I'm out of the band

Better safe than dead.

 

You did the right thing. I wouldn't go out to play, it's not safe

 

Not sure why you don't feel safe for this type of gig - looks like you're pretty isolated from everyone, and outdoors is always better than in.

But you have to look out for yourself.

Too bad your band thinks it has to be a permanent split - they cold have just subbed for you until you felt comfortable.

Best of luck

 

too bad, OP. hope you can get your fix in the near future!

 

I wouldn't be comfortable playing in that situation, as the band looks a little to close together. I'd prefer a bigger platform, or playing more spread out below the loading dock. It also looks like you guys were playing for a long time, which increases the risk.

I also can't tell anything about whether the audience is distanced. I wouldn't want to participate in an event that is safe for me as a musician, but unsafe for the audience.

 

Exactly. I will not promote something that is putting other people's lives at risk. That's very irresponsible.

 

We've done really good in the province I am from with regards to social distancing and the number of cases, etc.

I have continued to work throughout the shutdown and thankfully I share a house with my band - so we have been able to continue to practice and enjoy making music. But even with our area being relatively unaffected by a mass outbreak, I think it is better to remain vigilant and safe in these times - and the thought of playing out live is a non starter until it is (actually) safe to go out and do it.

You guys sounded like you have fun playing together - so hopefully once we are through this pandemic you are able to get playing with them again. From my perspective watching that show - there is no reason as a jam band you couldn't adopt a second bassist and play stereo style bass lines (think Talking Heads circa 1980 - songs like Born Under Punches feature multiple bassists).

 

I’m in a similar situation. The trio I’m in wants to rock out. I declined due to underlying health issues and told them my threshold for getting out. I suggested if they wanted to work with another bass player For the time being, I would encourage that. Nope. The two of them are going to get together and I’m going to “dial in”. We’ve got a workable virtual solution that we’ve spent the last few weeks tweaking and we’re ready to give it a shot. The BL is taking my signal and running it out to my amp, so it’ll be like I’m in the room. All kinds of patching going on. I think I’ll send over a full sized cutout of myself for effect. I’ll pose in my skivvies for extra effect! I don’t expect perfection but perhaps it’ll work out good enough to get over the hump of the next several weeks (or months).

 

Oh well - the show must go on.

 

well, the band was pretty boring. Good luck.

 

Well, we ran the experiment last night with the three of and it wasn't half-bad. Drummer and guitar/vocals in the room together, me and my bass and vox remote. Managed to play three of our tunes fairly well. Still have some levels issues to finesse (e.g too much guitar, not enough drums). We've got latency down to the point where its a *bit* noticeable but doesn't throw us off. Like a 1/16 or 1/32 off. Just a bit of echo. We used a Jamulus server installed on the cloud (that server located in a city about four hours away). We're going to try installing the Jamulus server on a local machine to take that cloud part out of the loop and bring the latency down a bit.

This may work out in the short run and we'll give the tweaked setup another shot next week. It felt good to jam and and that setup is as close to being in the room as possible. Last mile would be some shared video - for all the visual cues. But did OK without.

The boys do want me to get back to being 100% healthy - much of that out my direct control, it's a blood plasma thing - but this was a pretty good proxy! So far, I'm still in the band and it makes me feel good that they're willing to go such lengths to keep me involved!

 

I applaud you for standing up and saying you were uncomfortable with the current situation. These are unprecedented and difficult times, has been difficult and trying for everyone in their own way.

Things have been strained in the band I play with; as myself and keyboard player refuse to play or practice in person as we feel the timing and safety is not there. So the two of us have been doing recording projects and to be honest I am having a blast. I think for some of the other band members it’s been harder on them as they struggle with trying recording or place too much emphasis on live playing. Mostly seems to be the singers (whom do not play instruments) and the one guitar player that plays with another band as well ( they have been practicing).

I am almost to the point of leaving the band as I have not enjoyed the attitudes in the last three months from some members. I stay only because I know it’s been weird for everyone in their own way. But, since recording more on my own and with the keyboard player, I am looking at the possibility of becoming a duo act. For many reasons (easier to social distance, easier to find gigs, fewer arguments/ compromises and more money). I also play guitar and sing, so an easy transition for me.

COVID has been a kick in the nuts to everyone but I also have seen positives and new opportunities. So who knows

 

Definitely don't make any long term decisions right now. Stand up for your "now" needs, but don't be too harsh on your bandmates with differing perspectives right now. It's all very confusing and a lot of the propaganda being spread (by both extremes) is designed to be divisive. Safety, patience and tolerance are called for more than ever.

 

I agree that a knee jerk reaction is not the right decision. There is a lot of angst, anger and depression due to this pandemic. At the same time, I might explore other opportunities; if for nothing else something to do. Could be room for both projects.

 

Ultimately - you have to do what's right for you. It's not about the facts - as no one really knows them, or likely has education/training/experience to even correctly work with them.

Make you call, and accept the consequences, good or bad either way.

 

I wouldn't want to assume that I should make decisions for anyone other than myself. The only people I would consider are my band mates as my decisions impact them directly and vice versa.

And you should all be talking about it in the band.