Bandmate Cancelled Gig

[throughthefire]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

If there's an important gig and someone with a bad cold or flu tells me his health has to come first, then that's someone I know I can't, and won't depend on.

How about this one, then....

I had a cold and a cough the other week, so I called the BL three days before the show, and asked him to get a sub.

..but here's the back story. The BL's wife is undergoing chemotherapy at the moment, and any small infection will set back her recovery. I'm not going to risk making her even more ill by passing on my minor virus to the BL.

[Joe Nerve]

Originally Posted by throughthefire

How about this one, then....

I had a cold and a cough the other week, so I called the BL three days before the show, and asked him to get a sub.

..but here's the back story. The BL's wife is undergoing chemotherapy at the moment, and any small infection will set back her recovery. I'm not going to risk making her even more ill by passing on my minor virus to the BL.

IMO the first part is fine, provided they can get a sub. 2nd part isn't your responsibility. And if it were to be anyone's concern it would be the BLs, not yours. If they couldn't get a sub, and the BL wanted you to do the gig, then I think you should have done the gig. If everyone was OK with it, we'll then that's all that really matters.

[harshplucker]

An update....

We did end up canceling the gig. We couldn't find a sub the same day who knew the material. Btw, he was back at work the next day so I don't remotely believe he was as sick as most of the awesome war stories on this thread.

We ended up permanently parting ways with the guitar player. After that situation, he wanted us to turn down another great opportunity to book one of the most exclusive rock venues we've ever been invited to play, just because he didn't feel like doing it. No other justifiable reason given.

So, now we're on the hunt for a new lead guy. Hopefully we'll find a better fit, and pray these great gigs keep coming our way.

Side note, being a BL really sucks some times.

[PimasterPearson]

Originally Posted by harshplucker

An update....

We did end up canceling the gig. We couldn't find a sub the same day who knew the material. Btw, he was back at work the next day so I don't remotely believe he was as sick as most of the awesome war stories on this thread.

We ended up permanently parting ways with the guitar player. After that situation, he wanted us to turn down another great opportunity to book one of the most exclusive rock venues we've ever been invited to play, just because he didn't feel like doing it. No other justifiable reason given.

So, now we're on the hunt for a new lead guy. Hopefully we'll find a better fit, and pray these great gigs keep coming our way.

Side note, being a BL really sucks some times.

That stinks. But it sounds like you made the right choice, and did it in a professional manner. Good on you for that. It might be difficult working with a new guitarist, and it may take a while to get back to the level of quality you had with the previous guy, but it should be worth it in the end. Good luck finding a replacement! (and more gigs)

[Akami]

Originally Posted by harshplucker

...he was back at work the next day so I don't remotely believe he was as sick as most of the awesome war stories on this thread.

We ended up permanently parting ways with the guitar player. After that situation, he wanted us to turn down another great opportunity to book one of the most exclusive rock venues we've ever been invited to play, just because he didn't feel like doing it.

He must have been really damn good for you guys not to have seen this coming, but as one who has missed the obvious all too many times myself, all I can say is that I'm glad you gave the jerk walking papers.

[harshplucker]

Thanks guys. That makes me feel a little better.

[two fingers]

Our guitar player once played a regular gig 2 hours drive from his home with MONO while sitting on his amp in a pair of sweat pants leaning against the wall the whole time. He even sat there during breaks and did not move the whole night. That's tough. Your guy is a wuss (unless it's really serious).

[SBassman]

You definitely made the right decision. Don't look back.

[Evil Undead]

Originally Posted by SBassman

You definitely made the right decision. Don't look back.

I agree.

[leonche64]

It is hard to fire someone. But it seems that he did not want to be a part of it past a certain level. Like was mentioned earlier in the thread, some people don't really want to be successful in this business. I once had to fire Steve Jones, brother of Phil Jones of Phil Jones pure sound that makes the cool bass amps. Greatest guitar player I had ever met. But if it ain't working...

[Jeremy01506]

Originally Posted by bluewine

Hopefully you can screen out this type of person during an audition.

There must have been other issues with this guy, since he lied all over the place.

blue

Yeah, he had a drug problem that we weren't aware of for a bit, but then cut him some slack since he seemed to be able to hold his end down...bad choice obviously!

[Raymeous]

I was thinking stagefright as well.

Still, I would be upset too especially if it turns out to be the sniffles or a sore throat. If he had a broken collar bone or something then sure, but... ... just need info I guess.