Cat Burrito

Just by way of an update, I sent Zilla a slightly curt message saying "if you just want me to go away, I will" - I got a very apologetic reply and this looks to be going ahead for early January. He was in the middle of an office move and I think I just fell fowl of that.

I'm sorry to hear that. It does sound like there were issues in the band anyway so you probably dodged a bullet longer term. I don't think anyone would criticise you for not playing that show. They fired you = a problem for them. Presumably they did that having considered every possible outcome so it's not an issue for you to not do it!?! 😼 If you stuck it out for 4 1/2yrs, you must have been doing something right.

My wife bought me one for Christmas a few years back. I always wear it and like it. Obviously if people can cut costs by doing it themselves, great.

1. Most memorable (for good reasons) gig played: Odal Rock Festival in Norway because we got treated like rock stars. 2. Most memorable (for bad reasons) gig played: First gig in my local pub after coming off a big European support tour. It was life telling me "Know your place!" It didn't help that the landlord was in a bad mood either. 3. Most memorable (for good reasons) gig attended: Michael Monroe in Bristol because I got to meet my hero, bassist Sami Yaffa. 4. Most memorable (for bad reasons) gig attended: Quireboys in Swindon but not for the band... my missus was drinking early & I wound up having to take her home just as the band hit the stage!

Oh & this early environmental song is great too. Harrison was in Chairmen of the Board (of Gimme Just a Little More Time fame). He had the weakest voice but made up for it by having the best hair!

I always liked Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction

I'll go with the mighty Fender Precision because it belongs to most of us! 😺

Absolutely. I practice more now after 31yrs of playing... just wish it hadn't taken so long to work this out! 😺

I play in a few different bands and use different basses for different projects. If I practice then it's no issue (& ditto the above re switching between upright and bass guitar in one band) but if I haven't practiced, I'll pay for it! I do find it harder if I throw a short scale bass into the mix but generally across Fender, Gibson, long scaled Hofner and Rickenbacker, it's no issue.

Do some research on the seller before you buy - just to make sure you know what you are getting into.

I always prefer biting sarcasm as opposed to physical violence. On many occasions the provoked musician comes off looking like an egotistical fool, if not handled well.

I've currently got both the PF500 and the PF50t heads, the later being especially great. I prefer Orange these days as a personal choice but I had a lot of fun for years with them. The 4x10 cab was especially great but I also used to own a 2x10 and 1x15 Portaflex cabs. Not quite SVT but certainly 100% Ampeg and I usually got favourable comments on my tone. I moved to Orange as it suited the bands I was in better but the Ampeg stuff was perfect for my old bands. Always reliable too.

Mates. Unless I'm earning as much as Mick Jagger, I don't want to waste time on negativity.

I think Rikki Styxx *may* be a stage name 😼

I've been playing for 31 years and didn't use effects until about 3 years ago. I bought a small board and was mostly using a bit of chorus on a few slower songs. I also had the Tech21 Ampeg simulator pedal that I'd leave on all the time through my Ampeg rig. I then changed to Orange and my rig sounds better without those effects so I have wound up going full circle.

I was a massive fan of my main band in the 90s. They reformed about 5 years ago and a few friends sent me messages to say I should audition to join the new rhythm section. I didn't because I was too busy but then went to see them with a mutual friend last October. I knew they were using bass deps so having enjoyed the show I spoke to them with a view to adding my name to the dep list. I thought I might get ONE local dep gig but I got emailed through a list of tour dates. "I can't do all that" I thought but I looked into it and figured I could offer to do ONE tour. I joined with the permanent new drummer but after the second rehearsal I was told that I wasn't a dep and was the new main bass man. It's been a struggle with work etc but has wound up being my busiest year and musically 31yrs later, I've never been so happy.

I think the trick is to know your audience. My last band had deluxe vinyl packages, tote bags and CDs, all of which could part fund touring. My rock 'n' roll band pressed a small handful of CDs last year and we still have 100s left. I've seen a former band of mine offer an EP for £2 and the perception was that it was cheap because it was rubbish (it wasn't) and yet other bands can price themselves out of the market. My current band has a nice range of merch and yet doesn't seem to do as well as my last band on merch sales, despite it being great quality. New territories sometimes mean better sales but if you play to similar crowds, once they have it, they have it. My thought is, if it is being asked for, do it. There's nothing wrong with doing it for yourself but bear in mind the audience aren't always going to be on the same page. As an originals act, we work the merch stall afterwards, much like we would work a stage during a gig.

I've always billed myself as a no hit wonder

We used them a lot (Reading based one) and any minor issues were quickly resolved on the phone. I like how the rehearsal is recorded and you actually get some quite usable MP3s of tracks to work on at home. I would definitely use them again if they were closer.

Thank you. That's not so much a band as an excuse for some old mates to get together, have a few beers and play some music. I'm in a few bands, the main one being an originals band that plays all over the UK and Europe. I certainly don't complain about not being busy at the moment.

I had the Ampeg big rig, but having gotten into my mid 40s downsized to a much more compact setup. It sounded great BUT this year I have done 3 pro tours and a series of higher profile supports with name bands at larger venues. So I have gone full circle and now have an Orange 4x10 and 1x15. The 4x10 is hands down the best cab I have ever heard but sadly it is also the heaviest. I am just much more conscious of ensuring that a friend is around to help with all the lifting. I'd add generally amps don't hold the resale in the way that basses do. So it kinda stands to reason.

We had an interesting one - a 25th Anniversary for the first album where we played the entire album in order. Plus a second set of fan favourites and a DJ set afterwards. We also did a guided tour around London beforehand with a few fans who had bought onto a coach. It was an amazing but exhausting day and the show was a lot of fun.

Sorry to hear this Lozz. I saw the post on the band page earlier and did wonder if you'd post on this site. Understand your reasons but I'm sure you'll be sorely missed in Knock Off.

I came here to say that if you write good lyrics the people who aren't bothered won't mind, but if you write bad lyrics, the people who appreciate good lyrics aren't catered for.... ...all that said, if Boris Johnson likes The Clash and The Stones, I'm leaving this thread now slightly stunned as I have the same taste in bands! If I find out he also has a Ziggy Stardust tattoo, I'll be most upset!