In a demonstration of massively questionable judgment, I've been asked to sub for a NYE show with a bunch of people I've never met. My band is off for NYE this year, so I have the date open. The material is principally classic rock with a few more obscure things thrown in. About 60 songs on their list - I know maybe half of them. I was careful to explain that they were getting a thoroughly mediocre player and that while I won't train wreck anything, I'm also probably not going to nail the original recorded bass lines. For now, they seem unbothered by that truth. I have an intro/ first rehearsal with them tomorrow afternoon and we'll see if they throw me out at that stage. My usual stuff tends to be newer pop/rock/punk focused, so this'll be an interesting challenge. Wish me luck!
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NYE Sub Gig - the adventure begins…
- Thread starter Bonecat
- Start date
All the danger is on the drive home. Be safe out there!
The only song people remember on NYE is Auld Lang Syne I think. 
You know this will be fun!
Since you know half of the set, you have plenty of time to brush up on the other material. All you have to do it be a solid player!
Keep us updated.
Since you know half of the set, you have plenty of time to brush up on the other material. All you have to do it be a solid player!
Keep us updated.
Good luck--always fun to throw yourself out of your comfort zone. Unless it's a tribute band or you're working for an original artist and required to recreate their recordings to a "T", no need to nail the original bass lines as long as any significantly hooky bass parts are close enough, especially in a cover band playing that much material. The audience won't know the difference.
But just curious, are they actually gonna play 60 songs at this gig? I hope it pays really well!
But just curious, are they actually gonna play 60 songs at this gig? I hope it pays really well!
It's NYE, typically a "license to get away with murder" gig. Don't sweat it.
Have fun and don't get any on ya'!
Have fun and don't get any on ya'!
To me, this sounds like an awesome, fun challenge. Shed the tunes, then go and have too much fun!
Sub gigs are the best. Expand your book. keeps your senses sharp, your ears attentive, and on your toes. And those gigs go by fast. Before ya know it, nights over. Have fun.
As the saying goes..,"the more you drink the better we sound."
You will sound great.
You will sound great.
Remember keeping the groove is more important than the notes. Per Victor Wooten
IMO this is a very good sign that they are willing to rehearse with you. I've experienced some bands with so little regard for the bass player that they will gig with a sub with no rehearsal.
Good luck, have fun.
Can you share the set list?
Congrats. Embrace your inner session player and do good. The only thing between where you are now & where you want to be is time and just getting to it.
Personally, I love a challenge like that. Go for it and finish like a pro.
Thanks for all the support! Had a first full band rehearsal the other day and it went better than I might've expected. Things weren't super tight, but there were no train wrecks. Lead player is solid, drummer is better than I thought he might be. They both sing well. The rhythm player seems a bit tentative, but like me, he's still learning about half of the charts. Could've been better, but I didn't embarrass myself. Song choice seems a bit odd and somewhat indulgent, but I don't know the room and it's not my job so I'll happily sit back and do what I'm told…. We've got a couple more rehearsals on the calendar and I'll update as things progress…
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
