Bassist quits then renigs

[denhou1974]

Here's the story.
A bassist joins a local coverband and commits for one year. The band is pretty busy - gigs every Fri and Sat night. Everyone get's along well with said bassist. 5 months into the deal he announces that he has to quit because of personal problems. Band is unhappy. Band auditions many bassists but eventually settles on one.

Fast-forward one month. New bassist isn't ready. He's not familiar with the songs but he's working hard on the material. The original bassist, who was quitting, has worked out his personal problems and will be able to stay with the band afterall. The band is happy to keep him but wants to make things right with the new-hire. The new-hire will be able to play at least 6-7 gigs with the band because 'old' bassist still needs those days off to wrap up personal things.

So how would you make it right with the new-hire?

[Mike Shevlin]

Keep him.

[denhou1974]

Originally Posted by Mike Shevlin

Keep him.

That's not an option.

[ksandvik]

Originally Posted by Mike Shevlin

Keep him.

It's indeed very lame to switch out a bass player who has worked hard on learning the tracks, you might live with a very bad image in the musician circuit if you do this. --Kent

[fenderphil]

youre from my hometown.

whats the bands name?

[taliesin]

Pay the new player for his time learning the material as well as for the gigs he does.

[lukaville]

It really depends on what the personal problem were and just how able the new bassist is. Plus it would depend on what the new bassist was told when he was hired. Was the new bassist told that it was a temporary job? If the old bassist had "real" problems (his gold fish dying would not fly) and the new bassist wasnt ready after a month i might take the old one back. Music is cut throat. I have seen people cut because another player was just alittle bit better than them, and, i have seen someone cut because the lead guitar player's brother decided to become a singer. Sometimes its fair but alot of times its not. Now what the new bassist should get........he sould be paid for the gigs he plays and a good referal. Maybe they know someone else looking for a bass player. Maybe they will keep the new bass player in mind should they need a fill in again. Thats all I think he should get.

[Just J]

Originally Posted by taliesin

Pay the new player for his time learning the material as well as for the gigs he does.

+1

Also give new guy first call on fill ins and recommend him to other bands looking.

[RED5]

Originally Posted by denhou1974

That's not an option.

Then you already have the answer.

[dj150888]

I think its fairly bad form taking the old player back and just kicking the new one out unless he knew it was a possibility all along. To echo the general concensus, I think he should be paid (and generously) for the time he's essentially wasted with you.

[downneck]

Originally Posted by denhou1974

That's not an option.

you're gonna take a hit to your rep and should the original bassist end up with more "personal problems" it may be much tougher to replace him

[D.A.R.K.]

it's just a cover band
get yourself paid a fair wage for your time
you will also have a larger r'epertoire of music should you pursue performing with more cover bands
now you can also hit on the chick who sings without any issues
remember, it's just a cover band

[denhou1974]

Thanks for all the input. Monetary compensation, future gigs, and first call seems to be the answer.

Mod, feel free to lock the thread.

[yankeesman714]

If the first bass player left once, he might leave again. Then you'll be looking for a third bass player because the second won't want it anymore.