Cancel Gig or Play with One Missing?

[jfh2112]

I'm in a 7-piece rock band, and we haven't played a single gig with all 7 members present, for one reason or another.

(As an aside, I'm happy to proclaim we don't play any Skynyrd)

One of the two is a vocalist/sax player, but we also have another vocalist, and we can get by without the very few sax parts.

The other is a keyboardist, and we're kinda in the process of replacing him with someone more stable.

I say do the gig. It'll probably be fine with the missing parts.

 

[CalBuzz51]

I play in a 6 piece country band with bass, drums, steel, acoustic guitar(singer), 2 guitars (1 typically plays baritone). We sometimes play shows as a 5 piece when one of the 2 guitars can't do the gig. We've also done acoustic 3 piece with acoustic, dobro, and bass.

Hopefully your "flavor" player can handle it. Everyone in our band has a 2nd gig so nobody takes offense.

We also have a rule that if you're not playing the gig, don't come to the last rehearsal before the gig. That way, we can re-arrange who takes solos in those empty spots and figure out who needs to pickup intros and tags.

 

[delta7fred]

Do the gig.

+1 on trying to get the others to up their game on harmonies. Doubling the lead vocal is ok to a point as long as they can actually double them otherwise they are probably better not sing at all.

 

[39-Bassist]

as said....being 3 months out...get a temp replacement player for the gig....pay him a few bucks...not a big deal...even if it is sing bg's and play a song or two that has a part that is absolutely needed.

 

[CosmicRay]

Do the gig.

 

[bobba66]

Play on!

 

[trailer]

Play the gig...enjoy the extra cut.

 

[gjbassist]

Play the gig but have at least one rehearsal prior without that band member. That way you can see ahead of time what will be missing and figure out ways to fill in the gaps.

 

[mikecd1]

The show must go on! Force yourselves to split the other share or find a replacement in the next 90 days. If you all feel guilty splitting that other share, donate the missing players share to the Talkbass gas fund. I'm in a 7 piece band and we'll go as low as four or five pieces with minimal complaining.

 

[Eric Swaim]

If the gig is 3 months out, hire a sub to do the essentisl parts that make you go from good to great. If you need more vocals hire a vocalist, if its a harmonica player get that.

Tell the one that booked the gig to keep the calendar handy next time.

 

[Spent]

Been there. Everyone else just has to step up. I actually like to push the edge and see what we’re capable of. Our keyboard player is a police detective and there are times he can’t make practice due to a case he’s on. I think it makes us a stronger band. We did a couple of gigs without the keys and it was just fine. Now, if the bass can’t make it...

 

[onosson]

This gig could be the start to your band becoming more diverse in your repertoire and presentation, and being able to handle a wider variety of performance situations in the future. For sure play the gig!

 

[Joe Nerve]

Hire a singer who can fill in and sing the harmonies.

Bar gig- blow the doors off the place
Showcase- cancel

Doesn't seem like you are missing much... play the gig.

All the above, with an extra emphasis on hiring someone.

And if you DON'T want to hire someone, 3 months time is was more than enough time to get an entirely new set together that doesn't need member 4 (unless you're doing originals, though could still work in a bunch of new ones). If it isn't, then I think your band really needs to rehearse enough to get it to the point where it wouldn't be a big deal to add a dozen new songs. Regardless, I think this is an opportunity for your band to grow, and to cancel the gig is IMO a cop-out. The extra player isn't essential, and if you can't make your band work without her, then your band needs work.

Take on the challenge and become a better band.




And with that said, what is TLDR? And thanks for the inspiration Acronyms.

 

[JRA]

if you're a musician = you play the gig.

(hiring a 5th player makes some sense to me, too...can be fun!)

good luck preparing for your gig!

 

[Pug the Pig]

Over the years have always carried on regardless.
It can be great fun when you have to do a bit of swapping around on instruments, be a guitarist or drummer for one night !

 

[dan1952]

Play, don't worry about a sub. I've never cancelled a gig because one person couldn't make it. As a result, I've done lead vocals all night, played as a bass/drums duo, played as a guitar/drums duo, piano/drums duo, you get the picture. Sometime it has actually made for a really fun gig!

 

[GroovyBaby]

Three months out is plenty of time. The more flexible you can be the better and number four isn’t essential. It’s not like the bass player cancelled! Seriously, go for it.

 

[jamro217]

I'd use the next rehearsals to try different vocal arrangements that will enhance what you already have, if not replace your fifth member's input. Also, try to divide the solos to cover the loss of her instruments. Guitars and synths can replace trumpet and harmonica lines effectively. This next bit may sound harsh, but it isn't meant to be, just a good business habit. You should always try to reach your full potential regardless of setbacks, including instances like these. Look ahead to avoid pitfalls. Strong background vocals should have been an important part of your mission from day one, not scrambling now to adjust. Make your product the best it can be for your customers. You do have a cushion of time, so it isn't a last minute catastrophe. Use your next couple of months wisely and you'll be even better as a five piece. Have a great day.

 

[Rob Martinez]

Play. The. Gig.

 

[QweziRider]

The gig is just under 3 months from today, plenty of time for us to adjust and fill the gaps,

There, fixed. No way I'm backing out with that much time and filling the gaps for a, while quite important to our sound, not a completely key player. Y'all can do this.