ricksterphil

I think his edgy, unconventional and often 'thin' vocals sat very well with Johnny Marr's excellent guitar work, built on the foundation of a tight rhythm section So in this case, no, but a valid point to raise all the same

Top lols

Wow, that is the motherload of line ups! Apart from the obvious ones like Zethro Tull etc, I've just got into The Dave Mathews Band, who are big over the pond but virtually unknown over here

Pre-relicc'd I see It might be a Hurricane by Morris Guitars. I'm only going on the machine heads - I have a Hurrican Morris Jap P-Bass and it had the same ones, before I changed them. They are shorter on one side than the standard fendery type ones. Anyhoo, hope that helps

We use the one on google, which would be fine except that 2 of our band members never seem to look at it (or add their availability)

Having said all of the above, I hear on the radio that Bjorn from ABBA is involved with launching a worldwide event where there will be a virtual ABBA show http://www.nme.com/news/music/a-virtual-abba-tour-is-set-to-take-place-in-2019-2139797 Are we moving to a world where all performances are virtual reality?

Regarding artist 'interventions' it seems Peter Frampton has form https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/peter-frampton-throws-fan-phone_n_5659157

How very true. It's usually those in the band who don't get gigs who complain about there not being any gigs (and that they don't like the type of gigs that have been booked...but that's another story for another thread)

Actually, now you mention it, it might have been in the Meadows and not actually in Clifton. I think the thing those venues had was a) respect for the performer b) the need to put on a show and not gaze at your shoes, scratch your derrière or argue amongst yourselves between numbers

Did you ever play Clifton Miners Welfare? We did once....proper stage, great crowd (actually sat and listened and clapped afterwards). One of the best gigs I've ever done - this would be late 70's early 80's

I would have but I can't go now as we're away that weekend and I forgot to tell 'er indoors about this Sorry dude..hopefully see you on the 19th at Gilesfest

+1. A very entertaining read with some valuable lessons and advice. My audition story...... Back in the late 70's while at uni, I was in an originals band and we needed a drummer. We advertised in the local music shops (different times back then) and got a response so arranged an audition at the house we lived in (one of those big 3 story Victorian jobs with massive front rooms) and this guy turns up. As it happened the band leader of our band - guitarist and song writer - couldn't make the audition at the last minute so me and the lead guitarist did the audition. Before we started, the drummer said he was really a jazz drummer but was interested in doing other stuff. He was a very confident guy so we started up with a simple 12 bar blues jam. Holy Mother of God was this guy gooood. He had only brought a small kit, basics + 1 mounted and 1 floor tom, but the stuff he played was awesome, not too flashy, not too loud, just really really good. We suggested trying one of our original songs and the drummer said 'No problem' so me and the LG ran through it for him and we launched into it. It was like he had been rehearsing with us for months - in fact we played it the best we had ever done! He then asked us how he was doing and we said he was in, subject to meeting the band leader and getting on with him, but that we thought it would be a formality so not to worry! We jammed a bit more then finished as the drummer had to be somewhere. The LG and I were really excited about working with this guy so we set up a rehearsal with the full band. What a disaster! We started doing some of our stuff - we'd sent him a tape by this time (this was back in the day before email, mobiles and the internet), so he was prepped. He was his brilliant self, the problem was the band leader, who kept trying to tell him what to play - usually stopping mid song to berate the drummer with his requests - which was a bit akin to having Buddy Rich as your drummer and telling him what to play and when etc. The rehearsal went badly, our band leader had a face like thunder, the drummer said he didn't think it was going to work and packed up and left. Our BL said - 'He was rubbish, can't work with him'. I very nearly said that I'd rather play with him and the LG than you mate, but sadly didn't. I've always thought it was such a missed opportunity musically but the BL saw him as a threat and because he didn't play what the BL wanted, he didn't think the drummer was any good! Ego so often gets in the way of the music - we ended up with a lovely guy called Pete as our drummer - he wasn't great technically, but he owned a large van so he got the job!

Welcome Rewi, basschat is a great community, but it can prove expensive when GAS takes over. if you're after a P bass, I'd take a good look at this one

The harmony thing is a good one. I'm really lucky as the 2 girls who sing in our band (lead vocals and guitar+bv) are really excellent, do great harmonies, help carry the gear AND buy their share of rounds! I've just googled Voight-Kampff....wasn't aware that's what it was called. Good name for an arty electronica band!

Wow...would that need 2 truss rods in the neck? The 5 string Rics you've modified are awesome. I had a 4001 in the 70's (black with the rare cheqeured binding.....) which I regret selling ...hence my handle on this forum

There's a shortage of drummers....so they perhaps don't have to put as much effort in. Mind you there are some drummers where it wouldn't matter as much.....

I play both, starting on bass in my early teens as my mate learned guitar at the same time. Played mostly bass until my mid 20's when I had a dormant period until my early 40's. i then bought an electric guitar and learnt to play that through the guitar mags and lessons from a local teacher (who is one of the best guitarists I have ever come across). Bought a bass just for 'old times sake' and started noodling and I began to remember what I got from holding down the low end. Joined a blues band, sold off a few guitars to finance more basses. I play acoustic now as I do the odd open mic night but hardly ever pick up my electric guitar although always enjoy it when I do. I think a better understanding of chords and modes had helped my bass playing, but I reckon I could have got there without it

+1 for this. Taking ages to reply to availabiliity.....'ooh sorry, I haven't looked on here for a bit!!!!' when they are the one who is always saying ...'we need more gigs' Doesn't happen in my current band thank f*ck, even with our drummer on holiday in Australia

Wow, just come across this thread....what a total blast that must have been It's very unlikely I'll ever get to do anything that massive so thanks for sharing - I'll be thinking of this when playing at The Dog and Duck squashed up against the PA!

Nice....thankfully I don't need one as everyone in my band is great (and some of them are cute)

I, for one, have been on many of those......and usually at max volume