I'm curious what you think...

**TRichardsbass** · #1 11-16-2010, 09:50 PM

I wonder what my fellow TBers would do in this situation:

I was contacted by a very old friend who had a super successful band in the late 1980s. After them being gone for at least a decade, they decided they were all going to get together again and try the reunion tour thing. After about two months of rehearsing the old band crap crept in, and now its just the guitarist and singer. The rest of the band remembered why they haven't done this since they broke up I guess.

Well, my friend asked me if I wanted to join the band for the reunion tour (which has not been booked yet). This is a very interesting offer, as the band was in heavy regular rotation on MTV and they were quite good. However, I would be replacing probably the most memorable and recognizable guy in the original band. So, if I accept, its like one half of the original band and the "best" guy isn't there (sorta like when Foxton and Buckler did the "From the Jam" thing).

I've already decided what I'm going to do, but I'm curious, would you guys take a gig like this knowing that you will be compared constantly to the most known person in the band and also would you take this knowing that most people will not be too thrilled when they see that its only two lesser band mates and not the whole original band on the "reunion" tour?

AcidFripp · #2 11-17-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRichardsbass

going to do, but I'm curious, would you guys take a gig like this knowing that you will be compared constantly to the most known person in the band and also would you take this knowing that most people will not be too thrilled when they see that its only two lesser band mates and not the whole original band on the "reunion" tour?

So... which band is it?

champbassist · #3 11-17-2010, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcidFripp

So... which band is it?

+1

foq1978 · #4 11-17-2010, 06:05 AM

I think I wouldn't take it. But that's because I am not professional. If I were, I would probably take the gig. Not sure.

I am really curious to know which late 80s band had the bassist as one of the most recognizable member.

champbassist · #5 11-17-2010, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foq1978

I think I wouldn't take it. But that's because I am not professional. If I were, I would probably take the gig. Not sure.

The Hartke endorsement would suggest OP is a professional to some considerable degree.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foq1978

I am really curious to know which late 80s band had the bassist as one of the most recognizable member.

+1

**nutdog** · #6 11-17-2010, 06:13 AM

I'd do it.

Do you need someone to house-sit?

**zenrad** · #7 11-17-2010, 06:15 AM

I'm a part timer, but I'd do it if I liked the music, could play the tunes, and if I could bring something worthwhile to the project that hopefully their audience would like.

I would assume that any professional musician would take the gig if it pays and they had the time available.

iamlowsound · #8 11-17-2010, 06:21 AM

I would do it.

lowsound

foq1978 · #9 11-17-2010, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champbassist

The Hartke endorsement would suggest OP is a professional to some considerable degree.

Oh, I know he is. I am just saying I am not. Hence my difficulty to put myself in his role and answer his question.

Fretless5verfan · #10 11-17-2010, 06:26 AM

I would definitely take the gig if it would profitable and fun, but I'd be worried about calling it a reunion tour...

richardbethell · #11 11-17-2010, 06:32 AM

what doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
Pino toured with the who.....if those werent some massive shoes to fill........
I am also reminded of Rick Danko and the BAND....when they toured with Bob Dylan they were booed every night for not delivering the expected....but look what became of it.

jgroh · #12 11-17-2010, 06:37 AM

Is Winger touring again? =)

3k Mylz · #13 11-17-2010, 06:50 AM

What a dilemma (to. Degree anyway) I guess it would depend. I remember living in Denver a few years ago, when Jake Plummer was QB at Mile High. He was constantly compared to the great John Eleway and in one of the local papers article was a tidbit that comes to mind; he mentioned to be playing in the first place for a whopping salary was great, and that it was nice to be mentioned in the same sentence as such an icon. Basically I say even it it's Billy Sheenan you are replacing, you should do it. Nice thing to have on your resume.

This assumes of course all other things are acceptable (schedule, accommodations, cohesion, payment, et cetera)

chokeslam512 · #14 11-17-2010, 06:50 AM

If not all the original members are there I wouldn't call it a reunion tour. That being said, what hell, Why not? Go for it but don't call it a reunion if only half the original members are there.

BassChuck · #15 11-17-2010, 08:49 AM

If you can cover the parts... do it. If the tour really happens, someone is going to be on stage with a bass and making the money.

aztomr · #16 11-17-2010, 09:14 AM

Tom, I would take the gig in a heartbeat. You can't worry about being compared to the guy you're replacing, just play your heart out. worst case scenario you finish the tour with alot more empathy for everyone else who has had to fill similiar role. Charles Giordano faces the same problem when he plays with the E Street Band, I'm sure Nils felt it too. Blow the audience away, rock out!

OPBASSMAN1994 · #17 11-17-2010, 09:17 AM

What band are you speaking of TR? I want to know. I think we ALL want to know.

aztomr · #18 11-17-2010, 09:18 AM

Late eighties band, heavy MTV rotation, bass player is big in band? I have to admit this has me stumped. Night Ranger?

bassteban · #19 11-17-2010, 09:21 AM

I'm not telling what I think until I hear which band we're discussing.

OPBASSMAN1994 · #20 11-17-2010, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

I'm not telling what I think until I hear which band we're discussing.

YES! Boycott the tread until TR tells us!