blue

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1494537968' post='3296894'] I've never played to a crowd even approaching that size, sounds amazing! [/quote] It's my first truly large festival crowd gig. I am going to be positive and give off a positive vibe through the whole thing. Blue

[quote name='scalpy' timestamp='1494536630' post='3296884'] Get a peak at Frampton's rig, looks amazing! [/quote] I actually wonder what and who I'll be able to see. I've never played this close to a major headliner. Blue

[quote name='Elfrasho' timestamp='1494536757' post='3296886'] Get some footage up on here! I think we'd all love to get a sniff of your pocket! Have fun! [/quote] Hopefully we'll hire someone that can capture some decent video. Blue

[quote name='julesb' timestamp='1494534503' post='3296861'] Nice one Blue. Do what you do best and all will be cool. [/quote] Thanks Julesb, I have to stay true to what I do. I'm a 'groove pocket player". That's what I know, it's what I do. I don't pop, pluck or slap, I don't have a lot of fancy fast riffs. Blue

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1494535361' post='3296871'] Excellent news, Blue. Help/advice? You`ve been doing this for so long now you don`t need any, just enjoy it like you would any other gig. I always try to maintain that each gig is the same, where I have to give 100% the whole time. The only difference between gigs is how many people get that 100%, but irrespective of how many, they all deserve it. Of course it doesn`t really work like that, but that`s what I try to go by. We all get excited by bigger gigs. [/quote] True, While I have a lot of festival experience,not quite at this level. We're a bar band. I was concerned about whether what we do in our bar shows will translate to a large festival crowd. I've seen the set list and was surprised. I actually think they did a good job with material choice. Blue

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1494533789' post='3296855'] You of all people will be fine mate! Two tips: 1. Don't compensate for nerves with beer. Save that for afterwards. 2. Don't "hump the bear"! [/quote] Haven't had any alcohol of any kind for the last 40 years. Bear humping is prohibited at Summerfest.😁 Blue

[quote name='NickD' timestamp='1494533599' post='3296849'] Just do what you always do. Forget the crowd size, thats the frontman/woman'seeking job to manage. Just play as well as you know how and have fun. IMO of course. [/quote] Good point Blue

My band has be lucky enough to play the infamous Summerfest for the last 6 years as a support act on headline stages. However they have always been weekday slots early in the day, 12:30 or 1:30. One year we had a 3:30 on the Johnson Controls Sound stage and we had about 1,200 people. This year, and I don't know how we lucked out. We play July 2nd , a Sunday on the ULine Rock Stage at 7:30. Peter Frampton is the headliner and he starts at 9:30. I'm thinking we will be playing to at least 3,000. I'm already nervous as hell. I'm conjuring up images of me hyperventilating and having an anxiety attack. Biggest gig of my life. Help! Blue

[quote name='SpikeBass' timestamp='1494513751' post='3296655'] No the neck needs to come off as it was so badly attempted to be repaired before. The truss rod is fine and works. The Luthier Terry is SUPERB and even though he says it will be very difficult to remove the neck without causing any damage to the finish of the guitar, I am confident that any damage (if any) will be minimal. He has stated that he could not do any repair to the finish of the guitar because of health issues, so I guess it involves chemical treatment? regardless, the important thing is that the bass plays & sounds good, I can live with any blemishes to the woodwork and I am even happy to sand it down and refinish myself... I'm basically waiting now to see what happens. I will of cause update here. [/quote] I believe it's a set neck, you should be fine. I don't think Hofner ever made bolt ons. Blue

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1494482084' post='3296288'] It can't hurt to have a bit of variety I suppose. It should certainly please the fans who are taking any sort of notice of what's going on on stage. Have you encountered any problems with feedback indoors? Sir Paul reckoned it was quite a problem for the hollow-bodied Hoff in tight venues. I have a theory that it is was of the challenges that made his playing slightly better than it might have been otherwise. Frampton? Nice. I hope on the day he isn't too heavy on the vocorder. There is a real danger that that is all he will be remembered for. I'm thinking you can't do much better than a weekend slot opening for the likes of Peter though. Well done. [/quote] Thanks Spondon, Yes my Hofner has the same feedback issue. It's a hollow body obviously and remember the German made Hofner don't have the wood block inside. I'm going to gig with it inside and out up until the show with Frampton to get reaclimated with all the nuances of the Hofner bass. I will have MIJ Fender P as back up. Blue

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1494486618' post='3296329'] C'mon Blue - get with the times man!! We have an emoji for that sort of thing: [/quote] That cool, I like that. 😁 Blue

Took my German made Hofner Limited Edition Club Bass to rehearsal last night. I had been gigging with my G&L ASAT bass for the last couple of months. I had forgotten about how unique and one of a kind deep,woody thump sound these basses produce. Decided I'll use it for our Summerfest show. This year we got a weekend slot opening for Peter Frampton. Blue

I think they're too pricey A lot guys seem to love the Marcus Miller Sire V7. $499.00 with gig bag. It's nothing I'd play (I don't like stacked controls), but the reviews are stellar. Blue

[quote name='SpondonBassed' timestamp='1494401646' post='3295575'] May I respectfully suggest that we could do with a tiny bit more of the American [i]can do[/i] attitude in this country (UK) as a whole. Having said that, I feel sorry for this situation where the OP has "carried" the whole band. That'd wear anyone down if there is no "tangible" acknowledgement of the extra effort from the fellow members. [/quote] If they have the bigger pay gigs, in the 2k range, he should be paid more than the other band members. Blue

[quote name='skidder652003' timestamp='1494446110' post='3296106'] with a six piece, you probably better off looking at the wedding/corporate market rather than the dog and duck, not much room to set up usually and the pay will be poor split 6 ways, even im my 3 piece it works out at about £12 an hour by the time you take into account all the driving and setting up, beer money really. [/quote] Agreed, 6 pieces, stay away from pubs. Unless your a "just for fun" 6 peice. Blue

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1494442578' post='3296064'] When it comes down to it the market will determine what a band will get paid. It doesn't matter how good you think you are or how many people are in the band, if a 3 piece playing the same venue can draw a bigger crowd then they will get paid the same fee or more...! [/quote] Not in Milwaukee. 😁 Actually your right, no matter what, a local band is never going to get more than $500.00 out of a bar.. Blue

[quote name='julesb' timestamp='1494431034' post='3295933'] I'd prefer clubs anyway and imo this is a high standard band. Boy girl lead vocals and three/four part harmony with good musicians. £250 is going to be difficult but might have to start with that to get everything oiled. [/quote] If you are offering 3/4 part harmony with good musicians you should be playing venues that can afford at least $600.00. I personally don't advise play pubs for $250.00. Sounds like you have put a lot of work into the band. Set your pay accordingly. Blue

If your not in it for the money your probably good at $250.00-$300.00. If you are $300.00 for 6 people could be tough. Blue

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1494374815' post='3295512'] In the 70's, gigging meant leaving at 11h00 Friday or Saturday, getting back home at 08h00 Monday or Tuesday. When we married, my other half knew this, and was fine with it. We brought up 3 kids. I held a full-time technician job in a music shop, too. I couldn't do it at that pace now, but family life can be fitted in very well, with goodwill all round. How about deep-sea fishermen, away for months, or military bods, away for long spells..? 4-hours gigs..? Bah. Chicken feed. S'nothin', when one's young enough..! [/quote] How about deep sea fishing? I bet more than 1 has come home to a big surprise. Blue

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1494363780' post='3295445'] I think that you are exaggerating the impact of being a gigging musician on relationships. Of all the relationships I have been in over the years, I don't think that playing in a band has been a significant problem (god knows there have been plenty other issues). They all knew that I would be away gigging regularly when I met them and were generally pretty supportive. I would say that the same applies for most of my muso mates (with a few notable exceptions)... [/quote] With me, they were supportive until the actual gigging started. Remember in the States bar gigs are 4 hours. That means leaving home at 5:00 and getting home at 3:00am. Blue

[quote name='PaulGibsonBass' timestamp='1494282318' post='3294748'] Why? I'm not exactly young but I'm married with a young family and I am in a gigging band. Works for me. [/quote] Depends, if you play for a living and it's how you support your family, then that's a different story. If it's not how you make a living and your wife is cool with you gigging every Friday & Saturday night then your the exception to the rule. Blue

"Street Life" Another classic! Blue

[quote name='timmo' timestamp='1494293830' post='3294771'] Does Beck count? He started as a guitarist. I would imagine he understands how to play if it is true that he can play 12 instruments. [/quote] He might be able to play 12 instruments, but what instruments and at what level. Blue

[quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1494274830' post='3294667'] Seriously? Have another listen to Maggie May and get back to us! Think he was wearing 16oz boxing gloves and two blindfolds. [/quote] Ronnie is an all around great artist, whether it be psinting, guitar or bass. Ever listen to "Spanish Boots"? He gets it. Blue

[quote name='Geddys nose' timestamp='1494276766' post='3294686'] Carole Kaye was teaching guitar at 14 and played guitar on 'La Bamba' before turning to bass,Played both on a lot of sessions. Remarkable musician IMO. [/quote] Yes indeed The real deal without speed, slaps or thumps. Blue