A Lot Of Suck

The Golden Boy · #1 04-15-2005, 02:17 PM

Last nite was not the best of all nights on the rock front.

I was putting together a one time cover project, and got a bunch of guys that are all excellent musicians for the roles. The guy I got for a guitar player is a great guy, a good friend for several years. In his original metal band, he's great. I've seen him do a lot of amazing stuff. He said he wasn't super familiar with the band who's stuff we're covering- so he and I were going to get together and work this out before hand. We hooked up a month ago and got through a bunch of the songs. One thing I noticed is that he wasn't playing full barre chords. There were some chord forms he was totally muffing and others he was playing power chords over. Again, I really respect this guy as a musician and a friend. This was just "out of his box."

I'm a firm believer in 'how good you do what you do determines how you great you are.' In other words, I knew this guy who was a great "Slash" like guitarist. A real Rock/Blues kind of guy and was really good at it. We used to go around and hit open jams. A few times we hit a few jams at blues bars. He stunk the place up. Not just an off night- playing a straight blues thing wasn't his thing. The other guy grew up playing Metallica, I grew up playing the Beatles and Zeppelin.

The other guys in the project were asking me how he was doing, and I was honest with my opinion. We had our first rehearsal Tuesday (without the guitar player guy- I was just going to fill in on guitar). In combination with my performance and my opinion of how well I thought he'd be able to do the material- the guys suggested I play guitar and get someone else on bass.

Last night is the first time I've had an opportunity to talk to the guy. I told him the news, and man that sucked. I had expected him to be somewhat disappointed, but I kinda figured he'd realized this wasn't his thing. He was mad. Really mad. I didn't expect that. I tried to explain everything as honestly and tactfully as I could, but he was mad.

Anyone else had to go through this crap?

DigMe · #2 04-15-2005, 03:15 PM

One time I told Benjamin Strange that he sucked at being a TBer and he got mad and left.

brad cook

43% burnt · #3 04-15-2005, 03:16 PM

Yeah man...It's never easy replacing band members. No matter how carefully you approach it someone always gets upset. Usually the guy your replacing. Just try to think about it from a band standpoint. If the member in question is holding back the band as a whole, then its in the band's best interest to replace them. Of course they will take it personally, though. Even if he's a great guy, funny, etc...It's a major blow to a musicians ego.

I know I've been replaced before. The first time, I was super mad. But after a while I came to see it in a different way. I sucked back then, and it was probably real annoying playing with me. Anyway, I kept playing, practicing, doing different projects. Each band is a different experience. Thats just the way it goes.

I've also lost good friends over it too, which really stinks. But, what are you gonna do?

mikewho · #4 04-15-2005, 03:34 PM

i had to kick a friend out of a band once. it was a bummer. it's like breaking up with a girlfriend...you really hate the act, but you're relieved after.

Mon Rominee · #5 04-18-2005, 09:49 AM

Dude, getting the full story on this, man, that's rough. I can only imaigne the feeling you had in yer gut after the fact...

It sucks when you play the straight-up good guy about it, and it still blows up in yer face. I hope this all blows over soon. I feel for ya. Not in a Chaka Kahn way, but you know....

Ron

JimK · #6 04-18-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Golden Boy

One thing I noticed is that he wasn't playing full barre chords.

...and that's a bad thing?

(Check out Steve Khan's Eyewitness albums; Khan only chords with the D-G-B-E strings. Not playing the E & A really gives Anthony Jackson a lotta freedom).

The Golden Boy · #7 04-18-2005, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimK

...and that's a bad thing?

When you're doing a cover thing- as note for note "right" as you can, it's nice to be able to hear a minor or a 7th where it's supposed to be.

I'm a hack anyway.

vegaas · #8 04-18-2005, 03:37 PM

So I assume you are doing Spoof Fest again? Who are you this year?

The Golden Boy · #9 04-18-2005, 05:46 PM

Billy Squier!

vegaas · #10 04-18-2005, 09:38 PM

Ha, Albatross covers "Lonely is the Night".

I actually hate the song, but our guitar player really likes it. Oh well.

**Thor** · #11 04-19-2005, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Golden Boy

When you're doing a cover thing- as note for note "right" as you can, it's nice to be able to hear a minor or a 7th where it's supposed to be.

I'm a hack anyway.

My guitar players rarely figure out the difference between
a major, minor, major 7th or any other little musical
nuance unneccesary to guitar wanking.