Bluewine

I'm stealing this topic from Dave. What is an ideal gig for you? Within the Bass Chat community we have different levels of experience age and location differences that can impact what folks think is a great gig. There are some folks and I know some who are what I call " I don't care I just want to play" guys. There's nothing wrong with that,I use to be one of those guys. However at 71 years old I'm not one of those guys anymore. . Share your thoughts. Thanks Daryl

Dave, Over here If you go back 25-30 years if a bar had a band they might charge $5.00-$10.00 at the door. It's an interesting discussion be cause that business model died . I'm not sure why. Daryl

Dave, In my neck of the woods the wedding band business is not what it use to be. Most of that business went the way of the DJ. My ideal gig is much like yours only I'd have to add great accommodations, professional high end sound and lighting and an engaged, appreciative crowd . And the gig would be no longer than 90 minutes. Daryl

I listened to the reel with earbuds. Great sounding tight band with nice lead vocals. Daryl

Nice pics. Daryl

Nice subs and mains Daryl

Selling 65 tickets is a big deal to me. Outside of our festival and fair gigs where people pay at the gate to get in, Maple Road does horribly with "pay to get in" gigs. Most are canceled due to low ticket sales. Actually most ticketed events in my area are for signed national touring bands not local weekend warriors. Daryl

Did the room have a staffed bar ? Daryl

I don't like it when venues pull the plug on food. Our Harley Davidson contracts always specify what food and drinks are comped. They are more tham generous. Daryl

From what I can see, most " start up " bands never see their 1st gig. It's very difficult to find people that can fully commit. Daryl

Years ago I briefly joined a band because I was desperate to be in a band. I made it to two rehearsals before I realized my mistake. Too far of a commute, I was too old and wrong type of music for me ( metal ). I had to figure out an acceptable reason quitting. Daryl

Can you make a living on tips? I doubt it. However, I've seen $1,000.00 tip jars more than once. Daryl

Cool backdrop imagery Dave. Daryl

Very cool basses. Daryl

I wish I could hear you guys do No Matter What. Daryl

Sounds very good. Daryl

We played Capones last night. 7-11. A little long and late for me. BL called out songs we haven't performed in years. It's a good exercise, keeps you on your toes. I'd say it was an okay gig. I'm ok if we never go back. Daryl

Indiana ,isn't that where the " If Your In A Band " guy is from? Daryl ( Wisconsin )

Interesting. It seems like members that post regularly on the " How Was Your Gig Last Night" thread seem to be around my age (71). Consequently our histories and experiences have many similarities. I have more in common with you guys than my bandmates that are 35 years younger than me. It's no secret that my gigging experiences here in the States parallel many of you guys. Daryl

I think some of it for us is simply a few bad bookings. There are some gigs that aren't a good match for us. I have a tough time playing to people that have no interest in us. However, I'll take the blame, we booked it. Daryl

I think the bass chat community is a lot more mature than talk bass. Daryl

If my band was still playing bar gigs regularly it would be tough on me. Over here the bar/pub band scene is also dieing at a rapid place. We probably don't gig as much as we use to. However the gigs we do are premium, and fun to do. I really think it's those bad gigs that cause guys to stop. I never hear complaints about the good gigs. Daryl

Yes, very true. I've been the bass player for Maple Road since 2009. I've been out gigging in the Milwaukee WI area most weekends for 16 years. Daryl

Why don't you like 58s. Aren't they still the industry standard? Daryl