last minute fill-in gigs.

[One_Dude]

I am interested in hearing opinions about accepting last minute fill-in gigs. Specifically filling in with a group you have never played with and really never even heard play. In this case, I am pretty sure I know a few of their songs, but suspect most of them would be new to me. By last minute fill-in, I'm talking about less than 12 hours before the gig.

It sounds like they will provide charts for the gig, but I am reluctant because I have been burned in other similar situations. There are other issues like timing and basic interaction between the other players, none of whom I know or have played with before. I usually decline such requests when there is absolutely no practice session involved, but this is a group I am interested in getting to know, but also am interested in making a good impression if I agree to take the gig.

My current thinking is to tell them that I am interested in future fill-in opportunities, but this one with such short notice is a recipe for failure.

So what are your thoughts?

Thump on,

One_Dude

 

[mexicant]

Do it! You only live once,might be fun and lead to new opportunities!

 

[mexicant]

I did the same thing about 5 years ago,changed my musical life for the better!

 

[JRA]

what are your thoughts?

take a chance! expand your musicianship if not your experience in general. (some cats have made a decent living doing "last minute" sub work!)

this is a group I am interested in getting to know, but also am interested in making a good impression if I agree to take the gig.

better to make the impression live, and in person. none of us can do any better than 'our best' at any given moment. charts? = piece of cake! good luck!

 

[hrodbert696]

I'm always happy to take a gig. I wouldn't promise what I can't deliver, though. If there's a lot of new music I don't know on the set list, I'll prep with whatever time I have and then wing it as best I can, and I trust the band I'm subbing with will understand that.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If they are calling you last minute, they know there will be issues. Two things to make life a bit easier:

1. Get a songlist (with keys - I once did a last minute fill in on a cover gig, where they neglected to tell me they did Benetar's Heartbreaker in Em rather than Fm).
2. When you set up on stage, make sure you can see the left hand of the guitarist, and hear and see the kick drum and hi hat.

 

[Bodeanly]

12 hour notice with songs I’ve never even heard before? I would have to pass. I like to have fun on stage and can’t do that if the songs are completely unfamiliar to me. If it’s just one or two, fine. But if I don’t know the majority of the set after all the time I’ve spent playing in different bands or, at least, can’t hum along to the song when it comes on the radio, I’m out.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi One_Dude

It sounds like they will provide charts for the gig

Sounds like? When will you get them? After the gig?

You should have them already! Incl. recordings!!!

Tell them to hurry up!

And then rock that gig!


may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[Pacman]

I do them all the time, and with charts provided, I'd jump all over it. No charts? The less lead time I get, the more expensive I get.

 

[buldog5151bass]

As @hrodbert696 said, just make sure they know your familiarity with the tunes, so they don't come back with "you said you knew everything". When in doubt, hang with the kick, and muting is your friend.

 

[DoctorZee]

I don’t think it matters what we think. If you’re not confident, don’t do it.

 

[nomaj]

I've had good and bad experiences with being a last minute sub. If I know and like the people that have asked me, and if the $ is worthwhile and I'm available, then I say yes.

If I don't know the people very well, then I always ask for money up front, or else I pass. I've been stiffed by unethical people before, and the blood-boil that it aroused in me was far in detrimental excess to the couple hundred bucks that I was screwed out of.

 

[bikeplate]

I do it often. Typically ill know someone in the band and they know how i play. Always get a setlist, ask how they tune, and keys from the guitarist or keys player. Also get pay and all other details upfront before you agree. I personally love the challenge

 

[Wesley R]

I have never learned at a faster pace then when I subbed a bunch, often times jumping in with players above my skill sets.

 

[Lava]

If the pay is good and you feel confident in your playing, do it. If they're calling 12 hrs before the gig, they know it's not going to be perfect. But...... If you're primarily a 4/4 rock player and the gig is Jazz Fusion, or if you're primarily a country guy and the gig is high energy Gospel, etc., then I probably wouldn't take the gig.

 

[gln1955]

If you tell them you really don't know the material and they still want you, then they get what they get.

If you can pull it off with no major trainwrecks, then you'll make a good impression.

 

[smokinjoe]

Do it! If you want a future with these guys, helping them out of a tight spot will go a long way.

 

[DWBass]

Only if I know their songlist. Not trying to learn a crapload of songs I don't know or even heard before.

 

[ctbass]

I took my son to a Todd Sucherman (Styx drummer) clinic.

One of many things he stressed..."if you screw up, nobody dies."

 

[Fender05]

The best way to get called for future fill-ins is to take current fill-ins...

With such short notice, they can't be expecting perfection. Do the gig, kick some a**, and make a great impression. You'll get your foot in the door, and the call next time.