Iceberg dead ahead

[STROMERO]

At 53 years old I have joined my first cover band. I was approached by a drummer and a guitarist who want to play classic rock. I’ve heard most of the songs, never learned them before. We found a singer and have been practicing for about 5 weeks. The singer booked us our first gig for this Saturday as part of a benefit for someone’s medical bills.

1). We didn’t have a name yet
2). Just found out the guitarist and drummer have never been on stage before
3) I think we are under-rehearsed. Endings are sloppy, vocal harmonies not worked out
4) the gig will use a house drum kit and the drummer is having a meltdown

that said, I’m going to play my ass off and try to have fun but our first gig may be the last. Wish me luck

 

[2saddleslab]

Out of the frying pan & into the fire!

 

[JRA]

the drummer having a meltdown over not having to transport gear = you have arrived! break a leg!

 

[Lo-E]

I joined my first rock cover band in my mid ‘30s. I had only ever played originals prior to that. I was skeptical. I was hesitant. I ended up having a lot of fun and the band lasted about three years. Let us know how it goes!

 

[bigdaddybass12]

COOL !!! have fun!
3 things:
1. Be careful not to overplay,
2. Work on endings, watch each other, let the guitar player end the song with movement. practice it. Get him to watch other bands on youtube on how they end a song together,
3. have fun, will not be your last one!

 

[Killing Floor]

Good luck. You got this! Relax and have fun.
Also for “benefit” you don’t have to stress about playing to the level of your pay.

And you should name your band Mr Steve or just Steve or Just Steve.

Rock the house. Declare yourself band leader before it’s too late. Play a P bass because if there’s one thing I’ve learned on TalkBass, it’s the only bass the sound person can mix. And don’t wear a hat unless it’s a really wild Jimi Hendrix style hat.

You know what to do. Good luck.

 

[STROMERO]

Good luck. You got this! Relax and have fun.
Also for “benefit” you don’t have to stress about playing to the level of your pay.

And you should name your band Mr Steve or just Steve or Just Steve.

Rock the house. Declare yourself band leader before it’s too late. Play a P bass because if there’s one thing I’ve learned on TalkBass, it’s the only bass the sound person can mix. And don’t wear a hat unless it’s a really wild Jimi Hendrix style hat.

You know what to do. Good luck.

Every suggestion here is just damn good advice

 

[DirtDog]

What’s the worst that could happen? ;-)

 

[Smooth_bass88]

tots 'n pears to you my friend

 

[SAlcott]

1). We didn’t have a name yet
2). Just found out the guitarist and drummer have never been on stage before
3) I think we are under-rehearsed. Endings are sloppy, vocal harmonies not worked out
4) the gig will use a house drum kit and the drummer is having a meltdown

1-no problem
2-uh oh
3-pay attention and know your parts
4-bring cymbals, snare, HH clutch, and sticks like a grownup. See #2.

 

[micguy]

You gotta start somewhere. The gig you're describing is, at best, a "shake down cruise". At worst, yes, it could be a train wreck. The real test of what it is comes the first time the band gets together after the gig. If people come in with comments about how to improve for next time, you've got a good band. If they come in bad-mouthing each other, it's time to exit and find a good band.

OH, and for a gig like this, use a band name that you're not that attached to - if the gig goes as I expect it will, you might want to use a different name next time.

 

[J-Fev]

I told ChatGPT about your circumstances and asked for some band names:

It sounds like you have a few challenges to overcome, but don't worry, every band goes through some bumps along the way. As for the band name, here are a few suggestions that could work well for a classic rock cover band:

1. ReRocked
2. RetroRockers
3. Sonic Revival
4. Vintage Vibe
5. Rockin' Rewind
6. Amplified Nostalgia
7. Echoes of Rock
8. Classic Cadence
9. Timeless Riffs
10. Melodic Flashback

Remember, choosing a band name is a creative and personal process, so feel free to brainstorm with your bandmates and consider any themes or ideas that resonate with your music and style. It's important to choose a name that reflects your identity and captures the essence of your classic rock cover band. Good luck with your band, and I hope your upcoming gig goes well!

Ok, those seem pretty lame, so I asked for something edgier:

Certainly! If you're looking for edgier band names, here are a few suggestions for your classic rock cover band:

1. Thunderstrike
2. Rebel Resonance
3. Savage Echo
4. Riot Revolvers
5. Infernal Soundwave
6. Atomic Anarchy
7. Vicious Voltage
8. Razor Riffs
9. Sinister Serenade
10. Venomous Vibration

You're welcome.

 

[mikewalker]

Band name? How about "Iceberg Dead Ahead"

 

[Bullitt5135]

My experience in these situations is that inexperienced players tend to get uptight and lost in their own little world. Encourage everybody to really pay attention to each other and play as a band. Stay loose and have fun. Anticipate the next song so you're not putting people to sleep with dead air. You are there to help raise money. Make it a point between every song to encourage people to open their wallets. Doing a good job at a gig like this will often lead to better opportunities for the band.

 

[KevInDaBassment]

Band name? How about "Iceberg Dead Ahead"

Nailed it ^

Similar to the story behind the "Led Zeppelin" name origin

 

[Spidey2112]

... the drummer having a meltdown...

Hence, the origin of, 'You're fired.'

 

[JRA]

 

[BadSanta1281]

I vote for White Star Line as the band name for this titanic adventure.

 

[Pings Bass]

Start and end together, that's a non-negotiable point of departure. The audience will usually forgive almost anything that happens in between if you do that.

As for name, I played in an originals band that couldn't come up with a name for our debut at a private party. So we went with "Steaming Beer s". We came up with a better name for our public debut.

 

[STROMERO]

Thanks for all the replies. I’ve done many many gigs in original bands and the singer has done covers for a long time. I think he and I can hold it together. All of these replicas were really helpful. I appreciate your input.