Bluewine

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

Nigel liked Hot Rods as well. Blue

I don't know how any local bar band can survive without hitting social media hard. Blue

Nice, I recently bought new tires for my car with gig money. Blue

I'm not sure it's that simple. Things happen. A really good band can be booked into the wrong venue and have a bad night. Best example, being booked into a pub where the clientele has no interest in live music. It's a lose / lose proposition. Blue

Yes, if you can, you always want the higher paying gigs. The pay for Midwestern bar bands in the States is not much different. While we get $500.00 for a four piece we play four hours not two. Festival and fair pay in the summer is much better. $500.00 for 1.5 hours. Blue

An e kit might help. Thing is, a lot of people are not into the " loud rock band" thing. We're a loud rock band and we try to appeal to the folks that are still into loud rock. We tell the owners what we are before they book us. We're not background music. Blue

One of my major complaints. Being separated from the bar. It's always the kiss of death for my band. Do you guys think it's done on purpose in some instances? Blue