My frends really awful band - advice needed

[Uncle Rodney]

I went to see my friend's band last night in a pub. He would tell me how great his lead guitarist is, how almost famous the drummer was.. etc. He's not a bad singer himself and a really nice guy. So I was interested, in a nut shell, even after the first song... terrible 😝 They are all experienced players but.. awful, obviously people were leaving, I could feel those who remained of the audience were gently mocking them. A band that can empty a pub. 🙄

 

Asked what do I think... erm.. what can I say? I tried to find good points but there weren't any. What can I say to the guy?? 😳 I really don't want to upset him.

 

My view was:

1.this "great lead guitarist" was just another standard noisy power chord+fast meandering solo type, usual standard for a pub band.

2.drummer's kit sounded floppy, snare was saggy and his playing average at best

3.singer (my friend) - vocals mostly not good, some was truly horrible, thing is I know he can sing really well.

4.bassman was average, just plodding away with no real expression, as in, every note was a full length 8th, his sound was ok.

5.the song set was an odd mixture of pop and rock covers, I know some bands do their versions and usually "murder" a song

 

I was thinking of doing guest appearances in their band but having heard them, I wouldn't want to ruin my reputation 😄 - I could do the "musical director" role but again that would appear out of place. I think they are too stuck in their way to want change.

One suggestion was just to form a new band with my friend the singer, I could then steer the ship without offending anyone.

 

I'm sure many of you have seen similar situations, any suggestions on how to approach this sensitive issue? The easy one is just to stay away, keep out of it.

[ped]

Move to a different part of the country

[Gank Bass]

Have you thought about emigrating?

[itu]

Been there, seen that. 

 

If you are an authority to them, you could steer them to the right direction: what's good, where they need support. If they already know you well, the project may be hopeless. 

 

I have seen a few bands that have made a very good progress in short time with few supporting lines and suggestions: 

1) Simple: Pink Floyd is a fine band, but Dark side on a wedding gig?

2) Slightly complicated: What's the meaning of the singer if the g-word (among others!) doesn't support the story etc.

3) Complex: Can you play hard, but not loud? 

 

If you think they could and can do better, take your time with them. Most likely no one will remember or thank you in any way, but their playing may become better. If they want to. 

 

By the way, I have never tried to play anything to those that I have given comments to. They have to find the idea by themselves. 

[Len_derby]

Tough one. Using the rule , ‘if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all’,  I’d probably keep out of it.

However, if asked outright I’d probably start with, ‘I think you could do better’, and see where the conversation goes. He might possibly agree given the opportunity to be frank.

Although, if he/they don’t realise things are amiss from the audience reaction, well, they might be beyond help!

 

Good luck.

[AndyTravis]

Depends how good a mate he is - I know some mates of mine would take the critique, some would lose the plot and sulk.

 

If you’re at a loose end and want to form a band, you could use the gig as the excuse…

 

as someone else suggested 

 

”you’re a great singer, watching you struggle with those guys made me realise you deserve better…”

[fiatcoupe432]

Just tell him you have tinnitus and that night was really bad and couldn't concentrate on the music... 

 

Honestly?? If you think he is a good musician , tell him that and tell him that he can do better . If he asked for your opinion perhaps he knows you are more experienced and perhaps your advice would help him to find a better set of musician who could also help him grow . 

Edited 1 hour ago by fiatcoupe432

[Lozz196]

I’d say don’t criticise but offer some tips/guidance, but make sure it’s advice that they would be able to take on.

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

It sounds like if they keep going the way they are , the gigs will dry up . Not sure how long they've  been gigging ,from what you said .

If it was the first or second gig, then maybe advise  gentle constructive criticism if asked . I must admit you did make me laugh at your observations .

I would keep out of it otherwise if it were me . I don’t know if you could be washing the cat 🐈‍⬛ the next time he asks you to go along 🤔.

Alternatively they could do some show stopping songs when the audience dwindles . Tracks such as ‘don’t leave me this way ‘, ‘ if you gotta go now ‘ ‘ should I stay or should I go ‘ etc 

 

musos react differently to criticism as we know . Having said that ,you have to keep on improving. This includes taking criticism not in a personal manner , but something to spur you on to improve . Trouble with that is , when most of the band are poor , not  all take the constructive criticism kindly ..

Edited 45 minutes ago by RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE