When is it time to move on??

[bobbykokinos]

Say you've been playing in a band for a couple years. You got some experience out of it but now its just become stale.

1. The majority of the gigs are at least 1hr away.

2. You play about 60-70 gigs a year with them and only make about $1000-$1200 profit after gas (not included dinner on the road, vehicle maintenance, etc.)..

3. The only part of the gig you really look forward (which is even a stretch to say) is driving just so you can be by yourself and listen to music.

4. The gigs arent that great. Lots of small gatherings, weddings, etc..

5. The music is practically the same music we've been reading over the past two years. When we do read a new chart, its usually so horribly written, we never read it again.

6. Times of the gigs are an issue. Gigs will either be switched times, or go longer than scheduled, with little or no notice.

Is it time to move on?

[22w1st3d]

yes, as of right... now.

[Rune Bivrin]

It's time to move on when you'd rather do something else. Simple as that.

If it's professional, you continue until you find a better gig. If it's not you're doing it for fun. So if it isn't fun you stop.

[MichaelVee]

I agree. If you aren't enjoying the gig, and I wouldn't either under these circumstances, then leave the band and do something else.

If you were coming out pretty far ahead on the money, it might be different. Gas prices are a serious impediment to making money as a local musician!

We should start a new thread that asks if TB'ers are happy with their gig, frustrated with it, no gig, or carrot gig. In fact, I think I'll do that today.

[Baird6869]

I play part time and do it for fun.

I think it is time to move on when you miss your shot after doing everything you can to make it (that and if you are 40, work in a gas station and still live in your parents basement!).

I make $100-150 per gig. My wife will bring friends and spend $50-60 on rounds of drinks. Add gas, buying basses, cables, strings, etc. Do the math.... I ain't doing this for the $$$. I wish I made a good living playing, but I have a day job that pays the bills.

[bobbykokinos]

Thanks for the help everyone..

I've always told myself that if playing starts to become a job, I'm going to quit. I do have a day job, so I'm not playing for money. But, this particular band feels more like a chore rather than for fun. These are "professional" bands, but I play in 3 other bands other than this one.

The thing that really set me off was the fact that he got pissed at me for booking something 1hr right after his gig and then him changing the time 1 week before the gig..