One Band Down...Maybe

winstonthecat · #1 03-31-2008, 10:51 PM

Our lead guitarist, who was the band leader, owned the PA and sang about 1/2 the songs, quit today. We've been trying to get the cover band going for about a year, with little success (1 gig). We had the worst time finding a 2nd guitarist/backup vocalist, and when we finally brought a new guy in a couple of weeks ago, the new guy starts whining about the song selection, and taking forever to learn songs. I think this put our band leader over the edge.

What I don't like is that he just called up our drummer today(we practice in his garage), asking if he could drop by, and then pulled his equipment. He hasn't communicated anything with the rest of the band. I think that is lame, considering we've been at this for about a year.

In retrospect, I think the problem we had getting a 2nd guitarist is that our band leader is too persnickity in what he wants, and isn't that flexible in listening to other ideas. I think he turned off a lot of potential players. He is a decent lead player, only OK on rhythm (lacking in touch and feel), and only OK as a singer.

I'll probably still continue playing with the drummer, female singer, and 2nd guitarist (if he is still interested), but I think this band is probably on the way out.

Thankfully, I had seen that we weren't making much progress earlier in the year, and joined a 2nd band. I like this 2nd band much better anyway, as the talent level is overall higher, and I relate better to most of the members.

I'm just getting back into the band/gig scene, having not played in a band for 20+ years (since college). I'm sure this type of stuff is common, but it is all new to me.

heroincredible · #2 04-01-2008, 02:31 AM

It's probably for the best that he's probably leaving/has left. Working with inflexible people IMO isn't very rewarding because they have to have things their way.

jgroh · #3 04-01-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winstonthecat

I'm just getting back into the band/gig scene, having not played in a band for 20+ years (since college). I'm sure this type of stuff is common, but it is all new to me.

Me too, although I did the band on a quest for a record contract thing when I was 19. I got back into it again last Sept and nothing is really working out in terms of a steady band. Several that I have played with have wanted me to be a full time member, but they are either still trying to get a record contract (in their 30's) or too preoccupied with other obligations (the downside of playing in your 30's+)

Move on to the other band, it sounds like this one is going to implode.

stflbn · #4 04-01-2008, 08:39 AM

I've been searching for a casual 80-current era cover band for a couple months here around Nashville. Everyone either ends up wanting to do mainly classic country, or almost all original material.

Not what I'm looking for. At this point in time I just want to play fun tunes people know and react to when played, and have fun doing it.

Apparently what I'm looking for is scarce around here. :: shrug ::

Do what makes you happy and you find fun.

.

JKT · #5 04-01-2008, 08:48 AM

It doesn't matter what level of the business be it full time,casual,hobby whatever. It only works with the right combination of people. It is the all important,fragile, potentially volatile equation that allows a particular combination of humans the ability to make music together.

Change one person, and it may not work. Certainly won't work the same. Might work better. You can have the right combination of sub-par players and they can shoot literally to the top of the industry. Or, try and force the wrong combo of monster players together and it's crap.

learning how to pick people to play with is a skill just like any other. It sometimes takes years to learn. Hang in there.

JKT

winstonthecat · #6 04-01-2008, 02:24 PM

Thanks for the support. I'm going to see how it goes with the remainder of the band. If we get it going again, great. If not, no big loss. I'm a bit emotionally divested at this point.

JKT - You're right on about the personality mix. It is a struggle to find decent (not great, but decent) musicians that have the right personality to mix with the group, let alone are interested in the style of music, and have enough motivation to learn and improve.

I'm looking at this as a learning opportunity, to help with developing future bands.