35 year high school band reunion: yea or nay

Start polling the people you want to see there on FB & see if they're going.
I did this for a recent reunion of some crewman I once knew. The folks I wanted to talk with weren't attending, so I didn't bother.

After the photos were posted I was even more glad I didn't go, because the two biggest !@#$%^&* of our team were there leading the charge, just like in the past.

 

That's actually really good advice. Find out if some people you care about can be there.

My 30th is coming up. I've been trying to get up with some guys I jammed with back then and can't find them.

 

i did this...it was okay. a lot of fun...

 

I did it last year, 30th year reunion and it was fun.

 

Have the rest of the band been playing all this time?

 

Life can change in the blink of an eye
There is nothing wrong with taking a trip down memory lane in the rumble seat of the time machine
If you have the means go for it I assure you no one will get hurt and the memories will last long after the event
Let us know how it goes and pictures please
Duke

 

If grass is a factor, then you have issues that go far beyond the music.

A full evening gig without rehearsing can be rough. But if you have people you want to see, go for it.

 

At my 25th reunion, the band was guys from my high school class. Within 3 songs, everyone left the room. People go to reunions to catch up with old friends; a band can be an impediment to that.

May or may not happen to you; just know going in that you might not be welcome.

 

My band played at my 40th high school reunion in 2017. It was a blast and a perfect way for me to attend a reunion I probably would not have attended otherwise. Having to play gave me the perfect excuse not to hang out with a bunch of people I wasn't friendly with 40 years ago.

 

Chances are, everybody in the band isn't all that, so playing rhythm guitar should be safe. Without a rehearsal, it could be a train wreck.

 

Man...if you have the scratch to cover the airfare...then go for it...play your rusty stringed guitar loud and hard and get good and liquored up, you wont recognize 90% of those people but you will make sure they remember you after the gig ;-)
Rock on.

 

Yes if you want to, no if you don't. That simple

 

Could be fun. My SO enjoys reunions. I never go to mine. Anybody I actually wanted to keep in touch with over the years I already do keep in touch with.

Nice to see your former bandmates are still talking to and willing to work with each other. I doubt I could convince any former band I was in to reunite just for one night for a party. Because while all my old bands parted company without rancor, I was never in a band where “the hang” was a thing. The music, the money, the pleasure of putting on a good show? Sure. Those were all important. But I can’t say I ever formed anything but professional “respected colleague” relationships with fellow bandmates while the band existed. A few individuals did become personal friends after the bands split up. But while we were working it was pretty much friendly but still all business.

 

This is how I would feel about any reunion I might be invited to. It only takes one bad apple. Two would be a downer. Other than that I only have more negativity. lol. I've heard of pay to play, but this is another level. Level down that is. They ought to hire a band, that's properly rehearsed, so you can enjoy the night like everyone else.

 

It is awkard for people to vote on this. Only you know whether you want to do it or not.

The question sounds the same as "should I eat ice cream today or not"?

 

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If you're counting votes, I'd vote yes, as you only live once, and it's unlikely that'll ever happen again. What's the worst that could happen? You won't be castigated for any mistakes.

 

Way more pros than cons IMHO. You have 10 weeks. Get your hands on a playlist a.s.a.p., start playing guitar daily, and you'll be ready. Get organized, and keep it simple. If you guys drag your feet on this, get too fancy, or bite off more than you can chew, you may not have adequate time and set yourselves up for a faceplant on the day of gig. I've prepped beginners for a recital in less time. I wouldn't care what the genre was or how my tastes in music have become "refined" over the ears, I'd do it for the hoot. You, the band, and your audience will have a great time.

And does anyone really worry about getting in any serious trouble for a little recreational weed these days?