blue

[quote name='hiram.k.hackenbacker' timestamp='1490204434' post='3263248'] The only reason licencees are willing to host events like this is for alcohol sales. As Big Red says, it's business. We shouldn't be surprised that they want to keep as much of the "hard earned cash" as they can get away with. [/quote] I always say, if you find out it's only those providing music (the bands)that are not being paid, bail on it Blue

[quote name='Les' timestamp='1490203551' post='3263239'] It's sharp, but legal. We do the odd charity on the understanding that the venue pays our fee to us on the day, we will then hand it over to the charity. [/quote] I like that. Blue

[quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1490177806' post='3262816'] e I wouldn't have it any other way. Driving back slowly - on my own - listening to the BBC World Service is great downtime! [/quote] I love driving home from gigs around 2:00 in the morning listening to our late night talk radio. Blue

I've never felt that being in a busy gigging band, having a regular job and being married with young children was a good match. Blue

[quote name='Stylon Pilson' timestamp='1490172034' post='3262740'] And if I do decide to rule them out, what's a diplomatic way of letting them down gently? S.P. [/quote] In the States cover bands are about making money and having fun. And finding any band where you can make money is tough for most. Again, in the States turning down a paying gig is not going to hurt their feelings. Over here they'll have a lot of other bass players lined up begging for the opportunity. As far as the material is concerned, if you can't find a way to make playing bass fun and commit to each song, this band is probably not a good match for you. Blue

I've never toured. However my band has had some 6 gig weeks. To me that's like being in heaven. Blue

[quote name='Low End Bee' timestamp='1490108293' post='3262217'] I don't have to do the normal band thing and end up frustrated or doing stuff I'm not excited about.[/quote] Being frustrated in a band is not normal. For those of us that do our homework and only join bands that meet our requirements including material requirements you mitigate that frustration. Blue

[quote name='Maude' timestamp='1490128802' post='3262506'] I'd say it totally depends on your location. Where I live there is no public transport so a car is a must. If you go through PA with monitors all you need is your bass, DI pedal, lead and a tuner. Which will all fit in a gig bag. [/quote] This is assuming the band owns a proper PA or every venue you play has a decent PA. Personally, I need to play through an amp. Blue

[quote name='Rexel Matador' timestamp='1490127989' post='3262486'] I’ve been thinking about trying to join a covers/function band. It would be nice to make a few extra quid playing music. Most ads I see state that your own transport is a must. I can’t drive and don’t really see me learning any time soon. So I’m just curious as to basschatters’ experience and/or opinions on this. Can it be done without a car? Well actually, I know it can, because my bass teacher does it, but I’m still curious as to what other people think. [/quote] I can't speak for UK functions bands. In the States if your an adult looking at joining a functions band to make money you'd have to your own car. It's a must. Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1490128620' post='3262504'] That makes sense. [/quote] I'm real big on separation when it comes to rehearsal whether it be vocals or instrumental. At rehearsal it's not unusual for me to request working out a part with just me and the drummer. Blue

I paid $330.00 to see The Stones. Totally worth it for me. Seeing a band you've idolized for over 50 years. Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1489961172' post='3261158'] Absolutely agree that a strong foundation is the way forward. I'm just interested in how one might productively spend those six months. Let's say that's 24 weekly meet-ups to get an initial groove going, trial different material, routine the songs, sequence a set, work on presentation. How would you balance those different tasks and what do you think is most important? [/quote] Well, personally I'm big on a band leader making most key decisions. I would expect the BL to come up with a set list as well as what the structure of the rehearsals would be. For example the BL might dedicate some rehearsals to vocals only. Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1489946179' post='3261009'] I very much like the idea of booking the gigs first. Just now wondering what's the (hypothetical) plan for the six months between now and the first gig and will it involve fittings for stage costumes? [/quote] Hopefully you now have a sound group of individuals that are on board with whatever the goals of the band are. Because, ideally you have top notch veterans that understand how to be in a band you won't be dealing with silly egoes and silly drama. And most important , in theory this band will be intact and ready to gig in September with no turnover. Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1489873190' post='3260533'] Are we up to step 3 yet? Or are we still on step 2? Just wondering. [/quote] I think the main point has been made. An "out of the box" method for mitigating new band implotion. Booking the gigs before you actually have a band. It won't work in all circumstances, but it's something to think about. Any other closing comments? Blue

He saw and heard something in his head that was unbelievable and he shared it with us. RIP Chuck Berry Blue

Just a story on recruiting. Some of you know my band lost a really good drummer who had been with us for over 2 years. My preference was to advertise for a drummer and hold auditions. It was met with opposition. We ended up with 2 drummers that we rotate for gigs. My point, I was wrong. Advertising publicly would have taken forever and we would have had to deal with flakes. We ended up with a guy we found at an open mic and another was a friend who plays drums for a living who had Aretha Franklin in his resume. Both are now at the point where they're getting comfortable with our material. My point and what I learned, it's a pain in the arse to do auditions open to the public. Blue

[quote name='keeponehandloose' timestamp='1489789368' post='3259981'] whatever happend to sex and drugs and rock and roll [/quote] If you find it, great. Blue

At 64 I have to be careful, anything can screw my stomach up. I will have a small meal early in the day if I have a gig that night. I won't eat again until noon the day after. Remember my gigs are 4 hours with two 10 minute breaks. Blue

[quote name='gjones' timestamp='1489783598' post='3259900'] First get competent musicians. There's no point in bringing in an inexperience singer/drummer/guitarist, if you want to gig ASAP.[/quote] Appropriate members is a given, in this exercise we don't gig ASAP. It will take this band with full productio 6 months or September when the first of the 12 initial gigs are booked to be ready. Blue

Next step, would you advertise this opportunity publicly or privately? What would your ad look like I'd you were to go the public route? Blue

I also contend that when recruiting and your offering paying gigs upfront you can be picky. Recent and relevant gigging experience would be required. Now, I think this method of putting a band together would scare away flakes, but I'm not sure. I would say always have your "flake out meter" on. Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1489768334' post='3259715'] When it comes to recruiting I'd be looking for basic competence, reliability and flexibility over technical virtuosity and bug-eyed enthusiasm. For example, I'd prefer an experienced front person who can learn the words quickly and more or less hit the notes over an excitable, technically-gifted diva with no presence. Rather than two guitars, keys would be nice - they make everything sound a bit more tasty and open up wider repertoire possibilities. [color=#faebd7].[/color] [/quote] I'd also take keys over a second guitar. I would also like backing vocals/ harmony from everyone. Blue

[quote name='peteb' timestamp='1489754664' post='3259483'] The thing is that for an original band it is all about the getting the right people to hear your material and see your performance - the right support gig for little or no money may be far more beneficial than 12 decent paying gigs. BRX is spot on in his post of how to start an original band. The difference is that a covers band is all about working regularly. [/quote] Well, I see your point. However I did not want to differentiate between covers and originals bands because I have been called out in the past for making the assumption that originals bands don't gig much and don't get paid. Remember in this exercise the goal was to find and discuss methods of putting a band together and not have it fall before the first gig regardless, original or cover band. Blue

[quote name='Conan' timestamp='1489752969' post='3259462'] To be fair Blue, that is[b][i] your[/i][/b] arbitrary measure of success. I'm not sure many others on here would be so specific. What if it takes seven months? What if there are only 11 gigs? Or if one of them is not paid? Would that make the band start-up unsuccessful? [/quote] It's merely a hypothetical scenario of posibly ways to mitigate bands folding before they ever gig. There are tons of ways to measure success, This just happens to be one where it's measured by pre- booking 12 gigs. 11 gigs would also be an ok exception ,so would 7 months. Blue

[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1489746318' post='3259365'] If I was to be starting a new originals band my process would be: 1. Pick a genre that I like that also has a dedicated ready-made following. 2. Sort out enough musical ideas for about 25-30 minutes worth of songs (enough for a supporting set) and get them down in a form to play to prospective band members. 3. Advertise and audition for a singer/lyricist. I don't sing or write words very well, so I need someone who can do these things so that we can get a songwriting partnership going and turn my musical ideas into finished songs. Record a decent quality demo. 4. Once that is done decide what other instruments we need to perform these songs live, and advertise for musicians to play them. 5. Get some gigs booked and get rehearsing. [/quote] With this method do you think you will have booked your initial 12 paying gigs within the 6 months time limit? Blue