Double-booked, what to do?

[C47]

This dilemma has yet to happen for my band, but it will.
Our drummer has recently joined a second band because they gig more.He gigged
with them once before telling us.
They're booked at least twice a month out for six months at the same club.
We tend to get bookings a month in advance, and do a lot of filling in for
other bands, which mean last minute schedulings.

Our leader is somewhat pissed over this although the drummer says he will get a sub
for us (not for band B) if needed.

It's not that we can't play with a sub, but the principle of the thing. We gave him
his first chance with a band and he's been with us 2 years. Loyalty does have a place
in my book.

 

[skidrawk]

This happened to me a month ago.


A Band was my money tribute gig.

B Band was my metal side project.

I cancelled A band gig because B band got a gig opening up at a really good venue for a really good band. Plus it was a reunion show for us - something I wanted to do a 1 shot show with them and leave it at that. Fortunately A band was cool about canceling the show and they ended up getting sick anyways so they got over it and was happy to get the weekend to rest. B band had a really good turn out and I handed in my resignation after the show, going out in style.

 

[Jim Campbell]

You are, IMHO morally and ethically bound to do the first performance that was agreed to.

The blowback / colateral damage / inconvienience of that obligation doesn't really enter into the equation. It's the suck side of being a money whore.

I'll assume that "Band B" knew about your side thing and as such when they accepted that, they accepted this possibility.

FWIW, I've been there, and it cost me my spot in my Band B which was a really effing good band. So be it.

that would be the right thing,unless there was an earlier declaration to band a that band b is the first loyalty.....if you can find a RE-liable sub for band a you may be able to finesse your way out of a pickle w/o any bad feelings,but band b should have some kind of calender to refer to for player availability,for occasions just like this

 

[basss]

The only problem with always going with whoever books you first is that you may be replaced if you end up subbing out your regular gigs too much.

I work with a busy band that pays well and I generally sub out other gigs when there is a conflict to play with them because I don't want to loose the gig. That's how I got to be in this band - the previous bassist was subbing it out often to tour. It's very competitive where I live and everyone is easily replaced no matter how good they are.

I say hold on to your regular gig (band B). It looks like band A is flexible about using other people and they may be cool with using you on the dates that you can make.

I'm not so sure there is a real moral or ethical obligation to take whatever comes first - as long as you don't screw someone over by cancelling the day before the gig. Helping the bandleader find a sub always seems to be appreciated.