So, there was this band, about 2 months ago, in need of a bassist. They asked me to join, but all I've heard of them was this one, grainy clip of them playing in some "club". Since I was never in a gigging cover band, I thought, what the hell, I'm in! It would be a nice experience, I thought. And this is where ridiculousness starts to unfold...
So, they send me a set-list, which I didn't like too much, but what the hell, I'm not the one to complain about the choice of music. I just wanted to play, and that was it. The setlist was not much, about 40-50 songs total, some Lady Gaga, some Bruno Mars (yay! I like his music), and some overplayed classics, but OK... There was also one Nickelback song, but I never really hated them, more passively disliked them, so no probs. I needed to learn a select 20 songs for our first practice toghether in a week.
So, I learn those songs, and practice them every day after college. Then, the week passes, and I get this message on Facebook (can't remember word for word, but something to this extent):
"We canceled rehersal today, because the guitarist has to *something insignificant*. Sorry about that. Can we move it to next week, will you be available?"
Well, that's a polite response, I thought. Sure, no problems.
Then comes next week, and this time it's something about the rehersal space being booked. Again, apologizing. Again, next week. Well, you should have thought in advance, but who am I to judge? With my jamming band, I usually call the rehersal space (I'm sorry, I don't know the correct terminology) a day before to book time.
Also, this time they are changing the set list. They send me another 20 songs to learn, but it's fine, I guess that happens often.
Well... This time the drummer is sick. Sure, I get that. People get sick, there is nothing you can do about it. Also, next week. Also, apologizing. But this time, they are calling in another bassist, so they can compare us and see who fits/plays/whatever better. That's sound thinking, you never know how someone plays just by their profile picture!
So here we come to my screw-up: a night before we had a scheduled practice, I went out and got drunk. In the morning, when I needed to go and meet them, I got really, really sick (don't mix drinks, kids!).
Remember, I never said anything to them about those three canceled rehersals, and even said to them there is nothing to apologize for, s**t happens, you know? But this is their singer/band leader's response to that:
"How could you do that? We had arranged everything, and you don't show up? You could tell us in advance!"
Well, that was a bit odd, since I am not good at seeing future, but she has a point. It was irresponsible from me to drink before rehersal. So I apologized, said it would not happen again and all the other cliché stuff... And then, 2 DAYS LATER, I get this:
"We are going to go with the other guy, just to inform you"
Here, I get a little PO-ed, but I keep my calm, and say alright, good luck with your band.
And about 2 hours ago, I see this:
I'm a bit glad they went with the other guy, really. I think a picture speaks a tousand words, a video even more, so I'll not comment further.
Thank You for reading this utterly boring venting post! Have a good day
[EDIT]
I thought I recognised the drummer, and I was right! It's a good friend of mine, who "replaced" the old one quite recently. A very good guy and a great drummer
And, I'd like to add: I do not think the whole band sounded bad, nor am I dissing them entirely. I don't like their way of presenting those songs, but it is a thing of personal taste. Also, I approve of having a "cheat-sheet", but having it right in front of your face?
So, they send me a set-list, which I didn't like too much, but what the hell, I'm not the one to complain about the choice of music. I just wanted to play, and that was it. The setlist was not much, about 40-50 songs total, some Lady Gaga, some Bruno Mars (yay! I like his music), and some overplayed classics, but OK... There was also one Nickelback song, but I never really hated them, more passively disliked them, so no probs. I needed to learn a select 20 songs for our first practice toghether in a week.
So, I learn those songs, and practice them every day after college. Then, the week passes, and I get this message on Facebook (can't remember word for word, but something to this extent):
"We canceled rehersal today, because the guitarist has to *something insignificant*. Sorry about that. Can we move it to next week, will you be available?"
Well, that's a polite response, I thought. Sure, no problems.
Then comes next week, and this time it's something about the rehersal space being booked. Again, apologizing. Again, next week. Well, you should have thought in advance, but who am I to judge? With my jamming band, I usually call the rehersal space (I'm sorry, I don't know the correct terminology) a day before to book time.
Also, this time they are changing the set list. They send me another 20 songs to learn, but it's fine, I guess that happens often.
Well... This time the drummer is sick. Sure, I get that. People get sick, there is nothing you can do about it. Also, next week. Also, apologizing. But this time, they are calling in another bassist, so they can compare us and see who fits/plays/whatever better. That's sound thinking, you never know how someone plays just by their profile picture!
So here we come to my screw-up: a night before we had a scheduled practice, I went out and got drunk. In the morning, when I needed to go and meet them, I got really, really sick (don't mix drinks, kids!).
Remember, I never said anything to them about those three canceled rehersals, and even said to them there is nothing to apologize for, s**t happens, you know? But this is their singer/band leader's response to that:
"How could you do that? We had arranged everything, and you don't show up? You could tell us in advance!"
Well, that was a bit odd, since I am not good at seeing future, but she has a point. It was irresponsible from me to drink before rehersal. So I apologized, said it would not happen again and all the other cliché stuff... And then, 2 DAYS LATER, I get this:
"We are going to go with the other guy, just to inform you"
Here, I get a little PO-ed, but I keep my calm, and say alright, good luck with your band.
And about 2 hours ago, I see this:
I'm a bit glad they went with the other guy, really. I think a picture speaks a tousand words, a video even more, so I'll not comment further.
Thank You for reading this utterly boring venting post! Have a good day
[EDIT]
I thought I recognised the drummer, and I was right! It's a good friend of mine, who "replaced" the old one quite recently. A very good guy and a great drummer
And, I'd like to add: I do not think the whole band sounded bad, nor am I dissing them entirely. I don't like their way of presenting those songs, but it is a thing of personal taste. Also, I approve of having a "cheat-sheet", but having it right in front of your face?
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