Detroit-area TBers??

[Birdy num num]

Go, Wings!! {well, in '05/'06 perhaps }...

So here's my situation: I've been gigging at clubs/festivals/weddings, etc. here in the L.A. area for quite some time now (80's new wave mostly), but will probably be relocating back to Hockeytown in the next few months. Been here since '81, so naturally I know squat about the gigging scene in the Motor City (and suburbs, of course). I know Detroit is a great rock town, but what will be in store for me as a cover band bassist? Classic rock, top-40, stuff like that is what I'm pretty used to.

Lots of clubs have live bands these days? How's the corporate shows and special event gig situation? Is the pay okay ($60+ for clubs, more for the bigger shows)??

Thanking you in advance...
David

p.s. Is the old Roostertail still standing??

[burk48237]

Learn every White Stripes tune, all 4 chords they use and your set!!!JUST KIDDING! Pay is OK, better for cover bands in most cases. Still a little bit of everything, R & B lots of country, Good ole Rock and Roll, Alternitive, R & B, The Jazz scene is probably the toughest , but I'm not and expert on any of it(tryin to get back in after a hiatus, myself). Garage and Rage against the Machine clones seem to dominate a lot of clubs. The casino thing has increased opportunities, plus there's a lot more outdoor festivals, Which are pretty cool. If you do churchs there is a thriving Gospel scene. PM Mikebass, for more details on the financial end, he's a lot busier then me. PS: I'm sure we'll probably bump into each other at LOW DOWN sound (Detroit has a Bass Store!) Also in the club scene Oakland County is Flourishing, Downtown Royal Oak, Ferndale,Pontiac and of course Birmingham are now crazy on a weekend. Lots of great clubs within walking distance. Royal Oak has become the elite yuppie berg, Sky lofts for 400 to 900,000 dollars and some a little bit higher. Somethings do change, It's probably better then it was in 81 for clubs.

[P. Aaron]

My cheezeball cover band does decently in a small circut of clubs about town. If you're doin' originals...you'll starve. But cover bands can get work ok.

Once ya get settled in, PM us and we'll waltz into Low Down Sound and look at stuff.

[malthumb]

There are also four casinos in the immediate area that cycle a bit of local talent. They pretty much focus on cover material.

[MikeBass]

There is work to be had in the cover band "circut". $100 a night is not uncommon.
As for corp gigs, wedding/corp bands always need subs and are always looking for new players who either have a good ear and know a ton of tunes, or can read. And the pay is usually $100+.
There is work here, you just have to be proactive and go get it. A lot of cats in town say it has dried up a bit, but usually they are picky and really wouldn't play with someone they may not have heard of for some odd reason. Money is money and playin is playin.
I may be throwing some form of GTG for the Detroit area, so when you get into town, PM some of us.
Low Down Sound is kinda the "hang" (I'm in there a LOT these days) and a good place to network.

Anyone gonna be there anytime soon??