I might have poached a gig from a fellow bass brotha...need perspective.

[jugglingfreak]

Originally Posted by jonas_24112

He's well known for going absolutely bat crap insane crazy at gigs. We're talking kicking chairs, knocking over tables, holding arms up in air and not playing for half a song, banging bass on table tops, band members looking at each other wondering what he's gonna do next type of crazy.

Yeah, that's not what I'd call "poaching". They approached you. You weren't actively seeking to take the job from him.

Also, they have a million reasons to dump that guy that have nothing to do with you.

Flipping tables, kicking chairs, and banging the bass on tables can get the band in the hole for damages to the venue. If he does something that hurts someone (someone getting hit by a flipped table or kicked chair) that could get the band and/or venue sued. Could also end up with said bassist getting his butt kicked by an angered patron.

At the very least, if none of the above happens, if word spreads around to venues about that guys behavior, it could lead to them not getting booked because the venue owners don't want to put up with that crap..

And at the very, very least, holding hands up and not playing. He's the bassist, if he's not playing, he's not doing his job.

I wouldn't feel bad about it at all...

[AaronMB]

Originally Posted by jonas_24112

Basically they are giving him an ultimatum and want to know if I'm interested if he doesn't shape up. Well, perspectives?

It's not as simple as this, of course, but it makes me think, "Hey, baby. You look good. You wanna go out with me if I end up kicking my current girl to the curb? I dunno yet but I'll get back to you."


I wouldn't feel bad about the bad bassist getting the boot. It sounds like it's needed. You getting the gig as a replacement should be a different subject of conversation: either way the crazy guy needs to go. His replacement is a fix, not the problem nor a symptom.

Let them fire him then offer you the job.

[hrodbert696]

I agree, you're not poaching his spot. They're firing him whether you take the slot or not. It's their call.

[mjac28]

Originally Posted by bassfran

Judging from your description he sounds like a complete nut job. And not in the good way.

Proceed with caution.

+1 slowly walk away from that situation because crazy people see things slightly different he may see you as stealing his job.

[phillybass101]

If you take the job, at the gig I'd say watch your back. He sounds like a nut case.

[mjac28]

Originally Posted by jonas_24112

Basically they are giving him an ultimatum and want to know if I'm interested if he doesn't shape up.

If they haven't figured out this guy is trouble by now? This group sounds like trouble overall and they are just using you to cover for the "problem" child when he acts up. I see them waving the carrot of joining the band over your head walk away from this mess and if not keep us updated on this train wreck.

[Stewie26]

Originally Posted by bassfran

Judging from your description he sounds like a complete nut job. And not in the good way.

Proceed with caution.

This^^^
Not fun having a crazy guy blaming you for taking his job.
You may need to grow eyes on the back of your head to watch your back side. Good luck.

[ronaldpdbrandt]

I'd tell the BL that IF he lets the other guy go completely, then I'd sub for them for a gig or two, and see where it goes. If there's lingering problems with the other dude, I'm out. If everything goes fine, only then would I make it a permanent gig.

[jonas_24112]

Originally Posted by ronaldpdbrandt

I'd tell the BL that IF he lets the other guy go completely, then I'd sub for them for a gig or two, and see where it goes. If there's lingering problems with the other dude, I'm out. If everything goes fine, only then would I make it a permanent gig.

OP here, this is EXACTLY what I asked the BL to do.

I also just scheduled an audition on Saturday with a top level regional cover band. I still like the other bands material better and they have what it takes to be a top regional band, but I'm trying to keep my options open and find the best fit for me.

[smperry]

If it was a friend I wouldn't, but if I read correctly he's just an acquaintance...so it's cool to jump in (cautiously). Sounds like you've got it all figured out too, with another possible option. Good luck.

[ChrisB2]

I'd just like to elaborate on the point that you are NOT "poaching a gig." That would be like saying "I poached a turkey and I'm worried the game warden is coming after me" when I actually purchased a turkey at the supermarket. In other words this is as far from "poaching a gig" as you can get.

I'd also like to say that I think all the worry over getting stalked/attacked/killed is a little paranoid. The guy is not going to come after you (99.99% sure). Just follow the yellow brick road; if it leads to a spot with them, and you want it, go for it.

No foul on this play.

[mellowinman]

Originally Posted by ChrisB2

I'd just like to elaborate on the point that you are NOT "poaching a gig." That would be like saying "I poached a turkey and I'm worried the game warden is coming after me" when I actually purchased a turkey at the supermarket. In other words this is as far from "poaching a gig" as you can get.

I'd also like to say that I think all the worry over getting stalked/attacked/killed is a little paranoid. The guy is not going to come after you (99.99% sure). Just follow the yellow brick road; if it leads to a spot with them, and you want it, go for it.

No foul on this play.

This is solid advice.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by jonas_24112

Old enough to know better Blue. At least half your age, I'd say.

That old?

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by ChrisB2

I'd just like to elaborate on the point that you are NOT "poaching a gig." That would be like saying "I poached a turkey and I'm worried the game warden is coming after me" when I actually purchased a turkey at the supermarket. In other words this is as far from "poaching a gig" as you can get.

I'd also like to say that I think all the worry over getting stalked/attacked/killed is a little paranoid. The guy is not going to come after you (99.99% sure). Just follow the yellow brick road; if it leads to a spot with them, and you want it, go for it.

No foul on this play.

The main question is, "Does the guy have any guns?"

[two fingers]

Originally Posted by drpepper

I had the same thought, but I got the impression that he brings the crazy as part of his "act."

Big guy, I hate to tell you but, if you throw your hands up and don't play for half a song, that's not acting. He's full-blown nuts.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by two fingers

Big guy, I hate to tell you but, if you throw your hands up and don't play for half a song, that's not acting. He's full-blown nuts.

Agreed.

That'd have to be some extreme stage act to throw a fit on stage and not play for half a song. And, why only half?

Originally Posted by ChrisB2

I'd also like to say that I think all the worry over getting stalked/attacked/killed is a little paranoid. The guy is not going to come after you (99.99% sure).

I agree with this as well. I only commented towards the possibility in jest.

[OmNomNom]

Originally Posted by two fingers

Big guy, I hate to tell you but, if you throw your hands up and don't play for half a song, that's not acting. He's full-blown nuts.

That's the sort of thing Syd Barret did before completely losing it.

OP: Consensus says you aren't stealing anyone's gig. Consensus also implies you may need to evaluate any baggage that the gig can entail.

Yellow light on this one. Proceed with caution.