Bluewine

At the earliest age possible; Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Understand what you want to do with your playing, teach, perform, write and what level you can realistically achieve. Learn to recognize pitfalls and real opportunity. Blue

Mine were. Blue

I think there's enough seniors here for this discussion. Playing for 50 years alone really doesn't mean much. What have you done, how have you adapted, and what have you learned that you can share that might help new bass players. Blue

Seems like there's this pre-conceived notion that rock covers are easy with easy bass lines. I say be careful going into an audition with that notion. Blue

Yes, even in my area a solid gigging band will advertise publically to fill a position.It can happen, but not often. Blue

Agreed 100% Pete. Daryl

That's a good thing. I'm not naturally likeable or personable. When I'm on stage it's something I have to work hard at. Blue

Are they're a gigging band? Great question, because it could be a conflict of interest. How many of you guys have found out that several gigs for your band were turned down because an internal duo had booked those dates? Blue

On the other side of the coin when a bar is packed with a supportive engaged crowd and the band is " hot " 4 hours seems like nothing. Blue

I never look for great Musicians, I'm a band guy so I look for good people, good entertainers, likeable people.Many talented Musicians are introverted and not really good candidates for a band. Take a look at this short clip. Jerry and Chet are both introverts, it's how they got so good. They make what is very difficult seem effortless and easy. While introverted they also became entertainers and likeable. I'm not sure what my point is. Blue

Cool, I hope your considered and they are what your looking for in a band Blue

Agreed, if a guy is looking for a busy gigging band with good pay , you don't audition for a "for fun only" band. Blue

In my area most publically advertised opportunities are " for fun" bands. Bands that are gigging a lot and making money don't advertise to the public. Blue

Is there a reason you'd want to be in a band that's out of your depth? Blue

We played a great looking club called Rock Country. The club is annexed to a high end strip club franchise. No built in crowd and I knew we were doomed as soon as I walked into the place. Awful gig, nobody came out to see us Longest 3.5 hours of my life. Good thing the pay was good. I'm sure they lost money. Blue

Interesting, the common denominator here seems to be attendence. Look for a discussion on poor attendance soon. Blue

This should be posted in " How Was Your Gig Last Night" but just as appropriate for this thread. Great looking club , very nice room. Awesome stage design right next to the bar. Nobody came out to see us. We played 3.5 hours to nobody. Blue

Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. Blue

OMG! Blue

That's why I eat very little on gig days and I never eat anything at gigs. Blue

Mine is a wedding gig too. We're not a wedding band by any sense of the term. Typical story. The wedding couple were fans of the band and booked us. They never considered their guest we're not fans of us or live music. The event was held in the basement of a Church, the guests sat at card tables. Not a high end event. We were completely ignored. It was like the band was inaudible and invisible. We served no purpose being there. Nobody and I mean nobody even spoke to us. Longest 4 hours of my life. Blue

An old topic but fun to revisit over the weekend. In the spirit of hunor share stories about really bad gigs. Blue

I was in college at age 20, my priority was graduating with my degree. At 65 my priority is enjoying retired life and keeping a busy gigging schedule. Men in my family typically don't life pass the age of 70. Blue

How about no value? Blue

Good point! Blue