Having Trouble Firing the Drummer!

[awakefie]

I left the band I was with for 10 years when I moved a bit farther away. I got to missing music so I joined a local band. The drummer was in 3 bands and was very up front. Then he had some family issues and had to bow out.

We auditioned another drummer that was spot on. We played a gig with him, he said he was in. Then a week later he said he couldn't but would play out the remaining commits (we only had 3 gigs booked). First one was last Friday. We were playing outside from 6-9 at a bar/eatery and about 5:30 it starts to rain (not unusual for Colorado). We had a contract with the place that said in case of inclement weather they could decide to move the gig indoors (following state Covid guidelines) or opt for us to start later.

They checked the radar and opted for us to play from 7-10. The new drummer refused. When we brought up the contract he said "My name isn't on it." and left. We got a sub last minute and played the gig from 7-10.

Back to finding a drummer. We found another guy who's been around and wanted to play with us a long time. We audition him and hire him. He says he can play the 2 upcoming gigs (this Saturday and the 24th). Yesterday he informs us he has a family emergency and won't be able to play Saturday.

My question is - how do you fire a drummer when they don't stay around long enough to get fired? We're thinking of implementing a pre-emptive firing before the first gig with a sub standing by. We're also thinking of the Spinal Tap solution.

Thoughts?

 

[oldrocker]

I left the band I was with for 10 years when I moved a bit farther away. I got to missing music so I joined a local band. The drummer was in 3 bands and was very up front. Then he had some family issues and had to bow out.

We auditioned another drummer that was spot on. We played a gig with him, he said he was in. Then a week later he said he couldn't but would play out the remaining commits (we only had 3 gigs booked). First one was last Friday. We were playing outside from 6-9 at a bar/eatery and about 5:30 it starts to rain (not unusual for Colorado). We had a contract with the place that said in case of inclement weather they could decide to move the gig indoors (following state Covid guidelines) or opt for us to start later.

They checked the radar and opted for us to play from 7-10. The new drummer refused. When we brought up the contract he said "My name isn't on it." and left. We got a sub last minute and played the gig from 7-10.

Back to finding a drummer. We found another guy who's been around and wanted to play with us a long time. We audition him and hire him. He says he can play the 2 upcoming gigs (this Saturday and the 24th). Yesterday he informs us he has a family emergency and won't be able to play Saturday.

My question is - how do you fire a drummer when they don't stay around long enough to get fired? We're thinking of implementing a pre-emptive firing before the first gig with a sub standing by. We're also thinking of the Spinal Tap solution.

Thoughts?

Well, technically he is right his name is not on the contract but why would he balk at just being bumped up 1 hour. Seems strange to me.

Did they still have you outside or did they move the show inside?

 

[Reedt2000]

 

[two fingers]

1) I would never sign a contract that would allow a venue to move me around geographically and on the clock. It's basically saying "You're mine all night and I can do whatever I want with you". But that's an aside.

2) If the newest guy is a good guy and a good drummer, I wouldn't sweat the one gig he can't make. Do you what kind of family emergency we're talking about? It could just be a coincidence that it happened right after he started with your band.

 

[WillyW]

Training your drummer
Your drummer isn't playing out of time or cancelling gigs out of meanness; this is a natural behavior for drummers. Your drummer may also nip and bite band mates too. However, if your drummer continues to nip, and rush, your drummer will grow up thinking that it's OK to have sloppy timing or to nip friends, family and strangers alike. A vinegar-water solution and some behavioral training offers you an effective and gentle way to manage drummer’s timing and reliability.


Vinegar Solution
Too strong of a vinegar solution may irritate your drummer’s skin, but may improve hygiene. Try a solution of 1/8 part vinegar to 7/8 part water, such as 1/8 cup of vinegar and 7/8 cup water. You may increase the ratio to 1/4 vinegar and 3/4 water if the drummer does not respond to training with the weaker vinegar solution. Avoid using more than 1/4 part vinegar. Only use distilled white vinegar for drummer training. Pour the vinegar solution into a new spray bottle that has never held chemicals.

Technique
Have the spray bottle nearby when you are playing with your drummer. If Bonzo nips, Or plays too many fills say, "No nipping!" or "Leave space!" and spray him in the mouth. Continue to do this as your drummer nips or lags; consistency is key to this training. Avoid spraying the eye region, since vinegar can irritate the eyes. Keeping the spray bottle on a stream setting will help you avoid accidentally misting your drummer in the eyes.

Firing your drummer
If the decision to fire the drummer has been reached, definitely aim for the eyes.

 

[awakefie]

Thanks Willy, I might try that with the new drummer (if he ever comes back).

 

[awakefie]

1) I would never sign a contract that would allow a venue to move me around geographically and on the clock. It's basically saying "You're mine all night and I can do whatever I want with you". But that's an aside.

2) If the newest guy is a good guy and a good drummer, I wouldn't sweat the one gig he can't make. Do you what kind of family emergency we're talking about? It could just be a coincidence that it happened right after he started with your band.

Yeah, I didn't book the gig. When the BL first got the contract he ran it by us and I voted "no" because I thought it too restrictive. But I got out-voted.

Now it is looking more and more like the BL wants to hand those duties over to me. I've been gigging the longest and he called me this week asking me to take it over but I'm getting to old for that crap.

I didn't hire the new guy either. Now everyone is blaming the BL. I don't, he didn't hire him without audition and we all played with him during the audition. I had a family emergency last week and couldn't make practice (daughter in hospital) and reminded him we're all human.

These are uncertain times and everyone is human. If, and that's a big IF, I take over as BL I certainly wouldn't fire someone for taking over on short notice and committing to 3 gigs, then not being able to play 1 and giving us a week's notice. It was just ironic it happened after the first guy bailed (he's a manager in a nursing home and can't risk exposure to covid) and the second guy rage-quit in a fight with the BL over the contract clauses.

 

[Slater]

We're thinking of implementing a pre-emptive firing before the first gig with a sub standing by.

If you have a sub willing to be on “standby”, why not just give them the gig?

Also, drummer or otherwise, a lot of musicians are flakes. All you can do is try to keep filling the position.

 

[Phaenomenal]

They checked the radar and opted for us to play from 7-10. The new drummer refused. When we brought up the contract he said "My name isn't on it." and left.
Thoughts?

I don't know where you are, but if you are in the US, I'm not surprised he balked at the switch to indoors. Many of us have family, friends, and coworkers to consider as well as the adventure of finally getting to play a gig and a lot of people don't feel safe about playing indoors.

 

[JRA]

how do you fire a drummer when they don't stay around long enough to get fired?

....it's slightly better than drummers who quit before they're hired.

drummers? coincidence? other?

 

[Oddly]

Assuming the first 'problem' drummer's objection was on Covid-based grounds in switching from a safer outdoor situation, I'd back him 100 percent.

 

[LBS-bass]

This is not an easy time to persuade people to play indoors, so it's adding an extra dimension to your problem. I personally wouldn't do it but I don't know how bad things are where you live.

What I would probably do for the time being would be to find a few good drummers who want to play, designate one of them as your first call guy, use the other two as backups, and avoid bringing in an actual band member until you know someone is fully willing and able to meet the commitments they make.

 

[QORC]

your drummer just did a douche move. Why stressing on how to fire him? Simply say, sorry, this isn't working and we're going to move on with someone else. I wish you the best of luck

 

[murph7489]

Some people don't like confrontations..They might be friends with the person they need to fire, or perhaps a person is just too nice to have the heart to fire people..

I'm thinking its possible I could start up a business geared to help people with this problem..Have a band mate you need to fire? let me do it ! I can fire them AND make it so that you come out smelling like a rose..Worried about them getting mad and stealing gear from your rehearsal area..No problem, I will make sure they don't dare to do such a thing because I will be sure to let them know that if they are as addicted to breathing as I think, they will leave the band quietly with no problems, in fact I have such a way with words I would be willing to bet that your band will receive a note from the fired personnel saying that they are grateful for being terminated and will be putting everyone in the band on their xmas card list...

My fee will be reasonable, and action will be taken quickly. I'm here to help.

 

[pcake]

I left the band I was with for 10 years when I moved a bit farther away. I got to missing music so I joined a local band. The drummer was in 3 bands and was very up front. Then he had some family issues and had to bow out.

We auditioned another drummer that was spot on. We played a gig with him, he said he was in. Then a week later he said he couldn't but would play out the remaining commits (we only had 3 gigs booked). First one was last Friday. We were playing outside from 6-9 at a bar/eatery and about 5:30 it starts to rain (not unusual for Colorado). We had a contract with the place that said in case of inclement weather they could decide to move the gig indoors (following state Covid guidelines) or opt for us to start later.

They checked the radar and opted for us to play from 7-10. The new drummer refused. When we brought up the contract he said "My name isn't on it." and left. We got a sub last minute and played the gig from 7-10.

Back to finding a drummer. We found another guy who's been around and wanted to play with us a long time. We audition him and hire him. He says he can play the 2 upcoming gigs (this Saturday and the 24th). Yesterday he informs us he has a family emergency and won't be able to play Saturday.

My question is - how do you fire a drummer when they don't stay around long enough to get fired? We're thinking of implementing a pre-emptive firing before the first gig with a sub standing by. We're also thinking of the Spinal Tap solution.

Thoughts?

any updates on this?

Some people don't like confrontations..They might be friends with the person they need to fire, or perhaps a person is just too nice to have the heart to fire people..

I'm thinking its possible I could start up a business geared to help people with this problem..Have a band mate you need to fire? let me do it ! I can fire them AND make it so that you come out smelling like a rose..Worried about them getting mad and stealing gear from your rehearsal area..No problem, I will make sure they don't dare to do such a thing because I will be sure to let them know that if they are as addicted to breathing as I think, they will leave the band quietly with no problems, in fact I have such a way with words I would be willing to bet that your band will receive a note from the fired personnel saying that they are grateful for being terminated and will be putting everyone in the band on their xmas card list...

My fee will be reasonable, and action will be taken quickly. I'm here to help.

sounds like quite a service!

do you do firings outside the music industry?

 

[murph7489]

do you do firings outside the music industry?

sure why not..

 

[equill]

Some people don't like confrontations..They might be friends with the person they need to fire, or perhaps a person is just too nice to have the heart to fire people..

I'm thinking its possible I could start up a business geared to help people with this problem..Have a band mate you need to fire? let me do it ! I can fire them AND make it so that you come out smelling like a rose..Worried about them getting mad and stealing gear from your rehearsal area..No problem, I will make sure they don't dare to do such a thing because I will be sure to let them know that if they are as addicted to breathing as I think, they will leave the band quietly with no problems, in fact I have such a way with words I would be willing to bet that your band will receive a note from the fired personnel saying that they are grateful for being terminated and will be putting everyone in the band on their xmas card list...

My fee will be reasonable, and action will be taken quickly. I'm here to help.

Why am I suddenly hearing the dulcet strains of AC/DC in the background?

 

[lfmn16]

The best way to fire a drummer? Out of a cannon of course!

 

[DirtDog]

Some people don't like confrontations..They might be friends with the person they need to fire, or perhaps a person is just too nice to have the heart to fire people..

I'm thinking its possible I could start up a business geared to help people with this problem..Have a band mate you need to fire? let me do it ! I can fire them AND make it so that you come out smelling like a rose..Worried about them getting mad and stealing gear from your rehearsal area..No problem, I will make sure they don't dare to do such a thing because I will be sure to let them know that if they are as addicted to breathing as I think, they will leave the band quietly with no problems, in fact I have such a way with words I would be willing to bet that your band will receive a note from the fired personnel saying that they are grateful for being terminated and will be putting everyone in the band on their xmas card list...

My fee will be reasonable, and action will be taken quickly. I'm here to help.

dirty deeds done dirt cheap.

 

[lfmn16]

your drummer just did a douche move. Why stressing on how to fire him? Simply say, sorry, this isn't working and we're going to move on with someone else. I wish you the best of luck

I envy the people that live where bands jobs are so plentiful that you can tell the club manager to go pound sand because they want to push the gig back an hour. Most of the clubs where I live have bands lining up to play and we make these minor concessions. Really, your life is so jam packed with family and friends that moving a gig by one hour is going to cause onerous inconvenience?