In crutches with a busy schedule.

Danhole · #1 07-26-2010, 08:55 AM

Hey everyone, I can't be the first person this has happened to.

This weekend I am recording for 4 days a couple hundred miles away from where I live. I'm also gigging over that time and a few days later I'm recording with another band also about a hundred miles from my home. I woke up screaming this morning because my knee has been twisted out of place or something. Went to the hospital and they said they didn't know what was wrong but I've been put in splints and crutches and told that I'll be in them for about six weeks and might need physiotherapy to be able to walk again. I'm thinking with just enough painkillers I might actually make it across the country to record and gig safely. None of us drive so we're using the coach everywhere.

Anyone else got any similar stories or do you all think I'm being too ambitious?

MrTAteMyBalls · #2 07-26-2010, 09:31 AM

Whoa! That sounds pretty rough, but if you don't have to drive and wont make it any worse by playing bass, then i say go for it. Of course, easier said then done methinks.

Danhole · #3 07-26-2010, 09:44 AM

I think you have a point there. Right now I'm sitting here in agony doing pretty much nothing. I could go do that in the studio and watch everyone else do their thing and try and get the bass tracks done quickly.

Jefenator · #4 07-26-2010, 10:26 AM

That's a tough call.

When my foot was in a similar way a couple weeks ago, I had to call in sick for the shop. Hated to do it, but putting shoes on and walking around all day - that just wasn't going to happen.

I did gigs but wasn't particularly happy. (Limping out to a chair doesn't exactly set the stage on fire.

)

I'd say if it's not crucial, if there's some way for folks to function without you (sub, postpone, lay down other tracks, etc...) you should stay home and stay off that knee as much as possible. Any activity that could be optional, think about how it will impact your recovery.

Danhole · #5 07-26-2010, 10:45 AM

Thats also a good point. I dont think it would really matter if I was in a chair playing. I'll be playing for a crust punk band in a wee venue, everyone will see me on crutches anyway so I think it will be understood.

We cant potspone because this is the third time we've booked to record this ep and already paid for travel arrangements. Money is an issue unfortunately.

bassbrad · #6 07-26-2010, 11:13 AM

Times like yours are when we get back some of the "band bro" points for helping everyone else out. (You do know that's the bass players other important job right?) All my band mates are older and at least one of us is hurtin' or not up 100% every week, but we team up and git 'er done.

chrisbass0013 · #7 07-26-2010, 11:18 AM

you only live once i say go for it

Danhole · #8 07-26-2010, 11:49 AM

Yah Brad I know what your talking about. I had an important gig coming up last month and the last chance to practice I had an abcess on my face swell up from ear to lips. Was freaky sore but I don't want to hear people bitch about aches and pains at practices any more! One of my singers once did a gig with an 8 inch shard of glass in his arm from the night befores antics so we aren't allowed to cry out of any gigs in his bands. Except when the drummer had an ingrown hair on his arse. That was pretty grim.

Chris. that's what I'm leaning towards. The nurses didn't think I should go. They said I would be uncomfortable but I don't know if they were politely going to say I would be in unbelievable pain for a 4 hour bus ride.

guitar ed · #9 07-26-2010, 01:58 PM

For my bad knee, I use ice on a regular basis. More accurately, I pour some rice in zip lock bags and throw them in the freezer. It is very effective. Less messy than real ice.

edg

duff beer · #10 07-27-2010, 04:52 PM

I once played a gig a week after having my Achilles tendon re-attached...I sat in a chair in a hot bar under the lights wearing a very heavy, tight cast and sweated like Mike Tyson in a spelling bee.

Rick Auricchio · #11 07-27-2010, 08:15 PM

If you don't take care with the knee, it may not heal properly. You could end up with a permanent limp. Especially since you have no diagnosis for the problem.

If you're old, maybe you can live with that. If you're 25, think about how long the rest of your life is. At 58, I wouldn't risk it.

Danhole · #12 07-28-2010, 02:22 AM

Hey Rick, I don't think I'll be doing much different going to the studio as I would by staying home. I'll be sitting on a coach for 4 hours, then I suspect it's going to be a weekend of sitting around waiting for things to happen. I was once doing a three day recording session with a similar band and it only took me about 45 minutes to an hour to record all the bass parts. Back then I wasn't as good at these things as I am now, although I did have two knees. I think I'll get just as much rest in the studio as I will on the sofa. Perhaps the studio will have a sofa.

Hey Duff Beer, what kindof music were you playing?

Hey Guitar Ed, I might try the rice tip, been using peas instead but not needed it for a couple days.

duff beer · #13 07-28-2010, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danhole

Hey Duff Beer, what kindof music were you playing?

Classic rock.

Danhole · #14 07-29-2010, 12:52 AM

Oh right, I hadn't thought about the lights and the sweating to be honest. I was kindof hoping you were going to say some form of extreme and heavy music that would make you sweat.

Anyway all, I'm off now. Packed my bass and a couple t-shirts and all my painkillers and ready for 4 hours on a coach reading Hemingway and Dante. I'll almost definitely update this when I get back.

duff beer · #15 07-29-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danhole

Oh right, I hadn't thought about the lights and the sweating to be honest. I was kindof hoping you were going to say some form of extreme and heavy music that would make you sweat.

I wear shorts until it gets to around -10C (about 14-15F). Wearing a snug cast almost drove me crazy...

Rick Auricchio · #16 07-29-2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danhole

...reading Hemingway and Dante...

Neat.

SMILEYSIXX · #17 07-29-2010, 11:07 PM

I was up jumping around on stage playing the day right after jumping off a bridge, twisting my right leg, pulling a hamstring, and breaking my fibula. Don't ask why I jumped off a bridge. It basically boils down to the age old "if all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" Yes I would...

I digress. Go for it. If you pass it up, you pass up the chance to record. That recording session could be the thing that makes your band. You never know what surprises the universe has in store for you. Go out and find them.

singlemalt · #18 07-30-2010, 11:43 AM

You are going to need: somebody to schlep your gear, and a stool.

Things could be worse.

Once people see the crutches, they'll help ya out. Buy a couple rounds.

Danhole · #19 08-02-2010, 04:30 AM

I returned home with both my legs. The recording went by unexpectedly fast and smoothly. Only needed to do two overdubs. Once when I lost my place and once when the software went haywire and somehow stretched the bassline.

I'll post links to a couple tracks later on if anyone is interested in hearing them. Crust punk death metal kindof stuff.

Danhole · #20 08-03-2010, 01:47 PM

Hey all, for those still following this thread this is what I recorded. www.myspace.com/windsofgenocide There are a few more tracks yet to be released.