blue

[quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1490993520' post='3269771'] Good call Bubs. I'm sure most of us have done "drunk txting" (or the forum equivalent), so don't sweat it. I can't speak for Blue of course, but that guy's been around the block and I'm sure he took it all in his stride. No bad blood... [/quote] I read the comment, I really didn't take it as insult. I know I have some positions that don't make a lot of sense. I attribute it to advancing years.😁 Blue

Every major bass signal recorded has some type of effect on it Me I'm running way to many pedals. I think most of us can get by with a little overdrive, chorus and compression. Blue

Everyone is telling me about this guy. I've listened to several YouTube clips. This guy is is far above my pay grade. His stuff is way over my head. I didn't get it. Blue

I get the one on one value. But can't guys learn pretty much any aspect of playing bass with all the on-line offerings and YouTube clips? Blue

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1490912087' post='3269090'] Yes, I let my only bass go, and my only amp. Then I bought another bass. Then I sold that. At the end of the day it's just a bit of wood. [/quote] I have a personal attachment to my basses, most are basses I could only dream of owning as a teen. They're also tools of my trade. For me my basses are a little more than merely wood and wire. Blue

[quote name='obbm' timestamp='1490905248' post='3269005'] I've come to the conclusion that there are a lot better bass players younger than me and that I should call it a day and stand down. Still enjoy playing along to my favourites and learning new stuff at home however.[/quote] Stay healthy. At 71 you had a great run and a sensible decision to bow out from the scene gracefully. The Elvis gig sounds cool. Me, I'll be the guy they have to drag off the stage kicking and screaming when the bass rock n roll Grimm reaper comes to get me. 😁 Blue

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1490905511' post='3269010'] Pretty much my attitude too, Blue. I love gigging, the uncertainty of what the venue/PA/sound-man/monitor mix/amp or cab I`ll be using/audience/merch sales are going to be like, the whole bl**dy lot of it. Even the drives back in the small hours, especially in the spring and summer months are a pleasure. [/quote] Exactly, we accept and understand the whole spectrum of local level gigging. All gigs are are not going to be perfect.Small crowds, bad acoustics, bad weather and even those gigs where your playing is off. Then there are those gigs where it's like magic from the first note you hit. My advice to guys new to gigging; be open minded, don't sweat the small stuff. Things will go wrong, don't let those things break your spirit and stay positive. Blue

I've met Doug a few times. Last time he came to Milwaukee with Vernon, they played our Shank Hall. It's not a Hall, it's 150 seat bar. It's still an awesome venue for headliners. I always thought Doug would have been the best match for The Rolling Stones. Blue

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1490883890' post='3268796'] I'm 59 and play most weekends, in fact looking forward to the end of April when we have a full gig on Saturday afternoon, followed by another at a bike rally in the evening. Plus gigs Easter Saturday and Sunday, different venues but both in Swindon (25 mikes each way for me). Can't think of anything I'd rather be doing, dread the thought of stopping. Thought I might have to stop after my bike accident 16 months ago, but managed to fight back. Busier than ever now. [/quote] Cool, You have the spirit Dave. It's meant for you.And like me, you enjoy it. I'll never understand all the "gig complainers" The guys that will only gig under certain circumstances and frequencies. If it's not in your heart why do it at all? Blue

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1490891001' post='3268885'] 64, and don't gig enough! I do find it hard, and arthritis certainly doesn't help, but 4 to 8 gigs a month is fine. I'd possibly do more if they were available. [/quote] Cool, good to know there are other guys my age with the same outlook on gigging. It's either in your blood or it's not. Blue

[quote name='thepurpleblob' timestamp='1490877234' post='3268688'] Well, not that old. I'm in my early 50s and have some health issues that really never killed anyone but it does make staying out until 2am a non-starter. I don't have the energy any more I have played in covers bands for years but got sacked (well, the rest of the band left me but that's another story) a few months back because I wouldn't play multiple nights in a week. It's all right saying you only want to play a couple of times a month but when bands start to pick up gigs they don't knock them back and before you know it... friday night, saturday night, sunday afternoon. I think I'm about to sell all my gear and buy some better camera equipment but I'm a bit sad about it. What are the alternatives? Any bright ideas appreciated [/quote] Scary thought for me. I've been gigging since 1966, it's the only thing in life that really clicked for me. At 64, I still live for those 3 gig weekends. If my band were to fold, I'd be sunk. Finding another working band would be impossible. If you have other interests in life you will be fine. I won't. Blue

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1490774912' post='3267776'] Only if you are not promoting yourself correctly... Money can be made in most genre's I would say, Its just finding the market [/quote] Fair enough but for some, not just me, the market in our areas is way to small to even bother. Blue

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1490781539' post='3267860'] I don't know, I think I am one of those guys who the minute you tell them "you HAVE to do X", will automatically hate X Hmmm. How long have you been away from the 9-5 life? [/quote] Officially, a little over 2 years. Blue

[quote name='thebrig' timestamp='1490641235' post='3266732'] Because going to watch someone in an everyday job [u]would[/u] be unusual, but surely what we do when gigging falls into the entertainment category, which is why it might appeal to some partners to come and watch us play.[/quote] Not for 4 hours. Blue

[quote name='12stringbassist' timestamp='1490750440' post='3267685'] My wife used to come to a lot of my gigs in the early days of us seeing each other, because weekends were our only time together and I was always gigging. Now we've been married for years on end, she has to be dragged into the pub next to us to watch me play. Everyone's different, but I imagine following you round 8 nights a month hearing the same stuff would get too much for anyone. It can be her 'me time'. [/quote] Agreed, me I'm single with no girl friend by choice. The whole relationship thing, not a good match for me. I'm not much fun. And over here, who wants to sit through a 4 hour night in a bar. Blue

[quote name='Cato' timestamp='1490735750' post='3267595'] I've played guitar in an (unsigned, if that's not a contradiction) originals indie band, I would have played bass, but I can't sing and play bass at the same time. It was immensely enjoyable. I'd love to play bass in a jazz band, These days jazz and funk are much more my thing, the reason I don't is because I just don't think I'm good enough. [/quote] I'd love to play in a jazz or funk band. The reason I don't, there's no money in it. Blue

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1490724136' post='3267436'] It *is* your work, no doubt! It pays your bills. The fact that it's fun is a bonus... or, perhaps more appropriately, a sign that you chose well [/quote] 35 years 9-5ing it was enough for me.How I lasted 35 years, I'll never know, I hated it. Life is to short, now I can "honestly" say I love my job. Blue

[quote name='radiophonic' timestamp='1490693427' post='3267053'] More likely a hopeless optimist who think that their indie band is inherently superior to all the others and therefore will get to gig where others have failed. Rule 1 with original material is that you have to 100% believe in it and believe that the audience will eventually come, even if they aren't there now. Irrespective of any evidence to the contrary. Peter Hook's recent New Order memoir states that he will go on, even if there is only one punter in the room, on the grounds that Joy Division played to a completely empty room, and an audience of one is an improvement on that. Joy Division didn't make a penny from gigs and no money at all until after Ian was dead and New Order were already touring. I think history has vindicated their decision to stick at it. [/quote] If your a signed indie band I'm sure people will show up. Notice my comment referenced " local level ". Thing is, a signed indie act to me is no longer a local band. I was confusing original band with indie band. Blue

[quote name='Maude' timestamp='1490682259' post='3266905'] As a curious side note Blue, obviously you do this for a living (as well as enjoyment), would you happily play in a band that played a genre you disliked? I appreciate that you don't have to at the moment. Just curious [/quote] I'm not really a "I don't like this or that genre" kind of a guy. For me it's more about business, professionalism, good people meaning the caliber of the people in the band. Now, there are some genres, I would gladly play but would not be a good fit for. Like thrash, contemporary pop, or country. Blue

I struggle with singing my background vocals but it's getting better and better. We gig most Fridays & Saturdays so I get a lot of practice. Being able to hear yourself in the monitors really helps. Blue

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1490711218' post='3267278'] Why "work"? One of the things that separates the good bands from the OK, or not so OK, bands is how they present themselves and behave on stage. How many times do you see a band end a number then stand around having a drink (a fag in the old days) and a chat before deciding what number to play next? If you're going out for a laugh with your mates and have some fun then that can lead to a very amateurish performance. If you approach gigs with a professional frame of mind then the band will usually look and play better. Work is just a short-hand for ensuring a better performance. [/quote] Exactly! Agreed. Blue

[quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1490697515' post='3267101'] You consider your band work too? I don't know anybody who has a day job that call their band 'work'. Yes, it may bring in extra cash which is great and all that, but calling it a job just seems a bit of... 'over-hype' to me. It may be for you, I don't know! It's just I was reading on TB about something a week or two ago and this kept coming with people talking about their band stuff as 'work' in a manner that didn't seem to fit their largely weekend warrior (and often just one weekend a month) reality. Nothing wrong with weekend warriors, at all, by the way. I just think that it sounds a little bit cringeworthy. [/quote] I consider it work, a 4 hour shift. I don't have a regular 9-5, by choice. It's a fun 4 hour shift, but I still consider it going to work. Blue

I say, guys be careful who you audition for. Don't waste your time with bands you know are probably not a fit. And don't audition for any band if you don't know what your looking for. Unless your 17 years old. If your looking for consistent gigging and money, seek out established bands with a giant book of active business. IMO stay away from "start ups" Blue

[quote name='KevB' timestamp='1490605208' post='3266240'] I'd be immediately wary of a band that charged you room hire for auditioning or that didn't make a decision if you were in the band or not after a couple of jams. [/quote] That's a new one for me. We've all heard "pay to play". But "pay to audition"? No thanks. Blue

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1490610430' post='3266324'] Maybe because they want to? I can't understand why anybody would want to play blues or soul music but plenty of people do. [/quote] There are plenty of guys on here that play in blues and soul bands. Might be a topic for a thread. We'd be happy to explain why. Me, it's simple. It's what pays the bills. Blue