Bluewine

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

I had a problem with the input jack on my 1991 tobacco burst Gibson Thunderbird with ebony fret board. My lead kept falling out of the jack. The quick fix, I duct taped the lead so it wouldn't fall out. I took it to my guy who installed a new input jack for $30.00. I used to always bring a spare bass but have gotten out of the habit. Blue

We played a street festival today. It was our acoustic act. Not a great crowd, but you know what, Our stage looked great, we looked great, the weather was fantatic 75° sunny clear skys with a nice breeze off the lake. We had a blast playing and singing we were really tight today. So much fun. We have another outdoor event tomorrow 4:00 -7:00. Blue

Very interesting, We have our first gig with our new lead guitarist next weekend. A 4 hour gig. Weve reheased with him twice and gave him a cd of our live show . He couldnt make it to rehearsal this week. He's 25 a family man and student. He's a talented guirarist and singer. He came to us through our drummer. I'm not to keen on either of them But, you know what., I'm keeping my mouth shut. I'm 66 twice the age of all other members now. I'm old school and these guys think very differently about everything. They're young and smart and the gigs keep rolling in. I'm lucky to have this job. I'm lucky to get to the gigs and home without getting lost. I'm old I can't fight these youngsters. Don't you feel sorry for me? 😄 Blue

Very interesting, We have our first gig with our new lead guitarist next weekend. A 4 hour gig. Weve reheased with him twice and gave him a cd of our live show . He couldnt make it to rehearsal this week. He's 25 a family man and student. He's a talented guirarist and singer. He came to us through our drummer. I'm not to keen on either of them But, you know what., I'm keeping my mouth shut. I'm 66 twice the age of all other members now. I'm old school and these guys think very differently about everything. They're young and smart and the gigs keep rolling in. I'm lucky to have this job. I'm lucky to get to the gigs and home without getting lost. I'm old I can't fight these youngsters. Don't you feel sorry for me? 😄 Blue

That's fantastic. I've been performing for decades and learning material at this level would be a huge if not impossible challenge. Blue

You know, here in Milwaukee word gets around pretty fast about guys showing up late to gigs/rehearsals and always blocking dates. Blue

Me, in 8 years I've nrver missed a gig and we gig a lot. Never missed a rehearsal and never been late I work for milenials, so I don't know if they even notice. Blue

What do you guys think of this? In my neck of the woods it's hard to put demands on people when theres no gigs or money in it. I'm sure that " I didn't have time to learn the material" wouldn't fly with a Pro touring band. Blue

Getting gigs at the local level I believe is tough everywhere. Someone in the band has to have a keen sense for business and there has to be places to play. For exanple my buddies that live in New Jersey right outside of Manhatten don't have anywhere near the gigging opportunities we have here in the Midwest. They don't have a festival and fair season like we do. Are there areas in the UK where there are significantly more gigging opportunities? Blue

In other words, good people. Blue

My youngest son (31) turned me on to this. Fantastic bass playing! Blue

Thats pretty much like me. I have a gig tomorrow. It's probably a 15 minute commute tops. Blue

I haven't had a drink in decades and I never eat at gigs. Blue

Great point, it's sort of what Ive learned over the years about Charities and Benifits. You find out all others providing a product or service are getting paid except the bands. Blue

I know, but I would have been too young any earlier. There was still a lot of wonderful music coming out of England in the early 70s and maybe opportunities for a Yankee Bass Guitar player? Blue

Love your astute analysis Leonard. Blue

*My dream is to play anywhere in the UK. Wish I were on better terms with my ex-wife she lives a little North of London. One thing, from all I heard from you guys , on average you have to drive a lot further to gigs than me. Blue *If I ever make it across the pond , I hope it's 1972 when I get there.

Dave , we're in the same boat. Like I said if I were 40 years younger my position would be completely different. Blue

Sorry guys, I'd have to pass on all 3. I always have fun and enjoy my gigs, thats a given. However, this is a business for me I play for a set fee. If I was. 40 years younger it would be a different story. Blue

I get it completely, we have done a few one off private events and wedding receptions. And were also far from what people expect. We're usually pressured to take these gigs. We take them and hope for the best. The nice thing is the premium pay. Blue

I have 2 acoustic gigs this weekend. Both are only about a 15 minute commute. Two gigs the following weekend yhen things will start to slow down. Blue

I don't think you should have quit bands and music. Quit bad situations and the wrong people. Blue

I wish I was in a Pro Working Band that was the only source of income for all members. Blue