outside studio and we all had a round of whisky (on the drummer) before we played a note. I hadn't had quite so much fun on the bass in a while and I got the gig. Who's metal now?

Not sure if I qualify, was about 20 gigs last year?Standard weekend rock warrior pubs and small festival. Rock, bit of metal and Britpop. So not a great tonal range. 2 hour gigs usually. Had 3 basses for most of last year. Was mainly playing a 2013 Epi T-bird classic. But when the ergonomics of it p*ssed me off I'd take my Modern Player jazz instead. Always driving so room for a spare too: My £68 from EBay 1990s Squier P as a "back up" which I'd inevitably end up finishing gig with as I'm seriously fond of the cheap arsed thing's neck. Of the 3, I reckon only the Jazz would stand up to proper, regular road work. Have done this on and off for 20 years. On no occasion have I actually needed to switch to a back up. But I do carry strings, tools, wires and soldering iron in my gig bag. Which my guitarist's Tele gets most use out of.

Somewhere in Shoreditch a hipster's fixy is missing it's front wheel......