Don’t End Up Like Me

[bassbully]

I went through all that blues stuff back in the 70s.It's cool for some but not me. I am going to do the Pop Rock thing until they haul me off in a wheel chair. [/QUOTE]

Get ready then for a patient long wait and maybe quick exit ..again

BTW, I think Mick , Keith and Ron look awesome on stage.At least there is one band where the guys still look like Rock Stars.[/QUOTE]

That cuz they were and always will be "rockstars"

 

[bassbully]

Man, this is all so damned true!

I just left a cover band because turning 50 leaves me scratching my head wondering why I'm still playing the music of my youth that's all about partying and girls...sex, drugs and rock'n'roll.

I'm happily married with four kids and like the OP I decided I wanted to startup a new band of my own, doing music that appeals to me. But what happened for me, was instead of doing this auditioning thing and trying to do a "startup", I realized that I already had plenty of connections over the years and that the ideal musicians were all around me. Same age range, same station in life as it were...and Bingo! A new blues band was formed in very short order.

And the style of music makes the most sense with where we're all at in life. Blues is about life in general, with lots of experience and emotion to draw from without pandering to the limited scope of the youth. The genre knows no age limitation (let's face it, even Keith and Mick look kind of foolish on stage these days) and for me I'm playing music that has meaning way beyond just another gig for money thing, with no foolish ideas of our originals being anything more than just something recorded for posterity's sake and the fulfillment that comes from a night of great music.

Take stock of where you are at in life and forget about what you used to be. Everything you want and need to be playing out like you want to is all around you.

Right!
Look at Neil Young and Elvis Costello they can keep doing what they are doing today till they drop since they have matured with age and adjusted their music as well. Could you see Neil doing Rust never sleeps today..as well as back in the 80's

How about Elvis with the Attractions

They even get it and have molded a new style to fit their age and it works..they still even can rock out now and then

 

[Sundogue]

I am happy for you, but it's no secret that you won't see me in any kind of blues anything.

I went through all that blues stuff back in the 70s.It's cool for some but not me. I am going to do the Pop Rock thing until they haul me off in a wheel chair.

BTW, I think Mick , Keith and Ron look awesome on stage.At least there is one band where the guys still look like Rock Stars.

I wasn't recommending a blues band for you...to each his own and all that.

My point was that the older we get, the less impressive we are acting out like we are 20 year old rock stars that aren't even has-beens...more like never-were's.

The Stones can get away with it because, well...they are the Stones. You go up on stage when you are 70 looking like death warmed over and if nobody's ever heard of you, you will just look like an old fool trying to recapture the youth you didn't even do anything with in the first place.

Point being, the older you get the harder it's going to be to find anyone else who also wants to do that. It's not that there aren't a bunch of old farts who still wanna play rock star, thinking they are cool and relevant. They think they are, but unless they actually are Mick or Keith, they aren't.

The door is closing on a chapter of life. Good on you that you are sticking your foot in the door and desperately trying not to let it slam shut on your dreams. Best of luck finding others with their feet stuck in their doors too. But as you are already seeing, it is going to be a frustrating task.

The days of me pretending I'm some rock star are over. Honestly I think it's just sad seeing some old fart trying to cling to the last thread of his spandex. It's like seeing some really old saggy woman who still dresses like she was a teenage prostitute, but in reality she just looks silly and sad. Really sad. But, that's just my opinion.

 

[greenboy]

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Saxn]

.... Honestly I think it's just sad seeing some old fart trying to cling to the last thread of his spandex. It's like seeing some really old saggy woman who still dresses like she was a teenage prostitute, but in reality she just looks silly and sad. Really sad. But, that's just my opinion.

Too right. Saw that at the Ga Music Hall of Fame not long ago with Styx. Same tunes, sure, I get it. But they were trying really hard to be that band from the 70s/80s and it just looked... well, wrong.

 

[bluewine]

It also depends on what you want, though in all honesty Blue, you're probably a more skilled bassist then I.

My current band is a start up. All of us have been in working bands before. Fairly quickly at the first rehearsal/audition we realized this could work. One thing we all wanted was a band that was tight and well rehearsed. I've done pick up gigs so I know that good musicians can put together a night's worth of music quickly if not on the fly and sound good. IMHO however, any band will sound better if well rehearsed. Long story short. We've been together about 11 months, we're finally starting to get some gigs in a very tight market and we don't sound like a pick up band.

Addressing your original question. Yes, be very careful in what you choose to get involved in. When I joined my current band I had been in a project with a guitarist with whom I play well with. In 18 months we had 3 gigs 2 of which I got the third was somewhat of a showcase that never produced anything else. I wanted a rehearsed band, the guitarist wanted a pick up band. I stopped trying to book when I realized we would never have a solid line up nor would ever have a full band rehearsal, and those things were/are important to me. It took me almost a year on CL to find my current band. A band that I'm very happy with, it's what I want.

Advise to all. Wait for the right opportunity to come.

Nice! everything Butch says is cool and non-judgmental.Good advice for all.

I think I am going to bail on the 2 bad choices I have myself involved with.

BTW, I think you have the story backwards.You are the more skilled bass player.

 

[greenboy]

 

[Sundogue]

And he's already a rock star...

As is he...

I imagine if they went onstage now doing the same stuff that made them famous, but nobody knew who they were, they wouldn't be quite as...cool?

 

[bluewine]

I wasn't recommending a blues band for you...to each his own and all that.

My point was that the older we get, the less impressive we are acting out like we are 20 year old rock stars that aren't even has-beens...more like never-were's.

The Stones can get away with it because, well...they are the Stones. You go up on stage when you are 70 looking like death warmed over and if nobody's ever heard of you, you will just look like an old fool trying to recapture the youth you didn't even do anything with in the first place.

Point being, the older you get the harder it's going to be to find anyone else who also wants to do that. It's not that there aren't a bunch of old farts who still wanna play rock star, thinking they are cool and relevant. They think they are, but unless they actually are Mick or Keith, they aren't.

The door is closing on a chapter of life. Good on you that you are sticking your foot in the door and desperately trying not to let it slam shut on your dreams. Best of luck finding others with their feet stuck in their doors too. But as you are already seeing, it is going to be a frustrating task.

The days of me pretending I'm some rock star are over. Honestly I think it's just sad seeing some old fart trying to cling to the last thread of his spandex. It's like seeing some really old saggy woman who still dresses like she was a teenage prostitute, but in reality she just looks silly and sad. Really sad. But, that's just my opinion.

It's all good, I know where your coming from.And I know how frustrating it is,I'm living in it.

Some of the guys here know, that I got lucky last year and at least thought I had went back in time. I had a taste of youth for a while with the band and the scene and have not been able to shake it.

I'll keep you posted on what happens in the big picture part of all this.I have to grow up sonner or later.

 

[Sundogue]

It's all good, I know where your coming from.And I know how frustrating it is,I'm living in it.

Some of the guys here know, that I got lucky last year and at least thought I had went back in time. I had a taste of youth for a while with the band and the scene and have not been able to shake it.

I'll keep you posted on what happens in the big picture part of all this.I have to grow up sonner or later.

Hey I got a gig this weekend...one last one with my cover band doing Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, etc. pretending like we are some hot young rock stars. I know the feeling.

And after I'm done, instead of the limo ride to the hotel to meet up with my screaming, adoring fans, I'll drive home in my rusty Dodge pickup to my sleeping wife and four kids. I'll probably stop in my 5 year old's bedroom and make sure she's tucked in and warm and give her a kiss goodnight.

Yeah, big rock star.

 

[bluewine]

And he's already a rock star...

As is he...

I imagine if they went onstage now doing the same stuff that made them famous, but nobody knew who they were, they wouldn't be quite as...cool?

You see with me, cause I grew up when these guys 1st hit the scene.

They are still the young guys to me. Even with the image of them at their current age, I don't see the older man. I still see a 27 year old Neil & Keith.

I even have a 58 year old buddy with grey hair, heavier but the coolest guy I know.He has a picture of himself when he was a bad ass 17 year old on stage with this awesome hair and rock look. He doesn't know it, but when he comes into my office and we start talking,I don't see the 58 year old,I see that 17 year old.

 

[bluewine]

Point being, the older you get the harder it's going to be to find anyone else who also wants to do that. It's not that there aren't a bunch of old farts who still wanna play rock star, thinking they are cool and relevant. They think they are, but unless they actually are Mick or Keith, they aren't.


I know, I know what your saying is true.

Last night I was playing with two 27 years olds. Bright young singer/song writers.

I am not tryin to be funny, when were through playing, they went up stairs.

It took me almost 30 mins to pack up. I had trouble sorting out my cords and packing up my pedal board and I had a hard time bending over to pick up my practice amp.

To be honest I don't see so good anymore either.

All I can say is don't get old.

 

[Rudreax]

honestly, I see a little too much 'editorializing' in your letter. It comes off as a little bitter and arrogant in tone. I would err on the side of professional, short and courteous...



I was drawing off the feelings and emotions I had when I was burnt by a bunch of wanna bees with nothing going on at a recent audition


I agree, it does seem bitter, but I do qualify the bitterness at the end.

Why would a band (or anyone for that matter) want to hire a bitter person that has trouble not letting it control their actions? You want people to work with you, you need to show them that you are a mature person that can look FORWARD and not hold on too tightly to the things behind him/her.

In other words, send a letter that has no signs on this "bitterness". Send something that shows nothing but enthusiasm for a project, start-up or otherwise.

 

[Sundogue]

I know, I know what your saying is true.

Last night I was playing with two 27 years olds. Bright young singer/song writers.

I am not tryin to be funny, when were through playing, they went up stairs.

It took me almost 30 mins to pack up. I had trouble sorting out my cords and packing up my pedal board and I had a hard time bending over to pick up my practice amp.

To be honest I don't see so good anymore either.

All I can say is don't get old.

Now that is some funny stuff there.

I have some tendinitis in my elbow and a bit of a bad back...and after a gig last week with my blues band I could barely pick my set list up off the floor (a piece of paper for crying out loud!), which brought out a lot of sympathetic laughter from my equally aged blues brethren.

In my cover band, our 23 year old singer calls me "Uncle Mark" (I'm not his uncle) and I have to prod this single, clueless kid into picking up young girls that are practically throwing themselves at this totally unaware guy. LOL.

You see where I'm going with this?

 

[bluewine]

Why would a band (or anyone for that matter) want to hire a bitter person that has trouble not letting it control their actions?

I don't know.

 

[bassbully]

You see with me, cause I grew up when these guys 1st hit the scene.

They are still the young guys to me. Even with the image of them at their current age, I don't see the older man. I still see a 27 year old Neil & Keith.

I even have a 58 year old buddy with grey hair, heavier but the coolest guy I know.He has a picture of himself when he was a bad ass 17 year old on stage with this awesome hair and rock look. He doesn't know it, but when he comes into my office and we start talking,I don't see the 58 year old,I see that 17 year old.

Love em' both but their not spring chickens. Even they have "toned" it down. I applaud the fact you want to work with younger players. I find older cats more experienced, set in their ways, grounded, Financially set and a good hang cuz..dang it...... I'm getting older too.

What the heck am I gonna talk about to a young 20 something year old..my aching knee? my kids? wife? chore's I have to do around the house?

 

[Sundogue]

...What the heck am I gonna talk about to a young 20 something year old..my aching knee? my kids? wife? chore's I have to do around the house?

The same thing we talk about with our kids.

 

[MikeBass]

I haven't read through the whole thread-I will later, but to comment a little on the original post, if you're a "seasoned pro" or player in your area, why are you auditioning????

I don't mean to sound cocky or anything, I liken myself to be a pretty seasoned player/pro, and I really don't "audition" anymore.
I haven't auditioned for a band in years.
Mainly because I've been around for a little while now and people know me.
If they don't, I shoot them a link to my myspace or let them know who I've been playing with/for and that's that.

I'm also not a drinker, drug user and don't have a major personality defect (ie. a$$hole) and other players around town know that.

Oh, and I can play a little too.

So my point/statement even question, if you're rooted and you've been around as a player, a phone call or three and you should be hooked up pretty quick.
That is if you have a solid rep as a player, you put the word out you're looking for a gig, guys will reccomend you usually.
Good people like helping good people. At least IME.....

 

[bluewine]

I haven't read through the whole thread-I will later, but to comment a little on the original post, if you're a "seasoned pro" or player in your area, why are you auditioning????

I don't mean to sound cocky or anything, I liken myself to be a pretty seasoned player/pro, and I really don't "audition" anymore.
I haven't auditioned for a band in years.
Mainly because I've been around for a little while now and people know me.
If they don't, I shoot them a link to my myspace or let them know who I've been playing with/for and that's that.

I'm also not a drinker, drug user and don't have a major personality defect (ie. a$$hole) and other players around town know that.

Oh, and I can play a little too.

So my point/statement even question, if you're rooted and you've been around as a player, a phone call or three and you should be hooked up pretty quick.
That is if you have a solid rep as a player, you put the word out you're looking for a gig, guys will reccomend you usually.
Good people like helping good people. At least IME.....

A couple of things, I audition because it's the only way to get in a Pop Rock Band out here.

I'm 57 and I get calls from older guys my age, but it's always for blues or jazz bands. Most TBers in this forum know that I am not going to play in a blues or jazz band.

I have pretty much alienated a lot of the guys hat are my age. Last year when they would come out to our shows they would all say, " No way would I do what your doing". Playing Pop Rock with peoplle that are not even half your age.

Also I am from Jersey and I don't have much of a rep in this town.


I don't drink and I don't do drugs, I have never been stoned or anything in my 57 years.

 

[MikeBass]

A couple of things, I audition because it's the only way to get in a Pop Rock Band out here.

I'm 57 and I get calls from ollder guys my age, but it's always for blues or jazz bands. Most TBers in this forum know that I am not going to play in a blues or jazz band.

I have pretty much alienated a lot of the guys hat are my age. Last year when they would come out to our shows they would all say, " No way would I do what your doing". Playing Pop Rock with peoplle that are not even half your age.

Also I am from Jersey and I don;t hhave much of a rep in this town.

I meant zero disrespect in my post bro....hope you didn't take it that way.

I play in a pop R&B band that does everything from Usher to Lady Antebellum.
We range from 30-50.

Play what you like. Jersey has to have guys that you can connect with that are totally on your level- musically & personally.

Detroit isn't a small town either. I've just jumped musical styles gig wise over the years. I've done the "new/pop" country thing for years and there are guys who only know me in that context, and then there are R&B pop guys who only know me for that and neither really knew I did the other.

But if you just want to play pop/rock, I'm sure you'll find something smokin'......