Had enough

alembicguy · #1 05-03-2011, 05:38 PM

So like the title says Im taking a break from playing in bands. Ive been in at least 1 gigging if not a couple at the same time gigging bands non stop for 30 years now and have decided its time for a break.
My main band I just left was the push over the edge for me with some poor choices made by a few members and some not so inspiring performances (last few gigs I couldnt find a dark enough spot to hide) along with some attitudes of not needing to improve just drink more were my reason for pulling the pin.

Just wanted to vent and am glad for a forum like this where I can.

selftitled907 · #2 05-04-2011, 12:09 PM

Im sorry to hear that man. Unfortunatly Im just now in the process of refining a very similar situation. After multiple times asking the drummer to stop drinking he still shows up to practice with a 12 pack in hand, and its usually been opened on the drive here to get a start! Although i dont have 30+ years gigging....i do have about 2 years with the current band, and we are getting ready to do our last gig this weekend. IM SCARED. i know im going to be embarassed to all hell. and my wife is doing everything she can to keep my chin up but man....its a hard situation to stick with. Not only that our lead guitar player cant remember a lead to save his life. We just last night went over our older material to freshen up on it before this weekend, and all i can say is its good we did cause he fouled up EVERY SINGLE LEAD. HORRIBLY.

anyways man i totally feel your pain. just know that your not alone when it comes to these kind of experiences. im going to hide next to the drummer in whatever little bit of dark space i can find as well. i just cant wait till its over for good.

keep your head up man. at least now you can start over like we are going to and be extremely selective on the players in your next band. we certainly plan on it.

bound'n'blocked · #3 05-04-2011, 12:12 PM

when it stops being fun and starts being a pain in the buttocks then it's time to quit. Life is too short to spend it doing something that makes you unhappy.

I've quit before in the past and always pick it back up. There will always be other bands to play with...

BnB

SlingBass4 · #4 05-04-2011, 12:23 PM

Many of us have been there/done that at some point in time. My answer (as I' getting ready to do it, again) is cut it as clean and friendly as possible, and make the time to do a little wood shedding. I love recording, and when playing out with the wrong folks becomes a grind...it's time to hole up with the music and artists that inspire you to move forward with improving on yourself. The (obvious) benefit being that you're a more attractive addition to a better group and class of players

Basshappi · #5 05-04-2011, 12:26 PM

Been there, done that.
Don't sell your gear 'cause sooner or later you'll be back.

Russell L · #6 05-04-2011, 12:52 PM

Sometimes in the past I've thought there would come a day when I would get tired of it all. Now that I'm 61, I realize that the end could be close for real, but not by choice. That's scary enough to keep me playing as much as possible. I'm in three bands now, and don't wanna stop.

Don't let the years go by. Find someone to play with that is fun. That is, don't wait too long and then have to look back and regret anything.

OmnitzGarima · #7 05-04-2011, 01:00 PM

Sorry to hear it. But, when it stops being fun, it is time to take a break. A little time away will clear your head. Then, find another project that you like, something that is nothing but fun. Like others have said, don't wait too long, don't sell your gear.

alembicguy · #8 05-04-2011, 03:28 PM

Thanks a ton guys for the support! I've been watching their Facebook numbers drop since I did away with the links to it here and a couple other spots I belong to. I'm going to take a little time for me and do some wood shedding and probably buy more gear than before since I will have extra time to browse the want ads! Ha!

ez-rhino · #9 05-05-2011, 09:51 AM

Did this about 20 years ago, under different circumstances.

Find yourself, and you find your piece of mind. It does wonders for the soul.

When you do get back into it all, it's like seeing and hearing it all again for the first time.

.

**Mulebagger** · #10 05-06-2011, 10:46 AM

Had a string of these experiences and just quit bands and went solo for a few years. When I came back to the band scene, not much has changed. Still having to deal with people that don't care, cancel practices, etc. It's part of the territory.

Keep your gear, practice, have fun and take a break.
best of luck.