Thankfully never. I'm fortunate to be in a position where I have people seeking me out. Apparently good and loyal bassists are hard to find in my area.
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Ever been fired from a band?
- Thread starter Aussie Player
- Start date
First band I was in. I was 14 and had been playing about 1 year. I quickly surpassed the ability of the BL and he told me they couldn't use me anymore. We were all in High School, it was the early '60's and no real big deal. Years later, the BL(who no longer played), said "I knew you were going to be good, but WOW!" I never did harbor any ill feelings toward him and I'm still playing 56 years later.
Twice for me. The first time was from criticising the drummer for playing" jazz like" in our rock band. Should have kept my mouth shut. That was years ago and the drummer and I are good friends still.
Second time I was replaced because our drummers friends band had broken up and he wanted to bring his friend into our band at my expense. The band actually paid me out as I was chasing gigs while the drummer was backstabbing me. The new bass player and our singer became a couple, became born again christians and left the band.
Second time I was replaced because our drummers friends band had broken up and he wanted to bring his friend into our band at my expense. The band actually paid me out as I was chasing gigs while the drummer was backstabbing me. The new bass player and our singer became a couple, became born again christians and left the band.
Never been fired per se in over 50 years of playing, gigging, recording. Walked away from a few things over the years, but always tried to be professional about it and never burned any bridges that I'm aware of. I did have a situation last year around the whole pandemic, where a band I was in for a few years before covid hit, with a very strong, distinctive singer fell apart because of various issues ... not the least of which was no gigs due to covid. The band reformed without me and the guitar player for some festival shows this summer which would have been pretty cool to do. I was kind of bummed out by that primarily because the singer was one of the best, most dynamic front men I ever played with, but you've just got to move on and not let that kind of thing tip you over.
Got "fired" for the first time earlier this year. I place the word in quotes because in retrospect it appears to have been part of the bandleader/guitarist's...I don't know, nervous breakdown? I'm not a therapist.
It was a new cover band that had exactly one gig before covid hit, then only two (outdoor) rehearsals over the course of the year. I was getting vague/contradictory instructions from the BL--for instance, he added "These Boots Are Made For Walking" to the playlist, and when I asked "the Nancy Sinatra version or the Loretta Lynn version?" he said "both," as if I was somehow supposed to magically meld these two very different arrangements into one.
I was also told that I had absolutely no input into the playlist, which hadn't been the original understanding and which puzzled me. With so many songs to cover, why couldn't we navigate by consensus, pick ones we all enjoyed playing? I didn't argue, but he could probably tell I wasn't pleased.
Meanwhile, he seemed increasingly scattered and stressed. He'd add songs to the playlist and show up not knowing how to play them. When he called me out of the blue to say "it isn't working out," I initially took it to mean HE was about to quit the band. I started talking him out of it until I realized that...oh, he meant me.
Didn't need to be told twice. I told him I was worried about him, that the pandemic was stressing all of us immensely, and took the opportunity for a graceful exit. Yeah, it stung, but it's not my style to burn bridges.
A few months later I start getting his texts again. Turns out the band had fired him. He genuinely wanted to commiserate with me, which I took as a sign that my exit had been sufficiently graceful. I wished him well.
Fast forward a few months. I'm in an all-original band that suits me far better, with a higher level of professionalism and solid relationships among the other players, most of whom have been playing together for more than twenty years (which speaks to good communication skills and a lack of flightiness). I see the former BL popping up on Craigslist from time to time, trying to find another situation. Unsure if the cover band is still a going concern.
It was a new cover band that had exactly one gig before covid hit, then only two (outdoor) rehearsals over the course of the year. I was getting vague/contradictory instructions from the BL--for instance, he added "These Boots Are Made For Walking" to the playlist, and when I asked "the Nancy Sinatra version or the Loretta Lynn version?" he said "both," as if I was somehow supposed to magically meld these two very different arrangements into one.
I was also told that I had absolutely no input into the playlist, which hadn't been the original understanding and which puzzled me. With so many songs to cover, why couldn't we navigate by consensus, pick ones we all enjoyed playing? I didn't argue, but he could probably tell I wasn't pleased.
Meanwhile, he seemed increasingly scattered and stressed. He'd add songs to the playlist and show up not knowing how to play them. When he called me out of the blue to say "it isn't working out," I initially took it to mean HE was about to quit the band. I started talking him out of it until I realized that...oh, he meant me.
Didn't need to be told twice. I told him I was worried about him, that the pandemic was stressing all of us immensely, and took the opportunity for a graceful exit. Yeah, it stung, but it's not my style to burn bridges.
A few months later I start getting his texts again. Turns out the band had fired him. He genuinely wanted to commiserate with me, which I took as a sign that my exit had been sufficiently graceful. I wished him well.
Fast forward a few months. I'm in an all-original band that suits me far better, with a higher level of professionalism and solid relationships among the other players, most of whom have been playing together for more than twenty years (which speaks to good communication skills and a lack of flightiness). I see the former BL popping up on Craigslist from time to time, trying to find another situation. Unsure if the cover band is still a going concern.
Yup. Once. No it didn't hurt because I was on the verge of leaving anyway. There were some really good musicians in the band but the band leader and his agent had lost focus IMO and we were going backwards musically it seemed to me.
No but I have been rejected after many auditions. I call it "pre-firing".
Three times:
My very first gig was with a bunch way more experienced than I was, but I was the one they hired . . . . . until their buddy got out of jail (!) for dope, then he was In Like Flynn, and I was shown the door. I was a placeholder, and they used me 'till he was back. Used.
Once I moved to Nashville, I was not replaced by anyone any better, but I wouldn't 'party' with either bunch. Bear in mind, I never preached, cut my eyes at them, nothing, I simply (and honestly explained) I couldn't function drunk or otherwise impaired. Twice. Double C-Ya. So I 'spose I flunked 'the hang', but that's life, and they're well on their way to DUI, AA, or worse, and I'm happily away from that crap, fortunately before I bought several Berettas.
Otherwise, it was always my decision when to move on.
My very first gig was with a bunch way more experienced than I was, but I was the one they hired . . . . . until their buddy got out of jail (!) for dope, then he was In Like Flynn, and I was shown the door. I was a placeholder, and they used me 'till he was back. Used.
Once I moved to Nashville, I was not replaced by anyone any better, but I wouldn't 'party' with either bunch. Bear in mind, I never preached, cut my eyes at them, nothing, I simply (and honestly explained) I couldn't function drunk or otherwise impaired. Twice. Double C-Ya. So I 'spose I flunked 'the hang', but that's life, and they're well on their way to DUI, AA, or worse, and I'm happily away from that crap, fortunately before I bought several Berettas.
Otherwise, it was always my decision when to move on.
Does it count if the band “breaks up “ and then re groups with a new name and a new bass player ?
I was let go after a year from a Top 40 cover band in the early '80s because I didn't sing lead vocals. I did sing backups on just about every song - just not confident about singing lead.
I replaced the drummer's brother when he quit. At the audition I was accepted, but told I was replacing the brother and expressed my nervousness about accepting the gig knowing blood is thicker than water. Was promised this would not happen "I'm through playing with him and he's been offered a day job he's going to take." His brother wasn't a very good bass player, but could singa fair lead and was entertaining.
Early on the lead guitar/vocalist quit, so I said "I know a guy", and he was replaced with a friend who could fulfill those responasibilities.
Later the keyboardist was let go. Didn't sing and wasn't very good. "I know a lady who is a great singer and good keyboard and rhythm guitarist". So she took the job.
With better players the band started getting better gigs. One day I got a call from the drummer I was being replaced by his brother, who wanted back in the band. So that was it. Given 4 week notice. His brother quit after a few months and was replaced by a pretty fair player and FABULOUS singer.
I replaced the drummer's brother when he quit. At the audition I was accepted, but told I was replacing the brother and expressed my nervousness about accepting the gig knowing blood is thicker than water. Was promised this would not happen "I'm through playing with him and he's been offered a day job he's going to take." His brother wasn't a very good bass player, but could singa fair lead and was entertaining.
Early on the lead guitar/vocalist quit, so I said "I know a guy", and he was replaced with a friend who could fulfill those responasibilities.
Later the keyboardist was let go. Didn't sing and wasn't very good. "I know a lady who is a great singer and good keyboard and rhythm guitarist". So she took the job.
With better players the band started getting better gigs. One day I got a call from the drummer I was being replaced by his brother, who wanted back in the band. So that was it. Given 4 week notice. His brother quit after a few months and was replaced by a pretty fair player and FABULOUS singer.
In the late '90s and early 2000's I was with a band that played a lot of really great gigs. The BL never really had a band that stayed together very long so his mandate was that if you ever missed a gig whomever he got to replace you would become your permanent replacement. Well the iteration I was part of was solid for a good five years. Until the last New Years I was with him. He said that we would take that particular NYE off. Cool...so I drove out of state to spend Xmas and NYE with my mother. Well, sure enough, right after Xmas he called to say that we had a last minute NYE gig at a great place for real good money. I reminded him of where I was to which he reminded me of the mandate/rule. At which time I said my last goodbye. Another of his band members left to start up a new band with me. So...Fired? IDK.
Prior to this band, I joined was was billed as a blues band but turned out to be some other terrible thing. I hung in there but when I joined I had a three week vacation across the USA planned that they agreed to. When I returned the drummer called me to say I had been replaced with "someone who really wants to play". I was relieved.
Prior to this band, I joined was was billed as a blues band but turned out to be some other terrible thing. I hung in there but when I joined I had a three week vacation across the USA planned that they agreed to. When I returned the drummer called me to say I had been replaced with "someone who really wants to play". I was relieved.
I was fired from the last band I was in but I was definitely asking for it. The band leader said I was playing too loud and too hard which is weird since it was an old school punk band.
He called me to discuss my playing and I told him I would tone it down.
But than I was thinking this clown is going to tell ‘em hoe to play? Especially when he was a mediocre at best guitarist.
Soon after he ended up firing me saying it was a decision by him and the other two members.
We the lead guitarist was really upset about this and ended up quitting and joining my band it’s been going great ever since. We finally escaped the tyranny that we had to endure.
This is the most vindicated I ever felt.
He called me to discuss my playing and I told him I would tone it down.
But than I was thinking this clown is going to tell ‘em hoe to play? Especially when he was a mediocre at best guitarist.
Soon after he ended up firing me saying it was a decision by him and the other two members.
We the lead guitarist was really upset about this and ended up quitting and joining my band it’s been going great ever since. We finally escaped the tyranny that we had to endure.
This is the most vindicated I ever felt.
I've never been fired from a band, and in fact have never been rejected from any tryout.
On the other hand, I've never been in a band and never tried out. I don't need external invalidation when I have enough internal invalidation going on.
On the other hand, I've never been in a band and never tried out. I don't need external invalidation when I have enough internal invalidation going on.
My usual issue not being willing to take any BS from extraneous personnel like road managers, girl friends, A&R and other non-productive hangers on meddling and my own insisting on the provisions of my contract(s). I always got along with the artists, musicians and production folk.
Yeah, I've never had much reason to care about the hangers-on, especially the ones who are seemingly there just to take money out of my pocket. I suppose there is a reason some folks are successful in "the business" where others (like me) are content to play what they want in situations that don't require an enema every time you step onto a stage.
But I have reasons to be cynical. For those of you who haven't figured it out yet, with stars still in your eyes, all I can say is "give it time."
Yes, I’ve been fired from a band.
And I’ve fired people from bands.
Both suck.
And I’ve fired people from bands.
Both suck.
I wonder how many musicians think that they can get by just on musical skills? Personally I don't think it's possible since your music is often a reflection of who you are as a person.
Personal and professional skills are also important.
Personal and professional skills are also important.
It happens.
I was in a blues band and we reached the decision that the guitar player had to go, or otherwise myself and the keys player were gone.
Emails were exchanged regarding upcoming shows, and way down at the bottom was the upcoming audition schedule, on which the drummer hit reply-all.
Not the best thing, for sure.
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