Bluewine

I didn't take your comment as Snarky. I think it's great hearing how we're all experiencing different aspects of being a musician. Daryl

Dave, It's really a busy hobby for me too. I draw a pension the gig money is extra but like you said, it's helpful. It became more serious for me when I started to find myself with months where gigs were netting me an extra $500.00 a month. That's a mortgage payment. Anyway, so there's no confusion, I'm not a professional musician. I'm a lucky guy with a busy hobby and I make a little money Daryl

If I was brokering the deal I think I would have opted for more money. Daryl

Congratulations 🎊 You've beat the system. Your 78 and still a very active musician . Staggering you are a lucky guy. I'm 70 and hope to follow in your footsteps Daryl

Just an example of band communication. Here's a text from my band leader. "Hey guys! I know I got confirmation from everyone for Maple Rd @Tiki Resort in Elkhart Lake for Sun 7/28. The time would be 4-8 pm with 3 extended breaks, is that ok with everyone?" A four hour gig is a bit much for me, however I'm ok with it. Would you be ok with it ? Daryl

Very astute commentary. I bet many who dismiss this have probably auditioned not knowing the band had already picked who they're going to hire. Daryl

We lost Eric Carmen (74) from The Raspberries and solo artis this week. RIP Daryl

Agreed We're all going to have different standards and things we're looking for in a band. I always stress, ask key questions prior to the actual audition. Daryl

Slightly off topic Auditioning is really a " tough nut". Think about it, usually your going to end up in a room of complete strangers where most of us know very little about the band. And the band knows very little about you . I liken it to a blind date. If you don't do your homework and ask key questions prior to the audition your asking for disappointment. Agreed? Daryl

I get where your coming from. We all have different backgrounds and experiences that form our positions. For me the money thing started when I was 12 in 1966. My little band played for a summer backyard large family party. After the gig a family elder walked up to us and handed each band member a 20 dollar bill. Twenty dollars for a 12 year old in 1966 was a lot. I thought I had "made it" in show business. I've been a "money guy" ever since. Daryl

Most of you know, I'm an old retired bass guitarist from the 60s and 70s. I get the whole " this is my hobby, I'm not in this for the money" thing. I hear it from several of my friends that are my age (70). One of them always says "I don't care if I get paid, I just want to play" I'm quite different I have worked hard over the years studying bass, practicing and gigging. I love the fact that I have a skill I've invested in that I'm financially compensated for. I actually take great pride in it. I always have fun gigging. Getting paid to have fun is awesome in my opinion. Am I off base ? Daryl

In my scenario it would have been an hour one way to rehearsals probably more for gigs. They were right, I lived too far away. Daryl

I lost an audition years ago because I lived too far away from the other members. And I get that. Daryl

Does the band have what your looking for in a band ? Daryl

Rule of thumb. Only audition if you completely own the audition material. If you don't cancel your audition . Be polite to everyone nail the material, keep your mouth shut, pack up and go home. Daryl

Exactly, I drove all over the place for rehearsals and gigs when I was a young guy. At 70, I'm driven to all gigs by the band leader and her husband. Most commutes to gigs are less than 45 mins. Our gig at The Bend Theatre last Friday was 5 minutes from my Condo. Daryl

We scale back to fit the venue. We're not going to bring our full arsenal of lighting into a small space gig. Daryl

Maple Road 3/8 The Bend Theatre Great Theatre gig. We played 9 songs opening for Ivy Ford. We we're clicking on all 6 cylinders from the first couple of notes. Stage sound was outstanding. Daryl

Just to name a few, I have a cool, Gibson Gold Top Bass, a 1991 Gibson Thunderbird,and two 2005 MIJ Fender P 1951 reissues. The only bass I gig is my 1993 made in America G&L ASAT bass (active pre amp). It's really the ultra narrow neck (maple with tons of Birdseye). The active pre amp is really nice. Maybe the big coil pick ups. The slab Tele body style. Daryl

Our van is silver. Lol Daryl

Thanks for sharing that story Solo. Seriously guys, it's something to at least be aware of if your auditioning. Don't be afraid to ask if a band is auditioning friends or relatives. Daryl

I just had a buddy go through the exact same thing. Only it was the bass player. There must have been some red flags the drummer was going to leave? Daryl

Don't my purple Vans count for anything ? Lol Daryl

Dave , We have three offerings. 1. Maple Road ( full four piece blues/rock band) 2. "She's Right I'm Left" ( acoustic) 3. Production sound & lighting. Agreed, sound is the most lucrative. Daryl

Here's a good one in reverse. I auditioned for a classic rock cover band. This was years ago. They double booked my audition with another guy. I was able to watch his audition. A young guy, he didn't know any of the songs I nailed all three. They went with the other guy. He was a friend of the guitarist. He didn't last long. Turns out the guy had no transportation to get to gigs. They called me back and offered me the job You can imagine where I told them to shove their offer . The lesson, never audition for bands auditioning friends or relatives. Daryl