Is this gig even worth the effort?

[David Jayne]

Not about the money I enjoy it, it breathes life into me but for my guitarist to be so inconsiderate and plan ahead and not notify me is frustrating. We are in the process of recording, which is something we should be focusing on, but my guitarist decides schedule gigs.

If we had Cd’s it wouldn’t even be for sale, it would be to give out gladly so people could know of us (few things we decided in). But my issue is he did this without asking me, the drummer does not care (he never cares about anything...) but I had been planning a trip out of town and it was nearing the date set


But you’re right maybe I should be a little more optimistic (Im usually very negatve but I don’t bring it upon others, that would be rude). Thank you for your reply, means a great deal


But... if the guitarist touches my radio he is going flying off the mountain

 

[fhm555]

If it’s a hobby band, why not? The play time is kinda lean but if it’s a hobby...

 

[Coolhandjjl]

It’s a day you’ll never get back.

 

[David Jayne]

And a day you'll never forget.

 

[blowinblue]

Start your own band. Become the bandleader. Buy a PA. Problem solved. Yes, you can do it as a bass player.

M. M.

Yes, I just quoted myself (for clarity). Charity gigs are good because...hopefully, we're helping others that need help. If that leads to extra exposure for a band there's certainly nothing wrong with that. If that's our only motive for doing the gig, then is it really for charity? I've done countless gigs for worthy charity causes, but in every case the band came to a decision by consulting every member of the group. It wasn't the decision of just one person. Maybe it's time for the OP to move on from this band and find a group of folks who will take his feelings into consideration. Or...maybe it's time to start his own band.

M. M.

 

[retslock]

Right now I’m in the midst of preparations for a charity gig for bushfire wildlife assistance that will take place in Sydney next Thursday. I’ve written charts and put hours into learning new songs to make it an event that will attract an audience. I was asked and I agreed willingly. There is a reasonable way to go about it.

 

[bassinplace]

If you're doing it purely for charity, that's reasonable, if it's something you feel charitable about. If you're doing it just for "exposure" the only thing you will be exposing yourself to is a long drive and probably little else.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

 

[TJL]

Suckaaaaaaa! No pay, and having to be the chauffeur? Don't play the fool any longer.

 

[LBS-bass]

It's also very possible that one or more band members couldn't do it, for what ever reason. Say, a previous commitment, or a vacation already planned for during that date.

Right. It's not just a d*ck move, it's also not a very smart thing to do, for a variety of reasons that range from others not being available to band members getting angry about being taken advantage of. What kind of BL does this? An inexperienced one or one who thinks he walks on water and everyone should bow to his will. That is, unless he has a deep roster of subs who would be willing to step into a show like this with no pay (they don't exist). Inexperience can be fixed with more experience, but the latter will never be changed.

 

[Dreamsinger]

It would partly depend on the rest of the lineup. Is the caliber of the other bands at a level where being on the same stage would enhance your rep? Expand your market? Regardless of those marginally mitigating conditions, I'd have a little "come to Jesus" talk with the guitarist(s) and let 'em know that they aren't to make such commitments without your input unless they want to pay you out of their pocket.

 

[brother21]

Do it... show up drunk and play loud let them know your an original band with attitude.

 

[Screnshaw]

Tommy Tedesco once said that there are only 4 reasons to take a gig: 1) the money 2) the exposure 3) the connections 4) the fun of it.

It sounds like you don't have even 1 of the 4 reasons going for you on this one.

 

[RJI777]

Unless the "exposure" is in front of a few thousand people or music industry "big wigs".
I'd say no!

This makes perfect sense to me; when it comes to gigs, you should know (pretty much) exactly what you are getting yourself into and whether it's worth it or not.

If it is worth your while, you put in the appropriate effort, which usually needs a little organisation and coordination, if anything, just too avoid nightmare scenarios. For example, the last thing you want to do is to hire a van, drive hundreds of miles to a venue, just to be turned away because you got the date wrong. Then again, that approach didn't work out too badly for Oasis, if I recall correctly (depending upon what you read).

However, it's unlikely that you will be as lucky. IMHO, any band that is remotely serious about what they are doing should have a basic set of ground rules to deal with these types of issues; although, I find that it helps if these are agreed and understood by all concerned. However, it's not hard and, more importantly, it lets you concentrate on what's really important: Your music.

 

[RJI777]

Do it... show up drunk and play loud let them know your an original band with attitude.

Not that I have tried this particular approach, but it worked for the Faces, right? That said, being so drunk (allegedly), how they managed to stand, let alone play, is beyond me. IMHO, best leave the drinking (or whatever) until AFTER the gig.

 

[armelind]

So my guitarists set a gig for us that’s 2 1/2 hours drive to and from... for only 30 minutes.... 30 goddamn minutes, 3/5 of our songs we will be able to play... and no we are not getting paid, it’s for charity but my issue had nothing to do with getting paid, it’s driving for almost 5 hours for 30 minutes of “exposure” despite the fact we stil haven’t finished recording our ep/album/demo/whateverhedecidesitis.

I usually have to drag the guitarist around and his rig because he doesn’t have a car.

im very heated and am upset, We’ve had worser sudden gigs but this is ridiculous.

Sure... have the guitarist rent a uhaul/7 passenger van and he does the driving. Otherwise, no.

 

[Modulus 96]

If you don't have a life, no wife, no kids, no gf, no friends, no hobbies other than music, have already seen all the movies you've wanted to see, read all the books you've wanted to read, have already volunteered at the local soup kitchens, given blood, mentored youth's at the local YMCA, delivered a baby in a storm shelter during a hurricane-earthquake-flood, and already seen all the porno there is to see on the internet.... Well then, I guess you have all the time in the world. Quit the band and get some sleep.

 

[Joma3]

just let the guitarist play it solo. your first sentence clearly indicates your feelings...and desire...about participating in this gig.

That's what I was thinking...especially if it's only for 20-30 people as the OP stated. Sounds like a perfect opportunity for an acoustic gig. Hopefully the guitarist is the singer or can sing. Have at it, bud. Let the rest of the band know how it goes...

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

During the next band meeting....

But seriously...

When everyone is now a studio session player an old fashioned road trip is just out of the question! lol

 

[bastoe]

Any Charity, is a good cause for the extra effort. If you like these folks you're playing with, if you are their brother, then be there for them. There is no case for this gig not helping you in some way down the road.

People say things all the time, like I support this or that. You get the chance to do it. Sure the gig was made without consulting you, and I would truly make a point to talk to that and make sure it doesn't happen again, but at some point we no longer walk the earth. Play every show as if it was your last bro. You only get get so much time. If yalls playing in some way can help people putting the show together, they will remember afterwards.

There is no bad side other than inconvenience. You may want to book a hotel nearby and see some of the things around there as a mini vacation. Gotta be something to like there.

Turn that frown upside down, especially if you are on the booking already. And smack the guy or gal who booked it with a wet noodle.