Where to start?
I am now 67. I am a fairly solid player with stuff I know, but in no way spectacular. I can leran stuff up to my limit, but I am not good, or confident, at jamming along to things (unless it's blues).
The last time I was in any band was pre-covid, and even then the last couple only lasted a few gigs before they collapsed in a heap. Some didn't even make it to gigging:
Got fired from one because their previous bass player moved back into the area.
One band had two gigs lined up but the drummer decided to take a holiday at the time of the second gig, causing the guitarist to quit in disgust.
Another band the drummer/main singer wanted to be band leader (Ok) but literally stormed out of a rehearsal when the rest of us suggested some ideas.
Yet another the guitarist was a Jazzer at heart and decided he needed to concentrate on that (fair enough, no hard feelings - still mates).
More recently got involved with a metal band which I decided wasn't really for me, so resigned which caused a domino effect of resignations (NOT because I had quit (I'm really not that good), simply that my quitting showed that it was possible).
Obviously I was a common factor here, but I genuinely don't think that I was cause of these break ups.
I have contacted a few people via bandmix etc. But I get the impression that a lot of the people just want to join an established band, or even just like the idea of being in a band again rather than the reality, without having to put too much (or any) work in.
Anyway, one way or another I have not played bass in a band at a gig for over 5 years. My main outlet at the moment is a localish open mike (with Mrs Bassy on piano/saxophone), at which I have played bass, but even there I seem to be focusing on singing.
So, to get back to the thread title. I am starting to face up to the possibily/reality that I may never play bass in a band again. Which is sort of sad, but probably realistic.
( I do occasionally play melodeon and anglo concertina in a folk dance band).
Do I give up on the idea altogether and just stick to the occasional open mike?
If that is what I do then there is no way that this would justify my collection of basses, amps and cabs, PA stuff and various bits and pieces. So I really should be moving stuff on.
I don't quite what I expect by way of any response from you all, but I just needed to get it off my chest.
CB.