Bluewine

Me, I've never had rock star looks. I look like an insurance clauns adjuster. I have seen some guys that were fantastic rock musicians but didn't have the look and it held them back Blue

This is what I would do. I would diplomatically request they tell you which 5 songs to learn for the audition. You might pick 5 songs from their set list that they no longer perform or rarely perform. That alone can set your audition off to a bad start. Blue

Exactly, and we're not. Blue

We gig a lot but we are far from what I would call a a professional band Blue

I've been gigging since 1966. I still make my share of mistakes. If I were in a professional band I think that would change for the better. Blue

In my area they have " open mic" nights. Mostly acoustic and primarily for local singer song writers that need a chance to perform live in front of an audience. Jam sessions are only for the heavy hitters and you have to be invited. Blue

We had a blast playing Ariba's last night in Butler. Low ceilings and carpeted floors made it easy to dial in our sound.And the bar was right next to our spot in the front of the room. Nice crowd and Ariba's now has bands on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Blue

Yeah! We got our Summerfest 2018 slot today. July 8th 5;00-6:00 on the U- Line Rock Stage. Not the best slot but better than a 10:00 am slot. Most local bands never get to play Summerfest, this is my 7th year in a row playing Summerfest. Blue

I dropped my yellow MIJ Fender P face first onto asphalt. Small ding on the side of the body. No big deal Blue

I guess it depends on the band and the level you play in. For us it's like a traditional job, if you have no experience you don't get the job. We're not providing on the job training. Now, if we didn't gig or if we were a gig once a month band, experience would not be a big deal. Blue

I know how you feel. I play with great people. From day 1, which was 7 years ago, they're easy to get along with, very organized and more than fair regarding pay. In my area, I doubt I could find another band like this. Blue

Drinking on the job, something I don't do and frown on. However, Musicians are going to drink, a battle I don't want to take on. Blue

Personality conflicts, nightmares usually. We're not around each other enough for those things to fester. We only see each other at gigs and we all know we're there to have fun and play music. And nothing but have fun and play music Blue

Pete, If I had the opportunity to play with Daryl from Genesis or Greg Koch, I'd do it for free. Blue

Playing the music you like as a primary requirement could be tricky. I had to compromise on that one a bit. Most guys that I know that will only play music they like are not in bands. Blue

Excellent point. I, being a product of the 60s would have a hard time with youngsters who's funk reference is Bruno Mars. Our band leader is half my age and we play several vintage 60s rock songs. These songs are a part of my history. When I perform them ,I know and feel these songs different from some born 40 years after the song. BTW, I'm a huge Sly Stone fan. If I mentioned the song "Dance To The Music" and the band response was " what's that?" It would be a deal breaker. On the other side of the coin, I wouldn't fit in with youngsters that want to play Ed Sheeran. The point, a significant age difference can be an issue and something we might want to think about. Blue

I have a handful of gigs that are close to an hour one way. I don't like that, I prefer the half hour commute. Egos, at the bar band level there is no need for egos. Blue

Good people covers a lot of bases in bands. Yeah, if the opportunity to play with a local "heavy hitter" came along I'd play. Blue

Lozz, I'm also a member of the ideal band for me. To be honest when the band folds finding a new band in my area with my requirements will be close to impossible. Blue

For me; The band must be established with a decent book of business, gigging at least once a week. I need to know specifics on the pay structure. How am I paid , how much am I paid and when am I paid. I have bills. Where are the gigs, how much travel is involved. I prefer working in a band where the band leader makes the crucial decisions. A dedicated sound tech would be preferable. I'm comfortable in most of the rock genres Fun and good people. Not the best players the best people. Blue

Thanks for sharing your story Bruno. You know what your looking for. Best of luck. Blue

Sorry guys, I just love the concept/ idea like this.Young attractive women that can sing. Can anyone tell me more about these two youngsters? Blue

Probably 50 at least. Pretty easy when you've been gigging the same songs for 7 years. Blue

Not a new topic but usually a good one. Whether your band breaks up, you quit or get fired, or your a newbie looking for your first band, finding the right band might be challenging. I'll throw this out there, you might not want to start your search until you have carefully defined what your looking for. Consider; 1.What kind of people do I want to work with.. 2.Travel, commute, where does the band rehearse. 3.Genre 4.How is the band organized Share what you look for in a band and how you approach your search. Blue

I always make sure to see Jeff when he comes to Milwaukee. The smaller the venue the better. Jeff played the rather small Turner Hall ( an old gym from the 50s). I arrived early, real early walked in on their sound check. Here I am, alone with Jeff, Tal and Vinnie. When I realized what I had done I freaked out , turned around and left before I got the boot. Great night, great show, somehow I ended up standing in front of the stage with Rick Neilson from Cheap Trick. Blue