Ugh - bad gig last night

**bassybill** · #1 01-30-2011, 03:08 PM

It was an anniversary gig (four years at his venue) for a guitarist I gig with regularly. But last night we had a load of "guest players". A violinist who was actually okay, two cellists who seem never to have heard of the concept of playing in tune, our regular drummer who lost the plot completely, our sax player whose alto badly needs a new set of pads, and a pianist who might be alright if he knew the material and could keep things tied together, To top it all, I could hardly hear the main man on guitar and so just stood there clueless as to what was going on for some of the set.

I just HATE playing with **** musicians!!

**Freddels** · #2 01-30-2011, 04:28 PM

Been there, done that.

I especially like open jams where all the house band members leave and all the crappy players then get up there with you.

the yeti · #3 01-30-2011, 04:30 PM

i bet people still loved it.

bluewine · #4 01-30-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

It was an anniversary gig (four years at his venue) for a guitarist I gig with regularly. But last night we had a load of "guest players". A violinist who was actually okay, two cellists who seem never to have heard of the concept of playing in tune, our regular drummer who lost the plot completely, our sax player whose alto badly needs a new set of pads, and a pianist who might be alright if he knew the material and could keep things tied together, To top it all, I could hardly hear the main man on guitar and so just stood there clueless as to what was going on for some of the set.

I just HATE playing with **** musicians!!

Sounds more like a bad open mic than a gig. I never play with or let people play that I don't know.

Depth_Charge · #5 01-31-2011, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluewine

Sounds more like a bad open mic than a gig. I never play with or let people play that I don't know.

You don't always have the choice though. Thats my choice, but the last band I worked for (pub covers band) didn't respect my feelings about that and had singers, drummers, guitarists sit in seemingly every gig we played. I hated it, but its an experience nonetheless.

Phalex · #6 01-31-2011, 06:27 AM

It only makes you stronger Bill. We had a "Special Pest" on drums this past Saturday. It was like trying to play with one of those wind up monkey's on speed.

I found it entertaining listening to the singer try to find a spot to breathe!

Studiodawg · #7 01-31-2011, 06:39 AM

You are too passive. You should have took matters in your own hands and made sure you could hear the guitar. Your boo boo for not taking action. It's your band, right?

chadhargis · #8 01-31-2011, 07:24 AM

Now, now....keep in mind that EVERYONE sucked at some point in their playing.

Cut the folks some slack. One day, they may become great players and you can say "I knew then when...".

Krispy · #9 02-04-2011, 10:11 AM

At some point you just got to belly up to the bar, order that double shot of tequila and a beer to go and get back in the groove.

When you've resigned yourself to the fact that it's "going to be one of those nights", you might as well get on the same level as everyone else and enjoy it!

Remember, more beer = better sound. Oh, and flatwounds too!

bluewine · #10 02-04-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadhargis

Now, now....keep in mind that EVERYONE sucked at some point in their playing.

Cut the folks some slack. One day, they may become great players and you can say "I knew then when...".

Agreed, but not in my Rock and Roll Spot Light!

blue

sleepytime · #11 02-04-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chadhargis

Now, now....keep in mind that EVERYONE sucked at some point in their playing.

Cut the folks some slack. One day, they may become great players and you can say "I knew then when...".

Yes everyone sucks at one time. The problem occurs when they take the stage and inflict it on others. Why do we demand competence from plumbers, carpenters and auto mechanics, but musicians are allowed to suck such major ass?

**bassybill** · #12 02-04-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studiodawg

You are too passive. You should have took matters in your own hands and made sure you could hear the guitar. Your boo boo for not taking action. It's your band, right?

I guess that could conceivably have helped slightly with just one of the several issues I described, yes. But I'd already resigned myself to the fact that this was not going to be our finest hour.

Oh well. It happens to everyone at some point. I'll report back in another 35 years or so and let y'all know whether I've got this all worked out yet.