'86. Couldn't seem to find the right mix of musicians. Plus, the beaching and sniping that went on in bands and between bands became a drag. I remember going over to Glasgow to a Joe Hubbard clinic with our guitarist and my heart just wasn't in it anymore. The singer left, then the guitarist starting missing rehearsals and being a c***, so the drummer and I began playing bars with a female singer to keep our hand in, but my heart wasn't in it. Wrapped it up in '88 and the following year went out on the road learning production ropes and guitar teching (not the breeze some folk think it is). Spent 30 years at that, now an in-house video guy at a college. But from age 16 to 28 I was totally convinced I'd make a living as bassist. Well done to those who have.
EDIT: Actually, in the early '80s, a band I was in were offered a deal by Phonogram, on the strength of a demo. They put us back into the studio and arranged a showcase gig. But, during a short tour beforehand, several band members developed attitudes, and one - a lentil-munching Hippie - I'm convinced to this day sabotaged the showcase gig. The band were shid that night, through nerves, tension, and a technical mishap. At the end, in the dressing room, there were massive verbals been us. It was the last gig we ever played. The label rep went back to London and stopped answering the 'phone. The self-appointed band leader eventually got through to him saying the label weren't taking up the option. That was gutting. Then again, maybe it was for the best, because I wouldn't have liked working with the c**ts some of the members suddenly became.