blue

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1464364332' post='3058900'] Hmm. Maybe you should go and see bands that write better songs, then. :-) [/quote] Some of the originals bands have great material. My point was that in general there's very little interest in originals bands. So, not so much a oroblem with the bands or their material. It's the few people they attract here don't seem very supportive. Blue

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1464336182' post='3058483'] You could "think" that if you had "appreciated" all rock bands live, but I doubt even in 63 years that you've managed to achieve that. You could also "think" (i.e. IYO) that they are the best live rock band that you have seen, which is probably what you mean, but without some sort of comparitive, the comment makes no sense. Unless you've been living in a darkened hole outside the world of music for the last 30+ years, I find this unbelievable. [/quote] I've seen a lot including The Beatles, but certainly not all. Its only my opinion so I'm not sure it really matters.When I saw The Stones last year in a small Milwaukee venue they; 1.Looked fantastic 2.Loud as hell 3.Exciting, especially when Buddy Guy joined them for "Midnight Rambler" 4.Made mistakes For me they're always fun. My only complaint is the new crowd they attract, boring rich people that know nothing about them but want to be able to say "I'm going to see The Stones " I think with the Chilles,I know how popular they are and have hung on for a few decades. I think we all have those bands that don't click with you. Chilles never clicked with me. Neither did Bruce Springsteen and I'm a "Jersey Boy". Blue

[quote name='wateroftyne' timestamp='1464363850' post='3058891'] You need to look harder... [/quote] I don't know about that,I go to see as many original bands as my schedule allows. Blue

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1464341425' post='3058557'] this is pretty much my view. music is my hobby and i find it more fulfilling having a say in the construction of songs and having my own control over what lines i play and where we play them. if i had the choice between a long running covers band and a number of short lived originals bands, i'd go with that every time.[/quote] I'm starting to think the caliber of the originals bands in the UK must be a lot higher than what we have here in Milwaukee. Blue

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1464341627' post='3058559'] +1 it's even more special when you get people who come along and sing it back to you [/quote] I've only seen that type of response with bands that are famous. Blue

[quote name='CamdenRob' timestamp='1464332673' post='3058445'] At this point in my life I am fortunate enough to not have to worry about getting paid for music[/quote] At this point in my life I am fortunate enough not to have to worry about working a traditional job for money. I am also in complete control of all my bass lines and parts.I'm given a blank canvas. I'll never understand why people think playing covers means your confined to specific bass lines. I'm beginning to think cover bands in the UK are different than in the US.Or we have more diverse cover bands. Blue

Do originals bands usually play weddings in the UK? In the States 90% of the wedding business goes to DJs and 10% to function bands. Blue

[quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1464301199' post='3058373'] My 3 favourite Chilis tunes never made it onto the albums - Felas Cock, Sikamikanico & Stretch I think I must've missed the Stones threads but to throw my tuppence in the ring - in the 60s they were trounced by the Beatles and in the 70s they were trounced by Led Zeppelin. They are so popular because they are still alive despite being bloody awful live. Bland corporate rock for rich people. [/quote] You mean,you think The Stones are bloody awful live. I've been going to their shows since 1972 and last saw them last year. I think they're the best live rock band in the world. Key phrase. "I think" as in IMO. I can't comment on the Chilles, I don't know enough about the band or their history.I can't name one of their songs. Blue

[quote name='bassbiscuits' timestamp='1464297535' post='3058327'] I've been playing in covers bands for years, but the last time I worked on original material with a band was about eight years ago (aside from depping). But working on new material with an original band again over the last couple of months has suddenly awoken me as a player all over again - I'm hearing things differently, and have got room to explore and stretch my wings a bit. It's wonderful! It's also really changed my bass playing too - I'm standing back a lot more and being guided by the music as to what to play and how to play it. Aiming for something a bit different rather than just learning stuff and repeating it. Sometimes the results are really sparse bass lines, where before I might have been tempted to add in too much. Sorry if it all sounds really obvious, but is puts been a real breath of fresh air to me. Not before time neither. Covers gigs are definitely still where the money is at, but my sanity is loving having some creative fun on the side. [/quote] Cool story and good luck. My story is the exact opposite. Switching from originals bands with few gigs and no money to gigging 2-3 times a week with good money. Enough money to quit my day job and play music for a living. The gigging really improved my playing. Every time I pick up a bass I'm playing something creative. Blue

[quote name='Pete Academy' timestamp='1464292376' post='3058281'] I have a lovely all-original 1978 Jazz, plays like a dream, fantastic sound. However, it weighs a bloody ton - the heaviest bass I've ever known. I gigged with it last Saturday, and with the help of a Comfort Strap, it wasn't too bad. But the next day I really felt it, my muscles really aching. A mate of mine has a mid- to late-80s Stingray, which I've always liked, and he's asked me about doing a swap. I have to admit I'm tempted. I would probably need about 400 cash plus his bass. I know my bass is more if an investment, but I'm not getting any younger. Should I ask for a deal or just suffer the weight? [/quote] Some of those 70s Fenders weren't all they were cracked up to be. I know, I was there. The 80s stingray sounds pretty cool, I'd negotiate a better deal though. Blue

[quote name='ahpook' timestamp='1464257797' post='3057921'] Awesome, more power to them, I hope they have a blast. Being young should be all about having masses of enthusiasm and if some of it is misguided then who cares ? [/quote] Exactly! When your 18 you can do what you want. As we age our options start to go down hill. Blue

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1464253589' post='3057863'] Whilst searching through JoinMyBand for an "old git" guitarist for our band, I noticed these two separate adverts. Got to admire the enthusiasm and positive attitudes, but will they succeed, or are they just delusional? [url="http://www.joinmyband.co.uk/classifieds/singer-poet-pianist-looking-to-start-rock-band-t874366.html"][color=#0000ff][b]Singer / Poet / Pianist looking to start rock band[/b][/color][/url] [color=#0000ff]I'm 18 years old, looking to set up a seriously enigmatic rock group.[/color] [color=#0000ff]Anyone looking to join some boring indie band from talent-less land (i.e. anyone who thinks Catfish and the Bottlemen are brilliant) can leave immediately.[/color] [color=#0000ff]However, anyone who can play bass, guitar, or drums effectively (and can carry a tune - which is a MUST!) find themselves with an unique opportunity to join potentially what will become one of the greatest rock bands of all time.[/color] [color=#0000ff]We will work on making vocal harmony as tight as possible (see Beach Boys, Queen, Th[/color][color=#0000ff]e Beatles[/color][color=#0000ff] etc.) and you MUST be determined to break through the stifling indie filth that is laden before this godforsaken generation...[/color] [color=#0000ff]Anyone between the ages of 16 and 24 may apply within.[/color] [color=#0000ff]P.S.: I also like The Doors.[/color] [color=#0000ff][b][u]READ! AWESOME OPPORTUNITY![/u][/b][/color] [color=#0000ff]LEAD VOCALS , RHYTHM GUITARIST, DRUMMER, BASS PLAYER AGED 18-21 REQUIRED.[/color] [color=#0000ff]MUST HAVE OWN TRANSPORT AND GEAR TO PERFORM.[/color] [color=#0000ff]THE IDEA OF THE BAND IS TO GIG, PLAY POPULAR PUB CLASSICS, DO OWN MATERIAL, PLAY BIG CROWDS, AND HAVE AN AMAZING STAGE PRESENCE.[/color] [color=#0000ff]IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU THEN GET IN TOUCH[/color] [color=#0000ff]WANT TO FORM A GROUP OF PEOPLE TO LEARN 3 SONGS TO PRACTISE TOGETHER ON SATURDAY 25TH JUNE[/color] [/quote] I'm pretty cynical when it comes to the younger generations of rock musicians, however I like both of these ads. Maybe there's hope after all. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1464177623' post='3057227'] I think 'established' doesn't nessecarily mean the band. If the band leader is well known by promoters and known to be able to put a decent project together then that holds a lot more sway. A group of unknown musicians trying to get a foot in the door is nigh on impossible. [/quote] You make my point a lot better than I do. Blue

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1464178416' post='3057243'] is it an established working band doing 4 hours gigs? if not, it is probably going to fold.... the majority of bands do [/quote] Or for the UK the 2 hour pub gig. But yeah, if it's not a stable established working band, chances are that will never see their first gig. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1464179136' post='3057254'] I think so. They play a few Beatles numbers as well which are quite popular with the older generation. [/quote] We have 2 in our first set, "Come Together " and "Get Back". Yeah people seem to like them. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1464177278' post='3057223'] That was in response to Rockford's question about not being any established bands without start up bands. The reason start up bands have so much trouble is because a lot of the established bands aren't actually full of people who have been there from day one. So you find a band can get the same gigs and play similar music being effectively an 'established band' but actually have only been playing together for a few months in its current line up. The band I started has no members newer than 4 years ago and the newest member joined last week. [/quote] I see your point,and true most of the time. In my case after 10 years we still have the 2 founding members. If we lost our female lead vocals, lead guitarist, I think the band would be done. Blue

[quote name='12stringbassist' timestamp='1464216930' post='3057736'] Speaking as someone who has had surgery twice in two years (half of thyroid out last year, and all of my cancerous prostate gland last month), having a decent band with the loyalty to wait for you is a wonderful thing. Try to get a clear picture of what is going on. I don't think the others would be hanging around if they were not confident of the singer's return. It may be worth asking if they kinow a female singer who could dep, so as not to have to struggle for songs. [/quote] Contrary to my initial response, I like 12strings suggestion better. This is good. Blue

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1464173667' post='3057149'] joining an established band is fine if you are happy to take direction and not have an opinion. for those of us who do like to have a say in the band and have a little bit of an adventure start up bands whether they work or not are the answer. yes a high proportion will fold, but how do you have an established working band if it didn't start somewhere? they don't just magically appear. [/quote] I'm a paid bass player in an established band I joined 5 years ago. I was lucky, they passed all my requirements; 1.Stable ,good, fun, honest trustworthy locals. Female lead guitar front,70s rock and blues. A genre I have a decent amount t if experience in. 2. Respectable rehearsal studio 3. Respectable booking history and book of business Rockford makes a good point, most guys want a little more. Me, playing bass guitar and singing backgrounds is where it ends for me. I don't mind taking directions and I'm good at it. Input, we have 2 senior members that are a lot better with that than me. And I'd have to charge extra for my input. Adventure, sounds fun but I'll pass on that one. Blue

Now we're talking the same language. Blue

[quote name='12stringbassist' timestamp='1464217311' post='3057738'] No input. Alcoholic singer. Being the only one interested in gig hunting. Being sent a supplementary list of songs straight after passing the audition - I don't like The Arctic Monkeys. [/quote] I have no problem playing Artic Monkeys, as long as I'm paid. I'll even have fun playing them. Blue

[quote name='BurritoBass' timestamp='1464203459' post='3057588'] And to be clear I only use the single coil versions for that reason. I roll back the tone which I can't imagine Roger would like [/quote] I have several basses to choose from, My primary basses for gigging are my 2 single coil Tele basses. Blue

[quote name='Paultrader' timestamp='1464159746' post='3056951'] There's something about the sound of bass - how it brings warmth and depth to the music - it's the best seat in the band. I'm not much of an 'at home' player - I've always gigged and actually done very little recording in my life. I always make good progress with my playing when I'm learning new songs with a band, and I don't seem to have the motivation to do it on my own at home without that purpose. I quite envy those who will just get a bass out at home and play along with stuff. For me, gigging is everything. The chance that the band will get in the zone - when the drummer and I look at each other and we know that we're really flying - those sublime moments are worth all the hassle of lugging the gear out, setting up, hauling it all back out to the car afterwards in the rain, creeping in at 1.45 am so you don't wake the wife... I hope your gig goes well in July - and may you get the bug for it! [/quote] Nice! Blue

[quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1464117930' post='3056734'] +1 my friend. I used to regret how my work prevents being in a band. Now, after reading more about the late nights and in-fighting. I'm happy to be out of all that and play tunes on my bass and really love the tone. [/quote] My work was interfering with my gigging schedule. So, I quit working and now play for a living. I've never been happier. I love late nights and my band is about gigging,having fun and making money. There's no drama or personality issues in my band. Blue

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1464117323' post='3056728'] Maybe i have read your post wrong. But imo there is only two word's you should have used for gigging musicians Blue. Commitment's and Priorities . The rest of those word's are applicable to any one who plays the bass, or any other instrument. [/quote] Correct,in your opinion. Blue

[quote name='Bobthedog' timestamp='1464117317' post='3056726'] I did mean to put a smiley after the boiling head comment. It was in jest and just to reiterate that musical fun can be had in any venue [/quote] Agreed, The common denomination is fun. I go to every gig with fun being at the top of the list. Also whatever I can do make sure everyone in the Band has fun too. Personality issues, drama, focusing on petty nonsense about things we don't like or what we won't do is for amateurs and newbies. Blue