Winding it down (gigging/bands)

[Lozz196]

So last night I told my band (The Spacewasters) I’m going to be leaving and they’ll need to replace me. Since I did my lower back in a couple of years ago I’ve just not enjoyed pretty much everything about gigging, aside from the actual playing, as it’s just made it difficult & painful. I see an osteopath and we’ve got it pretty much as good as it will get but the strains of gigging just too much.
 

I did feel sad on the way home as I’ve really enjoyed being in this band, the music is great, the lads are a good laugh and the relaxed manner in which we do stuff has really suited me. Had some great experiences too - recording an album at Boz Boorers studio in Portugal the main one.
 

Not walking away tho, until a replacement is found I’m still there, my intention is to just not be gigging next year. Now just need to write a hit single so I can retire on the publishing…..
 

 

[BassAdder60]

I wish you well Lozz 

As you know I packed it all in last year and sold up. 
Do I miss gigging ? Not at all as I think I’ve had the better years of gigging and it felt sad but very right to retire from it.

I now own a couple of nice guitars and an Orange Combo amp and I jam with my old band buddies once a month on a Saturday afternoon! More fun than late night gigging for a few quid !

Im liking being back on the guitar but I do think fondly of playing bass. 
 

In your situation perhaps keep your hand in minus the gigs as I’ve done and being with your buddies jamming is as good as any gig in my opinion 

Wish you luck bud 🎸🤟

[Lozz196]

Thanks Martin, I’m staying with my non-gigging instrumental classic rock band which rehearses once every few weeks, so yes will be keeping my hand in so to speak, similarly I find it great fun.
 

I’ve also got the rest of the year standing in for my old band but it’s only 5 or so gigs (very decent ones though). 

[Leonard Smalls]

13 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

standing in for my old band but it’s only 5 or so gigs

Not tempted to stick with 'em? 

[Lozz196]

39 minutes ago, Leonard Smalls said:

Not tempted to stick with 'em? 

No, it’s fun playing those songs again, and we all have a laugh, but their workload is too much - they’ve just got Scotland Calling for next year, that amount of travelling just not for me anymore, especially given my back, I’d have to be unfolded from the car/van. 

[deepbass5]

We all dread the day don't we, Me and the Mrs packed in our wedding functions band after 30 years, just before Covid hit.  Thought we would miss it. But haven't as we had all the hassle of running it and lugging the gear, so now just have great memories and have found other interesting projects to fulfill the need. In a couple of Big bands where i can sit down and read the charts, but have been coerced into joining a pop/rock pub band, but luckily not involved in serious gigging.  As I realise now, i can't stand and play for hours as i used to, the legs ache and angles swell, ah!  the ole blood pressure tablets are great aren't they    onward and upwards, never give up never surrender  

[MacDaddy]

16 hours ago, Lozz196 said:

Now just need to write a hit single so I can retire on the publishing…..

 

A Christmas single is your best bet for residual income!