Bluewine

You know what's nice, when you gigging so much you eventually know the whole show like the back of your hand. That's when you can branch off and connect and engage your band and the audience as oposed to being a slave to your fret board. IMO, you only get there from gigging s lot, not once every 2 months. Blue

Perfectly understandable. We're all different. I understand how gigging a lot can work for some and not others. I answer to no one and can sleep as late as I want. I'm single by design, as a matter of fact, I broke up with the last woman I dated because I knew she didn't get rock & roll or gigging. Our guitarists wife comes to every single gig with him, she's never missed a show in the 7 years I've been with the band. I asked her why; "Because I love watching my husband do something he loves" That's the kind of lady I need to meet. No woman is ever going to give me any type of grief about gigging. The money I earn from gigging means so much more to me than the salary I drew when I was a part of the traditional workforce. And I had a great paying career. I still feel that getting paid to have fun and do something you love is, well you can't beat it. Sure there's little inconveniences and every gig won't be great, but I still wouldn't trade away gigging for anything. I'm not important enough to hate any genre of music as long as it's professional and played well and I get paid to do it. I truly love this business and I love playing. BTW, sorry about the rant. Blue

Sometime I think I'm the only fool 65 year old with the same spirit for gigging I had when I was 12. I'd be in heaven if I had gigs 4 nights a week. I love late nights, love the club bar scene, love the money and most of all the attention. I must have signed 5 CDs and several gig posters this past Saturday night. I love that kind of stuff. Blue

Not meaning to derail the OPs thread, but the thought of looking for a band is frightening to me. If and when my band folds I'm done. There are no opportunities with bands that are in this for profit. Not that I would be considered for. Very few bar bands are out there doing 3 gig weekends anymore. Not in my neck of the woods. Blue

Les, we're not good at having rehearsals on adding new material. But even playing 4 hour gigs we have a lot of good material we can't fit into every show. Plus we have followers that want to hear the same songs we've been playing for years Blue

If not for TOTPs I would have never heard this song by The Foundation. They're the first guest on this show. Blue

Yeah,we don't really have that walk to the bar and walk home culture. I guess if you live in a major downtown metro area you could. But for the most part we're a nation of cars. Blue

I like the email approach, and guys if your a hired guns IMO you only need to give notice and discussion with the band leader. Also collect all your gear before giving notice. You really have to be careful about who you decide to give your time and talent to, especially if your in this for creativity and art. I'm in this for money do it's pretty cut and dry why I chose to play with or leave. Blue

I like the TOTP shows from the late 60s and early 70s. Blue

I just noticed that every Top Of The Pops show is now on YouTube. Loving it! Blue

Paul Revere & The Raiders, one of my favorite bands. Mark Lindsey, one of the most underrated front men. Blue

Maybe 7, which is too many, the only ones I use are my MRX Bass Octave, Phase Shifter, and Chorus. I've given up on my MRX Bass Distortion, it very hot and doesn't seem to like my other pedals. Blue

I mentioned a 10 grand minimum for a DUi. That's what you get if your pulled over and you fail the breath test. You don't have to be drunk, a couple of beers can cost 10 grand after fines, penalties, legal fees, breathalyzer equipment installed and uninstalled in your car. All these things can cause getting to work difficult and you can get fired.Not unusual at all. Blue

No need for a lot if discussion, I'm merely curious. On BC I've heard some say they don't like pub gigs and the blame at times has gone to drunken patrons. I've always been detached from this notion because I don't see drunken out of control patrons. In the States a DUI (driving under the influence) will cost you a minimum of 10 grand. This is why we might not see as much of this painful behavior as you might see in other countries, I'm not sure. What is the consequence of a DUI conviction in the UK? Blue

I needed a good gig under my belt and I got it last night. Intelligent, well behaved packed crowd from 7:00- 11:00. We play Ariba's a half a dozen times a year. We're always booked on NYE, St. Paddy's and Holloween. Great sounding room. Low ceiling , carpeted floor and we play right in front of the bar. I was tired and unenthusiastic on my 15 minute commute.Apon my arrival I got into character ( the happy fun, no worries cheerleader ) and after hearing the crowd give us several rounds of well deserved roaring applaud I was energized and was reminded why I love this business. And I get paid to do it, go figure. Blue

Definitely a US thing. Blue

Not sure this is relevant, I was spoiled by the first SVT I purchased in 1973 new. It was the best amp I've ever owned. I had the SVT, my 1957 Pre CBS Fender Precision and a Meastro Phase Shifter. By the way the MRX Phase Shifter I use today doesn't come close to the Meastro. I've been backlined with new SVTs, I'm not impressed. I've convinced myself that no new nodel SVT would be as good as my 1973. Blue

Yes, St. Patrick's Day, Holloween and New Year's Eve all big nights for bar bands in the States. Blue

You really can't beat St Patrick's gigs. Ariba's was packed for the whole 3 set 7:00- 11:00 show. Nice merch sales ( cds & t shirts ) and tips. I was happy with my playing, I've been working on being a lot more conscious of laying way back when the lead vocals and harmony are the feature. Just a great night. Blue

Yes, it's part of the business. It happens to all of us. Don't dwell on it too long. Blue

Actually the only Rollers song I know is "Saturday Night" Blue

Thanks guys really cool insights and thought. Blue

Agreed, and as I understand it, pros have bad nights just like those of us breaking our backs playing clubs, bars and pubs. Blue

How's this; If the band sounds good and they're having fun and the punters are having fun and spending money on alcohol it's a win for everyone. Blue

Would some of you agree that their are some punters who are completely detached from music and art? And when they see an act like Vintage Trouble they go bonkers and and think it's simply fantastic. I can't say I'm a big VT fan, but I like them and can appreciate their hard work. Yeah, to me it seems a little over the top, but what they're doing is not easy. Do people still use the term "bonkers" anymore? 😁 Blue