All getting on the same page: possible?

[Adam Bomb]

Hi:

I realize that all bands are different, and that none of you know any of the people in my band (I hope). But I'm putting it out there anyway. My question is: Has anyone here ever successfully refocused a band that was getting a little unfocused?

My crew sounds great the last hour of every rehearsal. The first 4 hours they spend remembering how the songs go. The above could also be said of our gigs.

I have suggested that individual practice between band rehearsals would make those rehearsals more productive. Everyone agrees. Then the next week I play with my pedals during the series of "How does that go again? Oh yeah!" sessions that follow.

Here's the thing: I would be cool with just getting together with these guys and hanging out and jamming once a week. I don't need more than that. But they all like to talk tough about getting our sets down and gigging more. I'm fine with that too. But those are two very different pursuits, and they require different actions.

I'm thinking about starting an informal chat re why we are here and what we want out of the band, etc., but I don't want to waste my time. We are all grown men. As a general rule, IME, people don't change. I'm wondering if it is even worth a shot to broach the subject, or if it would probably be pointless, and instead I should regard what we have today as what we will always have, and make a decision whether I can live with that.

Actual first-hand band experiences in this area would be most welcome. Thanks!

--Bomb

[baalroo]

I've had this problem as well. We talked about it and talked about it and talked about it. I kept thinking I could change things and two years later we were still hardly any further than where we started. I finally gave up and joined a band that had there **** together and the other stuff is now just an occassional side project for fun.

If you're serious about getting out and playing and actually accomplishing something I would have to say find another band. It's tough to do, especially when you can tell the potential is there, but it's gonna have to be done most likely. If they can't get it together then and you're not happy then you're never gonna mesh with these guys. If they cared as much as you do and had the same goals you do then you would not be having this problem in the first place.

[Zappstorius]

What kind of a band are you in? Original? Cover? Are you currently gigging? Recording?

Personally I think you can rectify this situation, but you might have to be a bit manipulative in the process. You need to understand what motivates each band member.

For example, maybe one or more of the band members feel no sense of urgency if there are no gigs on the calendar, no plans for recording etc. IMO an upcoming gig is more than enough motivation for someone to get their **** together so that they don't embarrass themselves onstage.

Book something & you'll find out where to go from here.

p.s. I would recommend working on a side project of your own as well...whether that is playing with some other guys on the side, making your own music etc. Then you won't be so disapointed with the other bandmates if their progress isn't up to par with you. It worked for me at least.

[Silas Martinez]

I was in a situation like that. The problem turned out being that there was a difference in goals and expectations. Ultimately, the problem was fixed by replacing several members - once we had a group of folks who were all on the same page, progress was a lot smoother. We had no luck in getting everyone onto the same page, but we did try -and had to resort to getting new people. We handled it as professionally and painlessly as possible - fair warning and a few 'talks' before the ax - but ultimately, it wasn't the same band.