blue

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1479749950' post='3178965'] I can see where blue is coming from here, I've been in these bands where the guitarist "can't do weekdays except Thursday,and only for an hour before 9pm but after 6.30pm, nor weekends, or mornings or evenings" etc, my brain goes straight to- even if we get gig ready will anywhere want a band for an hour starting at 7.15 on a Thursday night? [/quote] Weeknight gigs are usually for Pros that are headlining major rooms, name brand clubs and theaters. For most of us in local non pro bands we need to be available for Friday, Saturday and Sunday gigs. Blue

[quote name='Thunderbird' timestamp='1479749688' post='3178962'] I do like your posts blue [/quote] Thanks, And I'm fully aware I can be a bit of a "stick in the mud" on certain topics and issues Blue

[quote name='RockfordStone' timestamp='1479720581' post='3178625'] there is an element of truth in this. i've had people in my bands who were not the best musicians i could have had, but they were competent and there personality and drive made up for what they lacked in other areas. [/quote] Exactly If I have to be around someone several days in a row they have to be good people. Who has time for flakes and those that don't understand what being in a band and working with others is about. Blue

That's exactly what I'm talking about. You took the time to think and realized you don't have the time to be in a band. Some guys will just join a band when they don't have the time and waste others time. I quit my job/career because life is too short and working with and playing in a band was where my head and heart was at. By design, I'm not in any type of life relationship that would interfere with gigging. Blue

[quote name='crez5150' timestamp='1479724330' post='3178671'] I'd say this is pretty normal..... I'm booking theatre gigs for next year where I have to pay a % up front for the hire of the theatre/staff/tech crew. We'll sell tickets and make good money on merch..... same thing. [/quote] No thanks, I play for people that pay me.N ot the other way around. Blue

[quote name='skankdelvar' timestamp='1479741130' post='3178871'] That is [i]very [/i]cool. And - surprise, surprise - you're rocking a Hofner. [/quote] That's a cheap knock off my mom bought for me. I own the real deal now. A limited edition Hofner Club bass made in Germany. Blue

It's a tough call, I've been in this same situation many times. You really do have to play to the room. Your sound will be different to everyone depending on where they're sitting. Blue

[quote name='Hobbayne' timestamp='1479718847' post='3178606'] I like the telecaster bass. [/quote] So do I, early 1990s MIJ. Blue

[quote name='lowlandtrees' timestamp='1479718598' post='3178603'] Not sure that I believe in bands anymore either. A few people come together for a while and have fun.....and it is fun.....then move on. I think it is important to keep moving and focus on the future.....getting better and tighter and developing songs and the sound. But a band is a small space for two people moving in opposite directions. I also think that in general democracy struggles in a band. One person with a strong vision can drive the thing but it is easy to get lazy and tuck in behind and opt out of contributing....I am there at the moment. [/quote] All goes with understanding what you want. There's no perfect band, very few of us ever find that. Some of us find ourselves working with the right people whose hearts, experience and commitment are all in the same place. Blue

[quote name='Happy Jack' timestamp='1479711628' post='3178562'] That is a GREAT photo. [/quote] Thanks, Sort of looks like an ad for Fender. Lol Blue

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1479704668' post='3178544'] I think you had false expectations of what being in a band really entails. Being in a band is about lugging big heavy black boxes into and out of your car and into and out of pubs and clubs. [/quote] To me that's a very small and insignificant part of being in a band. But, like we say, were all different Blue

[quote name='mikel' timestamp='1479592456' post='3177785'] Why should that be a default setting? I have joined quite a few bands with no clear plan as I enjoy playing with others. Often it has led to a new and interesting musical experience. Also, its music, its an art form, you should try and step outside your comfort zone sometimes. Sometimes it wont work but so what? nothing ventured etc. No one gets hurt. [/quote] It's not a default setting. It's merely my opinion. However, I think I'm right. Don't get me wrong. I also opinion that most of the time if band is suppose to happen it will. And we're all looking for different types of new and interesting musical experiences. Mine might not be the same as yours. For many getting out of your comfort zone means taking the time to put some actual thought into what your looking for in a band experience. And some nay be looking for a lot more than new and different musical experiences when scouting for a band. I know I do. For me, first and foremost I'm looking to play with the best people I can find, not the best musicians. Second, I'm looking for decent pay. Blue

[quote name='FinnDave' timestamp='1479000626' post='3173276'] Just back from my first gig with the Bob Bowles Band. Great to play in a three piece that believes in improvising around the songs. Had a very enjoyable time, I was actually hear exactly what we were all playing, which is rare in my other band. Paid well, and we're doing two more in the next couple of weeks. [/quote] Very cool Dave, Blue

I remember Al Anderson ( The Wailers ) was at that show. Not sure why he isn't in the pic. Blue

You get to be a certain age and all your old band pics look like you made an appearance on Top Of The Pops. Blue

[quote name='bazztard' timestamp='1479704949' post='3178545'] awesome stage setup ! public liability insurance anyone? we didn't worry about such things back then, and yes, they WERE the good ol days [/quote] You are right, there was nothing supporting that back drop behind the risers. Blue

Sort of looking for attention,admittedly. Many of us 60 plus guys reference the old days. This pic showed up on Facebook today and went viral amongst all my old mates. To me the pic brings back great memories and how marvelous the last 55 years of playing ha been. Looks like I had sort of a Liverpool look thing going on, LOL I'm the guy in the upper right corner.I had already been playing for several years. I was a High School freshman in this pic. The pic paints a picture or explains why I'm somewhat stuck in the past. When you look at the me, upper right, remember I have the same enthusiasm for playing now as I did back in 1969 (the date in the pic is wrong). Me and Doug, the guy playing the Fender Mustang talk to each other on a daily basis. The Yellow MIJ Fender Tele Bass Bass pic is from 2016 Blue aka Daryl

Mamie's on 35th and National, a 9:30- 1:30 gig. Cool respectful enthusiastic crowd for the first 2 sets, then things sort of went south. Blue

Sort of off topic. Experience folks and Pros never hire the best musicians. They hire the best people. There's a huge obvious difference between the two. BTW, a lot of folks and bands don't get this. Blue

[quote name='Painy' timestamp='1479680982' post='3178472'] You mean I was ripped off when I bought that? Blast! Oh well, at least I can make some of the money back on that nice vintage Satellite bass that I picked up for the bargain price of £1000. [/quote] There are literally ton of YouTube clips on how to spot a fake LP. Fakes even come with nice cases with an authentic looking Gibson logo. Blue

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1479383679' post='3176078'] I like all my basses to be constructed in California, keeps it simple. [/quote] I like MIJ, but it depends on the time period, the particular bass and the brand. Blue

Looks great. Blue

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1479198301' post='3174602'] This is very true. We had a bit of a golden age for the arts (and other things too) during that period and given that many of the stars of that period would have been around twenty at the time (obviously there are exceptions) then they are now all approaching that kind of age when the reaper comes to visit. Doesn't make it any less sad though and probably means that 2017 will suck too [/quote] I would bet there are a lot of musicians from that golden era that are all approaching 75. Some we know very well most we've never heard of. Blue

[quote name='solo4652' timestamp='1479252830' post='3175173'] Have I missed something obvious? Am I an old fart who should know what/who U boy is, but doesn't? [/quote] No, but I am. 😁 Blue

Mamies on 35th and National, Friday night 11/18 9:30- 1:30am. Blue