BigAlonBass

Yet another example of a Drummer having bad timing...

I can't look at the pictures. There's a "Cookie Box" in front of them, and I don't understand German...

I spent an enjoyable couple of years in "Wishblowin' Ash", and we worked the North-East regularly. Bit of a niche Band, but the people who were into the original Band seemed to rather enjoy themselves at our Gigs.

"Burn" by a 'version' of Deep Purple. I think the annoying, exaggerated Mockney Accents stopped me being able to concentrate fully on the changes, and the stop/start construction of the song. (which seemed to follow NO discernible construct) I was so chuffed when Arthritis and Raynauds knocked on my door, and I had to retire, knowing I would never have to play it again...

I was the Lead Vocalis/Bassist for a Working Men's Club Band, playing nothing but 'sing-along' Covers. After five and a half years, we had a good following, playing to Full Houses five nights a week, with Agents falling over each other to Book us. Along came Paul Carrick (sp?) with his one-off rendition of "How Long". Guess who had to change their Band Name? The Band without expensive Solicitors, that's who. 🙄

Drove from the North-East to the South Coast, for a Gig at Butlins in Bognor Regis. Set up, quick soundcheck, then the curtains opened. We launched into our one and only Hit* and the Hall emptied... We had been booked as a Rock Band, but Butlitz had neglected to tell our Agent that it was a 70s Rock Night. Glittery wigs in abundance, along with outrageous outer wear, so we were neither expected nor welcome... (*FIST - Name, Rank and Serial Number*)

Played for over 50 years, and only needed a back-up twice in all that time. Happily, they were both "Big" Gigs, and I would have looked a right plum without another Bass to pick up in a hurry. (One string which destroyed itself, and "bird-nested" round the others, and one electronic breakdown.) I had made a Hanger from two Guitar Hangers and a strip of steel, welded together and held in place by the weight of my Amp, so both Basses hung down the sides of my Stack, and never got in the way.

Having a laugh with one of the Guitards.

No. Sorry.

Do what the Ancient Chinese used to do... Grit your teeth and keep playing, softy. 😉

Horses For Courses. If YOU enjoy playing them, why should anyone else be allowed an "opinion" on YOUR choice? 😉

A few years ago, I packed it all up, overnight. I'd simply had enough of "The Scene" at the time, so stuck my Gear in the corner of my Man-Cave, and went Fishing. 😎 Fast forward three years, and some old mates of mine had been 'dropped in the ...." by their Bassist, and needed one for a week-end of Gigs, so called me. I told them it had been far too long, and I'd be lucky if I could still play Root Notes, let alone add anything constructive to the Sound. They said, "Get to the Gigs, turn down if you have to, and just rumble along in the background" because the Gigs were rather important to them, so I did :-and enjoyed every minute of it! Granted, my Skill Levels were WAY down, and a lot of the time I was just 'filling the gaps' but they were happy that they had fulfilled their commitments, and I was surprised just how much fun it had been. "Don't suppose you fancy a couple of Rehearsals, do you?" the Guitarist said, and I replied "Why not?" 12 years later, the Arthritis decreed I had to end my Playing Days, but they had been the happiest 12 years of my (Musical) life. Try not Giving Up completely. Simply take a break, stick your Gear in a corner, and if something turns up that tickles your fancy, give it a go. You never know. 😉

I played in a Covers Band, and I DESPISED "Burn" by (not really) Deep Purple. I say not really, because MY kind of Deep Purple didn't have over-stressed Cockney accents in the Vocals. It was like listening to Billy Bragg with a Rock Track playing in the back-ground. I realise Blackmore might have wanted to keep the name going, but most of the Tracks simply weren't up to scratch....Along with certain Musicians. 😁

The above thread is the exact reason I never played with a "couple" in a Band. NEVER! I've actually turned up at 'auditions' been introduced to the Band Members, and as soon as I heard "This is my (Significant Other) or "We run the Band" my Bass never even left its Case, I didn't even engage in conversation, and I walked out. Life's too short for KNOWING there are going to be problems before you even start, so discretion is always the better part of valour in any simillar situation . I am not alone in sharing experiences of this situation in the past, as it seems to rear its ugly head on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, the moment she said "I want to play Bass" I would have been gone. No ifs, buts or maybes. Take it from me, the Band is going to split within 6 months or so, as this is only the thin end of the wedge. What other 'bright ideas' do they have in the pipeline? I wouldn't be hanging around to find out... YMMV, but I doubt it.

I Retired, so I no longer have GAS. (The Arthritis, stopping me being able to play, helped) 🙄