UPDATE 2/9/26: Going to continue to update this thread periodically as "Wonderwall" Oasis tribute band progresses.
I feel like a bit of a unicorn today as I just experienced this mythical happening.
Last night at rehearsal there was some disagreement between BL and singer about how much the singers facial hair should match the the actual lead singer in the band we are a "tribute" of. I saw both sides of the issue. BL wanting accuracy, singer not wanting to give up his beard for a one gig a month band to meet a standard he didn't feel he had agreed to. An agreement wasn't really reached other than what I put forward which was to see how our first show went, get some feedback and revisit the issue.
I had specifically agreed to the standard when I came onboard earlier than the singer, but that night I sent the BL a message letting him know that with 2 (the rhythm player was wearing a cap unlike the actual player) of the 5 members now not adhering to the hair standard, I was probably not going to buy a wig to meet the look either, but I was willing to cut off my Mohawk and make my goatee very short. I put lots of encouragement in there about the the quality of the musicians he had brought together, how accurate our outfits would be, how fast we'd all put the tunes together (17 songs stage-ready in 3.5 rehearsals) how glad I was to be in the group and how much I was looking forward to our gig on the 9th. Ended with a note that I was open to discuss it the next day.
Heard nothing back. The next morning at 11, the second thing in my feed is a public Facebook post from the Bandleader looking for a Singer and Bass player for the band with specific mention of clean shaven and hairstyle. I post a link to that post in the band chat with the subtitle "Is there something you'd like to tell us ...."
Confusion ensues. Neither of the other members knew a thing about this, nor do they like the idea of booting us. BL offers his feelings about the direction of the band but no explanation about why he proceeded without discussion, compromise or even telling us.
I take the high road. At this point my reputation is on the line since I booked our debut gig for 8 days away at my favorite local venue where I have a very good reputation. I suggest we at least play the gig to meet our obligations and then I'll respect BLs wishes and bow out.
Simultaneously, however, another member had started a group chat without the BL. Both of the non-fired members are pissed at the BL for the shady way he's handled this and the singer doesn't feel comfortable enough with the situation to want to do the gig with the BL.
So, somehow I end up being the one to extremely politely let the BL know that the four of us would be forming our own tribute band and playing the gig without him.
More details tomorrow....
