blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='Slipperydick' timestamp='1444293460' post='2881873'] Aint no feeling like it when you hear applause. Is there any other reason to play Bass ? Or to be in a band at all ? [/quote] Hearing a roaring applause after your band has nailed the hell out of a song is wonderful yet weird feeling. I love it when it happens but I never know how to react. I usually just stand there looking down at my shoes. Blue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretmeister Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='Bilbo' timestamp='1444294394' post='2881884'] I have never understood the idea of a musician who doesn't perform. Doesn't seem much point in bothering with all of the work necessary to be a player if you are not going to play live. Recording is great but it is a bit artificial in terms of securing a flawless performance. Also, I like the social aspects of live work and of interacting with other human beings, be they other musicians or the audience. [/quote] It can be an academic subject pursued for the sake of personal growth and enjoyment. Just like any other subject. Intellectual curiosity about a subject is quite common! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 Gigging, funny stuff happens that keeps you young.I'm 62. Last weekend at a gig, we were loading out and this short but really cute 32 year old lady with a really hot body comes up to me and asked me if I was married or had a girl friend. My friend and drummer hears the whole exchange. So I said to him ( he's also 62 ) [i]"See, chics still dig me " [/i]So it was a great laugh. That sort of stuff doesn't happen at home. The lady, I forgot to mention she was so drunk her girl friend had to come get her to help her stand up and then they escorted her outside. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I love gigging, and for me it's always been about communicating with an audience. BUT since I'm a classical organist at heart, despite having gigged a lot more with jazz and rock music, it's about communicating something about the music that might be new to the audience. I have no interest whatsoever to play something and they'll know beforehand exactly how it's gonna be played. Not that I disrespect an audience that wants to listen to perfect covers of well-known stuff. They're just no my audience. I'm there for new musical experiences. It may come as no surprise then, that for me it's about the music itself, and about conveying my respect for the composer of the material. ...and since it's about the music itself, I do not [b]need[/b] to gig, but could always just play the music in my head, or make up music in my head. I just [b]prefer[/b] to gig. If others prefer to sit in the bedroom and play what they want to hear themselves, that's cool too, and it certainly does not deserve any form of disrespect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaulWarning Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 some people just can't get past the nerves issue, it's so bad they don't enjoy gigging, and if you don't enjoy it what's the point? John Lydon said on Piers, is anybody in the whole world smarmier than me, Morgan the other week he throws up before every gig, apparently Barbara Streisand has big trouble with nerves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444319261' post='2882229'] Interesting, I say there's no such thing as a bad gig by principle. However, we do have venues we have decided not to play anymore. Blue [/quote] From my point of view, there are plenty of gigs I'd rather not do ..and by that definition, they are bad gigs. As I've often said, pub work is too much hassle for the money and so I want a really easy ride. That is not to say there aren't great pub gigs every now and then but trawling around every Dog and Duck for an average gig is not my idea of doing it properly. It isn't upto me if others do it properly, but at least I make sure we do.... from my view point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnm93 Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 Well into double figures f gigs now and still nervous, excited, a bit scared beforehand. Cannot see why I would not do it, now... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubit Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I love gigging but my job circumstances have changed and we struggle to even arrange a practise never mind book gigs just now. We haven't played for months and I hate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I enjoy gigging, and I play quite a few but certainly don't regard anyone who plays, but doesn't want to gig as weird. Maybe they just enjoy the challenge of the instrument or simply want to play for their own amusement. It doesn't make them any less of a guitarist / bassist or violinist than anyone else, only a musician who'll be inexperienced in playing with others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzneck Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1444283119' post='2881785'] Totally agree Blue, gigging is why I`m in a band. Yes I love rehearsing and recording, but gigging is the main thing for me. The whole buzz of it, driving to a new venue, seeing new audiences get into our music. Playing venues regularly and seeing the same faces at many gigs and chatting to them about the music plus making friends with them. I also love the solitude of a quiet drive home in the early hours. [/quote] This in spades! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerstodge Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='ColinB' timestamp='1444285654' post='2881794'] Gigging satisfies the insecure show-off part of me that nothing else can. And, like Lozz said, the quiet drive home (with perhaps a bit of classical music on) is sublime. [/quote]not when you're sitting in a 6 mile tailback at dartford bridge at 2am it ain't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I love gigging. Part of the fun is all the moaning we do about clueless venues, inebriated punters, idiotic bandmates, back-breaking load-ins... well you get the picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darren Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I need to play in a band and play live to keep the interest alive. If my band folded I'd probably give up playing. I'm not technically good enough to simply enjoy playing at home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvin Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) I know of several musicians who have absolutely no interest in playing live. Their motivation and wants from music are entirely satisfied by the writing and recording process and that whole creative side. There is no right and wrong way in pursuing one's musical goals, hence those who don't want to perform live, get the seal of approval from a group of strangers watching them perform, are as valid in their aims as anyone else. There's nothing superior, in my view, about performing over someone who doesn't choose to. I personally like gigging. Rehearsals are good fun but I prefer the discipline you have to have to play live, the pressure to get it right. I'm not really in it to have my ego stroked or garner the adulation of audiences. If I gig then it has to be with the right set up. I could probably get in a gigging band tomorrow, there's an ad of a band I know looking for a bass player. However, it's not a band for me, mainly the material...I'd rather burn my favourite bass than play their set list ( and play in the places they want to play). Edited October 8, 2015 by Marvin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1444324296' post='2882284'] From my point of view, there are plenty of gigs I'd rather not do ..and by that definition, they are bad gigs. As I've often said, pub work is too much hassle for the money and so I want a really easy ride. That is not to say there aren't great pub gigs every now and then but trawling around every Dog and Duck for an average gig is not my idea of doing it properly. It isn't upto me if others do it properly, but at least I make sure we do.... from my view point. [/quote] From what I have read and heard about pub gigs, it sounds like our bar scene in the States is a much better scene and experience for bands. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Marvin' timestamp='1444339472' post='2882481'] I know of several musicians who have absolutely no interest in playing live. Their motivation and wants from music are entirely satisfied by the writing and recording process and that whole creative side. There is no right and wrong way in pursuing one's musical goals, hence those who don't want to perform live, get the seal of approval from a group of strangers watching them perform, are as valid in their aims as anyone else. There's nothing superior, in my view, about performing over someone who doesn't choose to. I personally like gigging. Rehearsals are good fun but I prefer the discipline you have to have to play live, the pressure to get it right. I'm not really in it to have my ego stroked or garner the adulation of audiences. If I gig then it has to be with the right set up. I could probably get in a gigging band tomorrow, there's an ad of a band I know looking for a bass player. However, it's not a band for me, mainly the material...I'd rather burn my favourite bass than play their set list ( and play in the places they want to play). [/quote] I say, guys waiting for that perfect band with all the material you happen to like could be waiting a long time. Most guys I know that are in gigging bands and making money had to make compromises on several levels. For me, good musicians,good honest trustworthy band members,and a solid book of good paying gigs trumps material any day of the week. Blue Edited October 8, 2015 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1444306969' post='2882071'] If you want to learn a language put away the book and talk to people from that country. As a bass player you only get "match fit" by playing live and in front of an audience. I learnt bass so I could join a band and gig. I practice a new number when one gets added to the set and so far this year I've only rehearsed 3 times, for a new band. For me the only reason to play bass is to gig. The other buzz is when a good player says, "Well played". It's R4 or the World Service for me on the way home. [/quote] Thing about playing at home, your always playing under damn near perfect conditions. Playing to a perfect tempo,playing along to recordings made by the best in the business, playing in a sitting position. None of that happens at live gigs.There's a completely different learning curve you have to master to play live. Stuff that doesn't happen in the bedroom. Blue Edited October 8, 2015 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassTractor Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444342216' post='2882510'] Stuff that doesn't happen in the bedroom. [/quote] I always liked gigging, but now I'm starting to doubt. Maybe there are good reasons to be in the bedroom. Stuff that happens in the bedroom happens there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Slipperydick' timestamp='1444310810' post='2882126'] One of the best guitar players I know only ever did one gig, didn't enjoy it and hasn't done one since. Just sits at home jamming along to his 70s albums. His one gig wasnt a total disaster either, I know, cos it was my first gig as well. It was NYE, Good money and a friendly crowd. I cant help thinking all those bedroom players daydream about gigging though, and as for recording stuff to play back just to yourseelf. Eh ? Why ? [/quote] TBH, some very good musicians are lazy. I know one excellent guitarist that would never even be able to handle the audition process. There's a lot of stuff we as gigging musicians have to learn to put up with and adapt to. Playing at home by yourself is pretty easy. Blue Edited October 8, 2015 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444342216' post='2882510'] Thing about playing at home, your always playing under damn near perfect conditions. Playing to a perfect tempo,playing along to recordings made by the best in the business, playing in a sitting position. None of that happens at live gigs.There's a completely different learning curve you have to master to play live. Stuff that doesn't happen in the bedroom. Blue [/quote] But people who only want to play in the bedroom, don't give a sh*t about standing or having to play with a live drummer, that's the point Blue, not everyone wants to do what you do and probably 75% of them don't need the money. Folks just do what suits them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1444342565' post='2882512'] I always liked gigging, but now I'm starting to doubt. Maybe there are good reasons to be in the bedroom. Stuff that happens in the bedroom happens there! [/quote] For me, the bedroom is good for woodsheding and only woodsheding. Blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blue Posted October 8, 2015 Author Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='leschirons' timestamp='1444342965' post='2882517'] But people who only want to play in the bedroom, don't give a sh*t about standing or having to play with a live drummer, that's the point Blue, not everyone wants to do what you do and probably 75% of them don't need the money. Folks just do what suits them. [/quote] All I'm saying is playing in the bedroom is still taking the easy way out. Just because a guy doesn't care about the inconveniences of gigging doesn't change that. Do your saying the skill set it takes to be a live gigging musician is the same as the bedroom player? Blue Edited October 8, 2015 by blue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteb Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444343326' post='2882518'] For me, the bedroom is good for woodsheding and only woodsheding. Blue [/quote] Dude - you are getting old... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobthedog Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444343646' post='2882522'] All I'm saying is playing in the bedroom is still taking the easy way out. Just because a guy doesn't care about the inconveniences of gigging doesn't change that. Do your saying the skill set it takes to be a live gigging musician is the same as the bedroom player? Blue [/quote] I enjoy your threads as they are thought provoking, however, to accuse a bedroom player as taking the easy way out comes across as if they are wrong. They are not, they may just have a differing view or ability to yours. Personally, anyone (and I am not saying you do) who gigs for the applause comes across to me as being insecure, but that does not make it wrong or worse than someone who plays for their own enjoyment in a bedroom. Different strokes for different folks. I like the idea of playing in a band, but I could not care a hoot if there is no audience or money in it. Edited October 8, 2015 by Bobthedog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slipperydick Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 (edited) [quote name='blue' timestamp='1444343326' post='2882518'] For me, the bedroom is good for woodsheding and only woodsheding. Blue [/quote] I can see your point, there doesnt seem any point in sitting in a bedroom playing to yourself, especially not playing Bass to yourself, its not really a solo instrument is it ? Anyway, in my life, what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom Whats woodshedding ? Not a term I've heard before. Edited October 8, 2015 by Slipperydick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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