4-string-thing Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Actually, I've never REALLY liked gigging..... I enjoy it when it all goes well.... good sound, good audience, good payday etc. But, sadly all too often it has just seemed like a lot more trouble than it's worth. I suspect that's been down to some of the bands I've been in and the "venues" I've played though, rather than the actual gigging thing itself.... Having said that, some 39 years after my first gig, I'm sitting here now, touting for gigs with my latest band! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 blow jobs - it's all about the blow jobs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lw. Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I don't think I've ever heard anyone putting gigging down, it's almost unfathomable to me; gigging is the bit I like the most - there must be some very strange people out there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444275236' post='2881782'] So many people write about how they dislike gigging.... [/quote] I've know some people say they're selective about what gigs they play, but that's not the same as disliking gigging. Did I miss something ? Edited October 8, 2015 by ahpook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acidbass Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I love not having a normal Saturday night. Friends/coworkers talk about how they love sitting in watching X Factor, eating Chinese food, getting drunk etc. I couldn't think of three things I'd rather do less! Plus - when you have a day job like me, it is something to look forward to in the evenings or at weekends. I like living a double life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skidder652003 Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Getting paid to make people happy? Whats not to like? Sometimes I want to kill the guitard (especially when Im lugging/storing his gear) but when the punters are cheering for more and I look over at him and the drummer and we all have daft grins on our boats, well, that makes it all worthwhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicko Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Spent too long playing with myself in the bedroom (ahem) before finding the joys of performance at something past 40 years old. Rehearsals and practice are sometimes just a chore, but gigging rarely is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jazzyvee Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1444283119' post='2881785'] Totally agree Blue, gigging is why I`m in a band. Yes I love rehearsing and recording, but gigging is the main thing for me. The whole buzz of it, driving to a new venue, seeing new audiences get into our music. Playing venues regularly and seeing the same faces at many gigs and chatting to them about the music plus making friends with them. I also love the solitude of a quiet drive home in the early hours. [/quote] That Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xgsjx Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I've always enjoyed gigging. Not done it for a while, but wouldn't mind doing it again. However, in my current situation I'm more than happy not to be gigging. Writing & remixing songs at home & having the occasional jam fills my musical needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) If you want to learn a language put away the book and talk to people from that country. As a bass player you only get "match fit" by playing live and in front of an audience. I learnt bass so I could join a band and gig. I practice a new number when one gets added to the set and so far this year I've only rehearsed 3 times, for a new band. For me the only reason to play bass is to gig. The other buzz is when a good player says, "Well played". It's R4 or the World Service for me on the way home. Edited October 8, 2015 by chris_b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1444306969' post='2882071'] If you want to learn a language put away the book and talk to people from that country. As a bass player you only get "match fit" by playing live and in front of an audience. I learnt bass so I could join a band and gig. I practice a new number when one gets added to the set and so far this year I've only rehearsed 3 times, for a new band. For me the only reason to play bass is to gig. The other buzz is when a good player says, "Well played". It's R4 or the World Service for me on the way home. [/quote] I agree about being match fit and that is why I'll take a dep...but I'd not join most of those bands in a million years, tbh. There can be a multitude or reasons for that as well. They work too much, play places I don't want to play, crap money..the music doesn't work for me,. the players don't work for me (same thing, really) plus the fact that I've been doing it for so long, and have burnt out at some point, I'm just not going to invite that situation along again. So, do it properly or not at all...IMO. I never want to be thinking how long to go with this set or bug, I've got to load the car and get going or 'WTF am I doing here' mid-song Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1444308303' post='2882099'] 'WTF am I doing here' mid-song [/quote] That one happens at most gigs for me. Our gigs tend to mostly be in foreign parts playing to fans who know the songs as well as I do....which is a surreal experience and such a contrast to the day job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipperydick Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 One of the best guitar players I know only ever did one gig, didn't enjoy it and hasn't done one since. Just sits at home jamming along to his 70s albums. His one gig wasnt a total disaster either, I know, cos it was my first gig as well. It was NYE, Good money and a friendly crowd. I cant help thinking all those bedroom players daydream about gigging though, and as for recording stuff to play back just to yourseelf. Eh ? Why ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobVbass Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I first picked up a bass so I could be in a band and haven't looked back since, I don't care whether there's 1 person there or a couple of hundred, its getting up and doing it that just feels great - being in a band where we can all have a laugh and mess about when we play and play packed out clubs where loads of people dance (mostly) is just the cherry on the top. Getting paid for all that is the fine sugar glazing on top of the cherry. Need to go now - have to go to the bakers - have a sudden craving for an iced bun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colgraff Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I like gigging because it is a guilt-free hobby in that it pays for itself as opposed to being in a cycling club (which would be my second choice) which would be just money out, not in. Gigging also doesn't conflict with parenting as, as a rule, it happens when the children are asleep and it gives me the opportunity to be sociable in a pub when neither socialising nor going to pubs are really my thing. Now that smoking in pubs is a thing of the past, I have no complaints at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtcat Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 For me if there were no gigs I'd probably not play at all. Gigging has lead to some awesome experiences. In the last 12 months alone I've been lucky enough to play on boats, in a prison, in David Jason's back garden, on the roof of a museum and at Silverstone on Grand Prix weekend. I've also played with Gregg Bissonette, Steve White, Craig Blundell and Ian Matthews from Kasabian this year. We are playing in Cyprus in December for the RAF and are being flown out there (van and all) in a hercules transporter. Being in a gigging band is the best adventure I've ever been on and long may it continue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1444306969' post='2882071']As a bass player you only get "match fit" by playing live and in front of an audience. I learnt bass so I could join a band and gig.[/quote] [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1444308303' post='2882099']So, do it properly or not at all...IMO. [/quote] Fair enough, but not everyone who likes playing a bass (or any musical instrument for that matter) has the same needs or desires. If I made a decision never to play live again (not that I ever would - but humour me!), I don't think I'd sell all my basses. 'Big' live rig, probably, but I'd keep my practice amp and at least one bass. I would still play for my own enjoyment and satisfaction. We (on BC) may all play the same instrument, but we don't all do it for the same reasons. To judge others by your own standards is unfair and unnecessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JellyKnees Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Gigging is a bit like sex... when it's good it's amazing, when it's bad... well, you get the idea... I [i]love[/i] gigging under the right circumstances, but I don't [i]have[/i] to do it to remain engaged and excited by music, because I [i]love[/i] playing and recording too. I learned to play bass primarily as a creative outlet, not because I need to massage my ego onstage. Grinding through a set of covers in a grotty pub to a disinterested bunch of drunks on a Friday night is my idea of hell tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonzodog Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Gigging is the only issue we argue about in my 3 piece. Drummer wants to gig every Saturday, I prefer every other Saturday and guitarist is happy with one ever 2 months. Constant problem for us when pubs contact us for bookings Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='Conan' timestamp='1444315774' post='2882188'] To judge others by your own standards is unfair and unnecessary. [/quote] Fairness doesn't come into it. Of course we all use our own standard to judge. How else is opinion supposed to work? You are right, we are not all the same, so I accept anyone who has a different view to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 For me, it's all I know. I started gigging at a relatively young age, 12 years old. It's the normal way to spend a weekend. Entertaining people has always been fun and continues to be a lot of fun for me. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='JellyKnees' timestamp='1444317293' post='2882201'] Grinding through a set of covers in a grotty pub to a disinterested bunch of drunks on a Friday night is my idea of hell tbh. [/quote] That's not what gigging is suppose to be about. If that's the attitude and spirit to the whole gigging mentality and spirit, then you made a wrong turn somewhere.IMO Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='mrtcat' timestamp='1444313178' post='2882156'] For me if there were no gigs I'd probably not play at all. Gigging has lead to some awesome experiences. In the last 12 months alone I've been lucky enough to play on boats, in a prison, in David Jason's back garden, on the roof of a museum and at Silverstone on Grand Prix weekend. I've also played with Gregg Bissonette, Steve White, Craig Blundell and Ian Matthews from Kasabian this year. We are playing in Cyprus in December for the RAF and are being flown out there (van and all) in a hercules transporter. Being in a gigging band is the best adventure I've ever been on and long may it continue. [/quote] Now, that's what I call cool. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='BobVbass' timestamp='1444310893' post='2882127'] I first picked up a bass so I could be in a band and haven't looked back since, I don't care whether there's 1 person there or a couple of hundred, its getting up and doing it that just feels great - being in a band where we can all have a laugh and mess about when we play and play packed out clubs where loads of people dance (mostly) is just the cherry on the top. Getting paid for all that is the fine sugar glazing on top of the cherry. [/quote] This is the attitude that I take. For those of us that gig a lot we know your not going to have the ideal crowd at every gig. It goes with the territory, you understand it will happen from time to time and you learn to adapt, you don't freak out over it. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1444290889' post='2881844'] Good gigs only for me... not interested in the rest. PITA and Ballache. [/quote] Interesting, I say there's no such thing as a bad gig by principle. However, we do have venues we have decided not to play anymore. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.gif.9ad672bb8b84505709f76b39c8c256ec.gif)
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.