How do you feel about having guests at rehearsals?

[Muttleybass]

I'm fine with any guests, except girlfriends. For some reason they think they have input just because they're dating the dummer... and he's to much of a pussy to shut her up.

....And she SUX at tambourine.

 

[pfschim]

Depends on the guest, depends on the band, depends on the rehearsal. If they don't interfere or distract, it's fine, especially since rehearsal tie usually is weekend or evenings, when presumably our loved ones want to see us.

But it's work time, not play time.

this is pretty much where I'm at on this question ... depends etc etc etc. I don't mind it as long as there is no interference, but you have to accept that non-band members in a rehearsal situation will change the dynamics of rehearsal. Could be good, could suck, could have no impact at all ... it just kind of depends on how they act and how focused the band is on the task at hand.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

I remember a guest showing up at a rehearsal and at some point started making comments and suggestions. He was annoying but everyone was polite, not wanting to offend someone else’s friend. But at some point, the drummer told the guitar player that his friend was being a jerk, to which the guitar player replied “I thought he was your friend.”. Turns out nobody knew him and the “guest” was impolitely shown the door.

So Anyway, this happened once in the church band I played with.

We practiced at the church sanctuary where everything was set up. The front door was unlocked. This guy came in, sat in a back pew and eventually came forward and started offering suggestions. No one knew him, but we thought he might be someone's Dad whose kid was downstairs at youth group.

I eventually told him we already had arrangements, were short on time, and thanks but no thanks. I was firm, but polite because of church and stuff.
He turned around and left without saying a word. We never saw him again and never did figure out who he was.

We always joked that he was probably a talent scout from a televangelist show and we missed our big chance.

 

[Ostie]

A couple decades ago we rented practice space in a self-storage facility along with a handful of other bands. We would often take breaks and go listen to the other bands, as they would us. It was like a musical fraternity.

I’m pretty used to wives, girlfriends and kids dropping in for a listen. One time I looked up and my kids had invited the neighborhood ice cream truck driver down to the basement to hear us. He stayed for about twenty minutes and ended up giving us some free ice cream treats!

 

[Fuzzbass]

I have no problem with it as long as it doesn’t interfere with work getting done.

This. As long as the guests stay quiet and out of the way, it doesn't bother me.

The obvious assumption is that none of my bandmates get distracted. Should that ever happen I'd say something, but fortunately it's been a long time since I've worked with an unprofessional bandmate.

 

[Johnny Fingers]

We always had lots of chicks at nightly rehearsals, mostly friends of the guitarist or lead singer’s girlfriends. But they were so good looking that nobody thought to kick them out.

 

[winston]

Not crazy about it in general, and a hard "no" to significant others of bandmates who have opinions about the music that they don't keep in their pieholes.

 

[Jogobass]

in my experience it never 'is what it is'. That's just a cop out for not practicing enough. I make sure I can play the songs, to prevent doubting myself. I hate coming unprepared.

 

[IanStephenson]

I'll put up with it occasionally, just to keep the peace, but no. I'm giving up my time (and potentially money) to get stuff done - not be social.

I don't get how band members who bring someone along think it's going to work. Either they're going to rehearse, and do the work in which case their friend is going to be ignored all night, or they're going to spend time making their friend feel welcome, in which case they're not rehearsing and doing the work. I don't really like inviting friends to gigs for the same reason!

 

[Zooberwerx]

As long as they're not disruptive, I have no problems. I've gotten pretty good at reading faces & expressions and that provides a modicum of guidance when culling the treasure from the trash material-wise.

Riis

 

[el murdoque]

As long as it's a rehearsal and not a practice session, I'm fine with an audience.

When the objective of the evening is to work on material, not so much. Discussing ideas, trying them out and such works better when there are no prying ears, or even worse, voiced opinions.

 

[getrhythm]

Intrusive, distracting, unnecessary, disruptive…

 

[bobba66]

Might as well put up a stripper pole and get the party started.

 

[Parzival]

Might as well put up a stripper pole and get the party started.

Did you know, Mr. bobba, that your drummer is attempting to bring an outside party into this situation? Did you know that?


My girls, sir, they didn't care for the rehearsal at first. One of them actually stole a pack of matches, and tried to burn it down. But I "corrected" them sir. And when my wife tried to prevent me from doing my duty, I "corrected" her.

 

[Freight Train]

Only if they're in the industry somehow and can either get you gigs or pay for studio time. Otherwise, catch us Saturday night at the club, cover charge $15.00.

 

[mcnach]

For those that do have band rehearsals, how do you feel about having other people there watching? Folks such as maybe family, friends, neighbors, etc. I actually enjoy it. Rehearsals are not practice so when we have one every couple months it is for putting the finishing touches on new songs, or revisiting old songs, and arrangements and make sure everything is ready to go live. I like having people there because I up my game and I get more out of the rehearsal.

I will admit I am what you would refer to in the sports world as a gamer. I am not a good practice player. Some are the opposite. Some are great at both. When at rehearsal, I will make mistakes, worry over my tone too much while playing, and it just doesn't always have a great feel or groove. I try to do better but it is what it is. But, when I have some kind of audience, I just have a blast playing and I play so much better and it grooves and just sounds better. My drummer is the same way.

Just interested in how others felt on this topic. I know the whole having girlfriends/boyfriends and what not could lead to issues but our group is in our early 50's and too old for that stuff.

I don't usually mind, as long as it's not a distraction. If they just hang out and let us do our thing, fine.

 

[Pocket Dave]

IMHO it is likely to draw focus away from the intended purpose of rehearsal.

banI don’t bring friends to my job and if I’m at rehearsal I’m there to work, so…

Occasionally is okay. But if the presence of the observer makes you feel like you are performing rather than practicing, it can defeat the purpose. Not bad as a dress rehearsal though.

As others have pointed out.

IME it's always been a distraction. At best it's been a time waster when the urge to perform outweighed the urge to work out arrangements and do the necessary work that otherwise wouldn't include playing whole songs all the way through;

At worst it's been a source of frustration when an outsider wouldn't STFU or refrain from engaging a band member or members.

I like it. I'm a showoff, ahem: performer. I meant performer. But you know, I like attention.

Maybe book more gigs and fewer rehearsals?

 

[Peteyboy]

Maybe book more gigs and fewer rehearsals?

I'll gratefully take advice where I can get it, but I can't cut you in on my manager's percentage.

 

[Pocket Dave]

I'll gratefully take advice where I can get it, but I can't cut you in on my manager's percentage.

I'm a manager now, huh? We probably couldn't come to terms. Per my manager's union contract, I'd have to buy/sell you for a 100% markup and tell you I'm only taking 10%. You'll never see the same contract the buyer signs and you'll never see me actually show up to do any "managing" at the gigs I book.

Sound about right?

 

[Peteyboy]

I'm a manager now, huh? We probably couldn't come to terms. Per my manager's union contract, I'd have to buy/sell you for a 100% markup and tell you I'm only taking 10%. You'll never see the same contract the buyer signs and you'll never see me actually show up to do any "managing" at the gigs I book.

Sound about right?

We have a different guy showing up with us to gigs.