Bluewine

Hi Les It might be rare, but I've heard from other guys here on BC that have seen guys that do it. It's BS, tear down is part of the gig. And IMO part of what your getting paid for. Blue

I would say our US bar scene also has elements of dysfunction. Bar owners can be a strange lot. If it's a new venue for a band it's a good idea to be clear and direct with all your terms. Otherwise you never know what might happen. " My boss told me your fee was $400.00 not $500.00" Don't fall for that one, stick to your terms. Blue

I've only seen where a band member left and the bands sound changed for the worse. Ever lose an outstanding drummer? Very hard to replace. Blue

I get a little annoyed when a band member leaves right after a gig leaving an hour and a half of tear down to the rest of the band. Blue

Agreed, It's suppose to be about fun. There's no reason to bring a negative vibe to a gig. Blue

I've never quite understand the whole idea of auditioning for a bar or pub to book a gig. Usually it's where they want you to perform for free on a week night. We've been a known gigging band for over 12 years. A few months ago we were asked to audition for a club. We diplomatically declined. Blue

While going to open mics in my area won't get you far as a resource for finding a band it might in your area. Are you looking for a gigging band? Blue

If it's a band where I genuinely want the job I'll learn the 11 songs. I'd confirm what song they perform them in as well as any deviation from the original recording. Blue

For busy gigging bands, bringing in a guy that's even in one other gigging band can be problematic. Not impossible, however schedule conflicts are inevitable. Worse cases, cancellations and having to turn down gigs. Depping at the gigging bar band level, very few opportunities for that in my neck of the woods Blue

Found a few, very cool. I'm ordering one today, $16.95. Blue

Agreed, it's all about what's important to you. However, once your gigging and making money, the rule of thumb is never quit until you find a better opportunity. And gigging opportunities are usually not easy to find for most of us. I'll put up with a lot as long as the money is coming in. Blue

Some guys are too old at 25. Depends on your disipline, apptitude and ambition, not age. Blue

Acoustic duos get all the bar work in Nashville. Blue

It's very tough and competitive here too. Back to my bullet points. In my neck of the woods a "Willy Nilly, Loosey Goosey" approach to booking won't get you very far even if the band is really good. Blue

I play a lot up around the 13th fret. Closed block, using an MRX Bass Octave Pedal. Blue

The bass player in my band before me never learned that dimplomacy, that's why he was replaced. Blue

"Knowing how and when to keep my mouth shut." It just means I don't want to be the guy that's always complaining about stuff and bringing a negative vibe to a band. Blue

I believe I referenced flakes and A Holes. Probably a bit of a difference. I don't think many of us will tolerate an A Hole. Blue

Agree 100% Blue

I'm not sure, however the topic still generates a lot of great comments, position and perspective. Blue

"We never look for the great musicians we look for great people " Emilio "Mimi" Castillo , Band Leader Tower Of Power. Blue

I understand and know the area I live in as well as what realistic opportunity there is for me. When my band folds, I'm done. I won't be auditioning for anyone. Blue

We might be talking about different levels of flakes. The level I'm talking, I'd never play in a band with or recommend anyone to, no matter how great a musician they are. I wouldn't even allow these types to step foot into my home let alone play with them. Playing in a band with even one flake can take the enjoyment out of the band experience. By the way, I'm probably the most average bass player on Bass Chat. My strength is the ability to work with others as a part of a team. And another strength is knowing when and how to keep my mouth shut. Blue

And I'd say it's not about me at all. There might be a few personal references I use for examples or to justify a position. But the thread is clearly not about me. The CD promotion was off topic, a mere side note. Blue

For Those Looking for a " For Fun" Band would be a very good thread. Blue