Controlling band leader

[Twobass]

The best BL I ever worked for was skilled, organized, and successful. At the Sunday gig each player received an envelope with an expanded schedule, addresses, set up time, when and how much you would be paid, any attire requirements etc. He spoke with each member separately and asked them to “touch up” on certain songs, told them where they did well, etc. I, in turn learned my stuff, was there early or on time, did what he asked, and smiled.

The drummer would occasionally get a bit torqued about the pay being exact. If he was to receive $82.86 that is what he would receive, not rounded up to $83. I thought about it one night on the way home, and decided that if that is the biggest conflict a band has, then life is pretty good.

I like that the BL is treating it like a business, which is what it is. Our BL is not organized, is paying way too much for rehearsal space etc.

 

[electracoyote]

If ironing out the wrinkles means that he didn't practice the song at home and is using the rehearsal time to learn the song, then yea that's too high. Do your homework at home, we shouldn't need to play a easy song 10 times to get it right, I'm not talking about a Zappa or Dream Theater song.

I'm all on board on working out the song to get it right, it's just that most of the songs that we are doing are three chord songs, nothing too difficult. We just have a lot of wasted time at rehearsal, going over the same things.

Ah. Well, this is not BL problem. It's a musician problem. In order to lead, a BL has to set the standard and be a good example himself. From what you say, your BL is not doing that, he's being unprofessional and a sub-par musician and he's not fit to be a good example to the rest of band.

He needs to take the first step and be the most prepared and organized member of the band, then he can be the BL.

It's no wonder you lost respect. If you sense that's the way it's going to be, you would be justified to move along in my book.

 

[Twobass]

I think the only reason he is the BL is because he founded the band with the singer. Also the rehearsal space is his as well.