Bluewine

So true Len. When I arrive at a gig my mindset is, what can I do to make this gig fun for my bandmates. Not argue over the set list, lighting, monitor mix, weather , how loud someone is, ect... Daryl

Unfortunately that's not an option for me. I need the money. And for me I'm not sure it's a gain. It's money to survive and pay bills. Daryl

Great perspective Len. I realize that I have a pretty sweet thing going for me with Maple Road. Fantastic bandmates, for the most part decent gigs and good money. Daryl

This probably is more for you guys that are over 60 but not necessarily limited to that range. I'm 71 and most of the musicians I grew up with and started playing with are no longer gigging and have zero interest in it. Share your thoughts and position on why you're still gigging and why you think some guys lose interest. Daryl

Thanks for the additional details Axe. Interesting scenario. With this singer's background and experience I'm surprised the audition didn't go better for him. Daryl

Being an hour late would have garuanteed a " no " from me. Auditioning is usually a tough nut for a lot of bands. I'm curious, what did you know about this singer prior to inviting him to audition? How much gigging experience did he have or band experience in general? Did someone recommend him to you? Daryl

My bandmates never complain when I have a bad night and I don't complain or bring anything up when they do. Daryl

Our situation with drummers is far from ideal. Our drummer has a lot of other things going on and can't make a lot of our gigs. He provides nice harmonies and he makes it easy for me to lock in with him. Auditioning drummers is not an option. We don't want to go through that process right now. We have 2 dep drummers. Unfortunately they don't play enough with us to become completely comfortable with the songs and what we do. Our band leader looks at it more from a business perspective. The pros are, while our drummer situation is not great we've never had to cancel a gig or turn down a booking. The band has been in business for 18 years. Daryl

Dianna Jones Rocks joins the party with Maple Road Blues Band THIS SATURDAY on the big ol’ stage at Old Falls Village Park! Bring your crew and grab some brews, and a chair, and maybe a blanket or snuggie, and join the party too! 5:30pm sharp! Please let this be a good gig. I really need it. Dep drummer though. Daryl

Only use guys that have nothing but your band going on in life and can make every gig like my situation. Lol Daryl

I use my 1001rb all the time. But it's just for the stage. What goes out to the house is completely different from what I hear on stage. Daryl

I'm also having hearing issues. Last weekend I thought I was playing out of tune while my tuners indicated I was perfectly tuned. Daryl

I like those pics. Very clean ! Daryl

Love that band jacket. Daryl

Thanks Dave, Next week we have our first outside gig for the year. It's more of a festival crowd. I'm hoping we redeem ourselves. Daryl

I need a gig like this. I'm still recovering from last week's disappointment. Daryl

Dave, I'm not sure why I shared the story either. I think it evolves around age.lol By the way Dave, our band leaders parents and good friends of mine are off to Scotland next week. They've never been and are super excited. Daryl

The story actually evolves around what comes with age. Don't ask how it happened, I don't know it just did. I didn't realize it when I left home for the show. I had put my underwear on backwards. I knew something didn't feel right by the time I arrived at the gig. I was tired and a little confused . I just said " screw it" entered the bathroom and took all my clothes off and put my underwear on correctly . Lol I guess that's rock & roll. Daryl

The dressing / green room provided to us at Edison Hall. Not bad at all. Daryl

Dave, 2 months ago we played The Anodyne in Milwaukee. Big " green room" with a private bathroom. We had an opening act and we were to be on stage at 8:00. Some day I'll have to share the story of why I was walking around in that bathroom completely naked at 7:50. Daryl

Nice pics. You guys always look distinguished and " well heeled ". Daryl

How about backstage at Lucy's at Wisconsin State Fair. We were sitting on folding chairs in the dirt next to several garbage dumpsters.lol Daryl

This is what I love about BC. The commonalities. Pub/bar gigs are always hit or miss. In my neck of the woods mostly miss. We hadn't played a bar in years but we played one last Saturday night and it was disappointing for a myriad of reasons. I do contend that bands can and probably should out grow pubs and bars. I would call our bar gig last Saturday more of a " money grab" than a paid rehearsal. Or maybe a little of both. I'm better suited for upscale show case gigs. Lol Daryl

I lived in Southern Spain from 1962-1966. Maybe some of my friends are still there. Lol Daryl

Playing any kind of UK gig would be surreal for me. Daryl