First night with a new band

NKUSigEp · #1 08-20-2008, 09:45 PM

Played the first show with a new band last weekend. From a professional standpoint, it was a horrible disaster. Guitarist was changing strings on both his guitars as we're loading in, making the set list up 5 minutes before each set started, random musician "friends" coming up and filling in on a few songs which I was totally unaware of beforehand. Countless mistakes on songs (I may be the biggest culprit there but I'm almost entirely new to the music).

On the other hand, I got paid and everyone appeared to have a really good time. The bar owner told us it was the biggest crowd ever on a Friday night which was an off-night for them and we were invited back to play again. So other than them springing the whole other musicians playing thing on me mid-set, I guess it went alright.

Obe · #2 08-21-2008, 08:54 AM

Holy crap, I've had a few of those where it was a train wreck on the stage but from off the stage nobody noticed, still can't understand that, I guess correcting the blunder quick enough so you don't have to stop, or making a joke if it is so bad that you have to stop and start over works wonders. Changing strings and making the setlists at the last minute?? My nephews who are in high school know better than that. And the dreaded lack of communication rears its head for the guest musicians. Enough surprises happen on their own, no need to create them...Hopefully it gets better, keep us posted!!

Gubna · #3 08-21-2008, 02:47 PM

You can only be prepared, you can never be ready.

NKUSigEp · #4 08-21-2008, 05:49 PM

True, but you figure: "I'm the bass player...I play the bass...for this band". Not: "I'm a bass player, he's a bass player, she's a bass player, we all play bass, at random times, for this band".

I guess as long as I'm the only one getting paid, I'm cool with it as long as they bring their own bass. If the other musicians start wanting a piece of my humble pie, that's when problems will start.

Stumbo · #5 08-22-2008, 10:01 PM

Sounds like your band was hosting "jam night".

Maybe the other musicians each brought there friends along and created the "biggest crowd ever" for a Friday night.

NKUSigEp · #6 08-23-2008, 12:03 PM

Well...I have some news since that night: the drummer is being replaced. Apparently, he was in charge of booking, setlists, and everything and from what I hear, has been the source of the complete lack of organization. He's a good guy, mediocre drummer, and I hate to see him go but business is business (I could be next if I don't learn the songs front to back LOL). Looks like things will be handled by the singer and guitarist who seem much more organized so that's a plus.

I think they're changing the name as well and I've been guaranteed a setlist a week ahead of time! YAY HAHAHA