gig canceled from age...

[Snackbass97]

ok just a question do you think a band is terrible just because of the age of a member in the band? Heck im 15 play bass for a year gotten good at basic play styles and good at 90% of covers i play. but yet many people just seem to ignore us just from the fact that we are a bit younger than normal. Does it bother you guys?

[JustDavid]

Age doesn't bother me, though it'd be awkward to get someone your age to do a bar gig.

I suspect though that a band of musicians in that age range would tend to play songs that weren't quite down my 47 year old alley.

[Fetusyolk]

age shouldn't make a difference at all. the only problem with age is that sometimes with less age brings less maturity (though not for all, which is why it shouldnt always matter).

In reference to a canceled gig, did the guy who was running the gig actually cancel you and say it was due to your age?

[dmusic148]

Maybe you're not as good as you think you are? Just sayin'......
Your sig is a little over-the-top. Just a little.

[ksandvik]

In maybe 95% of cases it has to do with strict laws about under 21 age not allowed to bars, this might be different from state to state but that's how it is here in California. If they let someone under 21 in, even for playing purposes, they could lose their license and that means they need to close the business -- that's not fun.

[fenderhutz]

Also do you have a manager that's of legal age handle your booking or contracts?

Technically, they don't have to live up to their agreements in most cases if it was setup by a minor.

Just saying.

[MatticusMania]

Well if it was a bar gig, its illegal for them to have minors in the place, even if youre only there to play. Its difficult for some places to get anyone under 21 in sometimes.

But you said it yourself, you've only been playing about a year, and though that doesnt make you bad at all, it does make you inexperienced. Youre 15, for the most part youre going to be stuck playing whereever they'll take you, a lot of high school parties, community center type gigs. Stick it out, use these experiences to grow yourself as a gigging musician, and by the time you hit 18 you can start moving up. Its difficult these days for the young musician.

[GearHeadBassMan]

I had this problem in my first band, when everyone was around 15-16. People never took us seriously, even when we would tear up a place. Just act like you're older, try to talk to the other, older bands, find some common ground, you can earn their respect and they'll pass it on to venue owners and the like. It does get easier! keep at it!

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by MatticusMania

Well if it was a bar gig, its illegal for them to have minors in the place, even if youre only there to play. Its difficult for some places to get anyone under 21 in sometimes.

But you said it yourself, you've only been playing about a year, and though that doesnt make you bad at all, it does make you inexperienced. Youre 15, for the most part youre going to be stuck playing whereever they'll take you, a lot of high school parties, community center type gigs. Stick it out, use these experiences to grow yourself as a gigging musician, and by the time you hit 18 you can start moving up. Its difficult these days for the young musician.

If I was 15 (I wish!) I would check out local community events, festivals, street fairs and so on, you get a much bigger audience that actually wants to listen to free music compared with bar gigs where you need to compete with booze and girls.

[fenderhutz]

If your shows don't have booze or girls you are just out of luck. Girls go to dance and listen to the band. Guys go to see the girls. Booze makes it all easier.

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

If your shows don't have booze or girls you are just out of luck. Girls go to dance and listen to the band. Guys go to see the girls. Booze makes it all easier.

Yes but the attention is not there, the bar band is just like another backdrop, you might as well have an iPod playing. That's the reason personally I don't have big ideals of playing in bars, compared with outdoor festivals and other events dedicated to music.

[GearHeadBassMan]

Originally Posted by fenderhutz

If your shows don't have booze or girls you are just out of luck. Girls go to dance and listen to the band. Guys go to see the girls. Booze makes it all easier.

what are you talking about? there are plenty of gigs without booze, paticularly gigs where bands around his age play! I've only played 10 or so gigs where alcohol was even allowed inside, and I've been playing out for four years!

Bar gigs aren't the only thing out there. especially around new england, there are plenty of small venues and theaters that throw shows that the OP's band wouldn't have too much trouble getting.

[JustDavid]

Originally Posted by ksandvik

. . . the bar band is just like another backdrop, you might as well have an iPod playing. . . .

Oh man, I'd love to be able to resent that. But I've seen it far too often myself.

My view of a paid gig (bar/wedding/corporate/festival) is that you are paid to entertain the audience. If the girls are into dancin' & the guys are into drinkin' 'n' watchin' the girls dancin', your job is to help them have a good night.

Keep it lively, keep it interesting, keep it FUN for the audience!!!

[jugoziithouu]

IMHO it makes absolutely no difference, but its not like my opinion coutns society judges you in a thousand different irational ways and one of them is age so youll have to get used to it..

I guess really small unknown bands with teen members, arent really taken seriously, but if you make it big you will become overrated (cough cough Crooked X cough cough)

[mrjim123]

Originally Posted by Snackbass97

ok just a question do you think a band is terrible just because of the age of a member in the band? Heck im 15 play bass for a year gotten good at basic play styles and good at 90% of covers i play. but yet many people just seem to ignore us just from the fact that we are a bit younger than normal. Does it bother you guys?

Ha! I'm 57, and wish I had your problem. You have so much to look forward to, man. Don't sweat it and enjoy the ride!

[PsyDocHill]

Originally Posted by dmusic148

Maybe you're not as good as you think you are? Just sayin'......
Your sig is a little over-the-top. Just a little.

If we're both amused by the same signature, oh yeah: Wooten's no doubt shivering in abject terror. Maturity. Check this out: Wooten's nemesis will likely sputter that we have no sense of humour. However, what were we taught in PSYCH 101 in Re jokes? Yes! Many things, including that if the joke alludes to the prowess of the joke-provider, s/he is boasting out of insecurity. Maturity will come in due time, I hope.

[disasterline]

i know in PA, ALL band members must be 18 to play in a bar, however if there is a restaurant part, a minor may play in that area.

dont feel bad about,some people are ignorant. i auditioned for a "pop punk" band and they told me the following "you are great player, but we want someone who wants to play just root notes, not a person that tries to put in "music theory"

point is some people dont know what they are missing.
also it would be wise if someone is 18 in the band or get a parent to do the booking, even if just a verbal agreement as minors CAN NOT enter a legally binding contract

[jarrod cunningham]

i played several shows before i was of age . but seriously man , learn your instrument and songs , get a tight show together , PAY YOUR DUES , and get the shows you deserve to play ..... it takes time , more than a year ... go play birthday parties for your friends . see how many new chicks start hanging around you at school on monday after a sat bday party .... i think if you do that youll cool off and forget about a cancelled show . i dont know any band that hasnt had a show canceled if theve played any length of time ... seems like you are ahead of the game being 15 and in a band ... i wasnt in my first REAL band until i was 20 .

[ccyork]

neil schon (of Journey) was playing guitar with carlos santana when he was about 15 years old

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by ccyork

neil schon (of Journey) was playing guitar with carlos santana when he was about 15 years old

Joe Bonamassa opened for BB King when he was twelve :-).