New band situation what to do about their smoking?

[BASSKADET]

I have a new band situation and the tryout just about killed me not to mention the smell on my clothes and equipment. I had to strip my clothes off. throw them in the washer and take a shower. I also got a headache.
Any suggestions besides quitting'
I should mention I'm a ex smoker.

[JackANSI]

You won't be able to change anything about this situation except whether or not you show up.

[CliftonBonney]

I had a similar experience. Quitting is kind of extreme especially if you enjoy the band. Have you tried asking them to smoke just during breaks outside of the practice space? That's what was agreed in my situation. Fortunately, my bandmates were receptive to this which may or may not be your situation.

Edit: Are you a member of the band or just trying out?

[killersdude]

I feel you on this one! How desperate are they to keep you? They may step outside for a smoke if they are really dead set on keeping you with them. Leverage, while it shouldn't be abused, it never hurts to have a little. Haha

[251]

I can't think of any choices for you. The 2nd hand smoke is almost sure to revive your nicotine habit. While they are not likely to quit to have you play perhaps they will agree to make rehearsals non-smoking?

You're going to have to explain how unpleasant being around cigarette smoke has become for you. Plan what you will say so it doesn't come out as an ultimatum & be prepared to keep looking for a band. 8-(

[rappa29]

As mentioned above, maybe you can request they smoke outside. It's not an unreasonable request. Especially considering you quit and are trying to stay quit.

The guitar player in the cover band I'm in smokes but he makes it a point to do so outside since a few of us are nonsmokers.

Plus it's our studio\rehearsal space so he doesn't want it smelling like in ashtray when we're in there for recording sessions.

[BASSKADET]

Smoking at breaks........How about they lite the butt take two puffs and let it sit in the ashtray smoldering for the entire song.
I think I'm going to quit. Besides I'm not overly thrilled about the song list.

[rappa29]

Originally Posted by BASSKADET

Smoking at breaks........How about they lite the butt take two puffs and let it sit in the ashtray smoldering for the entire song.

OUCH! That sucks! I don't think I could hang at a 2 hour rehearsal with that going, regardless of the set list or how good the band is.

[1954bassman]

No way I'm play in a band full of smokers. Maybe one gig for $1m.

[DaZombieWoof]

Learn the Steve Martin routine "Mind if I smoke? No , mind if I fart? It's a habit of mine!"

I can go into a room of people passing gas and not smell of fart all day. Go into a smke filled room a minute and you smell it all day.

[martyman5000]

I've run into this problem lately also. New band with two guys that chain smoke. I invited the guitarist to come by tomorrow and I'm actually thinking about canceling it because I worry he will stink up my house even though he won't be allowed to smoke they leave a smoky smell where they go.

[stflbn]

Are you only going to play non-smoking venues?


.

[RobertPaulson]

Yeah, that's not cool (as a smoker in a band of mostly non-smokers) I always step outside when I want to have a smoke, that's the courteous thing to do. I'd mention that it bothers you, if they don't want to go outside for a smoke, then it's clearly not a good fit for you.

[DeluxeRed]

I do find it interesting how important "the music" is to a lot of people until you mention smoking, at which point they'll throw the baby out with the bathwater. I've put up with a heckuvalot more than someone smoking to be able to play music for money. To me, it's worth paying a whole lot more dues than putting up with less smog than you get waiting on the bus.

No one mentioned the option "get over yourself." Just an option...

[martyman5000]

Originally Posted by DeluxeRed

I do find it interesting how important "the music" is to a lot of people until you mention smoking, at which point they'll throw the baby out with the bathwater. I've put up with a heckuvalot more than someone smoking to be able to play music for money. To me, it's worth paying a whole lot more dues than putting up with less smog than you get waiting on the bus.

No one mentioned the option "get over yourself." Just an option...

Hmmmm can someone explain this one to me...

[fenderfunker]

Originally Posted by martyman5000

I invited the guitarist to come by tomorrow and I'm actually thinking about canceling it because I worry he will stink up my house even though he won't be allowed to smoke they leave a smoky smell where they go.

Well, I am a smoker, but I realize that it is very unpleasant for the majority of people, that don't smoke. With that in mind, I never smoke indoors. If you can smell it on my clothes or, occasionaly, my breath, and that offends you, I think you may need to be a little more tolerant. A lot more crap comes out of peoples mouths than stale tobacco smoke. The OPs band mates sound very inconsiderate, but let's not turn this into a 'holier than thou', let's bash a smoker.
Martyman, put some of your cheap de-odorant under your nose, and be a little humane/tolerant, when your guitarist makes the effort to visit you.

[JimiLL]

start smoking??

[BASSKADET]

Originally Posted by JimiLL

start smoking??

If you read my first post I'm a ex smoker. Actually it's been a year this month. The Chantix worked real well for me. No withdrawal symptoms. I'm 57 retired and would like to at least reach 70.

[jnuts1]

i have to go with red. i don't smoke but i would never quit a good band because the others do smoke. in fact when i leave this state (IL) for gigs ALL of the bars have smoking in them & the only thing i smell is freedom.

[pacojas]

light up a cigar! that will emphasize the problem. went they simultaneously object,.. just smile and say,... you first!!! gl.