I Hate Gigging!

[ezbass]

4 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

 

Relationships between band members become tense?

 

That has never happened in my band. We only see each other at gigs and we don't talk to each other. Lol 😀

 

Blue

I found myself at loggerheads with the band leaders of 2 bands. The smart thing was to leave. I’m still friends with one and have played with him on a one off basis since, the other still continues to be a tool according to other musicians of my acquaintance who have had the misfortune to work with him.

 

I was very lucky in my last band, in that we really enjoyed each other’s company off stage too.

[TimR]

1 hour ago, zbd1960 said:

I have just about zero experience of the types of bands and playing being talked about here. I have a lot of experience of performing in concerts, either as a singer in a choir, or as a instrumentalist on cello or sax in various sizes of orchestra/band/ensemble. 

 

The advantage of that is that such groups have a music director whose job it is to sort out and plan repertoire and to run the rehearsals and ultimately conduct the concert.

 

The downside of that unless you're part of the administration and involved in the decision making is that you get no say in what is to be performed.  It's a very different world, since you typically have 8 or 10 rehearsals on a programme and then one concert, and then you start all over again. You could go ten years and not encounter the work again.

 

I found playing in bands like that, you're given the dots to play. No improvisation, you play the arrangement. The great aspect of that is that you know the finished article will sound good, and you don't have to spend time working out your part. Turn up and play what's written. 

 

I remember once we bought in a pro  conductor for a concert, he stopped us during a rehearsal and asked the drummer what the hell he was playing, the drummer couldn't read music, and up until then the conductors had let it slide if it fitted. 😆

 

If you think Sex on Fire is boring you want to try playing some Tuba lines...

 

 

[peteb]

4 minutes ago, TimR said:

 

I remember once we bought in a pro  conductor for a concert, he stopped us during a rehearsal and asked the drummer what the hell he was playing 

 

 

I have been that conductor...! 

 

[Bluewine]

9 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

 

Relationships between band members become tense?

 

That has never happened in my band. We only see each other at gigs and we don't talk to each other. Lol 😀

 

Blue

 

We just sit around and silently judge each other.lol 😆

[Passinwind]

8 minutes ago, TimR said:

 

I found playing in bands like that, you're given the dots to play. No improvisation, you play the arrangement. The great aspect of that is that you know the finished article will sound good, and you don't have to spend time working out your part. Turn up and play what's written. 

 

I remember once we bought in a pro  conductor for a concert, he stopped us during a rehearsal and asked the drummer what the hell he was playing, the drummer couldn't read music, and up until then the conductors had let it slide if it fitted. 😆

 

If you think Sex on Fire is boring you want to try playing some Tuba lines...

 

 

Heh! I did a stint in my my local community big band a few years back. I had never done the usual jazz band stint in school and felt I might as well take a stab at improving my dot reading, plus I had quite a bit of gigging experience with the first chair guys doing the usual Real Book small combo thing. Many of their charts had long open sections with just chords, maybe with a sample walking line, maybe not even. No problem there, but catching and/or providing all the section cues and nailing the dynamics as written took a lot of homework. When I'd get asked to mentor the local high school kids it was a real mixed bag, and they were definitely doing plenty of the teaching!

[nilorius]

7 hours ago, TimR said:

I don't see how this is possible in a band of 4 people. Then in a bigger band it becomes more and more difficult to find music that every member of the band likes and that will engage the audience. 

 

No wonder so many of you don't want to gig and prefer to stay at home on your own. 

 

To me that's the opposite of why I play music. The sum of the parts and the socialising is what makes music fun. 

😃

[Greg.Bassman]

On 14/07/2019 at 08:27, Newfoundfreedom said:

I can't be the only one, can I?

Don't get me wrong, I love being in a band, hanging around with my mates making music, that's where the pleasure comes from for me. I know public performance is the pinnacle of being in a band for most people, but I'm just not feeling it. The way I feel at the minute, I honestly wouldn't care if I never played in public again

Lugging gear around, trying to fit it all in the car. Spending the best part of an hour at the other end unloading it and setting everything up. Standing round like a spare part waiting to go on, then performing to a load of annoying, well lubricated people, who, in many cases aren't even interested. Only to have to break everything back down while the audience who haven't shown a bit of interest all night, start demanding "more". Then lug everything around back into the car, drive home, lug it around again into the house and finally get to relax about 3 hours after the people you've been "entertaining" have gone to bed. 

The only part I actually enjoy is if we get time for a couple of cheeky pints after the gig.

Why do I do it? 

 

I have not performed in a long time. But when I did, I did not appreciate the travel and ‘lugging’ either. But that said, I have had worst jobs that involve these. This is what I used to tell myself when loading in/out of shows and such. It makes the whole thing feel like a breeze. Beautiful venues and people make it worth it also 🙂

[Sida79]

I'm the same + don't drink alcohol + am nervous around people regardless of the event + am an extremely morning person and am sleepy from 8 pm onward.

[LewisK1975]

The first UK Lockdown in 2020 was a turning point for me.  I had done my last gig in Feb / March 2020 just before the pubs closed, then I remember during August they were talking about re-opening the pubs and I realised after 5/6 months off, I hadn't missed gigging at all, which had to be telling me something, right?  So I made the decision to quit the bands I was in there and then.  As it turned out, live music wasn't allowed in the pubs anyway, so I hadn't left anyone in the lurch, so to speak.

[Marc S]

I've done fewer gigs so far this year than I would have expected. But I have to say, the ones I've done have been pretty good. I think most punters are up for a bit of live music - having missed it so much.

I really missed playing gigs during lockdown, and I missed my band-mates. Some of them are great pals who I'm glad I know. Last summer, my acoustic covers outfit played some really nice pub garden / ale festival outdoor events, and they were brilliant. Thinking more about it - were it not for gigging, I wouldn't have met some fab people, and there are pubs and towns / villages I may never have discovered.

Perhaps I just didn't gig enough when I was first in a band many years back? Perhaps my near 25 year absence from playing made me more keen to play live? Perhaps I've met the "right" band-mates? Perhaps it's all of these factors, but I'm really enjoying playing and gigging again, and long may that continue  

Re the "lugging equipment" issue - I've worked on putting together the lightest weight, least bulky gear that I can reasonably afford, and that helps.

[Dr.Dave]

I find people from all walks of life are basically fin de cloches who get on my thre'pennies so I can't hate gigging for that. In fact I don't hate gigging at all but I do find one huge disadvantage of being a player is that can't just sit back and enjoy music anymore. I have to pick it apart etc etc. It seems to be my nature , though , to be creator rather than consumer so I suppose it was inevitable. 

[leroydiamond]

3 hours ago, Dr.Dave said:

I find people from all walks of life are basically fin de cloches who get on my thre'pennies so I can't hate gigging for that. In fact I don't hate gigging at all but I do find one huge disadvantage of being a player is that can't just sit back and enjoy music anymore. I have to pick it apart etc etc. It seems to be my nature , though , to be creator rather than consumer so I suppose it was inevitable. 

Spot on. That was the same for me when I was actively gigging. After 40 years of it, I stopped and since then I really enjoy listening to music, in way that just was not possible when I was gigging. I go to gigs now and could not give a toss about the bass player, what gear he is using etc. I am a punter now and my point of reference for how I receive music is completely different from when I played and I prefer it this way.

Edited April 21, 2022 by leroydiamond

[leroydiamond]

7 hours ago, LewisK1975 said:

The first UK Lockdown in 2020 was a turning point for me.  I had done my last gig in Feb / March 2020 just before the pubs closed, then I remember during August they were talking about re-opening the pubs and I realised after 5/6 months off, I hadn't missed gigging at all, which had to be telling me something, right?  So I made the decision to quit the bands I was in there and then.  As it turned out, live music wasn't allowed in the pubs anyway, so I hadn't left anyone in the lurch, so to speak.

I stopped a year before lockdown for what I thought would be a short break. Fully expected to be back at it, but to my surprise, I put my bass down and never went back to it. Enjoying life more than ever. Getting away at weekends and regular holidays whenever I please. Guess I was playing for many years and it was time for a change. I just did not realise it till I stopped.

[Bluewine]

On 20/04/2022 at 03:58, Greg.Bassman said:

I have not performed in a long time. But when I did, I did not appreciate the travel and ‘lugging’ either. But that said, I have had worst jobs that involve these. This is what I used to tell myself when loading in/out of shows and such. It makes the whole thing feel like a breeze. Beautiful venues and people make it worth it also 🙂

 

We all occasionally experience crappy venues with treacherous load ins and outs. You can avoid those. Like you said we also get to see cool venues with great sound / lights, professional engineers and stage management.

 

Blue

[Bluewine]

9 hours ago, leroydiamond said:

Spot on. That was the same for me when I was actively gigging. After 40 years of it, I stopped and since then I really enjoy listening to music, in way that just was not possible when I was gigging. I go to gigs now and could not give a toss about the bass player, what gear he is using etc. I am a punter now and my point of reference for how I receive music is completely different from when I played and I prefer it this way.

 

 

The only thing I ever wanted out of this , was to be in a good band with consistent gigs that made money.

 

I didn't get that until 10 years ago. I enjoy it and have no plans on stopping.

 

I need the attention and the money.

 

Blue

[Bluewine]

13 hours ago, Marc S said:

I've done fewer gigs so far this year than I would have expected. But I have to say, the ones I've done have been pretty good. I think most punters are up for a bit of live music - having missed it so much.

I really missed playing gigs during lockdown, and I missed my band-mates. Some of them are great pals who I'm glad I know. Last summer, my acoustic covers outfit played some really nice pub garden / ale festival outdoor events, and they were brilliant. Thinking more about it - were it not for gigging, I wouldn't have met some fab people, and there are pubs and towns / villages I may never have discovered.

Perhaps I just didn't gig enough when I was first in a band many years back? Perhaps my near 25 year absence from playing made me more keen to play live? Perhaps I've met the "right" band-mates? Perhaps it's all of these factors, but I'm really enjoying playing and gigging again, and long may that continue  

Re the "lugging equipment" issue - I've worked on putting together the lightest weight, least bulky gear that I can reasonably afford, and that helps.

 

One of our guitarist has switched over and goes direct out into the sound with one of those modeling amps from Kemper

( they're not cheap). It's a floor unit. He walks into our gigs with his guitar in one hand , stand in the other and the Kemper is in his back pack.  I'm exploring this type of option for myself.

 

Blue

[Bluewine]

On 20/04/2022 at 03:58, Greg.Bassman said:

I have not performed in a long time. But when I did, I did not appreciate the travel and ‘lugging’ either. But that said, I have had worst jobs that involve these. This is what I used to tell myself when loading in/out of shows and such. It makes the whole thing feel like a breeze. Beautiful venues and people make it worth it also 🙂

 

Beautiful venues and working with professionals makes it all worth while for me. There are places we played 2 years ago we wouldn't think of playing now. 

 

We turn down more gigs than we accept.

 

Blue

[Marc S]

5 hours ago, Bluewine said:

 

One of our guitarist has switched over and goes direct out into the sound with one of those modeling amps from Kemper

( they're not cheap). It's a floor unit. He walks into our gigs with his guitar in one hand , stand in the other and the Kemper is in his back pack.  I'm exploring this type of option for myself.

 

Blue

Hi @blue

The lead guitarist in one of my bands bought himself a Kemper during lockdown, so he could explore & play around with sounds & effects.

 

He used to have a huge array of pedals, and his levels were sometimes up & down like crazy. As you say, his Kemper is really small.... and crazily loud for its size too.

 

His levels are far easier for him to control now. Some great sounds with the unit. He can even choose a particular guitarist's sound - and its spot on. He's still learning some of the myriad of controls, as there seem to be endless options.

 

We did a gig last weekend - and it was just one trip from the car for him. That's a huge bonus

[Bluewine]

On 22/04/2022 at 03:47, Marc S said:

Hi @blue

The lead guitarist in one of my bands bought himself a Kemper during lockdown, so he could explore & play around with sounds & effects.

 

He used to have a huge array of pedals, and his levels were sometimes up & down like crazy. As you say, his Kemper is really small.... and crazily loud for its size too.

 

His levels are far easier for him to control now. Some great sounds with the unit. He can even choose a particular guitarist's sound - and its spot on. He's still learning some of the myriad of controls, as there seem to be endless options.

 

We did a gig last weekend - and it was just one trip from the car for him. That's a huge bonus

 

 

That's really cool. I wonder how it would work for bass. I wonder what the down side is.

 

Blue

[ezbass]

20 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

 

 

That's really cool. I wonder how it would work for bass. I wonder what the down side is.

 

Blue

I know someone who uses his for bass primarily, he’s blown away by it and hasn’t mentioned any downsides. 

[Woodinblack]

2 hours ago, Bluewine said:

That's really cool. I wonder how it would work for bass. I wonder what the down side is.

 

 

[FinnDave]

After a couple of hours working on the allotment this morning, I reckon I hate gigging as well. Bloody hard work, and I had to carry the spade and fork there and back. 

 

 

 

 

 

Hang on - it's digging I hate, not gigging - my mistake.

[dmccombe7]

We only gig twice a month with an occasional extra one thrown in across 2 bands. Both bands agreed that was enough and would give us some weekends off for other socialising etc. 

Gigging every weekend would become a chore to me too.

The Glam band is fun and dressing up helps take away the stage worry a bit as no-one knows me LOL. It also means most people do come to see the band and the venues are larger and not pub gigs.

The punk band tends to draw in people who want to see a punk band and even tho its in a pub setting we normally have a lot of dancers in front of us.

My cabs are lightweight but my current amp is heavy at 24Kg so i'm waiting on a Handbox at 16Kg which will be smaller and easier to lift.

Have to admit i'm enjoying gigging more now than in 80's / 90's and then i packed it in until 2010 mainly because of work commitments.

I've always maintained that if i'm not enjoying a band its time to move on.

Money for the Glam band is good but we only gig 3-4 times a year and that annoys me considering the amount of rehearsals, the cost and effort we've put in so not sure where that is going to end up. For me its turning into too much effort now for the return on gigs.

On the other hand the punk band is gigging twice a month but money is considerably lower typically £50 / head / gig. All gigs within an hours drive so not too bad. No egos in the band and everyone gets on really well and i'm throroughly enjoying it.

Dave

[Stub Mandrel]

What I can't grok are the bands that rehearse but don't gig. It's been frustrating with the 'perfectionist' cover band  but second gig on Sunday and most of us raring to go - singer a bit apprehensive-he's the biggest worrier about getting things right and last night we had to tell him no tweaks! One run through the two sets and no changes!

 

 

Blues band... about a gig a month at the moment, we've decided another four or five songs to swap in and will have rehearsed them 3 or 4 times before gigging them. Much hungrier to get out there.

 

Love going to gigs. Now I've done a couple of open mike nights, discovered I love the buzz and meeting other musicians.

 

By monday I will have done 1 gig, five rehearsals and seen one OM and five bands in nine days.

[Woodinblack]

38 minutes ago, Stub Mandrel said:

What I can't grok are the bands that rehearse but don't gig. It's been frustrating with the 'perfectionist' cover band  but second gig on Sunday and most of us raring to go - singer a bit apprehensive-he's the biggest worrier about getting things right and last night we had to tell him no tweaks! One run through the two sets and no changes!

 

I can - I know a couple. They don't want to gig, but they want to get together and play, which is fine as long as when someone joins they know up front that that is the score. I joined a group once that just made excuses why they weren't ready all the time, and did virtually no gigs.