Am I odd for not wanting to gig?

Kawai-chang · #1 08-20-2010, 01:10 PM

Everytime I think about getting into a gigging situation, or even joining a band, the thought of the work that goes into getting something gig ready just doesn't seem worth it when I think about the actual gigging.

I've been in a working band before, but nowadays, the time put into learning the tunes, group practices, the load-in and -out just don't motivate me.

am I wrong or just lazy to be happy playing along with CDs in the basement, and occasioanlly jamming with friends?

jp58 · #2 08-20-2010, 01:16 PM

I'm not really wanting to gig right now either. Education is the focal point in my life right now, and I don't have the 15-20 hours a week needed to get gig ready.

knumbskull · #3 08-20-2010, 01:22 PM

a friend of mine is the same - he pointed out the endless waiting, the problems with kit transport and storage and security, the likelihood of not getting paid (as an originals band), the inevitable 9 gigs out of 10 where the crowd isn't as good or interested as you want, stage or front-of-house sound problems, rookie bands asking to borrow your stuff, drunks guys spilling beer on you and your stuff, having to get up for work the next day...

and I said, 'yes, but isn't it worth it?' and he agreed...

DWBass · #4 08-20-2010, 01:28 PM

For me, it depends on the band situation. Right now, I ain't too happy with the band and their quirky personalities are getting on my nerves to the point I dread rehearsing and gigging with these cats. In fact, I'm looking to bail! But if you are around a cool bunch of cats who can play well and work hard on playing well, it can be such a pleasure!

Hoffman6000 · #5 08-20-2010, 01:30 PM

Music is what you want it to be.....do what makes you happy. I've spent the last 4 years gigging 150+ dates a year. I would KILL to have 3 hrs a day of just sitting and working on stuff..(I'm on my 3rd straight month without going home, only 2 weeks left!)....If you can go without that instant gratification of an audience, and the social interaction, then great!

On the flip side, some bands are much easier to be in than others....

CapnSev · #6 08-20-2010, 01:31 PM

It all depends on who's in the band with you. In bands with really skilled players that aren't bat**** crazy, its really a joy.

**pacojas** · #7 08-20-2010, 01:32 PM

same here after 20yrs of gigging. i have an open offer to sit in with a band that consists of former T.O.P. and current Santana members. i have yet to say yes. i have more fun jamming with my sons band and sharing my insight.

Yerf Dog · #8 08-20-2010, 01:34 PM

Music is for sharing. Don't be selfish.

TheVoiceless · #9 08-20-2010, 01:40 PM

Nothing wrong with that. Everyone has their own goals.

JT Bass · #10 08-20-2010, 02:12 PM

I've been feeling this way too lately, but perhaps for different reasons. I love being on stage, but in NYC, for an original band... I'm just kind of sick of the hassles of trying to get a bunch of people to come out and see your 45 minute gig sandwiched in between a couple other random bands with whom you might share two words and zero fans. Everyone shows up for their friends' bands and leaves. I had SO much more fun recording, really taking the time to create music, record a bunch of different tracks, cut and paste and experiment... I just found that whole process so much more rewarding than the typical NYC gig.

But I guess you got to gig to get gigs, and if we could work our way up to the bigger gigs, the outdoor gigs and festivals, etc., I'd be more into it.

Kawai-chang · #11 08-20-2010, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yerf Dog

Music is for sharing. Don't be selfish.

iF YOU HEARD ME, YOU MIGHT CONSIDER IT MORE "ALTRUISM" THAN SELFISH.

Kawai-chang · #12 08-20-2010, 02:28 PM

Sorry for yelling, didn't mean it.

**Staccato** · #13 08-20-2010, 02:41 PM

Great plan, thanks for the reminder, I need to get out and jam with others, more!

MonetBass · #14 08-20-2010, 03:28 PM

I wouldn't mind being in a band again, but right now I'm enjoying writing and recording my original stuff at home. I collaborate with a friend on a couple of tunes, but mostly I just play everything myself. I love it. But that just me.

gm2_in_co · #15 08-20-2010, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonetBass

I wouldn't mind being in a band again, but right now I'm enjoying writing and recording my original stuff at home. I collaborate with a friend on a couple of tunes, but mostly I just play everything myself. I love it. But that just me.

Its that the being in a band part that gets sticky for me. Too much drama, politics, dysfunction, miscommunication, etc. So I get my performance yah yahs out by going to jam nights and open mics. That being said, I know I'd get into the "right" band again in a heartbeat.

Back to the OP, I can play guitar for myself but for me, I'm pretty unmotivated to play bass at all if I see no potential of playing out.

crucislancer · #16 08-20-2010, 04:37 PM

There is absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting to gig. Despite my love for a gig, they can be a huge pain in the ass sometimes. Bad sound, little or no pay, no crowd, weeknights, opening acts that have no concept of time, headliners with huge egos and no talent, equipment problems, drunk bandmates, and so on. I’m sure everyone here who’s had more then a couple of gigs has had most of these and then some happen to them.

And after all that, I still love to play gigs.

Kawai-chang · #17 08-20-2010, 08:29 PM

Well, here's an example: tonight we were supposed to do a casual jam with some friends. One guy calls in sick, one guy doesn't want to tote his gear, so that left myself and one other guy to play. Now, had I busted my butt to get X number of songs down, I'd have been p.o.'d. As it is, meh.

Let It Fall · #18 08-20-2010, 10:27 PM

thats not a real band then

zachoff · #19 08-20-2010, 10:39 PM

I wouldn't be in a band that didn't want to play shows... Sure, the weekly practice with the guys and letting loose a bit is fun, but the shows are what make it all worth it for me. I love it.

Mike M. · #20 08-21-2010, 02:51 AM

I'm 57 and was a full time player from 1971 thru 1982. Lot's of fun and no regrets. Didn't play live again until I joined a weekend band from 1994 thru 1996. It was fun but at the same time I'm glad it ended when it did.

Now I just play once every two weeks at church. Takes care of my playing out jones, gets me involved with people without feeling burdend by it. I really like it.

But to be perfectly honest, I'm most happy when I'm writing and recording my own music at home with no thoughts of taking it out live. No band, no fights, no ego's to put up with and I can do it all MY way.

If it makes you happy there's nothing wrong with just playing at home.