Firing Drummers

[fendsboy417]

Yeah, yeah, I know its a bass forum but I'm a bassist so I'm posting anyway. I need some help with firing my drummer, but he happens to be probably my closest friend outside of my band. Please post helpful info!! Thanks

 

[Jonny B]

Well, why are you firing him would be the first question that I would ask. Does everybody want him out of the band? Need more input.

Aside from that, about the only thing you can do is be honest and upfront with the dude... Life goes on man.

 

[fendsboy417]

well see the guy is cool and all, and he likes the music the band does, but he's not as dedicated as he should be and even slips up during small gigs (we havent gone big yet)

 

[Jonny B]

well see the guy is cool and all, and he likes the music the band does, but he's not as dedicated as he should be and even slips up during small gigs (we havent gone big yet)

So instead of just kicking him out, maybe that is something that should be mentioned to him. It's possible all he needs is a little nudge.

 

[fendsboy417]

exactly....thats what i was thinkin, give him a deadline,
u know, maybe hell take a hint and start practicin like he should.......

 

[Jonny B]

And there you have it. Good luck.

 

[Wesley R]

Desn't practice enough? The schedule is too tight? Doesn't live and breath what others want? Is it a popularity contest? Could it be the "We aren't as big time as we should be, lets blame somebody?"

When he is 'on' does it go well? Can you two lock or at least work well together?

Could be he needs some encouragement or a mild kick in the butt or a big one. Maybe the only hope is too boot him out. You may wish to dig a little deeper into the issue. If you develop together, the bonds will be stronger.

Consider starting the conversation with "Are you happy hear or Are you happy doing this?" You may be suprised by the answer.

Best of Luck,
Wesley R.

 

[fendsboy417]

thanks wesley, but we arent blamin him cuz he doesnt breathe rock, its that he has trouble playin in the first place, and has a hard time because he gets in a lot of fights and the cops blame him for some **** for another unspeakable reason, but his mind isnt in on music cuz he is spoiled living with just his ma, his brother and sister are already living alone.
but thanks again

 

[fendsboy417]

ps he plays video games, thats wht i meant wit the spoiled comment

 

[Deacon_Blues]

Tell him that you want the band to move forward and if he's not willing to put as much effort in the band as you other guys want, then make him choose to quit himself.

My old band once kicked out a good friend from the band for several reasons. We stopped being good friends that day. We're not enemies, but still it destroyed our close friendship totally.

 

[Wesley R]

Consider starting the conversation with "Are you happy hear or Are you happy doing this?" You may be suprised by the answer and make your life easier by saying he needs out.
If not say,; Geezzz man, I like you and all, but we need to ask you to leave for the good of the band.
If he is a spoiled clown and not even close to alignment with the bands vision, it will be painful to keep him. He may well have not matured musically or socially to the level of those around him.

1. Do not berate him
2. Leave his personnal life out of it
3. Do it standing up, sitting down only invites discussion or debate. Standing makes it more final.
4. Do not email him or leave a Voice Mail or do it by phone. All are chickem scratch and gutless.
5. Do it face to face, neutral ground to keep it peacefull, at his place if he would be more comfortable.
6. Do not "sandwich" the news. We like you, youre out, your a good guy
7. Do not let him find out from others, it is insulting

Best of Luck,
Wesley R.