I've never feared being fired from bands or anything else. If you get fired, the situation invariably is not optimal for either party. It just means you need to find a better fit.
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Do You Fear Getting Fired or Replaced?
- Thread starter jive1
- Start date
It's not really something I worry about.
I'd like to think I've gained some perspective about my strengths and weaknesses as a player over the years I've been gigging. I know that 1) I'm pretty good but there's ALWAYS someone better out there, so I have no illusions about being irreplaceable, and 2) not every situation/band is going to end up being a good fit in the long run, and it's not personal if things don't work out.
I always think about a BP interview I read with Tony Levin many years ago, when he pointed out that even at the level he was at (i.e. well-known, highly regarded session pro with decades of experience), getting fired was still a fact of life when he was not the best player FOR THE GIG.
And of course, there's always 3) > 90% bands don't last more than a couple of years anyway.
So, I sometimes worry about not playing or performing as well as I'd like to, but I don't really worry about getting fired or replaced. Of course, it's a lot easier to say that when you've left a whole lot more bands than you've been fired from.
Mike
I'd like to think I've gained some perspective about my strengths and weaknesses as a player over the years I've been gigging. I know that 1) I'm pretty good but there's ALWAYS someone better out there, so I have no illusions about being irreplaceable, and 2) not every situation/band is going to end up being a good fit in the long run, and it's not personal if things don't work out.
I always think about a BP interview I read with Tony Levin many years ago, when he pointed out that even at the level he was at (i.e. well-known, highly regarded session pro with decades of experience), getting fired was still a fact of life when he was not the best player FOR THE GIG.
And of course, there's always 3) > 90% bands don't last more than a couple of years anyway.
So, I sometimes worry about not playing or performing as well as I'd like to, but I don't really worry about getting fired or replaced. Of course, it's a lot easier to say that when you've left a whole lot more bands than you've been fired from.
Mike
Well I'm technically still in the 3 month window of "Probation" with the current working band but available bass players with the equipment, ability, AND personality to handle both their music and the band members themselves are in pretty short supply 'round here so unless I really shag it up I don't fear getting fired or let go.
And my side project is mine; I do most of the writing, have the recording gear, and have the connections to get the band gigging off once we are tight on our material so I'd be more concerned about what happens when I will need to leave the band
. Luckily we all get along well so I don't see anyone getting angry and just quitting but sooner or later I am leaving the area and at that point I hope they will carry on without me.
Peace,
Greg
And my side project is mine; I do most of the writing, have the recording gear, and have the connections to get the band gigging off once we are tight on our material so I'd be more concerned about what happens when I will need to leave the band
. Luckily we all get along well so I don't see anyone getting angry and just quitting but sooner or later I am leaving the area and at that point I hope they will carry on without me.Peace,
Greg
Yes I worry about it, but not obsessively. I did just quit the main band that I had been playing with for 10 years. The bl started doing some of his many solo and duo gigs with a bassist new to town. This bassist is very good, actually world-renowned and will some day most probably be famous, so although I'm a good bassist, this guy really is appreciably better. Like "jammed with Victor Wooten" better. Anyway all was ok until I went on vacation and the bl put this guy into some actual band gigs. First just a trio with the drummer, then a 4-piece. Bl did send an email that I was the bassist for the 5 piece, as hollow a distinction as that is, so really it was a situation where I could not win. The next gig I played would be a let-down no matter what, and after 10 years I did't want to be in that position, so I quit. I think the genuine interest this world-class bassist had in the band's music was actually cool. It also highlighted stylistic and musical differences I'd always had with the bl. The only reason the bl didn't fire me is because he wanted me around when this other bassist finally lands a big- deal touring gig. I wasn't up for that. I play with 3 other bands beside this one, and none of those bands were interested at all in hearing this guy play, let alone replacing me, so all in all I think things worked out for the best. But yeah, there's always someone better than you, and he may end up sliding inadvertently into your gig.
