"My buddy's a pro bass player..."

[Ryan L.]

Originally Posted by invader3k

I'd keep it simple and say something like, "Sorry, no, our band doesn't let other people sit in."

I had a woman at our last gig ask if she could get up on stage and sing with us. I just flat out said, "No, sorry." Maybe I'm just becoming less tolerant of people as I get older. The word "No", is a powerful one that you shouldn't be afraid to use.

This is how I (or we, in the case of the rest of the band) handle it.

I no longer offer explanations to these "players" who ask to sit in. "No", "Nope", or "Sorry, not happening" is what usually comes out of my mouth these days. Personally, I see it as a complete douchebag move to ask a band if you can get on stage with them.

[stiles72]

Just hold your hand to your ear like you are deaf and say "Huh? Brown Eyed Girl? Sorry we already played that song"

[Red Planet]

#1 Setting in is reserved for friends only and only when you want them to.

#2 Noone is ever going to get something from me by insulting me.

#3 If you need to be told someone is a "Pro" they are not.

#4 If said person had a gig he would not need to be setting in with anyone.

You do not have to be rude but you can tell them something like "sorry man it's against our policy you'll have to talk to our agent and he is not here tonight".

Nuff said?

[bootsox]

I suppose it would depend on how much alcohol was in me that day, but for the most part he'd be lucky to get away with a "**** off"

[denhou1974]

"... hey my buddy is a pro bass player, can he sit in?"

Possible translations:
1. My buddy likes your band and thinks he's better than you, he wants to audition for your band right now using your gear.

2. My buddy claims to be a pro but is here watching your band instead of playing a gig.

3. My buddy is an amateur and will wreck your bass if you let him.

4. My buddy is actually me and I don't have the guts to ask you to sit in.

... continue