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How long have you stayed in one band?

#81
When I lived in Orange County CA in the 80s, most players were switching bands frequently. Always trying for the magic combination, the big break. I think the longest I went was 2 1\2 years. Since I've been back in MD, I've spent 24 years in a band with my brother, 9 and 10 years with a couple of country bands, and 6 years with my current alt_country group so far.
 
#82
6 years was the longest. 2.5 years was the second longest. 2 weeks was the shortest.
 
#87
8 years in my current band along with 2 others, 10 years in the previous band with same vocalist.

mike o said:
Hey folks,

I've always admired bands where the members stuck together for many years or decades. Not talking about headliner touring bands. Just those lower key weekend warriors (like most of us). Personally reflecting at my old age of 58, I'm good for a year, maybe two before I leave or the band implodes. My longest stint was maybe 5 years with a very good band but eventually everyone got tired of the same old show. Shoot, the past ten years I'm lucky to last a year. I also know my tolerance for -you fill in the blank- has gotten much worse which doesn't help.

Let us hear from you long term folks any ideas on how you keep it together. Also love to hear some of those break up/apart reasons.

Thoughts????
Click to expand...
 
#88
There are 3 guys I've been in bands with since 1976. It started as a 5 piece rock band and then became a 3 piece acoustic trio. We've played in and off since then as far as last week. It was a love hate thing for a while but now making music with these guys is the best thing ever.
 
#88
Probably not more than a year or two, can't remember. Bands were always changing personnel and configurations, sometimes just changing the band name, that it's hard to define what would have been considered a "band."
 
#90
IMG_6367.JPG
Sage- started in 1966 with two brothers on accordion and drums. The band has expanded over the years and this year is number 48. I have been in the band for twenty years. Of the group 5 are original members. 3 cds, multiple Bay Area festival, gigs weddings. The best part is when people come up and say "hey you guys played at my high school". We are the last band standing in San Jose and still going strong about 26 gigs a year.
 
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#93
DaveDeVille said:
it's been my pleasure to gig with this guy for over 25 years .
other band member have passed thru , but the two of us still remain together ...
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Click to expand...
mike o said:
Hey folks,

I've always admired bands where the members stuck together for many years or decades. Not talking about headliner touring bands. Just those lower key weekend warriors (like most of us). Personally reflecting at my old age of 58, I'm good for a year, maybe two before I leave or the band implodes. My longest stint was maybe 5 years with a very good band but eventually everyone got tired of the same old show. Shoot, the past ten years I'm lucky to last a year. I also know my tolerance for -you fill in the blank- has gotten much worse which doesn't help.

Let us hear from you long term folks any ideas on how you keep it together. Also love to hear some of those break up/apart reasons.

Thoughts????
Click to expand...
mike o said:
Hey folks,

I've always admired bands where the members stuck together for many years or decades. Not talking about headliner touring bands. Just those lower key weekend warriors (like most of us). Personally reflecting at my old age of 58, I'm good for a year, maybe two before I leave or the band implodes. My longest stint was maybe 5 years with a very good band but eventually everyone got tired of the same old show. Shoot, the past ten years I'm lucky to last a year. I also know my tolerance for -you fill in the blank- has gotten much worse which doesn't help.

Let us hear from you long term folks any ideas on how you keep it together. Also love to hear some of those break up/apart reasons.

Thoughts????
Click to expand...

My band Standing Stone are having our 40th anniversary year!!! Just had two overseas gigs. Best friends for 40 years
 
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Reactions: Gaolee and DaveDeVille
#96
mike o said:
Hey folks,

I've always admired bands where the members stuck together for many years or decades. Not talking about headliner touring bands. Just those lower key weekend warriors (like most of us). Personally reflecting at my old age of 58, I'm good for a year, maybe two before I leave or the band implodes. My longest stint was maybe 5 years with a very good band but eventually everyone got tired of the same old show. Shoot, the past ten years I'm lucky to last a year. I also know my tolerance for -you fill in the blank- has gotten much worse which doesn't help.

Let us hear from you long term folks any ideas on how you keep it together. Also love to hear some of those break up/apart reasons.

Thoughts????
Click to expand...

I have had my band called Street Life, here in the DMV, since 1980, so this makes 37 years. We don't play much, but a few gigs throughout the year. We're older and don't want to schlepp equipment anymore!!!
 
#98
mike o said:
Hey folks,

I've always admired bands where the members stuck together for many years or decades. Not talking about headliner touring bands. Just those lower key weekend warriors (like most of us). Personally reflecting at my old age of 58, I'm good for a year, maybe two before I leave or the band implodes. My longest stint was maybe 5 years with a very good band but eventually everyone got tired of the same old show. Shoot, the past ten years I'm lucky to last a year. I also know my tolerance for -you fill in the blank- has gotten much worse which doesn't help.

Let us hear from you long term folks any ideas on how you keep it together. Also love to hear some of those break up/apart reasons.

Thoughts????
Click to expand...
I think staying power requires good leadership, good chemistry, common musical tastes, friendship and a clear goal. I've been in 3 bands the last 5 years. First two lasted only 6 months each. Last one is petering out. Good friends,but no leader, different tastes. Friendship is keeping us together. Oh, did I mention old age? Yeah, hard to get excited anymore about loading all my gear in and out of the car. :-)
 
#99
I have played in the same cover band for about eight years now. We only play out a couple or three times a year, but they are great friends, so I would probably still hang out in the basement with them if there was no chance of playing in front of an audience.

I don't mind schlepping gear once or twice a month. I do that with other bands. But, just playing is fun, audience or no audience. At least for me it is.
 

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