Edit: Please Move to Band Management Keyboardist Quit the Band

jazzy82slave · #1 04-07-2010, 12:16 AM

So Tuesday I get a text from our keyboardist saying that he wants to quit the band. He says he's willing to play our show on the 30th, but he is going to quit playing music after that. This show is really important; we're headlining a local pub for the first time. What do you guys think, is this guy a prick, or am I just overreacting? Should we let him play at the show, or find a replacement?

The_Low_Dude · #2 04-07-2010, 01:41 AM

I'd say look for a replacement right away. Because he's gonna quit anyway, he'll probably won't give his best anyway and it will make the whole band look bad. Or at least that's my experience with these kind of situations.

It probably won't be easy to find a replacement, so if you can't find one on time, or aren't really sure if you will, just have a talk with your keyboardist. Just tell hem how you guys feel. When he understands your concerns, you can ask to assure you guys he'll come to the remaining rehearsal and practice enough to not screw up the gig and stuff. If he doesn't understand, he is just a prick.

Sartori · #3 04-07-2010, 03:01 AM

Look for a replacement. Don't try to keep someone in the band who's not enjoying it. You don't want people who aren't enjoying playing music with you in your band.

AwesomeMcBadass · #4 04-07-2010, 07:40 AM

I wouldn't say he's a prick at all--I mean, he offered to play the show and didn't just flat-out quit and leave you hanging.

Also, people are allowed to quit bands, so you can't really call him a prick there either.

Atomik Rooster · #5 04-07-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeMcBadass

I wouldn't say he's a prick at all--I mean, he offered to play the show and didn't just flat-out quit and leave you hanging.

Also, people are allowed to quit bands, so you can't really call him a prick there either.

I agree. People quit bands and music for reasons that might not have anything to do with the band or music. Sounds like he's being professional about it. No need to judge, just do the gig and then move on.

BananaKing · #6 04-07-2010, 07:54 AM

One of the bands that I joined had their bassist leave a week after a show in the middle of recording a CD with little to no notice. He just didn't show up to rehearsal. When he was called and asked where he was when he didn't show up, he just flat out said that he was not in the band anymore.

We still get along and the band is still friends with him, but it's still not a good way to go about it.

HugheJapackage · #7 04-07-2010, 08:10 AM

Same thing happened to us about a year ago. Just start lookin' now and play your best at the show. Maybe it's a good time to take a short break from gigs and work on something you wanna improve while you're looking for a new keyboardist.

caeman · #8 04-07-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeMcBadass

I wouldn't say he's a prick at all--I mean, he offered to play the show and didn't just flat-out quit and leave you hanging.

Also, people are allowed to quit bands, so you can't really call him a prick there either.

+1 to this.

Really, he gaves a 3 weeks notice. That is more noticed than most people give their jobs. You have 3 weeks to find a replacement and ask the outgoing player to get him/her up to speed.

Jayzen_SKA · #9 04-07-2010, 05:43 PM

the band i'm in, if you wanna quit then YOU yourself have to find your replacement and give a months notice. thats just the way we work things

bassplayer8953 · #10 04-07-2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayzen_SKA

the band i'm in, if you wanna quit then YOU yourself have to find your replacement and give a months notice. thats just the way we work things

and if you don't what are the rest going to do about it? beat you up? GMAFB...

Stinsok · #11 04-07-2010, 06:53 PM

Wait...the keyboard player quit (isn't that a WIN?)

bassplayer8953 · #12 04-07-2010, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stinsok

Wait...the keyboard player quit (isn't that a WIN?)

I like keyboards for the rhythm section (big Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, UFO fan) but if someone's heart's not in it...

jazzy82slave · #13 04-07-2010, 08:49 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. I think I did over-react to him quitting. But it has recently come to light that this guy is really depressed, and may be quitting because he thinks he's worthless and/or not wanted in the band. I think we're going to take him out for a beer and see if we can get anything out of him, maybe try and convince him that the band is the best thing he's got going for him.

Jayzen_SKA · #14 04-08-2010, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassplayer8953

and if you don't what are the rest going to do about it? beat you up? GMAFB...

yes we will beat them up because we're like 15 years old.
</sarcasm>

You find your own replacement because thats what it says on your contract that you sign upon becoming a member of the band and if you want to break a legally binding contract then thats your own mistake to make.