Bluewine

We're networked with structure. Bookings through March 2020. But we depend too much on " call in" business. Blue

What are your thoughts on keeping your band busy with work. What are the pros and cons of both approaches. A seat of the pants approach might be fine for the band whose goal is to gig sporadically, a gig here a gig there.. But for those looking for a steady stream of gigs a good stratagy with a strong infrastructure might work better. Blue

True, they performed without any kind of stage monitors in large venues.However there were other issues. They were no longer a little dance hall band and their material became very sophisticated and the technology was not there to perform it live. I will say their live performance of "Nowhere Man" is impressive. Blue

They do not have a bass dep or guitarist dep that I know of. We do have a drummer that will dep. Blue

I rarely get suggestions on my bass parts and I certainly don't make part suggestions to other band members. We're not that kind of band. Blue

Good point and at a time when most bands didn't have the luxury of not touring. Even by 1970 the technology was not quite there for live performance. Nothing compared to what big productions are today. Blue

Paul is still selling out 40,000 seats with no problem. But Paul's an exception for a myriad of reasons. Blue

In 8 years nobody has ever depped for ne and I plan on keeping it that way for as long as I can. Blue

Many of my idols are in their mid to late 70s. I don't. expect to see them out on the brutal road at that age. It's actually hard to see some of these artist that were big stars in the 60s and 70s playing to 100 people in small clubs because they need the money. Blue

And there's not much you can do about it. I have a rehearsal tonight where we're going to play 2 new songs. I know both inside out. I'm arriving prepared. If you show up unprepared there's nothing I can do about. I'm only responsible for me. Blue

Agreed. 100%. We have a young, strong, smart female BL who is a big picture thinker. The band really doesnt need any dated ideas from a 66 year old thats been in the biz since 1966. What was cool for my generation is probably not worth much today. Blue

Yes, on occasion I have suggested songs and been rejected. Who knows, maybe my suggestions were not that good. As long as the bookings stay strong everybody is happy. I really don't mind at all. I really think most band discussions and issues are different when your delendent on the income from gigging. At 66 I'm very lucky to be gigging consistently and having fun. Material, not really a big deal for me. Blue

True, there's really no conflict. I have issues with certain song choices , I have issues with not being able to make song suggestions , but I never complain or broach these issues with any of the other band members,. No complaints means no conglict. Keep in mind none of these issues were sprung on me out of nowhere. I knew what I was getting into when I joined the band 8 years ago. I think it's different for guys that sign on for one thing and get something else, which seems to be the case with the OP. Blue

It sounds like what type of material you play is a priority. How you find that depends on a lot of variables. We're all different, I don't hate anything we play , however I play a lot of stuff that's not my favorite. I'm in this for the money, gigs and the attention. Fun is a given, I always have fun. Thing is your playing with good people, what if you found a band that played all the sort of material you enjoy but they were jerks? I say " good people" trumps all. Blue

I'm also lucky to work with good smart people in my band. Very lucky. Blue

That's an acceptable argument , however finding guys with shared goals and ambition could be a challenge paid or unpaid. I don't share all the same goals and ambitions of my band members but I'm a hired hand and they're paying me. So I always show up and I show up prepared for all gigs and rehearsals. Blue

It really depends on what your in the band for or what you want out of it. If your in this to play a certain type or genre, that might be a challenge. There are nany things about my band that are far from perfect. I never complain because I'm getting text messages everyday to confirm new bookings. I'm in this for the money . I'll complain when the gigs dry up. Blue

I'm worried about your Thunderbird and if it will fit on floor of the back seat passenger area. Daryl

Great, now I'm more confused than ever. So on means off at the Hofner plant? Blue

Gtreat Musician and Good gigs will not get you through times with bad people. Good people will get you though times with bad gigs and bad situations" Blue

I still contend that bad band experiences happen to those who are playing with the wrong guys. Good sober people could mean good band experience. I joined a band years ago and after the second rehearsal I knew these guys were only getting together to get drunk. I never returned after that srcond rehearsal. Blue

I'm an an electric bass guitarist. I always felt bassist and bass players were guys that play double or stand up bass. Blue

I really should start gigging ny German Made Hofner Club Bass. To be honest I've never understood the controls on it. Very confusing for me. Blue

I was getting a buzz humming noise at the last two gigs. I thought it was a grounding problem. I took the amp to our sound techs house ( our BLs husband) and we started to trouble shoot. We set everything up with DI just like at a gig. No hum and no buzz. At yesterdays gig the hum buzz came back. It was something in the compression software in the PA. It was just a matter of turning off some weird phantom signal in the software. I'm all good now. Blue

Hi Dave, I bought a compact 2016 Ford Focus in January. Not much room for gear. Small trunk and the back seat area is also tight for space. Youve probably seen this vehicle, they're real popular in the UK. I have gotten out of the habit of bringing two basses to gigs. I honestly dont think the case for my Gibson Thunderbird would fit in the back seat. Daryl