Newfoundfreedom

That's what this band was supposed to be, but it all got a bit out of hand 😂 Lucky 4 out of the 6 band members are still kind of on the same page, and enjoy the social, hanging out making music side of things. They're also the ones, like my wife (singer) and I, who have more of a creative steak and want to do their own music, rather than just churning out covers that people will dance to. So once the dust has settled we'll probably get something together more laid back and relaxed. Without the pressure from the other two constantly wanting to book the next gig. Also that would then make us a 4 piece, drums, bass, guitar and singer. Which will take away a lot of the "herding cats" situation we've had with a 6 piece.

Yeah I agree. The thing is, I love to play, and I love to hang around with my mates making music. That's very much where the enjoyable "hobby" side of things sits for me. The problem is, the ultimate conclusion to this is to go out gigging. At least for most people who play instruments, and most people you're likely to form a band with. So it's kind of a catch 22.

On 2 occasions after recent gigs, other members of the band have had audience members come up to them and say that I'm a brilliant bass player. I don't agree. I'm extraordinarily average at best. (Not false modesty but an honest assessment of my skills, or lack thereof) I think it's probably more to do with my sound, which I'm extremely happy with and sits in the band mix beautifully. But still. I'm happy to at least be keeping up with the rest of the band, and I find for a bassist to be singled out as being "good" in a band context, especially from none musicians is quite rare. So I was pretty chuffed. But I would have to say, on balance, my absolute proudest moment would probably have to be this...

That's what my mindset had been all along. I gave it a fair crack, over a dozen gigs in 10 weeks, and rather than changing my mind, which I genuinely hoped would be the case, it actually just proved to me beyond any shadow of a doubt that for me, it's definitely not worth the hassle. Take our final gig tomorrow for example. Outdoor gig. 4 o'clock start in 35 degree heat, and that's after lugging all my gear, and all my wife's PA gear 200 yards across a field. Then having to lug it all back to the car again afterwards. I'd love to go out with a bang and enjoy the afternoon, playing with my mates for the final time (at least in the current configuration / band) but I'm absolutely dreading it. It's going to be a living hell playing in that heat. Edit Oh yeah, I almost forgot. As with everything else we've done, It's an unpaid gig. I can kind of understand putting up with the downsides if you're making a living from it. Or at the very least covering costs. But when it's actually costing money to go out and gig? The rest of the band love gigging, so they're happy to do that. For me the pay off just isn't there.

I've been trying to learn some Ed Sheeran. It's surprisingly difficult.

You clean your bass? I don't even clean my house.

Not killing anyone.

It's usually about 2 songs before the end for me.

If definitely have any of the "Vintage" bass lineup on there. Absolutely superb instruments. Cheap as chips and punch massively above their price tag.

Football

Well that's that then. Final gig with the band this Sunday. Too many people pulling in different directions so I'm out before it starts to effect the friendships I have with the rest of the band. I made it clear from the start, before we even played a note that the band was very much a hobby, and I wasn't interested in, and don't have the time or inclination to be out gigging every weekend. 12 gigs in 10 weeks, plus practices in-between was breaking point for me. I still have to earn a living in-between gigs while the rest of the band are financially independent. It's been fun for the most part, even a couple of the gigs were enjoyable in the end, but it's become obvious that some of the band want to do far more than I'm willing to commit to, and while they love gigging, I honestly don't think I ever will. It's a shame really. Things were really starting to come together and we were sounding pretty good. Still, we raised a fair few quid for a local charity supporting children in care, so it's not all bad.

Never heard of these before. I've just looked them up and I'm intrigued. I might have to invest in one. Although they're a bit on the pricey side.

1. Originals band. Great! Get your creativity hat on. That's what it's all about for me. I haven't heard of two of the bands they mention, but 90's pop / rock. I can get onboard with. 2. Sounds OK, but the last "life got in the way" statement sets alarm bells ringing. 3. Eagles tribute band. I think I'd rather hang myself. 4. Original metal band. Definitely up for that! 18-30.....Erm......nope! I think I'd have to go with option 1.

I quite like it. I'd like to hang it on stage with a piece of fishing wire. Along with a phantom of the opera mask and a single white glove. Then play a bass backing track so it looks like the bass player has been involved in an awful experimental invisibility accident.

I never really had any aspirations to be a "musician" in my teens. Now in my mid 40's, and I still don't. I started playing bass at 15, because a few of my mates wanted to start a band and needed a bass player. I liked hanging out with my mates so figured I'd give it a shot. 30 years later and my motivations are pretty much still the same. I love hanging out with my mates and making music, but dislike most other aspects of being in a band. I really hate gigging, and generally, having done a series of jobs over the years dealing with idiots on a daily basis (bus driver, doorman etc), I have absolutely no time for the great unwashed, so I have no desire to mix with them in any context. Not even as part of a band. I can't stand the endless discussions about what song we're going to learn next, what will get people dancing, where we're going to play. Etc, etc. I'd happily just sit in a room every day, jamming with a small number of people, just for the pleasure of making music and hanging out. Sadly (although understandably) the rest of the band don't see it this way. So i think my days as a bass player are numbered. I've never really seen the bass as a "solo" instrument, and if I wasn't playing with other people I don't think I'd even bother to pick it up.

I think to some degree it's also the platform. There are still plenty of young and keen bass players around, but young people don't really do old school forums like this. They get all they need from Facetwitgramtube. I've yet to see a photograph thread on here entitled "Look what I had for dinner". (Heads of to start "look what I had for dinner" thread)

My air bass is magic! It's totally invisible until after 6 pints. Then it comes out for everyone to see.

I'll never "get" jazz. I'm not doubting the blokes ability to play, but to me that's just a load of meaningless noise. Then again, I suppose many people would say the same about music in the rock genre, which is where I'm much more at home.

Yeah. They even pink torpedo up in sync. Amazing talent that. 😜

I'm definitely more in the "Go f*#k yourself!" and flounce off category. 😂

No it's a bonus. 😁

Yeah but don't forget it also works the other way around too. Run a bass through an octave pedal and into a guitar amp with a few guitar effects thrown in, and we can do away with guitarists altogether, ala Royal Blood. 😋

For me it would be my Donner wireless system. Not having to trail and cables is priceless. I've seen a lot of people posting about the more expensive wireless systems, but I picked these up for 15 quid on eBay. 6 hour battery life, less than 2.5ms latency, and a range of about 100 metres. Absolutely rock solid, never cut out or stuttered once over dozens of practices and several gigs. Best £15 I ever spent.

Yeah, but can it dance?