Just got thrown into the deep end ...

AMp'D.2play · #1 06-07-2010, 03:47 PM

of the pool!

I'm at this gig Friday night watching a friend's husband play (he's the bassist). It's a fairly popular local band, and he also records separately under his 'stage name'. I turned to him last December when I was looking to satisfy a mid-life crisis by learning to play bass and needed advice on what to buy (a Christmas present from my better half).

So during one of the breaks, he comes up to me and asks how I've been doing with the bass. I tell him I've been practicing regularly (theory, notation, etc.) and that I also try to play along with some real songs at the end of my practice sessions.

So then he says, "good, next time you come to see us, bring your bass, 'cos you're coming on stage to play a song with us!".

So much for sticking my toes in the water first. I doubt his band will let me get away with "Once in a Lifetime" by the Talking Heads!

srj · #2 06-07-2010, 03:55 PM

Thats sounds good (you get to experience playing with a band), but also scary (because you dont know what songs they are going to play ).

I think i would try to find out what songs they might let me play and practice those songs like mad and be ready.

I don't think i would like to have to go on stage and improvise a song .

All the same have fun !!!

tjmdetroit · #3 06-07-2010, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMp'D.2play

So then he says, "good, next time you come to see us, bring your bass, 'cos you're coming on stage to play a song with us!".

- If this does happen, just do the best you can... that's all you can do....remember if you make a mistake or two or more....lol.... so what..... you can always off yourself!!!
- Listen, your a newbie, you have an excuse.... r u getting paid for this? Then lighten up and have some fun.... just be yourself!
- If it does happen...and you live through it.... keep us posted.... lol
-peace

tjm

Matt Dean · #4 06-07-2010, 05:33 PM

I'd give him a call and work out in advance what song(s) you'll join the band with so you can woodshed for it. But, definitely take him up on the offer to get on stage with them. I know it's scary for you, but you'll have a rush!!!

PS... when you make a mistake, make it again and they'll think you're being hip!

tjmdetroit · #5 06-07-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

PS... when you make a mistake, make it again and they'll think you're being hip!

when..... Matt you suppose to encourage him... ie..."Your not going to make a mistake... just "Keep It Simple Stupid." It's a walk in the park." Not be so honest and blunt... lmao!!!
Poor guy is probably peeing himself right now.....

peace,

tjm

AMp'D.2play · #6 06-07-2010, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjmdetroit

Poor guy is probably peeing himself right now.....

Nah, at my age, peeing is not something I do easily!

His wife invited my wife & I over for dinner soon, and the two of us will jam down in his recording studio while we let the ladies chat and get acquainted.

Their band does covers of a wide selection of stuff from the 60's forward (rock, motown, 80's mtv stuff), so a lot of it is music I can get into. If I don't rehearse with the band, I'll at least get some practice time with him. During their last set on Friday, they were definitely having some fun for their "groupies", playing some country & even some Donna Summer & Village People!!

I would wager if he does remember his offer, it'll be sometime during their final set ... but I'll have to put my foot down and refuse to play disco.

Eh, worst case scenario, I'll have a good post for the Bass Humor & Gig Stories sub-forum.

tjmdetroit · #7 06-07-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMp'D.2play

Nah, at my age, peeing is not something I do easily!

me tooo, but that's because of my prostrate.... drooling is becoming a problem for me.... lol.. just kidding.....
This is a great experience for you.... enjoy it! I thought you were allot younger.... but you got it....
peace

tjm

Spraeg · #8 06-08-2010, 02:13 PM

Just be careful- once you get on stage, you won't want to leave. But in all seriousness, sometimes just being thrown out there is the best way to do it, you have no time to think and you are forced to act. It'll be scary, but it will force you to "learn to swim". Just remember that you're playing music, not working music, and have fun with it.

Matt Dean · #9 06-08-2010, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjmdetroit

when..... Matt you suppose to encourage him... ie..."Your not going to make a mistake... just "Keep It Simple Stupid." It's a walk in the park." Not be so honest and blunt... lmao!!!
Poor guy is probably peeing himself right now.....

peace,

tjm

I'm 52... been playing since I was 15 and am considered a first call bass player in my neck of the woods... and I still make mistakes! I just make them with authority and groove as to not disrupt the booty shaking.

Actually, AMp'D.2play, my real point is to take a risk cause I know you'll have a good time and not to worry about making mistakes.

TheVoiceless · #10 06-08-2010, 02:29 PM

Name of the band and site of the gig, I may want to watch you lose your virginity LOL!

**Thor** · #11 06-08-2010, 02:47 PM

I was in a similar position 4 or 5 years ago. Hadn't gigged since the 80's and we booked one. I was nervous as heck
for 2 weeks before.

Now I can't wait to get up there, it is tons of fun playing with an ***-kicking hard rockin' band.

You're gonna have a blast, believe me!

tjmdetroit · #12 06-08-2010, 04:49 PM

This is what I discovered from reading this thread.....
1) everybody gets nervous
2) playing on stage can be addictive.
3) BUT... this is the Coupe de Gra....per Matt Dean : "I still make mistakes! I just make them with authority and groove as to not disrupt the booty shaking." Genius I tell ya... lol
peace

tjm