A bit of advice..

nowhereian · #1 11-17-2006, 02:42 AM

The bassist in my dad's band is going on vacation for a few weeks over the holiday but they have a few gigs booked around the area that they'd rather not cancel. I volunteered to fill in, as I know all of their material and would love to play with them a few times before I move back to the states. They play mostly classic rock covers and a few originals in that style, and they do it for the fun of playing music, not for the money. While I'm 18, since I'm in Germany, the drinking age isn't a problem. The thing is, when I asked, they said they'd talk it over and think about it a little.

So I come to you guys who, for the most part, are older and have more experience: What are they talking over and thinking about?

Jazzdogg · #2 11-17-2006, 01:38 PM

Have you played with them before? If so, what kind of feedback have you received from them?

Were I a member of your Dad's band, I'd be concerned about the possibility of hurt feelings (for you or your Dad) if things didn't work out well for all concerned; maybe they're considering the possibility of a potentially uncomfortable situation.

What'd your Dad have to say when you asked him about it?

Dash Rantic · #3 11-17-2006, 01:47 PM

If something were to somehow go wrong, I could see how it could be a very bad idea to have family members playing in the same band.

On the other hand, that could make it even more fun if things were to go right. Seems to me that's what they might be discussing

-Dash

Sundogue · #4 11-17-2006, 02:57 PM

Maybe they are discussing the fact that you are more concerned with the fact that you're 18 and drinking won't be a problem?

Seriously, I'm sure they just want to talk it over first, like they would with anybody who might sit in.

ryco · #5 11-17-2006, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nowhereian

What are they talking over and thinking about?

How much to pay you? Whether to make you sole roadie? If you'll be buying all the band drinks?

Y'know -- the important stuff

Spoiled Grape · #6 11-17-2006, 04:43 PM

There are logistics involved, as well as money issues. How much do they pay you? Do they give you a fair share of normal band pay, or a "sub" pay. Do they pay your more or less because you are someone's son.

Goodluck, this is an opportunity I'd love to have, personally.

Dkerwood · #7 11-17-2006, 11:30 PM

They may not know your playing ability, honestly. When anyone asks me to play with them or offers to sit in with me, my stock answer is something along the lines of "I'll think about it" or "I'll talk to the other guys"...

Then I'll go find out if the kid is actually any good.

They're probably talking with your dad to see if you're a strong enough player to actually fill in and keep their music up to the level that they expect.

cassanova · #8 11-18-2006, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dkerwood

They may not know your playing ability, honestly. When anyone asks me to play with them or offers to sit in with me, my stock answer is something along the lines of "I'll think about it" or "I'll talk to the other guys"...

Then I'll go find out if the kid is actually any good.

They're probably talking with your dad to see if you're a strong enough player to actually fill in and keep their music up to the level that they expect.

thats what I was thinking too.

j-bass-kreep · #9 11-18-2006, 10:14 PM

Maybe they are wondering wether you might look to young on stage compared to them . I've sub'd before but only in my brothers cover band and I was asked , so I can't really offer much advice just be patient and listen to the songs on their playlist.

Joe Nerve · #10 11-19-2006, 10:21 AM

Why don't ya just ask them? What are your concerns about using me?

Pbassred · #11 11-20-2006, 08:52 AM

Dundogue, "drinking isn't a problem" Is probably the wrong phrase. I think what he means is; being in a bar isn't a legal problem for a 18 year old in Europe.

I wonder if what Dad really wants, is to be playing with his friends rather than looking out for his boy. ( or worrying what his boy might report back to base!)

BassChuck · #12 11-20-2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pbassred

Dundogue, "drinking isn't a problem" Is probably the wrong phrase. I think what he means is; being in a bar isn't a legal problem for a 18 year old in Europe.

I wonder if what Dad really wants, is to be playing with his friends rather than looking out for his boy. ( or worrying what his boy might report back to base!)

This is good point. If the son of one of my bandmates wanted a gig and his Dad was against his son learning what Dear old Dad was like out in the real world.... I'd be glad to be the bearer of sad news to the kid, and tell him that we found someone else and let Dad off the hook.

On a more serious consideration.... Most of my bandmates are late 40's-50's and the real thing here is not so much knowing the material, but knowing the style and knowing how to behave on a gig. Bands are a very subtle social situations, and each band is different. Learning how to deal with yourself in those situations as a sub is a real skill.

Sundogue · #13 11-20-2006, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pbassred

Dundogue, "drinking isn't a problem" Is probably the wrong phrase. I think what he means is; being in a bar isn't a legal problem for a 18 year old in Europe.

I wonder if what Dad really wants, is to be playing with his friends rather than looking out for his boy. ( or worrying what his boy might report back to base!)

That was "tongue in cheek".

jive1 · #14 11-20-2006, 11:54 AM

He probably wants to talk it over because he respects his bandmates. Many people wouldn't appreciate someone bringing anyone into a gig without discussing it with the band first.