Am I Wrong to Walk Away

[JRA]

I know I'm emotional and immature and fairly crazy...

If you committed to playing NYE, I'd suggest you honor that commitment and do the gig with as little drama as possible.

...if you've commited to play the NYE, you should do so.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

You have had many years to learn this stuff. Before you run adds for new band members try out....
Grammarly: Free AI Writing Assistance

 

[Egg250]

Well, you've all committed to the NYE show. I don't think you should walk away just yet. You should play the show. Who knows, maybe something will click with this drummer. I doubt it. He's probably one of those that practices by listening instead of actually playing. I played with one like that, he never played a song the same way twice, missing changes, iconic parts of the song...

Have you talked with the drummer? How does he practice? Does he know he's slowing down? If so, step up. Let the drummer know you will be keeping time. If the drummer misses parts of the song, keep plodding along, make him keep up with you.

Let the BL know you won't be committing to any shows after the NYE show and if he won't concede to replacing the drummer, you're out.

 

[40Hz]

Sounds like there’s more going on than meets the eye with the new drummer. Your BL seems curiously protective towards him.

That said, if you’re planning on quitting, at least give plenty of notice and play the gigs you’ve already committed to.

 

[ShadowGroover]

You board a bus that looks shiny and new for your cross country trek. Shortly into your journey the wheels fall off the bus. The bus driver refuses to call for repair, while trying to continue the trip.

Do you stay, or walk away?

 

[buldog5151bass]

Make sure BL has a replacement. If not, play any shows on the books for a month.

 

[Dave Hill]

What’s the pay?
You need the bread?
Never walk away from gigs you’ve committed to. Remain professional.

 

[ChrisB2]

Personally, as it is so close I would play the NYE show unless you don't want to and the BL can fill your spot. Ask him and if not, then play the show. Also an opportunity to tell him that will be your last show if the drummer doesn't show marked improvement.

 

[Wesley R]

Apply at least some effort to cooperation, maybe even try to help the drummer.

Go star a band and be the BL.

 

[richntiff]

I'd play the NYE gig and use is as the hard line in the sand. Drummer shows up prepared, ok cool. Drummer shows up like we all figure he will, well, get through the gig, take every opportunity to tell the BL 'I told you so', colllect my check, then walk.

 

[micguy]

I want to play with a drummer who is better than I am as a bassist.

That's always a good thing when it happens. Unfortunately, the more I practice, the harder it gets to have that happen.

 

[Port]

Working with a bad drummer is lousy, it's unfortunate your BL doesn't see this. I'd do the NYE gig then decide. I doubt you'll change the BL's mind, leaving you w/a tough decision. Weigh the pros and cons, consider other opportunities. Follow your heart and gut.

 

[gidbass]

I'd play the gig then walk away.

Good Luck!

 

[lamarjones]

On top of the drummer not getting it, your BL doesn't get it either.

That is how to look at it. Bounce. Do the NYE gig tho, unless you have a sub ready.

 

[Hawk256]

The very first band I joined had a terrible drummer but being new to bands, I stuck with it for a couple of months just for the experience. Told them it just wasn't working out and left on good terms (with everyone except the drummer). The drummer always hated me after that but I guess that's just part of it and it's not like he was gigging. Turns out a few years later the guitarist and singer from that band found a great drummer and the first person they called for bass happened to be me. Probably the best band I have ever been with was the result. The main thing to be careful of is burning bridges. If you leave, try to do it in most diplomatic way possible.

 

[getrhythm]

Just curious, is the NYE gig paying good NYE gig $$$?

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Been playing in a cover band for about 3 months. When I joined the drummer (who was also new) was 100 percent on point. True pro. Because he wasn't always available, BL brought on a new drummer. Defiantly a big step down. Last week we played a nightmare of a show, drummer didn't even know basic parts (on a song that start with drums and then bass no less). tempos were off, kept slowing down.

I was super pissed.

I tell BL - hey man you need a new drummer, he insists on working with this drummer sending me texts saying "Drummer has ben practicing 4 times this week and I think hell be good to go for NYE show."

I told him "Drummer has had 3 months to learn this, I don't see him magically learning and improving in 15 days, when he couldn't or wouldn't do it in 3 months."

He won't get a sub for drums - but he will get a sub for bass (me) I know I'm emotional and immature and fairly crazy (esp about bands) but I'm torn between wanting to play the NYE show, and continue with the band, OR trusting my instinct to know that drummer won't cut it, and at BEST maybe squeak by.
AM I being to harsh to tell BL - "current drummer failed, he sucked on stage at a gig, and that's game over for me. Happy to play with a good drummer but his guy stinks and has had 3 months to get it toethgert..

BL says "I know you don't think he can do it, but I believe he can..."

TLDR: new drummer ruined a show because he didn't know songs and dragged the tempo, but now after 3 months, he will magically learn the songs and be ready for a gig in 15 days. I like playing with the band but this new drummer sucks. Should I pass on this gig and possibly this band until they get a decent drummer.



Sorry for the blog, but BL thinks drummer is improving and will be ready , I just don't see that happening...

So good drummer was fired do to a lack of an availability and replaced by substandard performer that the BL likes for some reason. Frankly, at this point I’d play the NYE gig. But between now in then, I would record your band especially train wreck songs and play it for the BL. Then tell the BL if this is his standard, fine, you’re not going to be around when you can’t get any gigs, not to mention finding a another good bassist willing to play with this guy is going to be hard to keep.

The point is, he can’t argue with a recording. 15 years ago I bought a Teac digital pocket recorder, mainly because of continuing sound issues at the Church I was serving. With in a month all those issues magically disappeared and I never had to play anybody anything.

Since then with commercial band work, I record every practice, and gig and review for “quality assurance purposes”. It also is handy to have when replacing musicians as all your arrangements are there for new players and subs. The reality is I do it mostly it for myself to make sure I’m on track, and to have something to play a long with when we aren’t gigging. BUT, if something is being butchered, it’s nice to have a recording for pointing out musical conflicts without it being confrontational.

Best wishes.

 

[Crazy_Jake]

your band is only as good as the weakest link - its fine to walk away if other members are not meeting the criteria you have set imo

 

[PBO Blues]

If you committed to playing NYE, I'd suggest you honor that commitment and do the gig with as little drama as possible. As soon as the check clears, let the BL know you're moving on and leave it at that.

From my point of view, if you've commited to play the NYE, you should do so. After that, you can either leave the band or have better ground to let go of the drummer.

The very first band I joined had a terrible drummer but being new to bands, I stuck with it for a couple of months just for the experience. Told them it just wasn't working out and left on good terms...Turns out a few years later the guitarist and singer from that band found a great drummer and the first person they called for bass happened to be me. Probably the best band I have ever been with was the result. The main thing to be careful of is burning bridges. If you leave, try to do it in most diplomatic way possible.

These.

 

[NickyBass]

I've been in bands where people have had different priorities. The horn players were full time musicians, and the singers were more interested in having a group of friends who get together to make music, but also play poker on Wednesday nights. I had another group where the rest of the band were in their early 20's while I was starting a family and career. It's difficult when that happens, but that's just how it went. I can't really change other people's circumstances, so if it's not the right fit, then it's not the right fit. If it were me, I'd play the NYE gig and see how it goes. If it doesn't work out, I would move on. But, I'd also want to keep the door open since it sounds like it could be a fun gig with a different drummer.