musicbassman

Well done. That is very tight and very classy.

At 1.45, bass player has to turn round and stare at the ground due to sheer embarassment. I know that feeling, experienced it myself, when you just absolutely can't believe what you're hearing.

Blimey, they look like the boys down the local Quickfit tyres. Wheel balancing is extra, Sir.

"I think the main objective is to move people, make people think in their heart. I personally am not interested in appealing to other musicians. To me, it's more inspiring to move someone who doesn't know anything about music, but has a feel. They can say, 'I don't know what you're doing, but I just feel that's something there.' That to me is an incredible compliment, as opposed to, 'Well, you've just run up and down the fingerboard. That's wonderful, very fast.' All that means is I've just practiced the hell out of the guitar and I'm not really saying anything. I'm going from A to B, but not seeing anything on the way." Ritchie's right on this though. Especially applies to bass playing, methinks.

What a great picture, so much to look at. Love the drum kit. And it looks like quite a bit of 1940's style photoshopping going on there for the crowd to get the numbers up.

Dear Dan Dare, The word 'tribute' has nothing to do with 'fake'. A 'tribute' is actually what is correctly known as a 'paean' - meaning 'a creative work expressing enthusiastic praise' or ' an expression of praise or exultation' (Wikipedia) This may all sound a bit nancy noo, but that's the way it is. By the way, I personally am not a huge fan of tribute bands, but, hey..........................

Ha ha - well done HappyJack. I detect that your band's playing these numbers with tongues firmly in cheeks...... Great! - You've had a laugh playing them, the punters have enjoyed singing along, and everyone goes home happy. Job done

Well, I did play onstage with Robert Plant and John Bonham, but it's a long story.

Ditto here. At least I'm glad I had the sense to realise by then it wasn't likely to happen - I'm sure we all know of some band in our local area who are bunch of grizzled old rockers well into their 40's still trying to 'make it '

Most big power ballads. False sincerity, pomposity, masses of musical cliches...........................and punters love 'em! Special smelliest dogpoo award in this category goes to 'The Power of Love' - I remember playing this with several cover bands and wishing my life could end at that very moment the chorus started.............. "Cause I'm your lady"..............................Aaaaaaaaargh.........................................

Thanks for this. I'd never heard of her. Lots of clever thoughts, concepts and ideas.

Ah! - so here's the guy who's turned up for the audition with the blues rock pub band. I don't think this is going to go well.............................

If you're just looking for something practical and not beautiful you could consider a biggish Portacabin. Best for security is the builders site cabin type with metal shutters to close over the windows. There's plenty advertised on ebay. Then factor in transport costs and a mobile crane to lift it over hedges, gardens, outbuildings etc. to your chosen location. Did this at my place a few years ago. cabin was £1500, transport £750, mobile crane £1K. It's a 'portable building' so you may not need PP Mind you, don't consider this if you have close neighbours and you want to use one of these for rehearsals, sound insulation is very poor. Hope this is useful.

Blimey! Looks like you raided Granny's button box...... (successfully!) I must try this...................

This is so obvious, surprised it isn't the norm. Quiet enough to talk over, advising of arrangements, middle 8's etc. I worked through a 2 hour set of '60's covers with a band I was going to dep with a few months ago in exactly in this way. Had it done and dusted in about 3 hours. No noodlings or time wasted, everybody happy.

This. It's so great to hear of positive buzzing gigs like this when many seem immersed in doom and gloom.BrunoBass, can I ask what sort of material/covers you're playing?

Well, at least he's cast as the villain, not the hero. He's behind you!............ boo, hiss, etc.

.................if that was the case, I really wouldn't bother going to the audition!

This is all fine and dandy, but often - particularly if you're auditioning for a job in an already long established covers band - the song has gradually morphed over the years into something rather different than the original - this especially applies to the rhythmic feel of the number. You can start playing the original bass line and it immediately clashes with the bands current rhythmic interpretation of the number - although they'll claim they play it 'just like the original' This can also be a problem if you're doing a one-off dep gig with no rehearsal time - they'll start playing the number at a function and you can't understand what you're hearing - sometimes the number is almost unrecognisable until the singer comes in - takes you a moment or two to simply get the feel, meanwhile the band are giving you dirty looks.............

Here's a few things to consider when pricing- How good is your band compared to other similar bands available in your area ? (no, honestly) Were you recommended to the client? Are you booked up most weekends or are there big gaps in your diary? How many in the band? Just playing for dancing or putting on a big showband style presentation? How far away is it? (Time and fuel) How long are you going to have to be at the venue? (Lot of hanging around at some gigs, many hours sometimes) Direct or through an agent? First class buffet and drinks provided or a packet of crisps?

This absolutely, and the same should apply to any bass part - no matter how simple it might appear on first listen - there's always something to hold your playing attention, or there should be. Prime example - Higher and Higher - (Jackie Wilson) - just one repeating bass pattern, but so many people seem to play it sloppily or with slightly the wrong feel!

That statement you made contains all the information and job description necessary for your drummer - It's a covers band? = YES So you're going to be playing popular covers that people know, so you get gigs? = YES So are you going to play shoegazey obscure album covers? = NO! No band can demand that punters stay and listen to the band's personal favourites, they'll just vote with their feet. And there's no fun in playing to an empty room.

Gibson EBO bass = A 1950's Bentley or Daimler - never mind the speed, feel the smooth ride!

........recently left Pentangle tribute band - didn't fit in.............................

................understands the Circle of Fifths..................................