Fill in bassist?!?

[Fletz]

so my band had an opportunity for a gig (at a bar) and I couldn't do it because my day job had me traveling. I get a text that the gig will go on with a fill in bassist. They didn't ask if I thought it was cool. They just did it and told me afterward. Am I being a jerk for being pi$$3d off about it?

 

[elgecko]

A little bit. The show must go on!

 

[twinjet]

My drummer got all emotional because he thought we were replacing him with a sub. No dude, we just don't want to miss out on some easy cash because of you. We love you and aren't kicking you out. <3

 

[Fletz]

Shouldn't you say "hey dude, we are thinking we want to do this..." Not "hey we did this."

 

[twinjet]

Shouldn't you say "hey dude, we are thinking we want to do this..." Not "hey we did this."

Prior notice would have been good. But I wouldn't lose sleep over it.

 

[rufus.K]

Yup, you're gonna be let go soon. I'd worry. I'm sure you can find another new band via Craigslist or something though.
I can't believe they didn't ask you first.

 

[RustyAxe]

Let 'em use a sub ... nothing makes a band appreciate you more than the night they got a sub who was "sub"standard.

 

[elgecko]

Shouldn't you say "hey dude, we are thinking we want to do this..." Not "hey we did this."

Perhaps, but consider this: rocking the boat may not be wise when they know the boat can sail without you.

 

[sleeplessknight]

This is music, not marriage. You're allowed more than one.

 

[markoc]

I use subs quite a bit and work as a sub aswell. It's part of the deal sometimes. When I can't do a gig, IMO the BL would be a fool not to do it anyway.

 

[David Jayne]

No big deal, happens all the time. Would you have preferred they just stayed home? Probably not. But you would have liked them to ask you if it was cool with you. You're taking it personally. Never do that.

 

[markoc]

May I ask what type of gig and what type of band you play in? Finding a quality sub can be an issue in certain cases. Being available and not sucking go a long way

 

[Groove Doctor]

I love having option for a sub bassist. Got a guy filling in this weekend while I have a family commitment.

I love being a sub bassist too. Lots of fun.

 

[hrodbert696]

There are bands that are buddies hanging out and there are bands that are businesses. If the band runs as a business, I would assume they thought it was just understood that if a player can't make it, the band gets a sub. Probably didn't occur to them that it would be an issue to you. I agree it's a little rude just to inform you of it rather than talk to you about it beforehand. Good practice, if you can, would be to have a friend who subs for you. Then the band has you to thank for saving them the hassle and you can be reasonably confident your friend won't let them replace you with him. But ultimately, if you're worried about being replaced, the best insurance is to work on your playing so that they can't find anyone who can replace what you do.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I have to be honest and say that I'm never really thrilled when someone is filling in for me, unless I'm certain I'm a 1000X better than them . I learned though that it's best to just smile and say "awesome" whenever someone is found that can do a gig that I can't. Trust me that it's the best way to handle this. Even if that's not what you're feeling.

I'd back that up with some solid reasoning, but I have to get to work.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you think your spot is in jeopardy, have a talk with the band - I've seen a "sub" being used as an audition. But most working bands have subs, so they don't have to lose a gig. It really depends on how much you want to gig.

 

[Oddly]

I admit I'd have liked to be asked if it was cool , but as Joe said above, I reckon it best to keep my feelings to myself on it. Better the rest of the band didn't miss out on the gig because of you which would only cause more resentment.
Anyway, it is handy to have a sub available for when life gets in the way. Get the guy's number!

 

[Jay Corwin]

If everyone acts like an adult about the situation, then it's not a problem.

 

[DWBass]

so my band had an opportunity for a gig (at a bar) and I couldn't do it because my day job had me traveling. I get a text that the gig will go on with a fill in bassist. They didn't ask if I thought it was cool. They just did it and told me afterward. Am I being a jerk for being pi$$3d off about it?

Honestly..........yes. It's business.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

Shouldn't you say "hey dude, we are thinking we want to do this..." Not "hey we did this."

Easier to beg for forgiveness then ask for permission... or so I've been told.