blue

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1437803758' post='2829135'] Quite apart from earning money Blue, there's no better way to keep really tight than by doing a lot of gigging. [/quote] Agreed, there are certain dynamics that only happen from gigging. Blue

[quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1437777246' post='2829077'] +1 to what you say, Blue. Even if the place is a real sh!t hole, they are paying you to give a professional service. If you begrudge playing a venue then you surely won't enjoy it, but if you give it 100% then you may well end up having a great time. When I think about it, the one thing that puts me off certain venues is a difficult load in/out. Some of the 'edgier' venues can still be fun because they have a bit of a buzz about them. [/quote] Load in and load outs tend to be a pain in the arse in some of these places. One in particular is a real pain, however the owner is really cool, pays in advance and books us for 3 dates at a time. Hey, I'm no rich guy. If I play 2-3 dives in a weekend I could have anywhere from $350.00 to $450.00 in my wallet if tips and merch goes well. It's a hustle and I love it. For you guys that don't, I say, "why bother at all" Blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1437777161' post='2829075'] Depends on the definition of dives, but if they are my definition, it's a no... I'm not desperate to play them so I don't. [/quote] Were not desperate either, here in the states if your a regional bar band you either play them or you don't play at all. It's part of the business. It might be different in England. Blue

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1437774408' post='2829055'] I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment expressed here, to the extent that I recognise the 'good attitude and have fun', and have applied this same notion throughout the various aspects of my career(s...). Yes, I was a 'pro' drummer for a while, but also electronic technician, software programmer, avionics engineer, cost accountant and IT manager. I've never, in that sense, ever 'gone to work'; the whole experience has been thoroughly enjoyable in all the roles, as I was, in every case, doing what I liked to do (OK, there have been odd moments little less 'fun', but greatly positive on the whole...). Why do I say all this..? Simply to indicate that, for those doing the work they've chosen, and doing it with a positive and 'fun' attitude, it's exactly the same for an office worker or 'grease monkey', shop assistant or councillor, musician or salesmen. It's not anything 'magic' about playing in bands (as Blue says so rightly: it's work, to him...); it's the doing whatever you really wish, and doing it to one's best, that counts. Keep it up, Blue; more power to your elbow. There are many that get that same satisfaction from their various occupations (plus, of course, their hobbies and pastimes...). Just sayin'. [/quote] Well, I was a Worker Compensation Administrator for 30 years. Hated everyday of it. Matter of fact I don't know one person working for someone else in straight 9-5 gig that doesn't dread getting up in the morning. Dad, you have the right to your opinion, no problem. I think where we differ is for me, and since 1966 there has always been something magical about playing in a rock band. Just sayin Blue

God Only Knows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOMyS78o5YI Blue

[quote name='Graham' timestamp='1436801413' post='2820888'] Ah, but Trujillo is a member of Metallica and presumably taking 1/4 of the profits after other expenses, whereas Daryl Jones is a hired gun playing for a retainer. [/quote] Well, I was talking about overall Stones money. However, I understand that Daryl's retainer is over a million $$ for each tour. So any of you that were thinking of sending checks to the Daryl Jones Relief fund can stop. lol Blue

I rotate a lot of different basses for gigs. Recently I have been playing my G&L ASAT with active pre-amp. I'm no expert and the only thing I will tell you is; [b]Don't ever use cheap 9 volt batteries. I did and my bass failed at a gig. It was one of the few times I didn't bring a spare. I had to open up that back panel with a Phillips head screw driver and replace the 9 volt. [/b] Luckily I had a few energizers in my case Blue

[quote name='Oopsdabassist' timestamp='1437771147' post='2829021'] hear hear, ok its harder work if the audience isn't behind you, but man it pays off in the long run. [/quote] Yeah, that's a hard nut to crack. I'd post a thread on it, but I don't have any decent ideas on engaging the uninterested and the non responsive. Blue

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1437771252' post='2829023'] My definition of a 'dive bar' is when you think you may end up in a fight, by the end of the night, with one (or all) of the clientele. [/quote] Here's a tip; Don't make eye contact with anyone. Especially if 90% of the crowd looks like they were recently released from jail. Blue

I have been gigging since 1966 and dialing in tone is still a challenge. I mean , where do you eq from, your bass, your amp, your pedals and the sound guy? All of these areas have their hand on your sound. Lately I have been leaving everything on the amp flat, however , I run gain, master volume, contour and presence high. I adjust volume on the fly from my bass. Some of my pedals can really boost or lower volume. Blue

[size=3][font="Arial"]Playing bass guitar for me is not some flippant thing I do when the mood strikes me or when the occasional gig comes up, this is what I do for a living. It's been the most significant part of my life since 1966. It's all I think about really[/font][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][font="Arial"]Occasionally the displeasure of playing some of the less desirable bars and pubs known as dives come up.[/font][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][font="Arial"]It might be different in the States, but my band has a few of theses dives in rotation. [/font][font="Arial"]I am no longer going to these dives with a sad face. First of all they pay us the same $400.00- $500.00 we charge some of the nicer places. My whole point her is taking a more professional attitude instead of whining and complaining. It's work and your getting paid.[/font][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][font="Arial"]I am sure I am not the only guy here that has seen some famous heavy weights end up doing small bar gigs. It happens. What I noticed is, these guys are pros and still give off that vibe. And when you catch that vibe, guess what, that dive club all of sudden feels like the cool place to be.[/font][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][font="Arial"]I say go into that dive gig with your band mates with a good attitude and have fun. Your still "On Stage Talent" even if there ain't no stage.[/font][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][font="Arial"]Act like a Pro![/font][/size] [size=3] [/size] [size=3][font="Arial"]Blue[/font][/size]

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1437659607' post='2827949'] It's a revivial of a Cornish band called Hooked. Aiming at 75 -100 gigs/year. Like me, the band has been out of action around 8 months - time for a reboot! [/quote] Nice to see some guys that actually want to get out and work. 75-100 gigs annually is a good target. The one gig a month bands, not for me. Blue

I started playing bass guitar in 1966. I am not self taught. Blue

[quote name='Damonjames' timestamp='1436766621' post='2820472'] I think Metallica were auditioning around 13 years ago, that would do me nicely thanks! Enough $$$$ for you blue? I would have got 1million just for turning up!! Ahhh, dreams..... [/quote] Metallica did not, does not and will not ever have Stones money. blue

[quote name='verb' timestamp='1436741409' post='2820422'] Foo Fighters [/quote] That's money! Blue

Interesting that none of you chose any bands making the big $$$$$$. Blue

I'm going for the music and the most money. The Stones Blue

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1436725495' post='2820252'] Cant argue with that. Its just not the English way. [/quote] It not the American way either. It's the Smart way. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1436726527' post='2820268'] In some of the clubs it seems the standard way of getting paid, when the promoter started getting funny about the money, was to pull out your pistol and put it on the table. As a reminder that you wanted [i]all[/i] the money. [/quote] Going straight to the promoter is not uncommon for pro bands today. Ever go to a concert and it's way past show time and you think there is some kind of problem. Usually the delay is caused over money issues that have to be resolved with the promoter. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1436698687' post='2819973'] Chuck didn't have a set list or announce the numbers, he just started playing and his songs were played in C, Bb, Ab etc, not in guitar keys so some bands had a big learning experience.[/quote] I'm one of those that believe he played those chords because of Johnny Johnston his piano player. Some say Johnny should have gotten credit for a lot of Chuck's songs Blue

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1436721969' post='2820215'] Cash up front (all of it) or he didn't play. No cheques. Same with Jerry Lee. [/quote] For those of us that are very active in bar band business it's actually a valid and good business model. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1436699401' post='2819980'] That's too embarrassing to watch. [/quote] He's 90. It's completely cool for me. I can pretty much bet where you and me will be and what we will be doing at 90. lol Blue

[quote name='casapete' timestamp='1436702180' post='2820014'] Bruce Springsteen tells a great story in the 'Hail Hail Rock n Roll' movie. Apparently his band were booked to back Chuck in the 70's. Chuck arrived only just in time for the show, with the band not having met or discussed songs with him. A nervous Springsteen knocks on Chuck's dressing room door to enquire what they might be playing. Chuck's answer is 'Well son, we'll be doing some Chuck berry songs.....' [/quote] Bruce was lucky Chuck told him anything about the show. Blue

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1436699797' post='2819983'] The story I heard from a guy who reckoned he'd been in one of the bands he'd used. Was that Chuck turned up alone in a cab with just a guitar and demanded cash up front before he went on. He hardly spoke to the band, no set list, more or less just " when I stamp my left foot its the end of the song" Trouble was, some of the songs were in different keys to the records, and the intros were all but unrecognisable. At the end he thanked them, didnt give them anything, and left in a cab [/quote] Yup, he would go straight to the promoter and get his cash. The band is lucky Chuck didn't demand money from them for the privilege of playing with him, I am sure he got the receipt from the cab driver too. He learned to write off every expense. Blue

[quote name='BILL POSTERS' timestamp='1436699797' post='2819983'] The story I heard from a guy who reckoned he'd been in one of the bands he'd used. Was that Chuck turned up alone in a cab with just a guitar and demanded cash up front before he went on. He hardly spoke to the band, no set list, more or less just " when I stamp my left foot its the end of the song" Trouble was, some of the songs were in different keys to the records, and the intros were all but unrecognisable. At the end he thanked them, didnt give them anything, and left in a cab [/quote] I think Chuck got ripped off so bad in the 50s, he got really weird about money. However he did earn how to keep what was his. I heard the IRS once came to his St.Louis home asking for back taxes. He went ballistic and said; "I OWE YOU HOW MUCH!" The tax man said $300,000. Chuck went into a safe in his bedroom came out with $300,000. in cash and paid them. Blue