• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I don't want this nickname

stylonpilson

stylonpilson

Jun 30, 2008
337
99
Reading, UK
#1
I have recently joined a band. It's the kind of band which is basically run by one guy, who is the songwriter, singer, rhythm guitarist and manager. Literally within seconds, he had nicknamed me "Mr Bass". He uses this nickname frequently, presumably in the hope that it will catch on. When I turn up at the start of each practise session: "Aha! Mr Bass!" In his email address book I am Stylon "Mr Bass" Pilson. The poor drummer is similarly afflicted with a "Mr Beat" moniker that seems to be used by only one person.

How should I deal with this? Direct confrontation runs the risk of causing offence, but the "war of attrition" method (ie refuse to adopt the nickname, in the hope that he tires of using it) does not guarantee success (cf the drummer's situation).

Ideas?

S.P.
 
#2
Maybe he just can't remember names..?

Many people have a mental blank on names and I know that I meet loads of people at Jazz gigs,workshops, jams etc. and can't remember their name, but instantly identify them as an Alto Sax or Piano player etc. etc.
 
#3
Bruce Lindfield said:
Maybe he just can't remember names..?
Click to expand...

No, it's definitely not that. I'm 100% certain that he is doing this because he thinks that nicknames are obligatory. His intentions are clearly good - he's trying to be friendly and welcoming - but the nickname that he has come up with is painfully poor.

Perhaps I should just honour the good intention, and accept this title, agonising though it may be, with good grace.

S.P.
 
#7
51m0n said:
Refer to him as Mr Dick at every oppurtunity....:D
Click to expand...

+1! Find an odious nickname for the offender and use it until he relents.


I've played under "BabyBoy" (Back When I was the youngest member of the band), Papachub, (Because I'm I'm a bit lumpy, as well as it's properties of being an innuendo), and these days they call me Phalex (Not sure where that one came from, but oh well...)

No one ever referred to me as a fish though.
 
#9
I was in the band in a show here a few years back. The name of the band was "Pubic Corner" and we all had strange names the people who had written the sketches had come up with. I didn't particularly like mine - I was "[my first name] the Penetrator"... :eek:

I would have preferred being called "Mr Bass" anytime.
 
#15
stylonpilson said:
I have recently joined a band. It's the kind of band which is basically run by one guy, who is the songwriter, singer, rhythm guitarist and manager. Literally within seconds, he had nicknamed me "Mr Bass". He uses this nickname frequently, presumably in the hope that it will catch on. When I turn up at the start of each practise session: "Aha! Mr Bass!" In his email address book I am Stylon "Mr Bass" Pilson. The poor drummer is similarly afflicted with a "Mr Beat" moniker that seems to be used by only one person.

How should I deal with this? Direct confrontation runs the risk of causing offence, but the "war of attrition" method (ie refuse to adopt the nickname, in the hope that he tires of using it) does not guarantee success (cf the drummer's situation).

Ideas?

S.P.
Click to expand...

Is he a stoner?
 
#18
stylonpilson said:
I have recently joined a band. It's the kind of band which is basically run by one guy, who is the songwriter, singer, rhythm guitarist and manager. Literally within seconds, he had nicknamed me "Mr Bass". He uses this nickname frequently, presumably in the hope that it will catch on. When I turn up at the start of each practise session: "Aha! Mr Bass!" In his email address book I am Stylon "Mr Bass" Pilson. The poor drummer is similarly afflicted with a "Mr Beat" moniker that seems to be used by only one person.

How should I deal with this? Direct confrontation runs the risk of causing offence, but the "war of attrition" method (ie refuse to adopt the nickname, in the hope that he tires of using it) does not guarantee success (cf the drummer's situation).

Ideas?

S.P.
Click to expand...

Call him "Mister Diva"....

;)

D.Don
 
#19
stylonpilson said:
No, it's definitely not that. I'm 100% certain that he is doing this because he thinks that nicknames are obligatory. His intentions are clearly good - he's trying to be friendly and welcoming - but the nickname that he has come up with is painfully poor.

Perhaps I should just honour the good intention, and accept this title, agonising though it may be, with good grace.

S.P.
Click to expand...
I'd say this is your best option, or at least the option I'd take. You never know, the name might grow on you after a while.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back