Cantdosleepy Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Hypothetical situation - you're in a gigging band in London, playing a show about every three weeks. The rest of the band are decent guys, but for one reason or another you no longer want to play with them. You don't want to screw them over. How long after announcing that you want to leave do you give them to find a new bassist? Did you ought to play all the shows that were booked whilst you were in the band? Give them a month to find a new guy? Finding a new bassist can be a bit of a chore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waynepunkdude Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I would play until they find a new one and he is ready to gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fumps Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'd talk to them & come to an agreement. Tell them the situation & say your more than happy to give it a month, if like you say they are decent guys then it should'nt be a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwi Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 depends on their committments and how soon they can get a replacement for you. I'd ideally allow 6-8 weeks if you're leaving during a heavy (ie. weekly) gigging period. If you're gigging less frequently or can line up some auditions for the band then maybe less? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stylon Pilson Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Unless you have a reason to be rushing off, I'd say hang around as long as necessary. Offer to help them interview your replacement. If, after a few weeks, you think that they are dragging their heels, then you can toughen your stance a bit. Once the new guy is in place, you're free to go. S.P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I think this is a good case to show that having a written 'Band Agreement' in place to cover such eventualities is worth it's weight in gold. The exact same happened to me. I just put my notice in as per the agreement (2 months if I remember correctly) and there was no arguing because we all agreed the terms up front in the beginning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peted Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 If you've got gigs booked I would honour those bookings, but make sure that the rest of the band are aware that any new bookings will have to be provisioned by a new bassist. Hand in any tabs or copies of music you have accumulated to help the next guy (provided they aren't copyrighted). Make sure the band appreciate the reason that you're leaving and stay in touch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedontcarebear Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='jonthebass' post='311850' date='Oct 22 2008, 10:20 AM']I think this is a good case to show that having a written 'Band Agreement' in place to cover such eventualities is worth it's weight in gold. The exact same happened to me. I just put my notice in as per the agreement (2 months if I remember correctly) and there was no arguing because we all agreed the terms up front in the beginning.[/quote] Isn't that a bit OTT for a band unless it's professional? I would never do that, or join a band that wanted it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prosebass Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 It depends how badly you want to leave. If you can't stand being in the band and need to leave soon then tell them and come to an agreement as to when you leave. If the gigs are £100 pub jobs and you are not bothered about the consequences then just leave. If you wish to remain friends and think you may need their services or help , or goodwill in the future then sort it out amicably and help them find a replacement. I think these situations are better sorted sooner than later . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shockwave Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Unfortunately i have an agreement where i have to give 6 months notice. Then again we are one of the biggest bands on the admittedly small goth scene. There would have to press releases and time to get the right image with the new bass player. Not to mention clothing and interviews. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveK Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 (edited) [quote]I think this is a good case to show that having a written 'Band Agreement' in place to cover such eventualities is worth it's weight in gold.[/quote] And if the band say, "You're rubbish, we've found someone else...on yer bike". What are you going to do? Edit: In all the years that I've been playing I've never signed a "Band Agreement". I,ve [i]have[/i] heard of musicians signing a contract for a particular tour, but nothing else. In answer to the OP: As long as there are good vibes and you don't have other commitments, then I would suggest 1-2 months, or till a replacement is ready. Edited October 22, 2008 by SteveK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Funk Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 If you get on with them like you say are you sure you want to leave? If you're desperate to get out, then you don't have to be honourable about it - but it would be a nice/decent thing to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prosebass Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='SteveK' post='311863' date='Oct 22 2008, 10:38 AM']And if the band say, "You're rubbish, we've found someone else...on yer bike". What are you going to do? Edit: In all the years that I've been playing I've never signed a "Band agreement". I've [i]have[/i] heard of musicians signing a contract for a particular tour, but nothing else. In answer to the OP: As long as there are good vibes and you don't have other commitments, then I would suggest 1-2 months, or till a replacement is ready.[/quote] Sensible words indeed...+1 I would accept a "tour agreement" but "band agreements" aren't very rock n roll Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='Prosebass' post='311901' date='Oct 22 2008, 11:09 AM']Sensible words indeed...+1 I would accept a "tour agreement" but "band agreements" aren't very rock n roll[/quote] I hear you. Surely it just depends on what the situation with the band, doesn't it? Look at what Shockwave said. A hell of a lot that goes with bands ain't rock n roll. As Cantdosleepy said if it's a regular gigging band a bit of formality and firming up between those concerned won't hurt will it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William James Easton Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='jonthebass' post='311850' date='Oct 22 2008, 10:20 AM']I think this is a good case to show that having a written 'Band Agreement' in place to cover such eventualities is worth it's weight in gold. The exact same happened to me. I just put my notice in as per the agreement (2 months if I remember correctly) and there was no arguing because we all agreed the terms up front in the beginning.[/quote] and then the replaced you with Ian H Watkins. you must be gutted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noisyjon Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='Rusty Shackleford' post='311920' date='Oct 22 2008, 11:38 AM']and then the replaced you with Ian H Watkins. you must be gutted.[/quote] WTF? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William James Easton Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='jonthebass' post='311924' date='Oct 22 2008, 11:41 AM']WTF? [/quote] indeed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mickeyboro Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I gave the last band I left a month, but said if they needed a dep after that they were free to ask - if available I would help them out. Give too much notice and the thing gets swept under the carpet in hopes you'll reconsider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wulf Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'm in the process of relocating from London to Oxford for work purposes. One of the things that will have to go are the bands I'm in. I let them know as soon as the new job was confirmed and may be able to help them out from time to time in future (I value their friendship and what I've learnt with them). I've got about four weeks left and a couple of gigs with each of them (one, joint event being a farewell gig I'm organising myself). Of course, that's a bit different because I have a strong, unassailable reason for moving on that doesn't hint that "I'm fed up of playing with you guys". I have moved on from other bands in the past though when I have found my time being too squeezed. Most recently, about 3-4 years ago, I was getting pushed for time being in two groups so chatted with the rest of the band and gave them a couple of months and as much help as I could in finding a replacement (I don't think they actually did but there were other currents in the band which was one of my reasons for knocking it on the head as a dead end). I do think fixing a date is important and that should probably link in with honouring most or all future gigs. Obviously that depends on your band's schedule. If your band has a set of common covers and gigs once in a while, you might offer to complete anything booked in the next month or two and then stop; if it is all complex originals and you have a monthly residency, a longer notice period and perhaps offering to cover a couple of further regular slots after you finish rehearsing with them might be a more helpful offer. Wulf ps. See [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=29778"]this thread[/url] if you're interested in the 'Teeth and also let me know if jazz is your thing.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cantdosleepy Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 Good advice guys. Seems that if this hypothetical band has gigs going into December then the hypothetical leaving member should offer to play at all those gigs unless they get a new bassist in before then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoJoKe Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 [quote name='Cantdosleepy' post='311967' date='Oct 22 2008, 12:22 PM']Good advice guys. Seems that if this hypothetical band has gigs going into December then the hypothetical leaving member should offer to play at all those gigs unless they get a new bassist in before then.[/quote] Lots of advice for you there then! I'm with the "keep it amicable, but businesslike" ones. No-one wants to be put out or let down, particularly of you want to stay friends, but it [b]is[/b] really important to set an exact deadline, a last "I'm still in the band" gig, whether you intend to continue depping after this or not, or things [b]will[/b] drift, particularly their lack of incentive to get on with replacing you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peted Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 The definite cut-off date is a good thing. I offered to help out a mate with a 3 week tour when their bass player left. I ended up playing for 3 months because they were hoping that I would make it permanent. In the end I had to put my foot down and gave them a date that they had to have a replacement in by. It's difficult, but sometimes you have to set expectations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianwild16 Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 I'm just working my 'notice' now, for my covers band. I've been with the band for just over two years. Things haven't been working out for a bit. It basically boiled down to them not wanting to gig more than once a week. We had a meeting and although they were pretty miffed, I agreed to help them out for two months. Its been a bit strained at gigs... But now i'm getting a bit frustrated cause I want to be out with my new band on the nights I'm with them. I was quite happy to stay friends and everything, but some of the band have just 'twisted'...like I've 'let the side down'! I don't see it as a big deal...People leave and join new bands all the time, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jase Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 If it was a better offer I'd be up front with them, that you'd be stupid to turn it down. Any decent musician would understand and not hold it against you. If it was just because you no longer enjoyed working with them, make the next gig your last one and call it a day, I don't see any point in players hanging around if they're not enjoying it. At the end of the day people should respect the choice of others and move on without holding any grudges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepurpleblob Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 When I was in this situation last year, I told them I would play until I was replaced but not for more than 2 months no matter what. I was replaced in a week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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