police squad Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Hey chaps, I've seen one of my Police tributes is advertising for a new Sting. Admittedly I threw my toys out of the pram at a recent gig. Dickhead in the audience started calling me a w*nker at the top of his voice. It was near the end in the last song, so I just told the audience he was calling me this and stopped. Didn't finish the song or introducing the band. Next day or so another gig came through but I rejected it telling the guitarist that I'm not playing there anymore and in fact don't book any gigs. I need some time off. The guitarist gigs for a living and I generally am very flexible about playing. I like to help and I hate letting people down. But for some time I've not been enjoying the Police gigs in the pubs. There isn't really the audience for it. We only gig when the guitarists main band doesn't, so it's not like we get the pick of the gigs. I've done it for just over 7 years and to be honest, I don't want to do it anymore, But should he have told me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 But even if he had told you they were looking for your replacement it's not like you'd have said 'hey I still want to play!' as you clearly don't. Maybe the guitarist knows your feelings on this as well as you do yourself and realises you've had enough of the whole thing. He wants to carry on so he needs a new 'Sting'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Don't think in this instance you can be surprised really. Don't let it fester and wind you up, have a word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 (edited) Move on.... as you say, pubs aren't where the gigs should be. The gtr will take any gig he can get ... anyhow, and if you want/need to put on a show, you've outgrown them and the pub deal, IMO. Edited September 28, 2014 by JTUK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heathy Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 If he gigs for a living, you can't really complain about him being quick off the mark in getting a replacement. Also, if you had already told him that you needed time off, was there anything else for him to tell? Anyway, all water under the bridge now. I would focus on what to do next. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveK Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 [quote name='police squad' timestamp='1411895666' post='2563535'] But should he have told me? [/quote] Maybe, or maybe not - they know better than anyone here how you might have reacted having been told. Had they told you, you may well have again thrown your "toys out of the pram" and left them in the the lurch. They're understandably covering their backs. You're not interested anyway, so what's the problem? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjones Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 I have great sympathy. I hate drunks. I have no time for them. They usually get the pointy end of my boot if they dare to wander onstage. if you're playing in a tribute band you'd be better of playing all ticketed events rather than a boozer. That way you get an audience that appreciates the stuff you play, rather than one full of drunken tossers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyfisher Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 [quote name='police squad' timestamp='1411895666' post='2563535'] But should he have told me? [/quote] Told you what? That they were advertising for a replacement after you 'threw your toys out the pram' at a gig and then told them you didn't want any more gigs. Think about it from their perspective, especially as they gig for a living. What would be the point of telling you anyway? Are you now regretting your action and actually wanting to go back? In which case, it's up to you to chase them, not for them to chase you. If you don't regret it, then you've made your move and they've made theirs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete.young Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Yes, he should have told you. Advertising is one thing, what turns up to the audition is another matter. Either you are out, or back in with a stronger hand in negotiations! If you were the real Sting though, you would be used to being called a w***er, and far worse :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 [quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1411898277' post='2563570'] If you were the real Sting though, you would be used to being called a w***er, and far worse :-) [/quote] I wonder how bad the singer gets it in U2 tribute bands? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 It could have better if they'd confirmed with you that you were actually resigning, but from what you've said it sounds like you resigned and left them with no reasonable notice period. If you want the gig it's down to you to apply to their better nature to take you back IMHO. BTW, you say "one of my Police Tributes". So, do we take it from that you have/had 2 or more? Maybe you're over doing it? Maybe you need another type of band to allow you to play being YOU and let the creative YOU sine out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beer of the Bass Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 I agree they should have discussed it with you before advertising, but I can see how saying "don't book any more gigs" might be interpreted as leaving the band. I wonder how quickly they'll find someone? I mean, playing bass while singing in Sting range seems rather a specialised skillset. It might be that you have a break for a few weeks and find that your spot is still vacant at the end of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 There are better gigs out there for the right act... and they want pub gigs because they are easy and the gtr can get very good rates. It seems to me that you are wanting different things... he/they want any gig they can get and you want a better show which prices itself out of pubs, by and large. Not compatible goals, IMO. They have other gigs and you aren't the priority... I get that, from both POV but I'd set the goal higher and if that band isn't able to get those gigs, there is always a band that can. The act is all about you anyway...but I think the money behind the gig is the most important thing for the others so they will carry on regardless... as long as they can get some money. Wouldn't worry about it Wiz... move on to better things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 (edited) Saw a very good band in my local last night and about 75% of the 'clientele' totally ignored them and upped the level of their drunken shouty crap in response to the volume level. If they had spent just five minutes actually listening they would have been absorbed, like I and a few other music lovers were. I've played some memorable gigs in pubs, but generally I don't think it's where it's at. Anyway I digress - in answer to your question, yes I think you should have been told, just out of common politeness. But I don't think you're too surprised about it? Edited September 28, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drTStingray Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Yes they should've spoken to you and sorted out what was happening. To not do so is a failing in communication and common courtesy -unfortunately all too common in my experience in groups (and with some musicians - and often the ones with the most challenged musical skills) - it sounds to me like you're unhappy with what they've done so if you went back their actions and the threat of it happening again could always be a problem. Have your time off and then set out on a new project - you could always start a new Police tribute band, particularly as you're playing the lead part - although the guitarist and drummer would also have to be good to carry it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 I think the essence is in how the communication went when, after the toy throwing, you told him/them: - I'm not playing there anymore - I'm not booking any gigs - I need time off If, at that point, he/they said. "C'mon, PS, let's think this one through, yeah!?!?", then yes, they should've told you. If, however, they said: "Sorry to see you go, PS", then no. You resigned, and they started looking for someone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 (edited) [quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1411898632' post='2563575'] I wonder how bad the singer gets it in U2 tribute bands? [/quote] Drunkard, at the top of his voice: - "But I don't want the new tribute band album on my phone :-(" Edited September 28, 2014 by BassTractor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gadgie Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Call them and tell them that they are out! Tell them you want to do bigger things and add that if they are willing to tow the line and book bigger gigs, then you might consider keeping them. Seriously though...it seems like you pretty much laid it on the line with your remarks at the gig. Time out might be the answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 sounds like you've been a bit of a pain in the arse to me, perhaps you're taking being Sting a bit too far, a well oiled crowd normally means a good gig, if song selection is right, most gigs are where drink is involved so occasionally a drunk goes over the top, learn to deal with it, it comes with the territory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 could be worse you could be mick hucknall in a simply red tribute Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1411908585' post='2563752'] could be worse... you could be mick hucknall in a simply red tribute [/quote] Eurggh! Or even [i]all three[/i] of the Jonas Brothers!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 ... or a Jedward? Imagine having to live with the hair! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve-bbb Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 [quote name='Grangur' timestamp='1411909778' post='2563762'] ... or a Jedward? Imagine having to live with the hair! [/quote] still better than hucknall Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 (edited) [quote name='steve-bbb' timestamp='1411910145' post='2563765'] ...still better than hucknall [/quote] I could be him... I'm also a fat bullsh*tt*r who can't sing. What? So we can't say sh*tt*r now?? Edited September 28, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Number6 Posted September 28, 2014 Share Posted September 28, 2014 Go to their gigs and call them w*nkers..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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