Least amicable band split stories...

[SimonK]

21 hours ago, EliasMooseblaster said:

The email exchange that followed, I can only describe as agonising. Not least of all because I ended up writing most of them. We got on the blower to MU: (Can she do this? She wrote the song, but we all paid for the studio time...they're separate entities? Right...) And to be fair, it was a useful crash course in copyright and ownership. But however politely-but-firmly I tried to explain our position, but every reply seemed to be more stroppy and vitriolic than the last.

 

In my only band that had originals we just agreed not to gig any of the songs solely written by the departed member. Thus said we did record and release things pretty quickly so no one could really try to release something in their own name without referencing the band as the recording was already on spotify etc. If any of the departed song writers wanted to re-record and release again I don't think I would have a problem - I think legally the song IP belongs to the writer, but the recording IP belongs to all those on the recording, so a songwriter can re-record and re-release, but musicians can't... I think...

Edited 3 hours ago by SimonK

[Bluewine]

Years ago I briefly joined a band because I was desperate to be in a band. I made it to two rehearsals before I realized my mistake.  Too far of a commute and wrong type of music for me ( metal ). I had to figure out an acceptable reason quitting. 

 

I called them and created a mythical family death. It worked.

 

Daryl

[Bluewine]

On 22/08/2025 at 02:54, Marvin said:

It wasn't a band as such as there was no singer and it never got out of the practice room. The guitarist especially was really unpleasant.  We auditioned a singer to do originals. Great voice. After she left at the end of the audition the guitarist and drummer slagged her off for being "clueless" in the attempt she made. I pointed out she wasn't a mind reader as they'd not given any guidance as to what they wanted. A few weeks later I was told that the project was on hold as the guitarist had too many family commitments. The dopey pair forgot about social media though.  I found out I'd been replaced a few days later on Facebook.  I contacted the guitarist and had my longest swear rant at him.

 

Another band, the singer told us she was leaving after our first gig as she was moving away. We had possibly 2 more gigs before she left which she would do. Next gig, a set list is produced and it's minimal. I said I was concerned there wasn't enough material on it. Was told we'd pad it out with tuning up and talking. I said I thought that was cr@p. All hell broke loose, and ended with me telling them to sod off and I wasn't doing the gig. 

 

From what I can see, most " start up " bands never see their 1st gig. It's very difficult to find people that can fully commit. 

 

Daryl

[Bluewine]

On 23/08/2025 at 02:46, Paul S said:

I joined a start-up band which went through a couple of personnel changes but the singer - new to bands but actually a good front man - was becoming increasingly difficult.  LVS struck deep - he'd had a few promotions at work and started to believe his own PR, treating the rest of the band as lackies.  It came to a head at a birthday gig we did.  It is well known amongst my friends that I get grumpy if I don't eat regularly.  This gig he said we were to help ourselves to the buffet before we started.  Kick off time was raidly approaching, no sign of buffet.  He lied, said no mention of buffet had ever been made, I got cross and we ended up having a nose to nose just before going on.  I may have said a few things about his attitude and, as I recall, finished up threatening to throw him off the fire escape.  Never a realistic prospect, what with my bad back and his obesity but there you go.  Immediately afterwards he said I had to go, the band fell in with that so I got sacked.  They didn't find another bassist.  Shortly afterwards the singer left as his wife had a baby, they asked me back, we got another singer.  But it was never the same, really.  

 

People getting their nose broke, being thrown off a balcony. I'm afraid to visit the UK now.

 

Daryl