Do you play in two bands?

[Adjectives]

Maths!

I play in 3 bands and sub with a 4th.

My #1 band gigs regularly, usually nights, and takes precedent (and importantly makes the best money).

My #2 band rarely gigs (so far only afternoons at festivals) but does a weekly live stream to Facebook on Monday nights so #1 and #3 know not to schedule rehearsals then.

My #3 band also does mainly afternoon festival gigs. The BL is the guitarist from #1 so there is never any conflict there.

I sub when required with #4 if not busy with #1, #2, or #3.

Occasionally I get an afternoon gig with #2 or #3 and a night gig with #1, no big deal.

 

[Pacman]

No.

I play in 7. And freelance.

 

[57pbass]

Unless you have an agreement with a band to provide your own sub when you can't make it, it's a BL or band decision to turn down the gig, not yours. I never felt badly when I had a day gig and management made a poor decision, either.

It was just frustrating ..the Bandleader was just really stubborn and had no practical explanation for not using subs..and I had a few great subs lined up. I eventually was replaced in that band and it was fine. He replaced a really good keyboard player for pretty much the same reason.

 

[fdeck]

My main band has a very definite schedule of rehearsing and playing on Thursday nights. Everything else works around that. The bands can find subs if I'm not available. Life happens, not just gigs, but family stuff, business trips, etc.

 

[TheReceder]

Tough position when both bands book in the same area and you hear that a venue is booking the summer season.
One... high priced, big group, with more production... a more dance friendly setlist... the other... low budget, fewer pieces.

Guess which one gets the most bookings. I'll find out in a week. The lower buck band already got 4 bookings.

 

[crabbybassman]

Yes. I must admit.....I'm in atleast 2 bands on a regular basis. 2 bands should be the standard. That way you can tell what songs your guitarist is doing in his/her "other" band. As bass players we have a right to know , you know?

 

[hrodbert696]

Seems like the question is kinda after the ship has sailed -

Like most have said, the rule is first-come, first-served.

That does create an obligation on your part to give the booker for each band your "blackout dates" as soon as you know them, whether those are when you go on vacation, have a family commitment... or a gig with the other band.

You should never have either band booking a gig on a date you're already booked with the other without them already knowing it.

If they get an offer on a night you're already booked, then it's their choice either to turn it down or get a sub.

 

[DirtDog]

Used to. Kind of still do. Both non gigging bands - more recording projects.

 

[Stevorebob]

Two bands here. One doesn’t know the other exists. The other knows of the first. I lie a lot. Actually, I just convey that I’m “not available.”