End of an era for me.

[dmccombe7]

After 7 yrs with the Glam covers band i've decided its time to call it a day.

Few decisions in the band i wasn't entirely happy with and after losing sleep worrying about it i thought best to step aside and let someone else take over.

Its always been a hobby for me and have always said when it becomes more like a job its time to walk away. 

I've offered to cover any gigs up to the end of 2025 or a replacement is up and running. Whichever comes first.

Shame as i did enjoy playing in the band but that's life and it will allow me to spend more time on other hobbies.

On one hand i'm kind of relieved and on the other hand i'll miss the good fun we had at gigs.

Not sure yet but don't think i'll be looking for another band to join.

I'll still be following everyone on BC tho and might be selling off some of the gear i've collected over past few yrs.

Dave 

 

[tubbybloke68]

We all wonder if we’re doing the right thing sometimes.Did you voice your concerns about the ‘issues’ ?  If they value you, then maybe they might bend a bit now, and compromise on certain aspects? 
If the situation is irreversible, then i wish you all the best in your future ventures, and never say never regarding getting involved with another band,something might just pop up! . 
All da best, Jeff 

[mikebass456]

I've been gradually stepping back from the frequency of gigs over the last few years - the current main band I play in only does between 4 and 7 gigs a year, so it's not very invasive on my weekend nights at home! I actually enjoy the regular rehearsals we have as much as the gigs!

However, I've been getting involved in an acoustic folk band over the last year, now playing acoustic bass and Kala Uke basses a lot.

It's such a refreshing change to the 'full band' situation (quieter, more relaxed, less gear to heave about, and it's all loads lighter anyway!).

It also opens up a while new genre of audiences - again feeling like a fresh start.  I hope you find a balance with your home and music - but as @tubbybloke68 says, never say never! All the best 😉👍

[odysseus]

Personally, as I've got older I have less tolerance for other people's penchant for being awkward. It's challenging enough to get four people who like the same music into the same room.... then someone decides to become 'difficult'.

 

A bit of time out can clear the mind and help refocus.  Good luck with it sir! 😎

[jonnybass]

These things happen sometimes.  I quit a band I had slogged away with for four years.  I was scunnered, ready to jack it all in and enjoy my evenings weekends and make plans without thinking "do i have a gig'.  Quit the band in July, joined an originals band in August, bought a double bass in October, now looking at recording an EP with the originals band and gigging/recoding on the double bass with a singer songwriter.  Feels far more relaxed and enjoyable again.

 

Dont rule out playing again, and dont sell your gear too soon, unless you'd sell me a lovely ACG bass for the £1.43 i have in my savings after buying the double bass

 

Jonny 

[Hellzero]

I've been through this a few times and if you can't sleep because of it like I did too, then you took the right decision Dave, but don't rush selling all your gear as you may find something more relaxed and pleasant to play without all the hassle. 😉

[RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE]

You've done well to be in the same covrr band  for so long imho . . I think being in gigging bands is like a job in itself . Trying to book rehearsals with band members going on holiday/ looking after the kids etc can be a pain . Then there may be times when band members are in more than one band . Booking gigs and following 5hem up can be messy.  I think the best feeling of all is playing in front of people . A great rehearsal is great too .  I don't miss it at all , but it took about a month to realise that .

When the fun stops stop 🙂 wishing you all the best anyway 

[Burns-bass]

As everyone else says, don’t do anything too drastic!

[chris_b]

Shame you're thinking of hanging up your bass.

 

Bass has never been a hobby for me. Even if a band felt like work, it was always a million times better than w-o-r-k! I've worked with some a-hole band leaders but the a-hole managers were always worse.

 

Good luck. . . . don't sell all your gear. . . . you'll be back.

[12stringbassist]

It's a life decision. You have to do what feels right for you.

I think I'm in the last year of doing this myself, due to health concerns and other stuff in my own band.
I'm 66 and don't need the money or the hassle anymore. The band nearly stopped this month.
We have a full diary to the end of the year and I'll be surprised if we actually get to New Year's Eve.
The idea of starting something else after this just gives me the heebie jeebies.
I've already got some instruments on Ebay.

Edited Thursday at 12:45 by 12stringbassist

[dmccombe7]

51 minutes ago, 12stringbassist said:

It's a life decision. You have to do what feels right for you.

I think I'm in the last year of doing this myself, due to health concerns and other stuff in my own band.
I'm 66 and don't need the money or the hassle anymore. The band nearly stopped this month.
We have a full diary to the end of the year and I'll be surprised if we actually get to New Year's Eve.
The idea of starting something else after this just gives me the heebie jeebies.
I've already got some instruments on Ebay.

That's kind of where i am. 65 next month and don't really fancy starting a new band having to learn and practice all the new songs again. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and getting others to that level takes a lot of time and effort.

Dave

[Cato]

4 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

After 7 yrs with the Glam covers band i've decided its time to call it a day.

Few decisions in the band

 

From reading your other posts about the band it sounds like there was a fair bit of travel involved?

 

Maybe if you found somwthing a bit more local it might bring some of the fun back?

 

Anyway, all the best for the future and whatever you do it'll be good to see you hanging around on BC.

Edited Thursday at 13:36 by Cato

[Steve Browning]

5 hours ago, dmccombe7 said:

After 7 yrs with the Glam covers band i've decided its time to call it a day.

Few decisions in the band i wasn't entirely happy with and after losing sleep worrying about it i thought best to step aside and let someone else take over.

Its always been a hobby for me and have always said when it becomes more like a job its time to walk away. 

I've offered to cover any gigs up to the end of 2025 or a replacement is up and running. Whichever comes first.

Shame as i did enjoy playing in the band but that's life and it will allow me to spend more time on other hobbies.

On one hand i'm kind of relieved and on the other hand i'll miss the good fun we had at gigs.

Not sure yet but don't think i'll be looking for another band to join.

I'll still be following everyone on BC tho and might be selling off some of the gear i've collected over past few yrs.

Dave 

 

All the very best to you, in whatever decision you reach. You really never know what may be round the corner.

[chris_b]

Those 4" heels were killers. I was glad when I stopped wearing mine!

[snorkie635]

All the best Dave. I hope all works out for you, whatever you decide to do. They'll have a week of mourning in Biggar.

[Lozz196]

We`ll miss the weekly updates in How Was Your Gig, Dave, but all the best for whatever direction you decide to take, sometimes just having a break really reinvigorates.

[dmccombe7]

1 hour ago, Lozz196 said:

We`ll miss the weekly updates in How Was Your Gig, Dave, but all the best for whatever direction you decide to take, sometimes just having a break really reinvigorates.

It'll be odd not putting in my gig posts altho i do rabbit on a bit when i do them 

Dave

[alant]

Will miss your gig reports Dave but sounds as though you have made the right decision for you.

 

Did I read that you had joined a rock covers band though, or have I got that wrong.

 

Alan.

 

[casapete]

Sorry to hear this Dave, although I understand your thinking.

Like others have said, a break from things may result in you doing something

that doesn’t involve driving across Scotland , and wearing four inch heels! I must

admit the glam dressing up thing wouldn’t be for me, but understand it’s been 

a great band for you for some time. 
Don’t sell your gear if you don’t need to, and see how you feel after having some

time to see how much you miss gigging. All the best to you with whatever you decide mate. 

[dmccombe7]

3 minutes ago, alant said:

Will miss your gig reports Dave but sounds as though you have made the right decision for you.

 

Did I read that you had joined a rock covers band though, or have I got that wrong.

 

Alan.

 

I did but its with 2 of the members from the Glam band so it would feel a little awkward for me so thought best just to walk away from gigging until i see if i want to get back into it. 

Dave

[dmccombe7]

6 minutes ago, casapete said:

Sorry to hear this Dave, although I understand your thinking.

Like others have said, a break from things may result in you doing something

that doesn’t involve driving across Scotland , and wearing four inch heels! I must

admit the glam dressing up thing wouldn’t be for me, but understand it’s been 

a great band for you for some time. 
Don’t sell your gear if you don’t need to, and see how you feel after having some

time to see how much you miss gigging. All the best to you with whatever you decide mate. 

Cheers Pete, the platforms never really bothered me after first few gigs with them but that wig didn't half cause you to quickly overheat especially in the summer gigs. Won't miss that bit at all. 

Dave

Edited Thursday at 16:48 by dmccombe7

[Al Krow]

Wish you all the best Dave - I've really enjoyed your "How was your gig last night posts" over the years, and you were always very generous in your comments to the rest of us on there.

 

If you can manage to part company on good terms and avoid burning bridges, so much the better. Who knows where things may end? If, as you say, you're a perfectionist, you're likely to be delivering to a high standard and have been doing for many years. Goodness knows if they will find someone as good as you to fill your boots!  

[Cat Burrito]

Best of luck for the future, whatever you decide to do Dave 😎

[JazzyJ]

A break can sometimes put things into perspective. After 8yrs in a function band, I took 2yrs out and am now just starting back with a couple of small scale projects at 65 years old.

Hang on to the gear if you can and all the best for the future.

 

Ian

[chris_b]

65?

 

Tut. . . . a mere youngster.