Anyone knowingly take a "bad" sub gig - and why?

jaywa · #1 03-03-2009, 12:31 PM

Curious to hear stories about sub gigs you accepted even though you had a pretty good idea in advance that they may be "bad" (bad band, bad venue/promoter, low pay, whatever).

Why did you take it (needed the $$, networking/exposure, chance to play with a "big name", travel, etc.)? Did it turn out as bad as expected and would you take it again knowing then what you do now?

the ombudsman · #2 03-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Money's always a good reason to take bad gigs.

wingnut · #3 03-03-2009, 03:59 PM

I've taken a few to help out a fellow bass player. Would I do it again? Definately. Good Karma is a wonderful thing. Taking such gigs will also get you asked back for the not so bad gigs.

jaywa · #4 03-04-2009, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut

I've taken a few to help out a fellow bass player. Would I do it again? Definately. Good Karma is a wonderful thing. Taking such gigs will also get you asked back for the not so bad gigs.

Good point... of course, if a band asks you to permanently replace the guy you subbed for, then I suppose it gets a bit dicey.

Phalex · #5 03-04-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wingnut

I've taken a few to help out a fellow bass player. Would I do it again? Definately. Good Karma is a wonderful thing. Taking such gigs will also get you asked back for the not so bad gigs.

Same here. I subbed for a guy for 2 weeks whose father had died. I thought that it could have gone better, but all in all, I'm not afraid to look stupid, and the band fulfilled their obligations. A little more practice would have been nice though.

I also subbed for Talk Basses own BassmanRon when he passed away quite unexpectedly. Anybody remember Ron?? He had quite the rapier wit. Anyway, Ron played in a country band, and I muddled through the weekend just fine, it wasn't perfect, but those boys drink so much Jack Daniels, that nobody cared anyway. I also discovered how very much I appreciate a pedal steel player in the band.

I've turned down several subbing opportunities, based on my perception of a bad show, but I'll never turn down a friend in genuine need.

I'm hoping our very own Tycobb73 will do a short stint with my band if I suddenly drop dead.............

Gard · #6 03-04-2009, 09:09 AM

When I know it's going to be a BAD sub gig? No, well...yes, but only one time, and that guy called me back telling me I needed to take his BS money to get "exposure", I hung up on him. He was a complete hack, and unless I get either a very good reference or a great vibe, I won't repeat that experience again!

Helping a brother in need, yes, I will do that, and money is no object, but if I don't know you, I don't owe you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by the ombudsman

Money's always a good reason to take bad gigs.

Whoa, you're still around?!?!?! Cool!!! Still working for La Si Do???

I saw a "How It's Made" show with the Godin shop, and wondered what you were up to, and if you were still there...

smogg · #7 03-04-2009, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaywa

Curious to hear stories about sub gigs you accepted even though you had a pretty good idea in advance that they may be "bad" (bad band, bad venue/promoter, low pay, whatever).

Why did you take it (needed the $$, networking/exposure, chance to play with a "big name", travel, etc.)? Did it turn out as bad as expected and would you take it again knowing then what you do now?

A few years ago I received a phone call out of the blue from a drummer I had worked with a few years earlier. Their bass player quit and they had a show that night. He offered me a $100 cash for a three hour gig about 15 minutes away from where I live. I said sure, I could use the money. I showed up about 45 minutes before show time and met the band. They handed me a western shirt and cowboy hat and asked me to wear them and please pull my hair back in a pony tail (I have really long hair). I said sure, why not. Winged my way through the gig and it went OK considering such short notice. (I play by ear)

At the end of the night the band leader hands me the hundred bucks and said "It is such a pleasure working with a pro, would you mind filling in till we (the band) find a permanent bass player?" I said thanks for the compliment and asked the terms. He said guaranteed $100 a show for 3 hours (7p to 10p) and $150 for a 4 hour show (7p to 11p). All shows are 45 minute sets, any gig over 30 minutes away will pay a little more. All work is private clubs, no bars. Day job was slow for me at the time and I needed the bread so I said yes.

I ended up "filling in" about 4 times a month for almost a year. All gigs were local up scale private clubs, never the same place two nights in a row. I only had to "travel" one time (about 1 hour one way) and got paid $500 for that gig.
So ya, it can work out for you if handle your self right.

Gard · #8 03-04-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smogg

A few years ago I received a phone call out of the blue from a drummer I had worked with a few years earlier. Their bass player quit and they had a show that night. He offered me a $100 cash for a three hour gig about 15 minutes away from where I live. I said sure, I could use the money. I showed up about 45 minutes before show time and met the band. They handed me a western shirt and cowboy hat and asked me to wear them and please pull my hair back in a pony tail (I have really long hair). I said sure, why not. Winged my way through the gig and it went OK considering such short notice. (I play by ear)

At the end of the night the band leader hands me the hundred bucks and said "It is such a pleasure working with a pro, would you mind filling in till we (the band) find a permanent bass player?" I said thanks for the compliment and asked the terms. He said guaranteed $100 a show for 3 hours (7p to 10p) and $150 for a 4 hour show (7p to 11p). All shows are 45 minute sets, any gig over 30 minutes away will pay a little more. All work is private clubs, no bars. Day job was slow for me at the time and I needed the bread so I said yes.

I ended up "filling in" about 4 times a month for almost a year. All gigs were local up scale private clubs, never the same place two nights in a row. I only had to "travel" one time (about 1 hour one way) and got paid $500 for that gig.
So ya, it can work out for you if handle your self right.

Yeah, but that wasn't something that was a sure "bad gig", you knew the drummer, and probably knew he could play.

It definitely turned into a GOOD gig, to say the lest!

smogg · #9 03-04-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

Yeah, but that wasn't something that was a sure "bad gig", you knew the drummer, and probably knew he could play.

It definitely turned into a GOOD gig, to say the lest!

LOL, it was because I knew the drummer was why I thought it could be a bad gig.

Gard · #10 03-04-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smogg

LOL, it was because I knew the drummer was why I thought it could be a bad gig.

Ahhhh!!!

...yeah, I've done that gig myself...and in Florida, no less...maybe it's the same guy?

bassbully · #11 03-04-2009, 11:20 AM

I did it last summer for 4-5 gigs with the old coverband i had left months before. They went on after i left and the 2 bassists that replaced me bailed with them having gigs booked.
I got the call and saw a chance to make some money so i said sure as longs as.. 1. It wouldnt interfere with my current bands schedule (didnt) 2. The band would be looking for a replacement and not thinking i was returning to the lineup.

I had left this band months before due to the guitarist having mood swings and the singer going downhill performance wise. The gigs were fun loose but the sound was brutal. The drummer, guitarist and i were tight for 4-5 shows the last not so tight.The singer was horrible so bad people i knew later told me they left the shows due to her hurting their ears. Most of the gigs she was drunk by the second song and thought she was killin it

smogg · #12 03-04-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

Ahhhh!!!

...yeah, I've done that gig myself...and in Florida, no less...maybe it's the same guy?

Can not play a straight 4/4 in time and thinks every thing is open to "jazz interpretation" regardless of genre?
Yup, same guy.

b_carville · #13 03-04-2009, 04:27 PM

Sure!

Usually because I could use the money.

Once in a while I take a gig with this really nice guy who's a mediocre to bad singer. He usually has a pretty good band but sometimes his regular guys aren't available so he gets whoever he can scrape up.

One time his line up was a drummer who had no concept of time or groove,a drunk guitarist whose solos were always in a different key than the song,& me.Throw his singing (bad,that night)& rudimentry acoustic guitar work in the mix & it was horrid.

So,we're playing this kind of classy bar & each set & song gets worse & worse when this really great female singer I know walks in. I do my best to avoid looking at her because I really don't want her to see me pounding out this sonic sludge.
Anyway she spots me. A look of disgust crosses her face & she walks up to me while we are playing & says(in full earshot of the rest of the combo.)"What in the hell are you doing playing with this mess?"
I replied "Ah,making a hundred bucks."
"Oh for God's sake! Put your bass down,tell these losers to stick it and I'll give you 100 bucks to have dinner with my brother & me!"

It was tempting,but I didn't. I played on.

Gard · #14 03-04-2009, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smogg

Can not play a straight 4/4 in time and thinks every thing is open to "jazz interpretation" regardless of genre?
Yup, same guy.

Yeah, I know that dude, all too well, sadly!

von buck · #15 03-04-2009, 04:49 PM

The money, well enough money.

Andy

jaywa · #16 03-04-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b_carville

Sure!

Usually because I could use the money.

Once in a while I take a gig with this really nice guy who's a mediocre to bad singer. He usually has a pretty good band but sometimes his regular guys aren't available so he gets whoever he can scrape up.

One time his line up was a drummer who had no concept of time or groove,a drunk guitarist whose solos were always in a different key than the song,& me.Throw his singing (bad,that night)& rudimentry acoustic guitar work in the mix & it was horrid.

So,we're playing this kind of classy bar & each set & song gets worse & worse when this really great female singer I know walks in. I do my best to avoid looking at her because I really don't want her to see me pounding out this sonic sludge.
Anyway she spots me. A look of disgust crosses her face & she walks up to me while we are playing & says(in full earshot of the rest of the combo.)"What in the hell are you doing playing with this mess?"
I replied "Ah,making a hundred bucks."
"Oh for God's sake! Put your bass down,tell these losers to stick it and I'll give you 100 bucks to have dinner with my brother & me!"

It was tempting,but I didn't. I played on.

That's a great story! Thanks for sharing.

jaywa · #17 03-04-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gard

Yeah, I know that dude, all too well, sadly!

Truthfully, I think we all know that dude... he's in every town!

ThunderLizard · #18 03-04-2009, 04:59 PM

The location/players/pay ggig-trinity is a pretty good tool for evaluating any job.
I'll take just about any gig for one night and try to have as much fun as I can with it. You never can tell where it will lead. If it turns out to be an ego-fest, I've been around long enough to know how to set someone down gently...or not so gently; then chalk it up to experience and move on. Most of my sub work has been a lot of fun. Keeps me on my toes to play songs with a new band.

bassbully · #19 03-04-2009, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b_carville

Sure!

Usually because I could use the money.

Once in a while I take a gig with this really nice guy who's a mediocre to bad singer. He usually has a pretty good band but sometimes his regular guys aren't available so he gets whoever he can scrape up.

One time his line up was a drummer who had no concept of time or groove,a drunk guitarist whose solos were always in a different key than the song,& me.Throw his singing (bad,that night)& rudimentry acoustic guitar work in the mix & it was horrid.

So,we're playing this kind of classy bar & each set & song gets worse & worse when this really great female singer I know walks in. I do my best to avoid looking at her because I really don't want her to see me pounding out this sonic sludge.
Anyway she spots me. A look of disgust crosses her face & she walks up to me while we are playing & says(in full earshot of the rest of the combo.)"What in the hell are you doing playing with this mess?"
I replied "Ah,making a hundred bucks."
"Oh for God's sake! Put your bass down,tell these losers to stick it and I'll give you 100 bucks to have dinner with my brother & me!"

It was tempting,but I didn't. I played on.

LOL... SONIC SLUDGE...that's a great bandname

IanStephenson · #20 03-05-2009, 06:47 AM

I sub regularly for a band that aren't so great. They haven't found a regular bass player, so when they get an occasional offer of a gig, they ask me to fill in.

Musically they're a bit rough around the edges, but they're nice guys, the gigs are local, and the pay is OK for an easy job. I don't have to do rehersals, and it's a nice to play some different songs.

I try to do a good job, raise the bar a little, and if anyone asks I explain I'm just helping out. The band actually has some potential, but without a full time bass player it's diffucult for them to get better.