I was just reminded of an encounter from when I was just beginning. Open Mic on a Sunday arvo, in a pub. Not many people. Branded as a walk-up-and-join-in, casual affair. I had about 30 songs memorised and thought I'd give it a lash.
Open-Mic Host: G’day
Me: Hi, I’m just learning Bass, I’m not very good and really need something I know. Do you have a song list?
OMH: Here.
Me: Ooo, I know that one!
OMH: Ah, I do that one on my special little bass.
Me: OK. I know this one, too.
OMH: Nah, I do that one on my special little bass as well.
Me: Oh.
OMH: <Aggressively, derisively> Just play some bleedin’ blues, mate!
[Struggle through 2 minutes of OMH showcasing his mighty talent, while I play the occasional E]
OMH: <on mic> OK, we’re going to get a great Bass player up now, welcome Harry!
OMH: <to me> Harry can use your Bass, yeah?
Me: <smiles at my brand new, $3k bass> No.
OMH: <gives me “the look”> <on mic> Harry, you’ll have to go out to the carpark and get your bass, mate <gives me another “the look”, just to make sure everyone knows I’m the reason for the delay>.
Open-Mic Host: G’day
Me: Hi, I’m just learning Bass, I’m not very good and really need something I know. Do you have a song list?
OMH: Here.
Me: Ooo, I know that one!
OMH: Ah, I do that one on my special little bass.
Me: OK. I know this one, too.
OMH: Nah, I do that one on my special little bass as well.
Me: Oh.
OMH: <Aggressively, derisively> Just play some bleedin’ blues, mate!
[Struggle through 2 minutes of OMH showcasing his mighty talent, while I play the occasional E]
OMH: <on mic> OK, we’re going to get a great Bass player up now, welcome Harry!
OMH: <to me> Harry can use your Bass, yeah?
Me: <smiles at my brand new, $3k bass> No.
OMH: <gives me “the look”> <on mic> Harry, you’ll have to go out to the carpark and get your bass, mate <gives me another “the look”, just to make sure everyone knows I’m the reason for the delay>.
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