HAD A BAD GIG TONIGHT.......

[Kipp Harrington]

Save yourself more embarrassing (and possibly life threatening) moments. You sound like a chill, logical guy. You shouldn’t be involved with people like that guitar player. I agree with many others here... it will only get worse. And the “Whiskey” may be a gig that you REALLY regret. Walk away.

 

[LuckyScott]

Thank you for all the replies, this is a great community. I have already scheduled a band meeting to discuss the current situation. I will still do the Whiskey gig as I have a lot of friends coming to the show and don't want to disappoint them. Of course, it could easily be another disaster, but Im gonna take that chance.
Most likely, I will quit the band after the Whiskey show as we don't have anything else currently booked.

So, who wants to come to the Whiskey a GoGo on a friday night, July 12th, and watch what could be an incredible disaster? The band name is "Don't Trip" and we play right before the headliner which is a AC/DC tribute band.

 

[hbarcat]

I played in a band with a member who drank to much and would become belligerent and confrontational (but never actually physically threatening) at rehearsals but also during gigs.

After one show when he yelled obscenities at a few of our fans, we had a band meeting where we laid down the law. No one was allowed to be under the influence of alcohol or any drugs during rehearsals or shows. Even though bad behavior was only a problem for one member, we decided that it would be easier for him if everybody followed the same rule. Since no one else in the band was really into booze or drugs it was easy for us to make the sacrifice.

It actually went okay for about two months and we had multiple rehearsals and gigs during that time with no incidents. Then one night he showed up for a gig already drunk and he was sneaking sips out of a plastic soda bottle that was obviously full of booze. During the third set he was making rude and vulgar comments to other band members between songs just to try to provoke us.

After the show, we had the usual handful of people come up to us and compliment the band for a fun show and thank us for the music. He actually ridiculed our fans and said they were idiots who wouldn't recognize good music if it bit them in the **** and hurled other insults at them. Of course they became indignant and stomped away (obviously never to come see us again).

A few days later, we had a band meeting without him and unanimously decided to kick him out. There was no desire to give him another chance. We tried for a couple of weeks to find someone to replace him but the whole series of episodes left a bad taste in our mouths and we disbanded.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

All groups with a purpose typically need leadership. Otherwise they get high-centered due to a lack of mission focus, division of responsibilities, effective decision-making, and dispute resolution.

I can (maybe) see this in a cover band, where the MISSION is to make a few extra bucks, revisit glory days, and watch the audience "shake it" to someone else's groove." Sure, IF I were ever to be in this position (which I will NEVER be, I'd show up and pretend. Go ahead, give Me a schedule, and some money). But... in an ORIGINAL band environment, things become personal, and prideful.
DIPLOMACY becomes a MUST. I have never played in a cover band. Never will. Wanna fight? LOL



Kidding about the "wanna fight" thing, of course... But... I'll still buy drinks.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Thank you for all the replies, this is a great community. I have already scheduled a band meeting to discuss the current situation. I will still do the Whiskey gig as I have a lot of friends coming to the show and don't want to disappoint them. Of course, it could easily be another disaster, but Im gonna take that chance.
Most likely, I will quit the band after the Whiskey show as we don't have anything else currently booked.

So, who wants to come to the Whiskey a GoGo on a friday night, July 12th, and watch what could be an incredible disaster? The band name is "Don't Trip" and we play right before the headliner which is a AC/DC tribute band.

The Whiskey... WOW!!! I haven't played there in many years!!! How long have You been in L.A.? My band, Friction Addiction (contracted with WB, produced by Michael Hutchens, the record was never released, but the "Journey/money" was FUN) , was the headlining house band there, in like... '92/'93, every Monday for the "No Bozo's" jam. Had alot of big names sit in with us. What a HOOT!!! Also, played there before, and after, with some other bands that You may remember/recognize, if You were around back then...

Here's a couple of shots at the Whiskey, from about '88/'89. My Sabre was still pink then.
Funny/Ironic thing? This band was called JADE. (J)ust (A)nother (D)runk (E)xcuse...

 

[Marc DLarosa]

OK... I held on to THIS, til Now...

 

[lefty]

thanks for the responses. Yes, Although I would like to mention to the guitarist that he needs counseling on his drinking and anger issues, I don't have much faith that will go over well.
We have one more show booked at the Whiskey a GoGo July 12th. I think I will do the professional thing and do the gig and then walk away.

Oh heck yeah! I'm going to that gig!

 

[lefty]

This situation sucks. Depending on how much of a friendship you have with the guitarist, you can have a conversation about his issues with alcohol & anger. If you're not friends, play the gig and move on or have a band discussion about replacing him. Me? I like to push the issues, so I would buy him a couple Long Island Ice Teas before the 1st set. Complain to the drummer that you can't hear him over the guitar. Then go out with a blaze of glory at the Whiskey.....

Yeah I li

Thank you for all the replies, this is a great community. I have already scheduled a band meeting to discuss the current situation. I will still do the Whiskey gig as I have a lot of friends coming to the show and don't want to disappoint them. Of course, it could easily be another disaster, but Im gonna take that chance.
Most likely, I will quit the band after the Whiskey show as we don't have anything else currently booked.

So, who wants to come to the Whiskey a GoGo on a friday night, July 12th, and watch what could be an incredible disaster? The band name is "Don't Trip" and we play right before the headliner which is a AC/DC tribute band.

yeah I might go. been wanting to go down there haven't been in a while.

 

[Knavery]

Sadly, bass players are not immune from ragestupid. I can't find it, but there was a horrible news story linked on TB a few years back about a bass player who lost his s*** and was fighting with some guy in the parking lot, when the guitarist tried to pull him off and calm him down, he hit the guitarist in the jaw and killed him on the spot. He was quoted afterwards as feeling awful about what he had done, but it's too freaking late, now, isn't it, a--hole? Now you get to spend the rest of your life regretting killing your friend because you have the self control of a 5 year old, the body of a 6 foot man, and

your brains are up your ass.​

Learn some self control and act like a grownup already. When you were 10 years old on the schoolyard you could trade punches all day long with no real damage. Once you are a grown man the stakes are raised. Throwing punches can mean jail, or worse. Far worse.

Holy crap! He hit him and killed him? That's one helluva glass jaw. I can't even imagine.

 

[Acoop]

Is it just Me, or... does anyone else HATE the term "band leader?" I've NEVER been a FOLLOWER, nor a Dictator. A band, is a BAND.

In a perfect world that would be the case but, once you insert 'ego' the tables turn to those who think the loudest you bark the more people will listen and follow you. ... I've been fired from more bands than I've been in because I don't follow fools silently. ... Ego is the number one inspiration and the number one killer of bands. ...

 

[Mike Whitfield]

Thank you for all the replies, this is a great community. I have already scheduled a band meeting to discuss the current situation. I will still do the Whiskey gig as I have a lot of friends coming to the show and don't want to disappoint them. Of course, it could easily be another disaster, but Im gonna take that chance.
Most likely, I will quit the band after the Whiskey show as we don't have anything else currently booked.

So, who wants to come to the Whiskey a GoGo on a friday night, July 12th, and watch what could be an incredible disaster? The band name is "Don't Trip" and we play right before the headliner which is a AC/DC tribute band.

Good luck with the gig. Surely you can keep him sober for one gig, although I’d bet not for the long term.

 

[Bander]

Thank you for all the replies, this is a great community. I have already scheduled a band meeting to discuss the current situation. I will still do the Whiskey gig as I have a lot of friends coming to the show and don't want to disappoint them. Of course, it could easily be another disaster, but Im gonna take that chance.
Most likely, I will quit the band after the Whiskey show as we don't have anything else currently booked.

So, who wants to come to the Whiskey a GoGo on a friday night, July 12th, and watch what could be an incredible disaster? The band name is "Don't Trip" and we play right before the headliner which is a AC/DC tribute band.

Good luck - I've only seen fights in the crowd thankfully, to which we just consider a party, lol. I wouldn't be as accepting with it on stage, but you have the advantage of knowing it may happen - just have a beer, lay down some lines, and roll with it.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

I played in a band with a member who drank to much and would become belligerent and confrontational (but never actually physically threatening) at rehearsals but also during gigs.

After one show when he yelled obscenities at a few of our fans, we had a band meeting where we laid down the law. No one was allowed to be under the influence of alcohol or any drugs during rehearsals or shows. Even though bad behavior was only a problem for one member, we decided that it would be easier for him if everybody followed the same rule. Since no one else in the band was really into booze or drugs it was easy for us to make the sacrifice.

It actually went okay for about two months and we had multiple rehearsals and gigs during that time with no incidents. Then one night he showed up for a gig already drunk and he was sneaking sips out of a plastic soda bottle that was obviously full of booze. During the third set he was making rude and vulgar comments to other band members between songs just to try to provoke us.

After the show, we had the usual handful of people come up to us and compliment the band for a fun show and thank us for the music. He actually ridiculed our fans and said they were idiots who wouldn't recognize good music if it bit them in the **** and hurled other insults at them. Of course they became indignant and stomped away (obviously never to come see us again).

A few days later, we had a band meeting without him and unanimously decided to kick him out. There was no desire to give him another chance. We tried for a couple of weeks to find someone to replace him but the whole series of episodes left a bad taste in our mouths and we disbanded.

This is a great example of how things “only get worse” with someone who puts alcohol/drugs 1st.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I had that happen once. It was the lead singer and the guitar player. Never played with them again.

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Maybe they're aiming for the Reality TV watching crowd.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Maybe they're aiming for the Reality TV watching crowd.

Now there is an idea Reality Media has not hit on yet, but should. "Gigs Gone Bad"

 

[Frank Tuesday]

Now there is an idea Reality Media has not hit on yet, but should. "Gigs Gone Bad"

I think OP should pitch it to BRAVO. Get on air and you've got thousands of people who'll come to your gigs. Maybe not because they like the music, but because they are invested in the drama and hope to see a fight break out and maybe be shown in the background on one episode.

 

[LuckyScott]

Hey Guy's and Gals...
Sorry. I've spent more time on this thread, than I EVER have on any other one on TB, as it hit HOME.
In 7 years, I've pretty much stopped trying to do anything SERIOUS, as far as BASS goes. I've even sold off a TON of My instruments. I wish that I could have done anything to "SALVAGE" the situation, and the LIFE of the most talented Human that I have EVER met. My musical soulmate, My friend, My Bro.
I jest more than most. But... this "JOKE" had no "punchline."

Just saying...

Remember, you can't save someone that doesn't want to be saved.

 

[Spectrum]

Holy crap! He hit him and killed him? That's one helluva glass jaw. I can't even imagine.

It's not the first time I've heard of that happening. All it takes for you get killed by a punch is to get hit hard enough at the right angle. Add to that hitting your noggin on the concrete when you fall.

Plus, like I said, the photo of the band showed the bass player was a huge ape of a dude and the guitarist was an average slim dude.

 

[Moose22]

Thankfully, we bassists have the biggest stick of all onstage.

Though a strong keyboardist swinging a Nord or Roland stage piano can be pretty intense

But that would mess up a keyboard! I could pop someone in the noggin with a P bass like Gimli swinging his axe at an Orc and I probably wouldn't have to retune for the next song.