I'm more concerned that the rest of the band thinks that this problem is somehow "workable"?
Take a band vote on firing him.
Fire him and anyone who wants him to stay.
Replace drummer and any one else.
Join the adult world, Good Luck.
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Band member into drugs
- Thread starter SXema
- Start date
I'm more concerned that the rest of the band thinks that this problem is somehow "workable"?
Take a band vote on firing him.
Fire him and anyone who wants him to stay.
Replace drummer and any one else.
Join the adult world, Good Luck.
D
Deleted member 165050
Guest
If he was high and violent in the last rehearsal, I'm amazed you booked another. I have zero tolerance for aggressive behaviour in bands - one strike and out.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
unfortunately a lot of musicians have various substance abuse problems … it is self destructive behavior
Band is separate issue. More important is drummer's addiction which can either be dealt with or it will eventually ruin his life or kill him. Do what you can to help him (its been my experience that it is rarely possible as he must reach his own realization) then cut him loose.
Probably won't help, but I (not joking) started snorting raw cacao powder to get rid of the fixation. And using placebo effect, which is quite powerful. Best drip ever, I think if I ever did do the booger sugar again, i'd cut it with cacao. That sh#t is NASTY though, they started cutting that stuff with levomisole which wrecks the immune system and causes AIDS like symptoms. They estimate 80% of the coke in the US is cut with it at the source, because it will test as pure. Hell with that.
+1 for kicking him out (not physically).
Violence or aggression to other band members is not acceptable.
Any form of intoxicant during practice or gigs is also not ok - do what you like in your own time.
Violence or aggression to other band members is not acceptable.
Any form of intoxicant during practice or gigs is also not ok - do what you like in your own time.
Drummer and KB player of my current band are both addicts. Drummer was a meth head apparently and caused problems with the band. Thats before my time with these guys. KB player is into smack. He missed a gig last year and the reason he missed it was because he got busted trying to score. Supposedly he's off it, but I swear I've seen him nodding off at times.
I'm no stranger to using substances while playing, but no longer. I've found I play much better sober so these days do my best to not even have a drop of alcohol while playing.
smack is probably better than meth, because methheads stop eating, that's why so many of them look like sh#t. then they do more meth because their malnutrition makes them feel horrible. It happens with smack as well, but at least they can eat. And the drug itself (smack) doesn't deteriorate the body as quickly. but yeah it is still pretty bad. Larry Coryell (allegedly) had problems with it, and I saw him a few years ago and he nodded during the show. Thankfully it was with a bunch of musicians, and he somehow awoke from his stupor when it was his turn to solo, and that he sits while playing
Had to bail on a really good band a few years ago because of alcohol and other substance abuse by the bandleader. He still works all the time, just not with me in the band.
This guy is a loser and won't change for you. His recreational choices are not an issue, it's that he allows it to affect the band. Tolerate it or dump him.
I’m a live and let live guy until it comes to controlled substances where possession alone can get you jail time. I envision your drummer getting busted when you happen to be in the same green room or whatever. Then, even given that you are 100% uninvolved, you could have all kinds of unsavory cost and time sucks to keep yourself on the right side of whatever happens to him. Or, worst case, you can’t.
I’d distance myself from it. Stakes are too high.
I’d distance myself from it. Stakes are too high.
and here's a good point to remember....
When it come to allowing an addict to stay in your band, the best possible outcome is that they'll be just as good as anybody else. Is that really worth the risk?
When it come to allowing an addict to stay in your band, the best possible outcome is that they'll be just as good as anybody else. Is that really worth the risk?
The last drummer I fired was from alcohol. Great player, but his life was a grenade range. Our last gig with him, he got confused on how to play Last Dance with Mary Jane,...started playing Breakdown instead,..total trainwreck live onstage at one of the better casinos we play,...ie, great money gig. You can't drink at these gigs per the casino contract,..he'd snuck in a bottle of tequila,.....we finished the night and he left in a rush for the room the casino provides.
The next morning, he shows up drunk and badmouthing the casino and every employee within earshot,..so much so that a manager starts taking witness statements from employees. Fortunately, the sound guy was there and informed the manager on duty that I had fired him the night before,......if it hadn't of been for that,...I would have lost every gig at that chain of casinos,....thats 5 different jobs at $300 a man for 3 sets. I will NEVER stick my neck out again to "try and help out" a troubled player. you risk your reputation and your livelihood by trying to be a friend to these people. DO NOT DO IT!
The next morning, he shows up drunk and badmouthing the casino and every employee within earshot,..so much so that a manager starts taking witness statements from employees. Fortunately, the sound guy was there and informed the manager on duty that I had fired him the night before,......if it hadn't of been for that,...I would have lost every gig at that chain of casinos,....thats 5 different jobs at $300 a man for 3 sets. I will NEVER stick my neck out again to "try and help out" a troubled player. you risk your reputation and your livelihood by trying to be a friend to these people. DO NOT DO IT!
