Finally gonna hang it up.

lawsonman · #1 06-03-2009, 04:24 PM

Well, after almost 45 years of gigging I told the rest of the band I was gonna quit playing in September.They are all too good of guys and musicians to not give them a chance to find a replacement.It took a lot of wrestling with myself to finally make the decision but I know I made the right one. It takes about 3 days to recuperate after a gig anymore and I rarely even drink anything.I'll miss the actual 4 hours of playing but nothing else.I've been so fortunate over the years to play with some very good musicians but better yet,good people.In all the bands I've been in I've played with only a couple of jerks. It's very bittersweet but I've had a good run.

Valerus · #2 06-03-2009, 04:37 PM

45 years is quite enormous, I assume you had mostly good memories from that near half century of playing?

jongor · #3 06-03-2009, 04:49 PM

Sorry to hear that man, that makes one less old guy out there still doing it....

lawsonman · #4 06-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerus

45 years is quite enormous, I assume you had mostly good memories from that near half century of playing?

From what I remember,yes!

lawsonman · #5 06-03-2009, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jongor

Sorry to hear that man, that makes one less old guy out there still doing it....

Yea,I know.I'm kind of proud of the fact that I can still Rock a little!

Richland123 · #6 06-03-2009, 07:47 PM

45 years is a long time. I'm not far behind you. Best wishes for whatever the future holds. Normally, I would say go out on a high note; but since you are a fellow bass player, go out on a low note and I say that with the utmost respect for another bassist because it is our job to hold the bottom together.

Jeff K · #7 06-03-2009, 10:27 PM

Congrats, man! I know what you mean about the recuperation time. I'm 58 now, and everything aches like it never used to do! Like you, I enjoy the actual playing; but I despise the load-in/load-out.

And don't rule out the occasional jam, or even a reunion of sorts. Ya' just never know when something fun might pop up. Best of luck to you...

Stumbo · #8 06-03-2009, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff K

.... I despise the load-in/load-out.

mmmm....hire a newbie bass player to be your roadie in exchange for the education and stories you can tell.

illmusician · #9 06-04-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawsonman

Yea,I know.I'm kind of proud of the fact that I can still Rock a little!

Congratulations on the lifetime achievement of playing music. I look forward to that point. Instead of hanging it up, why not start a difference instrument, or genre of music. What about playing in a jazz trio? softer earlier gigs and nicer venue's (not always but generally speaking). Playing must be a part of your soul if 45 years playing kept you asking for more until now. Keep the beat alive.

BlacksHole · #10 06-04-2009, 12:23 PM

With the new lighter gear, this must have been a hard decision. I've been playing bass for longer than 45 years and I admit I'm not crazy about the load in and out, but I can't imagine stopping yet. I could go back to playing jazz, but I do enjoy playing the clubs (and I almost never drink and play). I hope to continue until at least I'm 70.

paul_wolfe · #11 06-04-2009, 03:32 PM

It's not the load in and out that gets me, it's the leaving home at midday and getting back at 4 am the next day, and then having the kids jump on me at 7am and say: Hey, Daddy's Home!

Yeah. Hi kids.

THAT'S what gets me. Takes two days to start feeling normal again.

Two shows on the trot? I'm toasted for the best part of a week. Man, when did i get so old and slow? (I'm 45 btw)

lawsonman · #12 06-04-2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illmusician

Congratulations on the lifetime achievement of playing music. I look forward to that point. Instead of hanging it up, why not start a difference instrument, or genre of music. What about playing in a jazz trio? softer earlier gigs and nicer venue's (not always but generally speaking). Playing must be a part of your soul if 45 years playing kept you asking for more until now. Keep the beat alive.

Jazz trio's don't exist here where I live. I'm just burnt out on the late nights.Plus the fact that I sing almost 50 songs a gig takes its toll.I've started to get into vintage stereo equipment soI'm gonna get my music fix listening to a monster system.

illmusician · #13 06-04-2009, 08:31 PM

Using my dad as example, going into hifi is a popular transition. Careful, Hi-Fi GAS is deadly in comparison to what a bass player wants. ... Didn't kow mom could scream curse words as loud as she did when dad came home with some $13k B & W reference monitors. Also did know that she would be cool if she got a new version of her car.

Jim Carr · #14 06-04-2009, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawsonman

Jazz trio's don't exist here where I live. I'm just burnt out on the late nights.Plus the fact that I sing almost 50 songs a gig takes its toll.I've started to get into vintage stereo equipment soI'm gonna get my music fix listening to a monster system.

My prescription: raise fitness level, lose weight, evaluate sleep debt/schedule, get some assistance with gear/driving, sing less, negotiate schedules more aggressively.

sonic assassin · #15 06-04-2009, 11:23 PM

something tells me you'll be back. 45 years.. thats a long time to quit cold turkey.

even if you're playing a county fair every month or so, i cant see anyone who is able bodied enough to hold the instrument giving up giging after 45 years.

im sure after playing that long, you're more than qualified to teach.

best of luck

Rocker949 · #16 06-08-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawsonman

Jazz trio's don't exist here where I live. I'm just burnt out on the late nights.Plus the fact that I sing almost 50 songs a gig takes its toll.I've started to get into vintage stereo equipment soI'm gonna get my music fix listening to a monster system.

If you tried leaving the singing to someone else, it would make a big difference. Being a singing bassist can be very draining. I did it for years and never plan to again. Playing is way more important than singing to me. This is true even if the vocals are very good; that really isn't the point.

lawsonman · #17 06-09-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocker949

If you tried leaving the singing to someone else, it would make a big difference. Being a singing bassist can be very draining. I did it for years and never plan to again. Playing is way more important than singing to me. This is true even if the vocals are very good; that really isn't the point.

I really enjoy singing.I've been stuck being the lead singer in every band I've ever been in so I wouldn't even know how to act if I didn't sing a lot. I lead a pretty hectic life with owning my own business and gigging is getting in the way of a hobby I love even more than music which is GOLF!