blue

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1439664689' post='2844853'] I usually play bass about three or four hours a day. But I don't necessarily play our set. I suspect the band only play through the set when we're at rehearsal, which is at most once a week. This explains why someone always forgets something in every number. I find this very frustrating of course. My solution used to be to have a couple of beers before rehearsals so I would play down to their level, or at least not care when they fecked it up. They countered this by turning up drunk as well, so it became a race to the bottom. But now I've given up the booze I can't do that any more. So I've started looking for other work. I used to mock 'wanted' ads which said 'no people with booze or drug problems', but now absolutely agree with them. So many people I've played with in the past see rehearsal not only as a social event (which is wrong anyway imho), but as an opportunity to get pissed-up or stoned speechless. Then they can't play and/or can't remember what they're doing, or worse, they have to be in the same state they were when they learnt the material. Up with this I cannot put! /RANT Edit: Audition tomorrow evening, wish me luck... [/quote] Agreed, I stopped using anything that could impair me when I was 23. I'm 61,so that's over 30 years of no drinking or substances. Everything is always crystal clear.And I mean everything in life. It might not be pretty, but it's accurate. Blue

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1439625411' post='2844415'] Or: Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Elvis, Scotty Moore, Eddie Cochran, Muddy Waters, The Shadows, the previously mentioned Buddy Holly...the list goes on. [/quote] True, however outside of The Shadows the others were solo artists for the most part. And The Beatles hit a much larger audience in a relatively short period of time. Blue

I usually practice at home a few hours a day. Band rehearsal, we gig 2-3 times a week. We rarely rehearse can't remember the last time we rehearsed. Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1439661120' post='2844809'] It may well be the be-all and end-all for some and not others, but this garauntees nothing in itself. I'll do it if I think it can be very good...my perception, but I know many many gifted 'amateurs' who would put more than a few 'professionals' that I know, to shame, so for me..it is all about how well it is done., The fact that some ppl do it full time means nothing... it just means they don't do anythng else... and I'd also wonder if they were 'legal' as well. but that is another can of worms.. [/quote] Me, I don't know if I'm a professional or not, I've always thought that was something determined by others. And playing full time for me means I don't do anything else, but it also means I can't do anything else. Playing electric bass guitar and singing is all I know how to do. I'm fine with that, makes life a lot less complicated. Blue

[quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1439657910' post='2844768'] The people have got to be right, it's that simple. You've all got to be going in the same direction. For me it's about playing music that I feel is of a good standard. It doesn't have to be material that I'd necessarily listen to at home, but that will interest an audience...and that means I turn down bands that want to do certain material. I recently turned down a band that presented a set list full of the usual suspects, stuff that would make me cringe if I had to play it in public. I left a new band because they wanted to add stuff like Alright Now etc. I've never learnt to play it and still refuse to. Money, if I wanted to get regular paid gigs I wouldn't be looking at playing pubs, that's just a waste of time. Functions is where the money is. But then I'm not interested in making money to that degree, if someone is trying to make money out of my band playing then I expect my cut but otherwise it's not my motivation for playing. I wouldn't want to earn my living gigging, I'm sure my kids would hate it. [/quote] I think music or playing in bands is a side thing for most, flippant, if something comes up I'll do it or I like my traditional office job. For some of us, it's who we are and couldn't imagine doing anything else for a living. It's not for everyone, it really has to be in your soul to do it for a living. Blue

[quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1439594787' post='2844338'] I was in a club band for those reasons. Now I'm not and I don't have to play "Red red f***ing whine" any more. [/quote] One thing that has kept me in this band is not being concerned over what songs we play. I'm paid to perform and entertain at certain level. What song's we play are of little consequence to me. Bad contracts and months with weak bookings are 2 of my primary concerns. I think "How To Be In A Band" poses different issues depending on whether you do this for a living or if your a [i]" I have a day job "[/i] kind of chap. Blue

[quote name='grumpyguts' timestamp='1439590973' post='2844313'] [font=Calibri][size=3][color=#000000]I have returned to playing in a band after many years of inactivity. I now find myself spending a decent amount of time learning new stuff and trying to be a better player; finding this very enjoyable – so far.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Calibri][size=3][color=#000000]There is a slight side effect; much of my time at work is spent thinking about tracks I should learn, things I cocked up at the last session etc. Work is tedious Bass is interesting.[/color][/size][/font] [font=Calibri][size=3][color=#000000]For those of you that are doing more stuff than this – e. g regular gigs, multiple bands etc. Do you find the daily grind a distraction and sometimes feel xxxx this! I would rather be playing bass?[/color][/size][/font] [/quote] I know what your getting at, it's one of the reasons I now play full time for a living. Blue

[quote name='Slipperydick' timestamp='1439561980' post='2843948'] Watched as much of that as I could stand. Nah, still dont get it. Might be good if I did, but I still wouldnt like it. Mozart was good, but I dont listen to that either do I ? [/quote] You weren't there and don't get it. Do you know what year this footage is from? This is a part of the innocent age of rock music, early in the developmental stage laying the foundation for whatever you kids listen to today. And the lyrics are more socially relevant now then they were at the time. I still don't get why most younger musicians have no use or sense of history. And if your not young like over 60, then I really don't get it. Even when I was a 9 year old Beatles freak, i still found myself saying, [i]" this is fantastic, but how did it happen, how did it evolve, how did they get there"[/i] Mozart,? Poor example. But that's just me. LOL Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1439563095' post='2843967'] I'm sure 'young people' wouldn't like you for saying that. But who cares what they think? Your observation is factually correct and anyway, young people mostly know nothing about anything so they're hardly likely to know [i]anything at all[/i] about the impact that Beatles had on wider society unless they trouble themselves to read about it which is doubtful, being as young people seem to do nothing but text their friends and tweet their most recent thoughts on the lines of: 'Saw a cloud. Felt sad. Saw the sun. Felt happy. Share this!'. [/quote] To all younger rock musicians; If your standing on stage singing and playing an electric guitar. You're influenced by The Beatles. Case closed. Blue

[quote name='EssentialTension' timestamp='1439557133' post='2843876'] Then it's no surprise that young people don't like you ... and they are probably put off taking any interest in The Beatles for the rest of their lives ... what a shame. [/quote] I'm fine with my position and I maintain. Blue

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1405867953' post='2505971'] They are great, and if in a band playing on large stages, or in a band with clumsy band-members, they are such a help. [/quote] I got my G-30 back in 2009. I think they are great on large stages, but just as useful in small bars where space is a premium. Blue.

[quote name='KingBollock' timestamp='1439528093' post='2843559'] For me, my personal wants/needs are so specific that they are a real problem, or so vague that they're useless. The most important part is the music, there is no way I'd be interested in playing music I wasn't totally into. Running a very close second/joint first is the people. I don't want to play with knob'eads. There's no fun in constant arguments and butting of egos. If I could find both of those I wouldn't care if we never made any money, in fact I'd be quite prepared to lose money to enjoy it. As for gigs and recording and stuff, I don't really care. It'd be nice to have the extra stuff but getting together with some mates, having a laugh, writing tunes and playing them loudly would be enough for me. [/quote] At that point it's not really a band it's a guys basement social event. IMO Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1439547193' post='2843720'] Phil Starr and I were obviously separated at birth. He's just written the post I was putting together in my head. Les [/quote] Sorry about stealing your thunder Les. LOL Blue

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1439553330' post='2843822'] It`s ok being able to play, but there`s so much more that goes with that, and those are the bits that many often overlook.[/quote] Agreed, just being able to play in most busy working bands is no longer enough. There are guys that can play their asses off, but are also massive cocks that wouldn't last long in any working band. Blue

[quote name='Bloc Riff Nut' timestamp='1439589867' post='2844299'] I suppose I'm lucky. I just want to play. As long as I'm playing with the band I'm happy. Only prerequisite is a good drummer, then I dont care if its rehearsal or a gig. Just locked in and playing the groove. [/quote] I use to feel the same way, when I was 16. In some ways I miss those days. With 50 plus years invested in this I certainly require more than just being able to play in a band. Blue

[quote name='bassman7755' timestamp='1439567146' post='2844050'] I've never been involved with or ever heard of a UK pub ("bar" in US speak) band who are in it primarily for the money. From what Blue is saying it seems that US bar bands have more in common with function bands over here. In any event I think Blue makes a good point that its important to decide what you want out of it and seek like minded people. [/quote] Yeah, it sounds like the ocean separating us makes a bit of a difference. Keep in mind, over here bar shows are traditionally 4 hours, 8-12 or 9-1. We also supply lights and sound. Blue

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1439568746' post='2844074'] Blimey, that's the downside of forums; everything is dissected and analysed to within an inch of its life. At school we got some guys together, formed a band and got some gigs. The weaker players fell by the wayside and we just got better. And it's how it works for me fifty years later.[/quote] Bassace, I'm 62 and started gigging in rock bands in 1966 an what you described is exactly how it worked back then. However the difference is for me that no longer works for me. Number one I'm not in school and the band business and what we fit into as adults is completely different for me than it was 50 years ago. I mentioned my band leader is a 29 year old female and while I have been playing in bands longer than she has been alive, her experience is much more relevant and current than mine. Blue

[quote name='bassace' timestamp='1439568746' post='2844074'] Blimey, that's the downside of forums; everything is dissected and analysed to within an inch of its life. At school we got some guys together, formed a band and got some gigs. The weaker players fell by the wayside and we just got better. And it's how it works for me fifty years later. I just go out and play gigs, don't for a minute stop to think why I do it. [/quote] So when you go out to play a gig and don't for a minute stop to think why your doing it, your cool when at the end of the night a band member says? : [i]"Oh by the way, we all get paid but you don't, you didn't ask so we figured you didn't care about compensation."[/i] Or you get to the gig, your 60 and the guys in the band are all 19 & 20 year olds. For some 60 year olds that's ok. For some, like me it's not and would be extremely awkward. Blue

[quote name='Phil Starr' timestamp='1439545606' post='2843697'] I wonder if there's a difference between the USA and here. Accepting that the Venn diagram would show we have more in common than differences of course. Not many British musicians would say they were only in it for the money. There's a tendency over here to value the music highly, which seems strange sometimes if it's a covers band but then playing stuff you don't enjoy for a tiny rate per hour isn't very motivating. I also wonder if we Brits are just natures amateur enthusiasts. Me, I love performing, I'd take a poorly paid gig or do a charity event for free if I could guarantee a large enthusiastic audience and I've no problem playing Mustang Sally if it's what the audience want. So for me it has to be fun primarily, the music is part of that but good company is very important, or at least a positive and professional attitude. Gigging is a must, although start ups in gestation can be fun too, but at least you have to hit the open mic/jamming sessions right up front. My current band suits me fine, we're all pretty much interested primarily in giving the audience a good time, the guitarist is the only prima donna and we gig regularly and it's building up. We're playing rock covers and I wouldn't go to listen to a band doing our set in a million years but hey, it's fun to play and the audiences are usually up dancing from the first few songs. Having said that the whole band have to take the music seriously, practice at home, rehearsal is for rehearsing and working on arrangements not learning the song. If I mess up then I'd go away and work hard on that bit and I'd expect others to do the same. I don't mind lowish skill levels so long as you're trying to improve and take it seriously, we all start somewhere but I'd rather work with people who have a positive attitude than a lazy talent. My bands have always been more or less democratic, I'm often the bandleader in terms of organisation but I'm not the greatest musician and I don't sing so the musical side is pretty much shared. Not sure how I'd respond to the sort of band leader you describe Blue. On the one hand just having to think about bass might be fun but I can't handle doing things badly just because the boss says so especially in what for me is my social life. [/quote] Interesting points. Well I think having "fun" is a given. How ever we all define fun differently . For me , fun is working with good people to responsive crowds. It's also really "fun" getting paid to do something "fun", something most never experience. As far as the band leader, she's 29 and while I started gigging in bands in 1966 she's a lot more current with band management than me and her decisions are usually good ones and good for the band. Blue

[quote name='CHW' timestamp='1439544169' post='2843678'] It's about the band priority. If the band priority is to promote funkblackreggaemetal, I think you have to find members who are all committed to that cause, and therefore willing to play for free, for several years, to empty venues and to look to build a scene from scratch. Some scenes will build, and some will die a death, being in that band is about your commitment to the cause. A random member, looking to play a few gigs, earn a few quid and enjoy playing to full crowds is not going to last long in that band. In my acoustic band, our priority is to play stuff that you wouldn't necessarily expect to hear, but that people know, arranged a bit differently. We are all on board with this, and there are few disagreements over whether something is working or not. If we added in a 4th person at any point, it would be really necessary that they bought into the band philosophy [/quote] What you outlined would be perfect for the young guy that has defined that he wants to be a part of an original band concept "funkblackreggaemetal" and to grow that idea. He also has defined that gigs and money are not an initial priority. Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1439538665' post='2843600'] Sing from the same page...get the money sorted right up front and know what you all will work and commit to.[/quote] Good point, a lot of guys would be hesitant to ask; [i]"How do I get paid and when?" [/i]Which for guys like me who look at these opportunities as a paying job is very important. Blue

[quote name='lurksalot' timestamp='1439511749' post='2843548'] So, you want a job then , you want to be told what to do and this job in music ticks your boxes , that's fine. Lots do it as a hobby , and it brings a whole different set of needs , money not necessarily being one of them , and this brings a different outlook to a greater or lesser degree. Compromise is always there though . [/quote] Yes when it's a hobby completely different story. And yes I wanted a paying job and it's why I went after the band I'm in. Always gigging , always making money. Now, I completely knew what I wanted when I was in a search. I never entertained joining any originals bands or start ups. I also knew I had to find, good, smart, honest experienced people to play with. I couldn't ask for a nicer group of people to work with. The reason for the thread, I am not sure everyone really thinks through what they are looking for. I was hoping there would be more suggestions or comments about how to define what you want or at least all the things we should think about when in a search. For a lot of guys it's merely [i]"I have to get into a band". [/i]If your 16 that might work. Blue

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1439510185' post='2843540'] I think my sense of humour was lost a bit there. I think the important bit of being in a band is to know who started the band, what they're looking for it to do & where you fit in. Is it your style of music, is there room for style variations etc, and most importantly, are you getting what you want from it? [/quote] True, I can tell you over 9 years there have only been 2 personal changes.Both were asked to leave because they challenged the BL. Blue

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1439508572' post='2843527'] I think as long as you let them know who's boss, you'll be fine. You're the bassist. The most important member, the one that keeps the drummer & everyone else in time, the one who provides the song it's backbone & groove, the one that understands how all the sounds fit together, the one that has to tell the guitarist to turn down. It's hard work being a bassist! [/quote] That's a good example of things I have no interest in. I'm not the boss and would not want to be. We have a band leader she's the boss and calls all the shots. You identified the functions of a bass player, not things related to how to be in a band. Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1439507298' post='2843522'] The usual reason is communication. People also have set ideas on image of the musicians and the types of tunes the band should be playing.[/quote] I use to be concerned about those things, Now the only thing I might bring up would be "Why are bookings weak in December?" Song choice ,image those things don't concern me. I'm in a band to perform and make as much $$ as possible. Blue