Bluewine

I don't know the story on TOPs missing bass player. I'm sure Emilio was not happy about it. Sorry guys but for me Rocco is one of those few guys that can't be properly replaced. As a matter of fact, IMO he can't be replaced period. Blue

I've. never felt open jams were a vehicle for bass players. The open jams IMO is better suited for vocalists, guitar players and blues harp guys. Blue

I think we're both experiencing what is known as " Pre- Death".😁 Blue

Thanks 4 hours is taking its toll on me. The summer won't be too bad because the festival and big stage gigs are an hour to an hour and a half. Blue

We played the 2nd annual Beer On The Bridge in Grafton. A 4 hour gig, good pay and tips. However, the overall accommodations for the band was pretty "ghetto". But I'm working so I won't complain. Blue

When someone wants me to sign a CD, my response should be; " You don't get out much, do you? Blue

Signing CDs for people at gigs always seems awkward to me. If I ask for a signature they better be famous. Blue

If I'm out at the local market mainly Aldi, occasionally a local will say, " Don't you play guitar with Maple Road?" My favorite story took place in 1971. My band won first place in the annual High School "Band In". Winning was a big deal, we went on to a State competition and the prize was $500.00. That was a lot of cash for a bunch of 16 year olds in 1972. A week after the competition I was in. New York City at famous Manny's Music and some guy came up to me and recognizes me at congratulated me on the win. I thought I was Star for the rest of the day. Blue

Fortune and Fame has passed by many of us. That's not a big deal, occasionally we're out and about and someone recognizes you. YAY! Share your brief brush with fame where someone local recognizes you when your not performing. Blue

I'm not sure we are good enough as a band. I think we get lucky with bookings and people like Jenny and they recognize her talent. Blue

The biker bar gig at the Road House was good. Our band leader did a great job on guitar, vocals and fronting. We played through the set we're going to use for our gig with The Charlie Daniels Band next month. Great weather, great crowd lots of alcohol sales. Now only if I had remembered the changes in " Crazy Little Thing Called Love" Blue

We have 3:00- 7:00 biker bar gig tomorrow. First time we've played live since St. Patrick's Day. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Blue

That crowd looks huge! Blue

Pete that $500.00 from a bar is rare here in the Midwest, it's usually the more upscale bar/restaurants. The Harley Davidson Motor Bar is a good example. The place is pure class . Agreed, Regardless of the pay, 1 hour large crowd high profile shows are cool no matter what the pay. We have 2 in July, I just hope we can be entertaining and fun for the crowd, and keep the vibe and energy up for the hour. We haven't rehearsed much but we have several gigs before July we can try the festival set list out on. We have a " back braking" 4 hour biker bar gig tomorrow, 3:00- 7:00. Daryl

Hi Pete, Agreed, It can happen in the States , however getting a bar owner to part with $500.00 is a tough sell. And were talking about a back breaking 4 hours. I love the higher profile summer gigs where we can get $500.00 for an hour performance. Daryl

In the States bar owners will not respond to email, voice mail messages, they won't listen to CDs or watch video clips. If your not looking for money you might want to seek out high profile charity / benefit gigs. Blue

From what I've picked up on from you guys ,pub gigs in the UK pay about $300.00. Blue

Out of all the bands out there TOP would have the hardest time filling any of their guys with deps. I'm struggling with Rocco retiring, however the new guy is good Blue

I'm sure the next gig will be stronger. Blue

Good observation. Some might say they outlined "wish list". You have to be carful with " we've done this or that" and "we want to do this or that" what are the chances any of it will happen? And you guys know what they say. Legit money making opportunities with a Tive bands are rarely publicly advertised. Blue

There are so many variables that can have an impact on what the audience hears. From where they are standing or sitting in a room to the difference between what you hear on stage and what is coming out of the house speakers. It's a tough nut to crack. Blue

"4.We have played some of the Wisconsin's most sought after venues including Summerfest and Lambeau Field" I've played headliner stages at Summerfest for the past 8 years. I'd ask when was the last time you played Summerfest and what stage did you perform on. There are some " no pay" small off the beaten path stages at Summerfest. I'd also ask if they played Lambeau Field or the parking lot. I didn't know Lambeau was a sought after venue for local bands. Paul McCartney is booked there this summer. blue

Good point, I think bassists might be a type o, but something I would ask about. Blue

Yeah, The Fox Valley would be a 2 hour commute one way. Blue