Bluewine

I'm very boring and old, but we have an outstanding young lady fronting the band that our audience loves. I've also seen these over 60 guys living in the past trying to pull off questionable banter that might have come off as witty and cool when they were young and pretty back in 1972, but now seems weird and dated. Keep in mind I'm talking bar band level. Very sad actually. Blue

I think that sober fashion might work well at that level. However, I also think what some audiences want has changed since the days of King Crimson or Fairport Convention. Blue

At the bar band level, I would never join a band that doesn't have a talented front person that can connect with and engage a crowd. It's a skill and talent that very few have at the bar band level. I don't know if you see it in your pubs, where you'll have 4 old guys up there on stage and not an ounce of personalty between them. Very boring, not fun to watch. Blue

Great comments and talking points. Here's something for some to think about. Are you in a band where there's a space to bring or put something on the table? If not, you might want to think about looking for a table with a space for you. Blue

Spain, Return To Forever Had to learn it for College jazz band. Blue

Bring a strong work ethic to your band. Don't be the guy that splits after he packs his personal gear, leaving the rest of the tear down to the other band member. Blue

Your right Dave, I always stress the value of playing with the best people not the best musicians. I know some prima donnas that I would never let into my house no less play in a band with them. Blue

I'm a marginal bass player, even though I've been gigging since 1966. I bring stability and committment and the right attitude to our band. Never missed a gig or rehearsal, never blocked any dates. And I've been with them for 6 years. In summary, I know how to be in a band. I always have fun and don't take myself too seriously. After 50 years of gigging, I never bring a fowl attitude to a gig. It's still a whole lot of fun for me from load in to load out. Blue

What else do you bring to the table? This is your official "blow your own horn" thread! other than your bass wizardry, what other skills do you have that would make you invaluable to a band? Let's talk about it. Blue

Cool, sounds effecient. Blue

Lots of multi band events here. How does that work? Do these events generate enough cash to pay all these bands, is there a cover charge at the door? We don't have many if any multi band events in my area outside of Festival Season. Blue

It happens. Off topic, private party bookings, I like them because they pay well. For us anywhere from $800.00 to $1,000.00. The bad part is they're usually initiated by a punter that hears us and loves us and books us for a private event. They never consider their guests might have no interest in our genre or live music period. Blue

Take the money, especially if you got paid for the 2 hours. Blue

Nice pics Pete. Daryl

What's going on, there hasn't been a post here in quite a while. Nobody gigs anymore? We had a great 8-12 gig at Kuhtz's in Stone Bank (sounds British, don't it) last night. Small bar, great crowd, great sounding room. Blue

So I don't get to chat with Mick & Keith?? Blue

Understood, I'll go back and say for fantasy sake it would have to be The Stones. Butwhat if I found that Mick, Ronnie Keith and Charlie don't have the personalities I have conjured up in my head? ? Blue

On being bored. Off topic. I know a few pros touring with stars. I've known these guys since grade school. They know I'm a B list bar band guy but even so when I complain to them about anything they have the same response; "Are you getting paid?" Not how much, but merely, are you getting paid. If yes, stop complaining. Blue

Off topic, Red flag, the new band with the ultimate goal of gigging once a week.Rehearses 2-3 times a week and focuses on perfection. A year later your still reheasing 2-3 times a week and not a gig in sight. The red flag here for newbies. Only with rare exception does any band need to rehearse 3 xs a week. And no pub band needs to be perfect, but you need to be good. Blue

Gapiro is probably right. I should know more, but as a sideman my imput is not usually wanted. I feel it's my job to play bass that enhances the bands sound. It's the sound man's job to make sure the band sounds good. Blue

? Blue

OMG, ok, I'd love to replace Doug in Kings X. Replacing Daryl in The Stones would be cool too. except he's a bit too far in the background for my taste I hope everybody is happy, making me choose fantasy over reality.? Blue

Ok, my fantasy would be to play in a fun, safe, secure,healthy environment, staying in nice hotels and being paid proper. I'm sticking with the " Happy Together Tour" ? Blue

I disagree, money is a big part of the experience of playing with someone. It's also about people and having a positive experience. How would you like to be stranded in Newark New Jersey with no money or the means to get home after being screwed over by your favorite artist or band. Look at it from a reality perspective for a moment Blue