Bluewine

Billy Cobham and Randy Brecker on 9/30. They're playing a small bar in Milwaukee. And when I say snall I mean with 100 people the place is packed. $30.00 Blue

Good for you. Honestly you can make a lot more money providing and running sound than playing bass. Blue

Where were you playing? Was the van locked and insured? Blue

Thats fantastic! Blue

In my neck of the woods there are maybe 2 big agencies and they mainly cater to the well known cover bands that have been around for years. These agencies also own the sound and light companies. They can book $1,200.00 shows however when you pay $700.00- $800.00 for sound and lights they're not making anymore money than us. We have our own sound and lights Blue

Here's something none of us should forget about. Always be super gracious, humble and nice to the owners and staff. I know there's some jerks out there but overall it's a good protocol and all band members should be on board. Blue

Thanks Happy Jack, Great commentary, just the kind of stuff I was looking for. Blue

I just recieved this text: "Confirmed,Harley Davidson's The MotorJan 25th, 5:30-8:30" We have been working with Harley for several years mostly outdoor summer Ralleys. We were able to build that relation and now have steady bookings at The Motor which is a part of. The Harley Museum. Don't get me wrong weve built some relationships that have gotten us nowhere. Blue

I've often seen guys out on things like The Happy Together Tour. Where you tour as the back ip band for 60s hit makers like Peter Noone, The Turtles, Paul Revere & The Raiders ect..... and I say " I wish I had that gig. Blue

It's interesting because Ill see ads for start ups that will say; " We plan on being out gigging by March" And when you ask about details about where tbe gigs come from and how you plan on getting gigs , you get " I know a guy thay will let us play at "Smokey Joe's" So you want 5 months of rehearsals out of me for 1 one off gig? Blue

We're networked with structure. Bookings through March 2020. But we depend too much on " call in" business. Blue

We're networked with structure. Bookings through March 2020. But we depend too much on " call in" business. Blue

What are your thoughts on keeping your band busy with work. What are the pros and cons of both approaches. A seat of the pants approach might be fine for the band whose goal is to gig sporadically, a gig here a gig there.. But for those looking for a steady stream of gigs a good stratagy with a strong infrastructure might work better. Blue

True, they performed without any kind of stage monitors in large venues.However there were other issues. They were no longer a little dance hall band and their material became very sophisticated and the technology was not there to perform it live. I will say their live performance of "Nowhere Man" is impressive. Blue

They do not have a bass dep or guitarist dep that I know of. We do have a drummer that will dep. Blue

I rarely get suggestions on my bass parts and I certainly don't make part suggestions to other band members. We're not that kind of band. Blue

Good point and at a time when most bands didn't have the luxury of not touring. Even by 1970 the technology was not quite there for live performance. Nothing compared to what big productions are today. Blue

Paul is still selling out 40,000 seats with no problem. But Paul's an exception for a myriad of reasons. Blue

In 8 years nobody has ever depped for ne and I plan on keeping it that way for as long as I can. Blue

Many of my idols are in their mid to late 70s. I don't. expect to see them out on the brutal road at that age. It's actually hard to see some of these artist that were big stars in the 60s and 70s playing to 100 people in small clubs because they need the money. Blue

And there's not much you can do about it. I have a rehearsal tonight where we're going to play 2 new songs. I know both inside out. I'm arriving prepared. If you show up unprepared there's nothing I can do about. I'm only responsible for me. Blue

Agreed. 100%. We have a young, strong, smart female BL who is a big picture thinker. The band really doesnt need any dated ideas from a 66 year old thats been in the biz since 1966. What was cool for my generation is probably not worth much today. Blue

Yes, on occasion I have suggested songs and been rejected. Who knows, maybe my suggestions were not that good. As long as the bookings stay strong everybody is happy. I really don't mind at all. I really think most band discussions and issues are different when your delendent on the income from gigging. At 66 I'm very lucky to be gigging consistently and having fun. Material, not really a big deal for me. Blue

True, there's really no conflict. I have issues with certain song choices , I have issues with not being able to make song suggestions , but I never complain or broach these issues with any of the other band members,. No complaints means no conglict. Keep in mind none of these issues were sprung on me out of nowhere. I knew what I was getting into when I joined the band 8 years ago. I think it's different for guys that sign on for one thing and get something else, which seems to be the case with the OP. Blue

It sounds like what type of material you play is a priority. How you find that depends on a lot of variables. We're all different, I don't hate anything we play , however I play a lot of stuff that's not my favorite. I'm in this for the money, gigs and the attention. Fun is a given, I always have fun. Thing is your playing with good people, what if you found a band that played all the sort of material you enjoy but they were jerks? I say " good people" trumps all. Blue