The Art of Firing Members

[Beginner Bass]

How do you break the news? E-Mail? Letter? Phone call? Band rehearsal? Text Message?

[chokeslam512]

Face to face, if possible, is always best.

[NickyBass]

I recently had to fire 2 guys. To make it worse, they were very close family friends with 3 of the people in the band. They went back years.

The best thing is to be open, direct, honest and respectful.

I first talked to the rest of the band and made sure that there were no conflicts. I told them that I respected the fact that they had developed lasting friendships, but this is music and business. I told everyone the issues that we were having with the two guys and assured the rest of the band that they had a permanent place. I also told them that I wasn't going to go behind anyone's back...I was going to call the 2 guys and confront them personally because they deserved at least that.

After everyone was cool---I made the calls to fire the two guys. I told them the truth without being condescending or rude. One of them got a little lippy and I told him that I was trying to do this in the most respectful manner, and I didn't want to argue because these weren't personnel issues. I made sure to let them know that it wasn't an easy decision and apologized that it had to be this way.

For the next week, there was a little drama with one guy trying to steal the rest of the band, but he got over it.

The thing is---the conversation only lasts a half hour. After that, you'll feel bad, but once the band starts to get cooking, you'll move on stronger.

I think you should give them some respect and do it in person or over the phone. The phone is easier....I would avoid texting or email. It is a little disrespectful.

[Beginner Bass]

Originally Posted by NickyBass

I would avoid texting ... It is a little disrespectful.

That was actually intended as a joke. Who would want to read that on a phone?

[Yerf Dog]

Have the replacement do the firing.

[rtslinger]

the last time was a phone call was a singer who knew he couldn't cut it but, still called me all kinds of names when I broke the news to him. Even lost his mind for a moment and threaten to come to a gig and punch me in the face (I am a 3rd degree black belt) so yeah he lost it.

[gttim]

I would do it the same way you handle a divorce from a spouse; with tact, respect and a little love. All wrapped up into an email!

[Craig630]

Six easy steps to firing a band member:

1) Inflate a balloon (don't tie it off, just pinch it)
2) Write "You're fired!" on said balloon
3) Deflate Balloon
4) At the next band practice, hand him said balloon and watch his face as he blows it up.
5) Point
6) Laugh

[JohnMCA72]

I can reduce it to 2 steps:

1) Band leader: "Fired guy says what?"
2) Fired guy: "What?"

[TheVoiceless]

Depends on the situation. What format do you contact each other the most? Text, phone calls, email?Or do you wait to talk in person? That is usually the best way. Sometimes in person is worse cause you may have made them drive somewhere to be heart broken, when they could have be given a phone call and given the chance to make plans for that night. If they are a new member, no need for a long speech.

[TheVoiceless]

Originally Posted by Beginner Bass

That was actually intended as a joke. Who would want to read that on a phone?

Depends if that is how you communicate with them. And if its a pretty obvious decision, like the guy has missed 4 practices in a row, he beat up another member, etc.. then Text may be good enough.

[gttim]

"u r fired c ya"

[RobertPaulson]

Step 1:
Say: Hey everyone who's part of *insert band name here* raise your hand

Step 2:
Say: Not so fast there (persons name/chief/buddy/pal).

[kenlacam]

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

I can reduce it to 2 steps:

1) Band leader: "Fired guy says what?"
2) Fired guy: "What?"

That is CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Gerhn Blanston]

Wait a minute, you can't fire me. I QUIT!

[FunkMetalBass]

"I'm sorry, but this just isn't working out."

"It's not you, it's your ability."

"I think our relationship should be more professional - band member and audience member."

"If you were in my shoes and you thought you sucked, would you fire you too?"

"People get fired all the time. This should be nothing new."

"I heard you lost your job, wife, home, and now your band too..."

[trunkshope6]

sooooooooooooo,whos excited to play tomorrow raise ur hand

[Stumbo]

Firing band member

[juriscon]

I usually fake my own death and then lay low for a while. Then show up after a few weeks with some story about being kidnapped by drug dealers. After you get done recounting the details of how you escaped by killing a gang of mercs and drinking your own pee to survive in the desert, tell the person that you can't be around them anymore because they remind you of the drug lord that raped you. They'll be so happy and relieved that you are alive that they will be more than happy to leave you alone. . . . . Oh I thought this thread was about breaking up with a girlfriend. Eh, I guess it would work for firing bandmates too.

[zachoff]

Face to face for sure. They have to pick up their stuff, right?