• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Finding out you're being replaced... via Craigslist!

rojo412

rojo412

Sit down, Danny...
Supporting Member
Feb 26, 2000
10,909
15,046
46
Cleveland, OH.
#1
A friend of mine alerted me to the fact that my "band" posted a want ad for a new lead guitarist and bass player via Craigslist.

I knew that they were looking for a sub, as they'd booked a gig on my birthday without asking me first and I had to bag it. So I gave them the benefit of the doubt, thinking he read it wrong.
NOPE!

My name is ******* and I'm the lead singer for a local band called "***********" (follow the link below for samples)
(redacted)

We play covers (redacted) however, I'M INTERESTED IN WRITING AND PLAYING ORIGINALS
I'm looking for a lead guitarist and bass player (EXPERIENCED only need apply) Keyboards backup singing a plus

There are three conditions to be part of the band:
1) Practicing ones or twice a week , 2) 22-32 years of age, 3) This band (practicing writing music and gigging) has to be your priority

Send me your youtube link so I hear your music or you play, if you don't have a youtube link or video don't waste my time

People have been writing me without reading the whole ad

I WILL NOT WRITE YOU BACK IF YOU DON'T HAVE A YOUTUBE LINK (live performance preferred)

I WILL NOT WRITE YOU BACK IF YOU DON'T MEET THE ABOVE CRITERIA AND NOTHING LESS

PLEASE DON'T CONTACT ME IF YOU DON'T HAVE STAGE EXPERIENCE

Thank you for reading the ad
Click to expand...

I've never had this happen before. I'm stunned!
Now to be honest, I'd been trying to exit this band for some time, but it's just starting to pay off and I recently had a change of heart.
On the other hand, it's been a large waste of time, playing a load of covers I'm not a fan of. And I'm in 2 other bands, so I'm not desperate to play. This was my "money" band, though it never really earned me much after a bar tab was paid.

So... do I be the bigger man and talk about it with them?
Do I pretend I'm clueless?
Do I confront them and quit?
Or do I take a page from Eric B. and Rakim and "kick a hole in the speaker, pull the plug and I jet"?
 
#8
rojo412 said:
So... do I be the bigger man and talk about it with them?
Do I pretend I'm clueless?
Do I confront them and quit?
Or do I take a page from Eric B. and Rakim and "kick a hole in the speaker, pull the plug and I jet"?
Click to expand...

Ultimately, nobody can answer this for you...but you. What does your gut tell you? :eyebrow:

If it was me, I would consider it a blessing: You know the band (or "he" - whoever "he" is) is shopping around...but they/he doesn't know that you know it. That means you have the opportunity to act - without being acted upon.

You could talk with them about it - if you really want to, or if you somehow feel obligated. But I don't see why you would want to - or would feel obligated.

Pretend you're clueless? Why in the world would you even contemplate doing that? Why? :confused:

IMHO, it isn't a matter of "quitting". Although they haven't fired you yet, functionally speaking it amounts to the same thing: They're going to dump you as soon as they have someone to take your place. It's over. Deal with it.

Personally, I think it would feel very, very awkward to continue to stay - under any circumstances. I would simply show up at the next scheduled rehearsal, announce to everyone that you know what's going on, explain that you've come to fetch your gear, then gather up your goodies and split. Make it quick, make it simple, make it businesslike, make it permanent. Just go - and be done with it.

MM
 
#10
Create a new e-mail. Reply to the ad and discuss how your current coverband sucks and the BL can't hack it at his instrument. When you show up for auditions make it real awkward. Burn all the bridges.

An old roommate's band just did this to their drummer. He worked his schedule around their gigs for the next few months. Last week he showed up for practice and they told him he was done. They'd found a new drummer. Not even a hint that his drumming was a problem. His firing was out of the blue.

Play any remaining scheduled shows, tell them to find a new bassist ASAP, and be done with it. These clowns will can you as soon as they get the chance if you try to stay. Given the quality of that CL ad it may take them a few decades to get said chance. But why waste your time?
 
#13
SnowCal said:
Create a new e-mail. Reply to the ad and discuss how your current coverband sucks and the BL can't hack it at his instrument. When you show up for auditions make it real awkward. Burn all the bridges.
Click to expand...

I think this would be hilarious.

Are you sure he's trying to replace members of the existing band? From the wording (such terrible wording) it sounds like he could be looking to do something as a side project.
 
#15
I once found myself in a similar situation - leaving with dignity and not bothering to contact (or remain in contact with) the other band members worked best for me. Lots of other good, competent and PERSONABLE musicians out there to work and hang with....

My view is, whatever happens, don't let such a minor setback have a negative impact on your musical future.
 
#16
You're jumping to conclusions. Not saying you're wrong, but this:

"We play covers (redacted) however, I'M INTERESTED IN WRITING AND PLAYING ORIGINALS"

...does not say your band is replacing you.

It says:

"We play covers (redacted) however, I'M INTERESTED IN WRITING AND PLAYING ORIGINALS"

:confused:

"WE PLAY" .... HOWEVER .... "I'M INTERESTED"

Words mean things. He even capitalized the part about HIM wanting to go original. Take it at face value and it doesn't even hint anything about you or your band.

Do you not speak to this person? I would just casually ask him next time we were together, "so I saw you're starting a new project..."

Does he not have the prerogative to start an original project and advertise for someone who is not involved in other projects like you are?

No offense, I just think you took off down the wrong rabbit hole here. Then again, I could be wrong too. Just think about it...

Good luck.
 
#17
I doubt he'll get a lot of serious replies with grammar that poor.

Also, he sounds like a real douche. I know high school kids have the starry eyed vision of making it "big" and like to use the idea that the band has to be the #1 priority.

That's foolish. Family and personal achievement are far more important to anyone with common sense. Bands are hobbies and for fun. Honestly, I'd reply to the add for the comical value, then I would quit and look for a band that will appreciate you and respect that you have a personal life. If he put an add up, the decision to fire you has already been made. Leave with dignity and don't give them anymore of your time.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back