Band member accountability question

[Depth_Charge]

I recently joined a cover band, and to my surprise learned the drummer has an eyesight issue similar to my wife, leaving him unable to drive, use a computer properly etc.

Between him and the guitarist whose band it is, they were going to get hold of the songs necessary for the drummer to learn. However after the 3rd week of discussing "the songs I need", the CD's never materialised and I sensed the "musical director" guitarist was becomgin frustrated.

I identified an opportunity to help the drummer, so I cut the CD for him, dropped it off at his house (30km away I guess) had a chat for a few hours about how I perceived things in the band so far, then looked over their PC to help see if I could help them use the net to get songs too. It was a positive resolution I thought.

But as I was discussing the issue with my wife, I mentioned my feelings that it's an unfortunate reality that the drummer was in this position and ultimately accountable should the band decide to let him go as a result of not coming up to speed. I also said he wouldn't have have much recourse for not getting the songs learned on time.

Well, she blew up at me telling me that the guitarist made a commitment he didn't honour, which left the drummer in the lurch. The drummer should not risk the sack for that, and if she was in the position and told to leave as a result of someone else not getting the material they said they would, she would be happy to leave such a selfish situation as she put it.

Am I wrong in feeling that regardless of why things don't fall into place, it's going to be the person who was not prepared that will be held accountable by the band for not being ready? Or am I being unreasonable here?

[bassbrad]

First off good for you on helping the drummer out, these are the things that can build up long term musical relationships. To me a band is a team effort and it is not only up to each player to do their best but to also enable the other players to be their best. As bass players we most often are the bridge between players not only musically but also socially, most often we are everyone's friend.
In this situation placing blame is counter productive, helping to get the best resolution is your role or accountability.

[Matthew Bryson]

I agree with your wife.

[Stumpy]

I think that it is both. The drummer, regardless of sight issues, is responsible for he/her part. I have a blind student in one of my performance classes. I have to get the words translated for her but other than that she works on things and is ready.
If the ground rules state that all members have to have X done by Z time then it needs to be done. If, as a group, the exception (modification) is made that the drummer gets to have a bit more time...then that needs to be honored.
If the guitarist said he would get the materials to the drummer and didn't it is on him. The error is his. If the drummer didn't continually bug him...then he also shares the blame.

In my band we have a safe zone. We are able to say anything and not have to worry what anyone thinks. We know. If I need something then I ask. If I don't get it right away I am after it/them until I get what is needed for me to do the job.

Just My Opinion (JMO)

[tZer]

It depends on the scope of the project.

If the band is a "working cover band" and is only in it to make $$ then I think every member is an employee and responsible for their end of the bargain. That means you do what you must in order to fulfill the role you're in. In my experience, that means you get yourself to the gigs (on time and ready to go), you learn your own music, make sure your gear is in working order at all times and are prepared for the odd disaster when a string/head/stick/amp breaks.

If you require other members to pick up the slack for you, then your pay should reflect it - as should theirs.

On the other hand - if the band is more of a team effort "doing it for the love of music, commaradery and a few $$ as icing on the cake" - then the "all for one and one for all" thing makes a little more sense.

One angle is all business - the other inserts a hobby element.

I am all about pitching in to help out fellow band mates whatever type of gig I am in - but in order to offer a black and white answer, the question needs a black and white structure.

[tycobb73]

I am a legally blind bass player (also have cerebral pulsy). It is bad enough that I can't drive. My opinion:

This person probalby grew up with this all of his life. I did mine. You adjust to it. You find ways to do your part. Drummers play by ear like all the rest of us, right? I can see wanting to make a cd before, I've made a cd of one of our sets for band members and it took all of 10 minutes. My wife drives me to rehearsal but my drummer drives me home as we often get done around midnight and I have one small child plus my wife is pregnant. My amp is a GK1001RBII and Dr Bass 210 and 115. (the DHL site says the cabs should arrive today, yay). I bought this setup unheard. Why, because my bandmates are going to have to help me carry my equipment and there's no way I can ask them to lug around 100+lbs cabs. I actually feel guilty about it, and because of it make sure I come prepared. I am usually the most prepared one in the group.

One of two things is going on. Either your drummer is in fact lazy and you need to get rid of him. Or he feels if he asks for help he'll become a pest. I would have a talk with him to see which one it is. If it is the latter, tell him you'll help him out, but only if he comes prepared. Do everything you can to make him feel comfortable to ask for help. If you see him struggling, help him out without asking. If he says he doesn't want your help at that moment, do not help him with that task. There are a lot of times I want help but am too embarrassed to ask for it. If the other band members help me out I'll gladly take it. Other times I don't want help at all. You'll eventually feel it out. I think he could actually be an asset as us blind people use our ears more than other people and are in tune to hear things you don't.

If he still isn't prepared, it isn't his blindness holding him back.

[Depth_Charge]

Thanks guys, that helps me see things a little clearer.

Tycobb, the drummer is very vocal about his needs, he has to be!! He is just conflicted between needing the help and doesn't want to nag people for the help.

The structure of the band is something I am still working out myself, having only been in the band five weeks or so.

It's been sold to me as a "matey friendly" type situation by the band owner, however he also runs a "craptop" trio on the side and has a crew of fill in singers and drummers to cover for us should we not be able to play with the band.

Over the course of the next 2 weeks, we are rehearsing with a fill-in drummer too. Neither myself or the drummer feel that is "THE BAND" as such, and obviously some fill-ins are going to be better than regular players, which increases the potential for animosity between people.

So because what I was seeing conflicted with what I was hearing I thought it best to try and provide a solution before things risked coming to a head.

One positive outcome for me after chatting to the drummer is that, no matter what happens in that band, I have a drummer willing to be in a band with me

I appreciate everyone's feedback, thankyou all.

[redefine dave]

If your guitarist said he'd get the guy the matirial, its on him.
Good for you for helping out your drummer. I feel the bassist should do everything possible to help the drummer and build a friendship... I've played in a lot of bands, and I've found I grooved the best with guys I got along with. We would know what each other was going to do musically, which was amazing.

[::::BASSIST::::]

My band recently acquired a new drummer. He his one of the best, if not THE best drummer I've had the pleasure of playing with. He is completely legally blind.

Its a bit of a hassle re transportation and such but he is well worth it.