Bluewine

Same with our American Legion Club gigs. Not the most fun gig, however if we don't do them there are other bands that will and gladly accept the money. Blue

We play a local American Legion Club once or twice a year. Not a bad gig, always refreshing doing a non- bar gig. Lots of 4 prong walkers and oxygen tanks. Good money. Blue

I'm not sure what the difference is. I know we play a few places where people go to specifically hear live bands and in some cases specifically to hear us. We also play some places where people go to socialize and chat with friends and family. When the band starts to play they leave. Blue

I probably would not be here today if I had money and toured when I was young. At 65 I'd be great at it. Blue

Classic looking P. Blue

Depends on how you define big time As long as I have consistent work and getting paid I'm in the big time. Blue

It's always a good idea to have clear understanding what the band is looking for. For example, they might not be looking for the best player. The win might go to the guy with the best vocals or best look, who knows. You have to ask questions. I always like to know why the previous bass player left. Blue

If it was a money making band that I really wanted to be a part of, I'd study and learn as much about the band as I could as well as learn as much of their current set list I could. Blue

I took the bait on picking 5 songs from a bands set list. After learning the 5 songs I picked I sent them an email stating the songs I would be auditioning. Their response; "Oh we don't play those songs anymore." I told them I didn't think I was the guy for them and cancelled my audition. Blue

Me, I've never had rock star looks. I look like an insurance clauns adjuster. I have seen some guys that were fantastic rock musicians but didn't have the look and it held them back Blue

This is what I would do. I would diplomatically request they tell you which 5 songs to learn for the audition. You might pick 5 songs from their set list that they no longer perform or rarely perform. That alone can set your audition off to a bad start. Blue

Exactly, and we're not. Blue

We gig a lot but we are far from what I would call a a professional band Blue

I've been gigging since 1966. I still make my share of mistakes. If I were in a professional band I think that would change for the better. Blue

In my area they have " open mic" nights. Mostly acoustic and primarily for local singer song writers that need a chance to perform live in front of an audience. Jam sessions are only for the heavy hitters and you have to be invited. Blue

We had a blast playing Ariba's last night in Butler. Low ceilings and carpeted floors made it easy to dial in our sound.And the bar was right next to our spot in the front of the room. Nice crowd and Ariba's now has bands on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Blue

Yeah! We got our Summerfest 2018 slot today. July 8th 5;00-6:00 on the U- Line Rock Stage. Not the best slot but better than a 10:00 am slot. Most local bands never get to play Summerfest, this is my 7th year in a row playing Summerfest. Blue

I dropped my yellow MIJ Fender P face first onto asphalt. Small ding on the side of the body. No big deal Blue

I guess it depends on the band and the level you play in. For us it's like a traditional job, if you have no experience you don't get the job. We're not providing on the job training. Now, if we didn't gig or if we were a gig once a month band, experience would not be a big deal. Blue

I know how you feel. I play with great people. From day 1, which was 7 years ago, they're easy to get along with, very organized and more than fair regarding pay. In my area, I doubt I could find another band like this. Blue

Drinking on the job, something I don't do and frown on. However, Musicians are going to drink, a battle I don't want to take on. Blue

Personality conflicts, nightmares usually. We're not around each other enough for those things to fester. We only see each other at gigs and we all know we're there to have fun and play music. And nothing but have fun and play music Blue

Pete, If I had the opportunity to play with Daryl from Genesis or Greg Koch, I'd do it for free. Blue

Playing the music you like as a primary requirement could be tricky. I had to compromise on that one a bit. Most guys that I know that will only play music they like are not in bands. Blue

Excellent point. I, being a product of the 60s would have a hard time with youngsters who's funk reference is Bruno Mars. Our band leader is half my age and we play several vintage 60s rock songs. These songs are a part of my history. When I perform them ,I know and feel these songs different from some born 40 years after the song. BTW, I'm a huge Sly Stone fan. If I mentioned the song "Dance To The Music" and the band response was " what's that?" It would be a deal breaker. On the other side of the coin, I wouldn't fit in with youngsters that want to play Ed Sheeran. The point, a significant age difference can be an issue and something we might want to think about. Blue