• 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 feel horrible about it

#23
I will help them find a replacement. The deal I told them was it would be most likely after schooling I would join. That decision is happening now because I'm failing most of my classes. I don't have the patience to go take them over and waste more money I can't already afford. As for the asvab I know all about that. Don't think I haven't done my research.L on a decision like this.
 
#25
I actually started tabbing the songs on paper, so for them to find a new bassist who can atleast read tabs, he'd be good in 2 days TOPS. only 6 songs. i learned there stuff by ear in a week. I had mentioned to the guitarist already that my decison fo the military is going to affect them, so next practice i get to talk to them all in person.
 
#26
slaps76 said:
It's guys like the OP who have the balls to take a proactive approach to protect this country, unlike I could, and obviously you too. I'd say your last sentence was pretty diminishing.

And to the original question, the band should be secondary...you're talking about a career opportunity. There's always going to be bands....I would think your bandmates should be pretty understanding of that.
Click to expand...

He's just telling the truth... There's wars going on, people die. If you are gonna join the military you should accept the fact that you might die. It's the ultimate sacrifice and it's a beautiful thing risking all that for something higher and greater than yourself.
 
#27
Another thing to consider when joining the military: you may live, but have to kill other people. It's big decision and a sacrifice, that's *why* we're all appreciative of those who serve our nation. Big ups on being straightforward with the band, and don't sweat it too much. Compared to joining the Air Force quitting a band is actually small potatoes; you'll be in other bands soon enough.
 
#29
test dude said:
Well it starts like this. I joined this band a month and a half ago maybe. They never had a bassist but just completed there first ep and were excited to find a new member. And here comes me. After 2 auditions I was in. And after 2 practices we played a little basement party for there friends. Everyone was happy they had a bassist and the original members are happy as well. I've already began making new stuff with them. Here is my predicament. I'm currently in my second year of college and it just took a turn for the worse. I've always thought about the military and here I am faced with another opportunity. I will be taking my asvab test this Tuesday and depending on the outcome I will be entering the air force. I haven't told the guys about this yet but I'm sure I will hear it when I do! Anything I can do to let it go a little smoother?

Let me just mention there great guys, but live in a bad part of town. 2 didnt make it threw highschool and all don't have a career goals. They pour there money into recording this last ep and such. I need to have a plan for my future which they don't have at all right now.
Click to expand...

The only person looking after your future is you. You need to take care of yourself.

If that means joining the USAF, you can look your friends in the eye and tell them that the decision is made, the papers are signed. Bring beer (if you're old enough, or know a guy). Anybody who gives you grief about joining is, without question, a douche. Any decent human being will understand your decision.

They'll be bummed out, but if the papers are signed, they'll be forced to accept it. You can still be great friends with them, and support their band, but signed papers are signed papers.

I had a drummer join the USAF and it broke up our band. I was crushed, but we weren't gonna pay bills by playing Weezer covers. He was on leave a few months ago and came to see my new band play. Still a great friend, and I look forward to jamming with him when he's out of the service.
 
#31
Renaissance said:
Dude...really?

To the OP:

You sound like a well adjusted and conscientious young man. It's been a few years but I'm proud of the time I spent riding subs for Uncle Sam - and ultimately it made me a better man. Don't worry about your band, they will find their own way. Good luck and THANK YOU for your service to our country!
Click to expand...
.....amen......jeez,did he really say that....
 
#32
I'm currently deployed and actually have a lot of civilian buddies with military bandmates. Deployments/training happens, find them a sub; keep good contact with the people in the musical world(and world in general) you care about and come back to bigger and better things throughout the absence.
 
#33
Is it just me, or is there a bunch of circular reasoning going on here?!

Crappy situation you're in man.

I was signed up to join the Navy, and was in the Delayed Entry Program waiting to go to boot camp. I decided not to go and was released. I was in a band at the time, but that never had any weight in my decision (probably bc we weren't that serious).
I could quote a whole bunch of people on this forum on how the "military changed their life for the better, therefore you should join the military" and all that circular nonsense, but in the end you will make the best of what you choose and/or are given. You may never make it as an artist and you may feel and be finically safe and confident in the military and you probably aren't 100% sure about any life altering decision, but you'll be fine :)
cheers to you!
 
#35
If you decide you dont want to join and you take the asvab and you get a high score they will bug you for years. I took the test when i was 17 because my friend who was about to join the marines wanted me to. but I ended up getting a score in the high 90s i cant remember exactly but if I remember right at the time a perfect score was 98. It was very basic knowledge questions im suprized anyone could get a low score on it. But anyway back to the point I decided not to join and for the next 3 years every few months Id get a call from a recruiter asking me to come talk and reconsiter my decision to join. I changed my phone number since i got tired of it.
 
#37
Hey, I have said my peice on the OPs topic, but in fairness to him getting the advice he came for, I am objectively recommending that the military aspect get pushed to the backburner a bit. Recently there have been a couple of threads with similar circumstances and bringing up the military stuff seems to cause some strife. The point is he doesn't want to leave his band hanging and sounds like the type of person who will do what he can to help them out. I'd say that pretty much sums up the whole subject. For the intents and purposes of the OP question, he could just as easily be moving or going off to college.

I appreciate those with strong feelings about his decision to serve, so I'm not saying this to dig at them, but I have seen how that topic can get kind of sticky.
 
#39
I can be clear about one thing.. most guys would no-show.. or call and say, "I quit.." anything more than that is atypical.. (I am not saying it's right.. ).. honesty is always best.. and the more notice given, the better.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back