Drunk Guitar player

mward69 · #1 05-30-2007, 12:30 AM

Oh my god.....SO I have been playing in this cover band that plays out every weekend which is sweet. I heard the guitar player has a drinking prob. This was my 5th gig, 3 sets of 10 songs or so.....watched him down these huge viking style beers, while I nursed a jack and coke. Set 3 comes, it's about midnite,still a full bar and halfway through I hear a "thud" and then feedback.....my guitar player has hit the ground, knocking over his amp....he get's up and "fixes" his gear...but doesn't play..just me, the drummer and singer...lol playing Jenny jenny {867-5309} he did manage to play the solo. Next song.....no guitar. He's standing UP "sleeping" We had to finish a few more songs with our singer on acoustic, bass and drums....
Going to have to have "the talk" at our next rehearsal

Depth_Charge · #2 05-30-2007, 12:55 AM

I'd let him off the hook this time and skip saying anything, if he doesn't know thats a problem and hasn't apologised, he'll just get defensive and deny deny blame argue blame deny argue blame quit anyway.

What I would do, is bring a video camera to our next gig and have someone film him from drinking starting to gig end. If if he stuffs up again I'd just sack him and leave him with a copy of the tape to find out why.

Not worth my time trying to talk to a loser who puts his own feelings of euphoria before his bandmates ability to put on a good show!!

Rattman · #3 05-30-2007, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

I'd let him off the hook this time and skip saying anything, if he doesn't know thats a problem and hasn't apologised, he'll just get defensive and deny deny blame argue blame deny argue blame quit anyway.

What I would do, is bring a video camera to our next gig and have someone film him from drinking starting to gig end. If if he stuffs up again I'd just sack him and leave him with a copy of the tape to find out why.

Not worth my time trying to talk to a loser who puts his own feelings of euphoria before his bandmates ability to put on a good show!!

Yeah.. have someone help you gather some pics or video as documentation, and then let him go.. I'd put the word out yesterday the band is looking for a replacement guitarist.

kserg · #4 05-30-2007, 01:40 AM

Hmmm, talk to him, give him 2 more chance, when he starts drinking heavy during gig again remind him to stop, if he doesn't show him the door.

Good luck man.

T-Bird · #5 05-30-2007, 02:42 AM

Hi, mward69

I see that as an totally unacceptable behaviour towards the audience and his band mates.

If he really has a drinking problem, that should be dealt with a professional help. If it's just a teenager getting wasted during a gig because the pressure to perform is too much when sober, then there might be a "unprofessional", easy solution.

Let the guy know about his f***-up and make him crawl. Usually works.

The guitarplayer in the band I'm playing at the moment has a tendency to drink too much during a gig, but he has it pretty much under control if required. As I see it, if the 5% of the audience and me are sober, others piss-drunk or passed out at 3am, it really makes no difference what shape the guitarplayer is in.

Be warned, at some point of Your career, if You are going pro or semi-pro, there is going to be a stranger who buys a couple of rounds for the band during the breaks and one or two for the stage. Happens usually just as You're about to sign... That fellow ain't a friend of yours, if You know what I mean.

Just based on my somewhat limited experience.
Sam

Vandelay · #6 05-30-2007, 03:44 AM

BTW, I hope he isn't driving home himself after the gig?

wms · #7 05-30-2007, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-Bird

Be warned, at some point of Your career, if You are going pro or semi-pro, there is going to be a stranger who buys a couple of rounds for the band during the breaks and one or two for the stage. Happens usually just as You're about to sign... That fellow ain't a friend of yours, if You know what I mean.

A number of years ago I did a little bit of roadie work for a mates band. One particular gig, during the break a punter brought a round of drinks to the band at the stage "as a sign of appreciation".

Nice man?

NO!!

He had actually spiked the bottles of beer with LSD as a bit of a laugh (we later found out he was the local pusher).

From then on the rule was never to accept drinks from strangers in the audience.

T-Bird · #8 05-30-2007, 06:46 AM

Hi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vandelay

BTW, I hope he isn't driving home himself after the gig?

No he doesn't, I drive them home. Since I seldom drink, and if I do it's 1 bottle of beer during the first set, the "honour" usually is mine. If he did, our band would be less a guitarplayer as I have 0-tolerance for DUI. Last weekend I was home at 6am.

And wms, that's one very good reason, the other being a test of ones character while working.

Sam

mward69 · #9 06-01-2007, 12:01 AM

I found out since I'm the "new" guy of the band that this happends too many times. We are all in our mid 30s and he does have a big issue with drinking. Great guy, just once he gets that 1st one in him, just keeps on going. I had the chat with our singer {his room-mate} and he knows he F#@$'d up....we'll see. I can't really preach to him as I usually will have a beer before we play, one during a break and one after, usually 3-5 beers the whole night. I NEVER take a shot from the crowd.....never know what you might get. Who knows, someone might give me GHB and take me home...lol wake up next to some toothless heavy set woman....or man....oh my......

NickyBass · #10 06-01-2007, 07:32 AM

Hmmm. You guys have alot more patience than me. I would can this guy straight away. If the other members of the band don't agree, then I would move on. Of course, I would stick around until they found a suitable replacement, but, life is too short to put up with this nonsence.

mjolnir · #11 06-01-2007, 07:38 AM

I'm with Nicky. I don't mind drinkin' at a gig, long as it's in moderation beforehand. Afterwards, go nuts, I don't care, but this guy... I'd say "There's the door. Bye."

MikeBass · #12 06-01-2007, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

I'd let him off the hook this time and skip saying anything, if he doesn't know thats a problem and hasn't apologised, he'll just get defensive and deny deny blame argue blame deny argue blame quit anyway.

What I would do, is bring a video camera to our next gig and have someone film him from drinking starting to gig end. If if he stuffs up again I'd just sack him and leave him with a copy of the tape to find out why.

Not worth my time trying to talk to a loser who puts his own feelings of euphoria before his bandmates ability to put on a good show!!

Or just fire him without saying a word to him about the drinking.
Get someone else.
And when he asks why, tell him he knows why and needs help.
If your a good working cover band, then trust me, you can find another guitar player.

It's professional, not personal.
End of story.

I'm the MD for a few bands, and at this point the guys I hire I know pretty well, so this isn't an issue anymore.
But it was at one point. Fired the guy right after the gig (after I paid him).
I said "Thanks, but this was your last gig, we won't be needing you anymore. Call me tomorrow when you're sober if you feel you need to discuss it further, but the decision has been made and will not change".
He called. Haven't used him since.
Funny thing is, we're on good terms and he "says" he understands. But I have heard through a few people he talks smack from time to time.
Oh well.

Osama_Spears · #13 06-01-2007, 09:59 AM

I'd kick him out, no doubt. He cannot control himself for 3-4 hours on the weekend to play a gig? Not only that, it wasnt some jam after hours...the bar was packed! I think he made not only a fool of himself, but band as well. I'd definately kick him out.

Pilgrim · #14 06-01-2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mward69

I can't really preach to him as I usually will have a beer before we play, one during a break and one after, usually 3-5 beers the whole night.

I strongly disagree. Not only CAN you "preach", you should do so - and the entire band should tell him that this behavior cannot be repeated. There's a big difference between someone who knows how to control his alcohol intake and someone who can't. If you can't drink, then DON'T drink. If you're gonna get drunk, do it in the audience and not in the band. My personal limit is about one beer per hour, and after two I'll go to soft drinks - but that's me, and I know my own limitations and observe them.

mward69 · #15 06-01-2007, 11:25 AM

I think I have decided to leave. It's a good band, but there is some issues. I have been playing with these guys for about a month, from what the drummer has said to me, he's their 3rd drummer, I am the 4th bass player, the guitar player is their 3rd. The singer/band leader has David Lee Roth syndrome

They other band I left, we are still great friends, and truthfully...I had so much fun with them,I may go back with them. This band is a little too cocky for their own good, I mean for gods sake, we are a cover band in GA..lol. yes you have to have a pro attitude but damn. Even their drummer is thinking about leaving. The drinking issue really has been a pet peeve with me with any band, there is a time for that and it's not on stage, unless your hosting a party and the band wants to jam. Even though the bar offers you drinks, could be to see if we are drinkers or not. I know if I owned a bar, and seen the bands drinking hard, I wouldn't book them again.
Anyway....done with my wining....

thumpbass1 · #16 06-02-2007, 08:53 AM

Someone needs to take this person aside and give it to
him straight. I like a few drinks now and then myself but
it sounds like your friend here is well into his career as
a full blown alcoholic and he needs help.
Sadly this trouble is too common in the music biz at all
levels. I've been in bands where we've had to have the
talk with folks who have let their drinking get in the way
of their performance and cause other problems.
In the band I'm in now one of our guitar players had this
problem some years ago. We the other members had "the
talk" and we gave him our support to get his life together.
I'm happy to say he is one helluv'a musician and friend and
bandmate to this day.
Your friend needs to be confronted about his drinking even
if you as a band sack him. Who knows? You might be pointing
him towards sobriety and be saving his life before his drinking
gets him killed one way or another. I wish you well and I hope
your guitar player finds a better life without being a drunk.

kserg · #17 06-02-2007, 01:35 PM

BTW, this probably belongs in band management... I think there be more help there rather then place called "bass humor"... Hmmm, I don't even remember finding this thread, how did i do it...

Just saying, right place can be much more of help...

I mean after all, you wouldn't ask for advice in OT, unless you want a bunch of fart and poopie jokes...

mikeboth · #18 06-02-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thumpbass1

Your friend needs to be confronted about his drinking even
if you as a band sack him. Who knows? You might be pointing
him towards sobriety and be saving his life before his drinking
gets him killed one way or another.

+1

Playing music is important, but imagine if you are instrumental in helping this guy improve his life?

Put yourself in his position, perhaps visualize knowing you have a problem and need help, and then think how much better it would make you feel if someone reached out to you. Having a shared interest in / love of music makes it easier in a way - you have a common motivation.

Chazinroch · #19 06-03-2007, 09:13 PM

Can him if you want to help him. He can always rejoin if he has cleaned himself up with some professional help. Too many second chances only prolongs the problem...

PilbaraBass · #20 06-03-2007, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mward69

Oh my god.....SO I have been playing in this cover band that plays out every weekend which is sweet. I heard the guitar player has a drinking prob. This was my 5th gig, 3 sets of 10 songs or so.....watched him down these huge viking style beers, while I nursed a jack and coke. Set 3 comes, it's about midnite,still a full bar and halfway through I hear a "thud" and then feedback.....my guitar player has hit the ground, knocking over his amp....he get's up and "fixes" his gear...but doesn't play..just me, the drummer and singer...lol playing Jenny jenny {867-5309} he did manage to play the solo. Next song.....no guitar. He's standing UP "sleeping" We had to finish a few more songs with our singer on acoustic, bass and drums....
Going to have to have "the talk" at our next rehearsal

you AND your band mates should be ASHAMED of yourselves!

FOR PLAYING 867-5309!!!

sack the guitarist!