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[quote name='Hutton' timestamp='1455877172' post='2983141'] At least with an originals band you can make up your own mind whether you like their stuff or not. How do we ever get to hear anything new? [/quote] Absolutely - having original bands performing their stuff is vital. Its the new blood. Just responding to the post that asked if there was a different attitude towards originals vs covers which i think there is.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1455816387' post='2982716'] Maybe it's different In England. Blue [/quote] I think it possibly is. There is a bit of a snobbish attitude to covers/function/tribute bands though i don't know why really. The hypocrisy, though, is that the majority of original bands are pretty awful. This is why they play free gigs, festivals and band bashes. An awful covers/function band won't last long cos the bookings won't happen but you can keep playing rubbish original tunes for a long time as no one is actually paying anything for it.

The reaction you get is sometimes to the way that the criticism is expressed. Framing constructive opinion in a different way can get other outcomes.

5/10 - all total guesses apart from the Sabbath question

You could always give up bass and have a non-musical hobby...like Lead Guitar or something.

Only 3 years! That's nothing. I was sh*t for about 30 years and only recently think that i am anywhere near competent (which is a matter of opinion). Thing is if you don't enjoy the challenge or have fun, whats the point?. Don't know your schedule/routines but maybe you could be using practice time more effectively. Not sure what to say - if it really is a drag then do something else for a hobby.

Without the band it was flat and boring. She doesn't have a great voice, its all very monotone - almost like talking. She got a bit feisty when peeps started walking out and tried to energise the crowd by getting some audience members to come up on stage. It was a bit tragic - like a mediocre caravan park entertainment night where she was the Cabaret act who featured after Bobby Bigwoood's Balloon Animal show.

BB King was a legend. Young and starry eye'd we waited outside the stage door after a gig he did in Bristol. When he came out with his 9 piece band + wives and girlfriends he stopped and asked what we were doing. When we said we were waiting to meet him he got us onto his tour bus with coffees and teas, sat us down, introduced us to the band and entourage, signed loads of photos, gave us other stuff. We had to make our excuses and leave in the end. He was in no hurry.

Absolute shi*e live though. Was persuaded to spend some hard earned cash to go and watch her Karaoke show - basically her singing along to backing tracks. Loads of people walked out during the gig. I was hoping for a bit of Sly and Robbie but was more like Mr Blobby.

[quote name='blue' timestamp='1454528144' post='2970586'] Larry is not gliding over any notes he's hitting all those notes hard and clean. Blue [/quote] From the look of the record cover i'd say hard and dirty would be more apt.

[quote name='Mykesbass' timestamp='1454445156' post='2969871'] Some amazing phrasing going on there. Great choice Blue, but I'm pretty sure a lot of the younger Funk fans on here will love it if you give them a chance! [/quote] Hmm i got me started some man-strutting around the kitchen and i is in the younger (40s) group of Basschatters according to the latest poll

Hang on and see how the new fella fits in if this is just about the music although i suspect there is probably more to it than that

Never knew about them. Thanks seems a much better idea than fiddly straplocks.

Ironically, for the few years i managed to exist as a pro i couldn't afford all of these tools and stuff..

[quote name='neilp' timestamp='1454256157' post='2967888'] What the hell do you guys DO at gigs? 30 years of playing, never needed a tool at a gig. I have spare leads, a pair of 9V batteries and a roll of gaffer tape. Honestly never even needed the batteries [/quote] Its there if you do need it though. Sax player broke something on their sax and used my torch to help her see what she was doing. Guitarist is always using my string cutters. I broke a string once in 30 years of gigging too and managed to change it really quickly cos of cutters and winder etc. If you use all this stuff to maintain basses at home why not put it in your gig bag and bring it along? Forgot to mention the Sadowsky pre-amp which can be used as a DI if needed. Oh and plectrums though i don't use them. Fast fret too (for the smell).

Here is some great advice from Allen Gorrie of Average White Band on what it takes to be a pro musician. He should know. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcUjwbgK5uI[/media]

Spare Strings, batteries, Cruz Tool kit with torch, alun keys, screwdriver and string cutters, leads, spare strap, spare tuner. All of these live in my gig bag as well as the band pen.

What is "cool" changes over time in terms of the make of bass but colour has a lot to do with it for me. I don't like green basses and would never consider buying one no matter how great they might sound/play. Equally buying a relic bass to me is uncool. I want a bass to earn its wear and tear. Ultimately its in the eyes of the beholder.

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1454152591' post='2966941'] Each to there own of course. but relic'ing doesn't quite sit right with me. [/quote] I don't get it either. I guess its like getting a new pair of jeans and cutting knee holes in them. More about image than anything else.

Also a big fan and have seen them loads. After some gigs in smaller venues the band pile will into the bar afterwards and have a couple of drinks and are very approachable, chatting to punters etc. What i like is that they are very able musicians but don't get caught up in the posing and thrusting they just deliver great songs. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsVsxr-JYBQ[/media]

Yep - my LMII (made in Italy) is built like a tank. Not the same build quality any more.

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1453936462' post='2964546'] So it's basically the "Play any old sh*te challenge" then. [/quote] This really. I've reflected this response in the poll. Good luck though.

I'm still in my 40s and have peeps older and younger than me in the bands and "proper" work that i do. The one constant is that i am always the most immature in any situation. Age is a state of mind. My mother in law married an older guy and aged 20 years overnight. I married her young foxy daughter which might help keep me young.

Always come back to this awesome track. It has all the ingredients of what makes a pop tune a classic plus it starts on bass!