EssexBuccaneer

This has been an interesting read. My covers (pub) band won’t play for free except for a couple of regular charities we play annually. We want to arrange a gig in Reading sharing the bill with a guy from work’s band, but we’re in Essex and Reading is obviously quite a trot for us. The first venue we spoke to said ‘we don’t pay bands, but can give you beer and sandwiches all night’ 🤐

We use some backing for synths/samples etc. For some songs it’s essential - born in the USA is an example. We’re have one guitarist, one bass, one drummer, and a singest. Don’t like the things we do? You’re free to leave the pub 😊

Immigrant song. It’s not totally defeated me because I’m not giving up, but the runs are *so* quick!

We played The Chadwell Arms, which is becoming something of a regular joint. The landlord now greets us with handshakes and hugs, and the punters are very friendly from the moment we walk in. Last night was a mixed bag - we went down a storm, with loads of singing along, rapturous applause and a double encore. We debuted ‘free Fallin’ and I brought an old custom bass out of retirement as a one-off. The down side? Our singer has a new ladyfriend, and he was in full-on showman mode (presumably for her). He upped the rockstar act, which went down well, but the distraction caused him to miss a couple of cues, come in too early, or too late, and generally be a bit mistake-laden. I loved the positive reaction, but I’m too much of a perfectionist to overlook the errors. Must do better.

Not sure if this is the right thread but I got a call asking em to join another band yesterday. A ‘proper’ punk band, pistols, clash etc. 26-30 gigs a year, established on the scene. Sadly I just can’t commit to a second band, with work, college, family time etc, it would just be too much. If you’re in Essex and like the sound of it, drop me a DM and I’ll put you in touch with the singer.

We played a 40th b’day party last night. Had punters up dancing from the first song - that’s a new and novel experience, so we enjoyed that. Except we later learned it was because the do started about 2.5 hours before we set up, and they were already well and truly lubricated with booze. By the second set, the families with young kids had gone home, and the remaining punters had largely passed out/thrown up or were harassing the pub staff. Total mess of a night - even though we played well. Not a family we’ll be working for again.

I’ll switch basses mid-gig because I refuse to tune on-stage. Horses for courses 😀

Not the same, but I have another niche hobby alongside bass - I fiddle around with RC cars and trucks. Yesterday I went to a radio control shop in Rochester. I was stunned at how little the staff cared, also the poor stock and general mess in the shop. You’d think in an hobby with such passionate, geeky fans, the staff would have a similar level of enthusiasm and actually *want* to engage, chat and help their customers. Sadly it seems the opposite all too often.

Great gig on Saturday night at The Chadwell arms, which is become a regular haunt of ours, now. The small crowd were singing and dancing from the off. I knew we’d cracked it when one older chap who’d been nodding along throughout the first set gradually edged closer, and by the mid point of set 2 was belting along with us and full-on dancing! 4 encore songs(!) was a first as well. Absolutely over the moon!

Our Encore is Rage Against The Maching ‘Killing In The Name’ where I take a wander out into the crowd (and climb a table if one is handy). Is one of the highlights of my night! Horses for courses, I s’pose 😆

I suspect that your experience is far from the norm.

Also Iron Maiden, at The London Stadium.

If you want to be in a band, you need a PA - so digging one’s heels in and saying ‘I’m not paying’ is unlikely to prove worthwhile or popular. However in this situation it’s different, with an already (presumably) decent PA that doesn’t need an upgrade. I’d be happy putting it to a band vote and if it’s deemed unnecessary then it doesn’t get bought. I’m always bemused by the pickles that some get into with shares of PA’s, and I own this and you own that, and you can buy me out etc etc. A PA, once bought (by band earnings ideally) is a sunk cost. Write it off.

A long journey down to Fordingbridge yesterday to play the Hart of Martin mini festival thing. Had a good laugh, a couple of huge brain farts, so far from my best performance ever, but we enjoyed ourselves. Second year we’ve made the journey but probably won’t do it next year - just too much driving for the small crowd and little or no money. IMG_5332.mov

Everything I’ve seen in n socials said they should have got the guy from the tribute act (Hybrid Theory?) because he can replicate Chester. I think they’ve found a sound replacement. They’re not trying to replace Chester, they’re starting a new era.

I suspect that had they employed a male vocalist there’d be a lot less hate floating around. The so-called inclusive metal community isn’t actually that inclusive - it’s full of gatekeepers

Linkin Park - The Emptiness Machine. About 20 times now, and I love it. Is the new singer Chester Bennington? No, and she’s not trying to be. It’s a new birth of Linkin Park and it’s exciting as hell.

So, i’ve got this (for want of a better word) fantasy of taking my (6-string) guitar and doing open mic stuff. Just me on my Jack Jones and a room full of people (hopefully!) But man, my voice. i can hold a tune well enough, but my range isn’t great. I also lack the power of the country artists that I really want to cover. Has anyone taken vocal lessons? Were they worth it? Can anyone be taught to sing or is it just a natural talent that some possess? Any help would be appreciated!

No. A flat no.

We play ‘it’s my life’ - gives the singer the opportunity to bring out his spiel - “We’re gonna play some Bon Jovi now….but not *that* one”

It’s the balance between providing something that you enjoy without becoming exactly the same covers band playing exactly the same set as another band elsewhere in town at the same time. Nobody needs another band playing Sweet Child o’ mine and Livin’ on a Prayer.

Got sent this from the local rag, not something I typically read, but happy with my spot there 🤣

We probably gig once a month, on average - though we’re still in our infancy. We don’t need the money at all, it’s a hobby for us. The money goes in a band kitty for band expenses/improvements etc