I got a message today from the BL that the owner of the bar where we have a gig next week had heart surgery. My first thought is "maybe we won't have to play." That probably isn't good. Being in only one band isn't good for me and trying to get the ONE band that I'm still in to diversify is not going anywhere.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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 think I'm not excited about playing any more.
- Thread starter 51PRI
- Start date
I haven't played out in a long long while because of this same feeling. Got tired of playing the same stuff over and over. Not interested in doing a cover band just to make money and play. Got tired of there always being at least 1 guy in the band who just couldn't quite cut it. That was all around 2005...2006 and my early 20s
I've just been woodshedding and teaching myself other instruments since then. It does become hard to stay motivated solo, but if you're not having fun in my book it isn't worth it.
I've just been woodshedding and teaching myself other instruments since then. It does become hard to stay motivated solo, but if you're not having fun in my book it isn't worth it.
Wow guys sounds like you all need hugs. I can't find other musicians that are not too preoccupied with sex and drugs and tend to forget about the performing rock and roll part. I stay proficient and record over myself sometimes but I miss having a band.
Goes to show you what you give up on when you take up playing bass.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Nothing wrong with taking a break, or taking your time looking for what stiffens your spaghetti.
We're on a winter hiatus, and I'm really enjoying the time off. I'm using the time to work on my guitar playing and honestly only pickup the bass to create backing tracks for guitar lessons!
I left more of my gigs last summer feeling flat, that I did feeling invigorated. Wondering if it's time to hang up the hat myself…
I left more of my gigs last summer feeling flat, that I did feeling invigorated. Wondering if it's time to hang up the hat myself…
I've been there for quite awhile now. I haven't played a gig since last summer, and I haven't missed it at all. Our BL texted last week about a hold for a potential gig in April, and my first thought was "hope it doesn't happen."
I think there's a misconception amongst musicians that one must do this until you can't anymore. That's not true. I've been playing for 30 plus years, and I had a good run. I got to experience a lot of things most musicians dream of, and I'm OK with being done. Music isn't my job, and it doesn't define me.
I think there's a misconception amongst musicians that one must do this until you can't anymore. That's not true. I've been playing for 30 plus years, and I had a good run. I got to experience a lot of things most musicians dream of, and I'm OK with being done. Music isn't my job, and it doesn't define me.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
I think too many of us think gigging is the only option - that playing for fun is somehow "amateur".
The best group of musicians I've ever been with is my jazz group. Amazing players, including a Berklee grad, who probably still plays 3 hours a day, just to improve. Other than "dinner music", it's almost impossible here to book jazz. So once a week we gather, have a beer or wine, and play the exact music we want to play, the exact way we want. Sometimes we have someone great sit in (like Roger Ball, from the Average White Band). A couple of times a year, a gig falls into our laps, and we take it. I gig I another band (rock).
Nothing wrong with that. We should play music because we like playing music.
The best group of musicians I've ever been with is my jazz group. Amazing players, including a Berklee grad, who probably still plays 3 hours a day, just to improve. Other than "dinner music", it's almost impossible here to book jazz. So once a week we gather, have a beer or wine, and play the exact music we want to play, the exact way we want. Sometimes we have someone great sit in (like Roger Ball, from the Average White Band). A couple of times a year, a gig falls into our laps, and we take it. I gig I another band (rock).
Nothing wrong with that. We should play music because we like playing music.
I'm 70 and just retired from the 5-piece Rock/Pop band I have been in for the past 12 years. A great bunch of guys, good musicianship, hardly any ego. The best and most fun band I have been in. We've mostly been playing clubs. I came to the decision that the work .vs. fun factors were too heavy on the work side. We outsource our sound, but we have lots of instruments. A large keyboard rig, lots of guitar switching. Multi-instrumentalists, so there is a lot of switching between guitar and keys and sax. I move to accordion for a few songs.
The places we play are often restaurants or dinner clubs that turn into nightclubs later in the evening. This requires us to set up in the afternoon for a show that starts at about 8:30. I would leave the house at 2pm with my trailer, load from the rehearsal space to the trailer, then load in at the venue. After the show, load out to the trailer, then unload at the rehearsal space. Get home by about 3am. That's a 12-13 hour job. It just wasn't fun anymore.
The band decided to disband rather than bring in someone new. A couple of guys have families who are getting into lots of school activities. Most everyone has or can find other musical outlets. I'm still playing in an 18 piece big band, and at church some. I would not be opposed if something came up that was basically a walk-in with just my equipment and done by 11pm.
I guess this makes me officially old.
The places we play are often restaurants or dinner clubs that turn into nightclubs later in the evening. This requires us to set up in the afternoon for a show that starts at about 8:30. I would leave the house at 2pm with my trailer, load from the rehearsal space to the trailer, then load in at the venue. After the show, load out to the trailer, then unload at the rehearsal space. Get home by about 3am. That's a 12-13 hour job. It just wasn't fun anymore.
The band decided to disband rather than bring in someone new. A couple of guys have families who are getting into lots of school activities. Most everyone has or can find other musical outlets. I'm still playing in an 18 piece big band, and at church some. I would not be opposed if something came up that was basically a walk-in with just my equipment and done by 11pm.
I guess this makes me officially old.
Everything is a trade-off...
My last thing turned into a recording project, due to Covid, then ended with brothers going home or getting married. It was good, though.
I have been a side guy more often than not anyway. I tend to be picky about what I do. No need to always be "in a band" and Friday/Saturday night every week. In my mind, there is never a bunch of great stuff I'm missing out on. If something interests me, I go for it.
I keep my gear updated, flexible and RTG!
My last thing turned into a recording project, due to Covid, then ended with brothers going home or getting married. It was good, though.
I have been a side guy more often than not anyway. I tend to be picky about what I do. No need to always be "in a band" and Friday/Saturday night every week. In my mind, there is never a bunch of great stuff I'm missing out on. If something interests me, I go for it.
I keep my gear updated, flexible and RTG!
Always keep an open mind in case something comes up down the road the main point is to have Fun. I remember about 20 years ago I was doing Sub work with different groups and I just wasnt diggin it. I told my wife I think I am going to quit. Within a month a friend called to see If I would fill in on a 3 night Casino gig with a Detroit R+B revue. I had a blast and when he came by a week later to pay me he asked If I would be interested in going on the road for 10 days out in the pacific northwest. I did that road trip had a blast and it turned into 2 years of gigs a bunch of large festivals and 3 weeks in Europe. Some times when i'm asked to do a gig it seems like more of a pain in the Ass for all the prep I need to do for a gig, but in many cases it ends up leading to better things.
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
- 6,668
- 2
- 16,475
- Disclosures
- I privately own and operate a local musical instument repair shop.
I guess we're all at different places.
I just got word from the bandleader Friday morning confirming three gigs for this year... lock 'em in boys, they're good. I was thankful it's not looking like a repeat of 2020-21, scratching for scraps and getting cancelation notices weekly.
I just got word from the bandleader Friday morning confirming three gigs for this year... lock 'em in boys, they're good. I was thankful it's not looking like a repeat of 2020-21, scratching for scraps and getting cancelation notices weekly.
It's very hard to bring a group of people around to your way of seeing things. I have found it a little easier to hold out for situations that are a little more satisfying, but that has meant I've had to let a lot of things go, and sometimes people, which always makes me sad.
At the beginning of last year I was feeling a lot like you. I couldn't see the future anymore in what I was doing and getting to a place where I could enjoy it again seemed unlikely. But a little more than a year later I'm having a lot of fun working with players who are more like-minded.
Not every band is the same. A couple I'm in are more improvisational, a couple require a lot of work, and at least one band is sort of a combination of the two with very high standards. But each band is giving me something that brings me a bit of joy, and the sum of all of it is making me very happy. Hang in there because it's usually darkest before the dawn!
At the beginning of last year I was feeling a lot like you. I couldn't see the future anymore in what I was doing and getting to a place where I could enjoy it again seemed unlikely. But a little more than a year later I'm having a lot of fun working with players who are more like-minded.
Not every band is the same. A couple I'm in are more improvisational, a couple require a lot of work, and at least one band is sort of a combination of the two with very high standards. But each band is giving me something that brings me a bit of joy, and the sum of all of it is making me very happy. Hang in there because it's usually darkest before the dawn!
As others have said, the worst part of playing out is how little respect venues have for the musicians' time, even when all money is coming from covers and not the venue itself. I'm always told to show up so early, and I always do just in case it is actually important. Inevitably, I stand around for hours wondering why they heck I was told to show up so early. If I could just show up 30 minutes before I actually needed to be there it would be such a better experience.
Recently, venues in my area have gotten in the habit of booking you on a given date, but only until they find a bigger name that wants the same date, then they call you with the excuse that they "forgot" about another booking. As far as i'm concerned, being a gigging musician is a lowly, zero-respect position until you are at least regionally famous.
I enjoy practice (solo or with a band) so much more than gigging.
Recently, venues in my area have gotten in the habit of booking you on a given date, but only until they find a bigger name that wants the same date, then they call you with the excuse that they "forgot" about another booking. As far as i'm concerned, being a gigging musician is a lowly, zero-respect position until you are at least regionally famous.
I enjoy practice (solo or with a band) so much more than gigging.
Last edited:
Pretty much.
But it's kinda like a marriage. People stay in one for love, for the money, or the kids. With bands, it's the music, the money, or the hang.
Any one of the three can be sufficient. Two is even better. And all three is ideal…and pretty rare these days it seems. However, if it's none of the above, then you really have to ask yourself why you're bothering at all. Because sometimes you need to punt and either regroup or quit the game.
It's been close to ten years since I've been in what I'd consider an actual band. If the right confluence of circumstances and individuals comes together, I'm game for another crack at it. But if not, I'm ok with that too. I can always play music by myself or with friends. I enjoy performing. But I don't need to perform. I just love music.
It's all about the real priorities in our lives. Both in recognizing them, and setting (or changing) them as we ourselves go through changes.
Last edited:
I feel like I've said this a lot...if the gig isn't working for you, and you're not dependent on the money, it's time to get out and put your efforts into something that brings you joy. Maybe it's another band. Maybe it's spending more time with your family. Maybe it's basket weaving. Whatever it is, go find it and do it. Don't waste your time on gigs that don't motivate you.
I feel the same sometimes, in my 40th year of gigging now. Then I play the gig, my spirit is lifted, and I remember why I still do it. Life is heavy, and aging sucks.
Do you still enjoy it when you're in the moment and playing the gig? I go through the same thoughts. I have a good job and don't need the work I get with the band I'm in. I do it so that I'm still motivated to play and keep my skills sharp and because I enjoy performing with other musicians. Before a gig I might begrudge the fact that I'm committed to going out on a Fri or Sat late and being out till after midnight, but once I'm there I enjoy myself most nights so I still do it.
