blue

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1417655112' post='2622834'] I'm a musician and I like to play (money is secondary these days but I still expect to get paid). I don't care too much who wrote the material - just that the band is good, it gets decent quality gigs and can pull an audience... [/quote] Agreed, couldn't have articulated it any better. We all know creativity can't be over-rated. I love doing shows, If I could work 5 nights a week and travel, I would jump at the chance. It's always been fun for me, a blast. However, it is also fun to get paid for something you love doing. Most people never have that experience. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1417652498' post='2622817'] Tackling the simple question in the subject - "Creativity - is it overrated?" - No, absolutely not. Yes, I am actively gigging, I played a gig last weekend. Eligibility to contribute to the debate established - I've been playing in originals bands my whole live career, save for a couple of times for birthday party/special occasion. I don't mind playing the occasional interesting cover when the mood takes me, but I wouldn't want to be in a band that didn't create new stuff. You want to talk about money? I think it's a bloody disgrace what we get paid for providing an hour or so of entertainment, and that's when we get paid at all. We are creating the new stuff, if we're lucky enough to go down in history our songs will become the songs that other people play. I realise that only a tiny percentage of songs become the stuff of hit singles, legends and cover band staples, but if everyone just gave up there'd be no supply of new music to refresh and update the canon. I want to be at that forefront, that frontier, despite the crappy monetary gains to be had - unless you "make it" in the commercial sense of the word. I won't lie - the prospect of that happening half scares me to death as I am in the fortunate, stable position of having wife, house, career etc. and I am quite a risk averse person. But if it happens, it'll happen because of the music we are creating - goodness knows it won't be about how much noise I can make about how great I am. I suck at that part Did that help? It's late here, so sorry if that was a bunch of ranty nonsense. [/quote] Yes it helps, your doing your thing and on your terms. I think were on the same page on the issue of risk. I only know of 2 musicians that I grew up with back in Jersey that "made it" IMHO.They both took risks most of are not willing to take on. They both play in internationally famous bands and have never had to work a traditional 9-5 job. They both have lived more than comfortable lives as working musicians for the last 42 years. Both of these guys could have gone on to college, had traditional careers got married and had families. Instead, they were so dedicated to music, they both left with one way tickets to London in the early 70s with nothing. That's risk. For those interested wiki or google Chuck Burgi and Albert Anderson. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='neepheid' timestamp='1417652498' post='2622817'] Tackling the simple question in the subject - "Creativity - is it overrated?" - No, absolutely not.[/quote] Agreed, creativity can't be over-rated. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

Drummers are always going to be problematic, as bass players we can't escape it. I play with a smokin drummer and even he is not perfect, neither am I. The only reason I would quit a band would be, no $$$$$. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='Drax' timestamp='1417650221' post='2622799'] Don't many people continue to do both? Play other peoples music and get paid, but also write their own stuff (for love not money). Creativity is subjective, but I associate it with original material and / or improvisation. Playing straight covers is hugely enjoyable for lots of reasons, but it's not especially 'creative'. That said, I'm one of your 'I have a job' guys, so take from that what you will. [/quote] I would think some guys do both, but for some that might have to involve being in two bands. Some guys, like myself are dedicated [i]"one band only"[/i] guys. As far as how creative is playing covers? My response, fact, I never play any cover song the same way twice. Blue [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

[quote name='xgsjx' timestamp='1417649211' post='2622779'] I've always been an originals player. I like writing songs, whether that be on my own or with a writing buddy. If I only played bass, then writing songs could be a bit more difficult. But I play a few instruments & try to understand the parts of the ones that I don't. I've considered playing covers many times just for the money, but a couple in an originals set has been about as much as I can play. Saying this, I don't do either anymore! [/quote] Fair enough, you say you don't do either, that's interesting. I only say that because I'm finding that the large share of guys on any of these sites for bass players are not active gigging bass players. Blue

[size=4][font=Arial]It would be interesting to know who started out with a focus on creativity and original material, however at some point it turned into a $$$$ hustle. Neither are bad. [/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]This thread is not really for the, [i]" I have a job, I don't need the money"[/i] guys, however please chime in with your 2 bobs worth.( I'm a Yankee and I have been on this forum to long. I'm starting to talk like you guys )[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]For me the hustle for $$$ started with how I felt after playing a couple a shows in a row, 2-3 and ended up with a little over $600.00 in my wallet. It was not until that time that I realized I had a skill and knew how to do something that had monetary worth, that didn't involve working for the man. I moved more to the cover arena , not necessarily the classic rock vertical. [/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]I have had a few guys from the forum come back at me and say[i],"Don't you miss the creative element?"[/i] For me, I was in some original bands, however It was never my material. I don't write songs. I don't have that ability.[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]As far as creativity is concerned, what do you think about this;[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial][i]"Whenever I'm on stage playing bass, it's me and whatever I play is going to have an element of creativity"[/i][/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial][i]Comments & insights?[/i][/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial][i]Blue[/i][/font][/size] [size=4][color=#0000FF][font=Arial][color=#000000][b]Bass Guitars [/b][/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson Les Paul Gold Top Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson ES-335 Custom Shop Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]Gibson 1991 Thunderbird Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size] w/ebony fret board [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1951 Telecaster Bass Re-issue *MIJ (Dressing Room Bass)[/font][/size] [size=4][font=Arial]Fender 1959 Telecaster Bass Re-Issue MIJ[/font] (Rehearsal Bass)[/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][color=#000000][font=Arial]G & L 1991 ASAT Bass (active pre-amp )[/font][/color][/color][/size] [size=4][color=#0000ff][font=Arial][color=#000000]German Made Hofner 502 Limited Edition Club Bass[/color][/font][/color][/size]

I love Bobby Keys, what a loss. I was always just as excited to see him as any of the other Stones and their extended musical family. I can't think of a Stones show where I didn't nudge someone next to me and say; [i] "I hope Bobby is with them tonight."[/i] Another huge player in Rock history gone and off to bigger things. RIP Blue

Ok, Superstition Son Of A Preacher Man Thrill Is Gone Them Changes Little Wing [b][u]Originals[/u][/b] Gators Roll With Me No Where Sneaky Lovin, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CFyoSgxuwM&list=UUPyJykpD94uvVy86viV6QVg Blue

Cool direction, however I think it's going to be tough, unless you grew up playing blues. I did, I was fortunate to grow up in the 60s and 70s when Blues was huge with even the 16-25 year olds. It was what was happening and I spent thousands of hours jamming and playing in blues bands. It's actually why I don't jam today. I had enough of it back in the day. I play in a popular local bar level blues band, I have been with the band for the past 3 years. I would like to try and see what the top 40 cover side of the business is like, however, I play with good people, good consistent bookings and good money. Now that I think about it, why rock the boat. Blue

Saw them at a small Club in Milwaukee a few years ago, Shank Hall (referenced in the movie Spinal Tap). A tiny bar really it's not a hall. Very cool place, hell, I saw Stanley Clark there as well. Really interesting the small clubs some of these guys play. As I said I got there early enough to catch an argument between Vernon and the owner in the middle of the street. The owner wanted 20% of their merch sales. I remember Vernon finally saying; " Well, I guess were not selling any merch tonight" I don't blame him,a 20% cut is ridiculous. Blue

Les I'm not trying to high jack your thread.However this dilemma will spawn other thoughts and concerns about being in bands and money. I say, for the small time guy on the hustle like me, when your scouting bands and when you go to their web site I have 2 main concerns and tabs I hit.[list] [*]Make sure the band your looking at is the current line up of the band [*]Before looking at pics, bios and video go right to their schedule and check what kind of business they have coming up and their booking history. I like to be able to go back at least year. [/list] Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1417295436' post='2618992'] [/quote] The ad looks good Les, honest and an easy read. I don't need it now, but I have a an electronic bio with pics of me, my gear and video ready if I need it. Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1417289799' post='2618921'] Agreed Blue, if you read my original post that's the very scenario that's being forced on me so I'm looking to pad my diary out. [/quote] Les, this is a tough situation and any of us can end up in this predicament. As you know I am not a[i] " I don't need the money type of guy"[/i] I'm a [i]" I need the money type of guy"[/i]. Bookings for my band have been good for the past 3 years, however that could end, just a matter of when. Les, I think it depends on if your a guy that likes the cash from gigs. The band I saw you pictured in looked very bookable. what happened? Have you considered scouting out the agency type cover bands and sticking to 1 heavily booked band and does that interest you? Are you in 3 bands now or was that arrangement to start in January 2015? Again, how guys manage 3 paid gigging bands is a mystery to me. Thing is, if I have to chose one gig over the other, there is a good chance one band will cancel their gig, thus taking money out of another guys pocket and i don't want to do that to anyone and I don't want it done to me either. Blue

Hi Twincam, It doesn't sound like a good idea. I think your time would be better spent joining a band and getting some experience. Maybe you could assist the BL in an existing band. Blue

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1417160218' post='2617549'] I'm only in one band but have to work around on-call sessions for work and family events. I use Google calendar so I always have everything on my phone and accessible from any computer. I then sync that with my work calendar and the one on the back of the door at home. I have to be meticulous or it's a nightmare Edit: And yes, make sure all of your bands know what you are doing and what dates are unavailable asap [/quote] I'm a one band only guy and for me gigs come before family and girl friends. The only way I can see multiple bands working is if none of the bands gig very much. Most gigs are on Friday and Saturday nights. i can't imagine there wouldn't be conflicts. blue

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417018496' post='2616199'] The band/crew seemed to split $9000 a week so that is about $1500 on an equal split. Ok..thats for 7 shows a week, but that is decent pay, in my book. They could have been smarter, but seems like a nice gig all round. I have no idea about the music tho.. [/quote] Yeah it's all relative. That's decent pay in my book too.Just the type of gig I'm looking for. I could care less about what type of music it is, as long as the gigs are good and the money keeps coming in. I have said this before; [i]"All the musicians I know at the local bar level that will only play music they like, are all band-less, gig-less and sitting in their bedrooms noodling."[/i] Blue

[quote name='krysh' timestamp='1417218021' post='2618418'] well, if you like it better, it's better --- for you. nothing more. [/quote] I respectably disagree, I like Otis Redding's version of [i]Satisfaction[/i] better than The Stones, but it's not better it's different. Blue

I think it was a combination of things. Number 1, I don't think artist like Sly ever see themselves, their value, talent or contributions to music and society the way the rest of us might. He never takes credit for anything, even though he created a whole new genre of music. I also think it was the time period he came into fame (mid 60s) and I think most guys that come into money before they ever had to work traditional 9-5 jobs for the man have a poor sense for money management and business. They also don't seem to be able to distinguish losers from people that could do them some good. And as always lots of enablers around. It's a shame because there is a legacy here that should be protected and acknowledged. All the original member of his band are still alive and active. Blue

[u][b]Why Does This Happen To Some Of Our Heroes?[/b][/u] This is really self explanatory. Comment & opinions If your curious,watch in this order; [b]Sly Stone 1973[/b] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQh14_KP8bs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ptrc2cWRxU [b]Sly Stone 2014[/b] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IftRiYvr5Ok Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1417162968' post='2617582'] I think you're trying to create an impression of some kind. [/quote] Maybe, maybe that I'm a bar band level elder. [i]"I am not going to argue about much on bass chat because if it weren't for what came out of the UK in the mid 60s I wouldn't be playing bass in a rock band today 50 years later. I didn't even see James Brown until I watched The Tammi Show."[/i] Blue

[i]"There are quite a few covers I personally like, or prefer to the original artist recording, however that does not make them better. The cover is different and we may personally like it more than the original but that's where it ends."[/i] Blue

[quote name='TimR' timestamp='1417086123' post='2616878'] Which of these groups, if any, you are trying to impress depends on you.[/quote] [i]"I can entertain, not sure if I can impress anyone".[/i] Blue

[quote name='lee4' timestamp='1417126204' post='2617409'] To paraphrase Terry Pratchett(The Monks of Cool.Pratchett fans will know this one) "What's the coolest thing you can wear?" "Hey,whatever I put on will look cool!" .[/quote] For young guys, that's probably true. Blue

Jeans and t-shirt for a festival gig. Very basic. But I don't think I look like a bum. I look like an older guy in a rock band.