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Opportunity knocks. But there's a catch.
- Thread starter StraffordMike
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Am I the only one who thinks it's a bad idea to keep expensive $$$ equipment within a foot of a pool 
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I'd get a confirmation on what's expected and how many gigs he's got lined up. If you're expected to carry all that stuff, it's not worth it from a money perspective IMO. Or if you ask him about gigs and he says something like nothing firm yet, or it's in play, then don't quit the other band. It looks cool, I get that the BL has a vision and I don't fault that. It has the potential to be cool as heck. But it also has as much potential to be an awful amount of work for very little reward.
I'd determine what you're looking for. If you've got an income already and don't need the money, it could be cool just for the experience. If you're looking for additional income and you've got to schlep that stuff around to shows, you'd probably make about a dollar an hour after loading, playing, and rehearsal/practice time. I can't see it being worth the time in that scenario unless he's got a fantastic gig schedule set up.
And lastly, I'd check the ability of the band. You bring out a stage show like this you better put on a pro level show every time. People's expectations when seeing this are going to huge, and a performance that would have worked just fine in a normal bar setting probably isn't going to cut it. You're going to look awesome or silly, depending on skill level. Myself, I'm an ok player. I've been able to hang with most people I've played with without feeling severely outclassed. But I'm not good enough to stand in front of that setup and neither is 90% of the cover bands I've seen in my lifetime. JMO. I guess I'm saying be cautiously optimistic but realistic.
I'd determine what you're looking for. If you've got an income already and don't need the money, it could be cool just for the experience. If you're looking for additional income and you've got to schlep that stuff around to shows, you'd probably make about a dollar an hour after loading, playing, and rehearsal/practice time. I can't see it being worth the time in that scenario unless he's got a fantastic gig schedule set up.
And lastly, I'd check the ability of the band. You bring out a stage show like this you better put on a pro level show every time. People's expectations when seeing this are going to huge, and a performance that would have worked just fine in a normal bar setting probably isn't going to cut it. You're going to look awesome or silly, depending on skill level. Myself, I'm an ok player. I've been able to hang with most people I've played with without feeling severely outclassed. But I'm not good enough to stand in front of that setup and neither is 90% of the cover bands I've seen in my lifetime. JMO. I guess I'm saying be cautiously optimistic but realistic.
It's a job. Do you want it or not?
Really didn't say in your first post. Get that straight in your head before anything else.
If you want the gig, the next thing to consider is how much it pays, does he have gigs booked, and what's the schedule. You have to know how much of your time it will take up. Then see if you can manage it without quitting your other band. If the guy has no bookings, you can count on it being nothing more than a basement circle jerk. It might be a good practice experience, but you don't want to cut ties with your current band.
Don't worry about the gear. I've played through so many trashy backlines I just don't care anymore. As long as I have my pedalboard DI it really doesn't matter what else I have.
Really didn't say in your first post. Get that straight in your head before anything else.
If you want the gig, the next thing to consider is how much it pays, does he have gigs booked, and what's the schedule. You have to know how much of your time it will take up. Then see if you can manage it without quitting your other band. If the guy has no bookings, you can count on it being nothing more than a basement circle jerk. It might be a good practice experience, but you don't want to cut ties with your current band.
Don't worry about the gear. I've played through so many trashy backlines I just don't care anymore. As long as I have my pedalboard DI it really doesn't matter what else I have.
I love all these weenie posts saying "That's a ridiculous amount of gear!" So what? It looks really cool, and if anyone thinks looks don't count, they are fooling themselves. Some choose to accomplish it by the clothes they wear, some do it with gear...whatever.
BTW, should point out that a Mini Mega and Hydrives are not budget gear. They may not be the most expensive amps and cabs you can get, but they're certainly pro level gear.
At a certain point in my life, I would have loved to play on a stage that looked like that, and I would have totally gone along with the program.
BTW, should point out that a Mini Mega and Hydrives are not budget gear. They may not be the most expensive amps and cabs you can get, but they're certainly pro level gear.
At a certain point in my life, I would have loved to play on a stage that looked like that, and I would have totally gone along with the program.
My first question...is all that gear for every gig he has in mind, or does he have an idea for a smaller setup depending on the room. If he's really pro and not Looney toons he will already be aware of that and have plan B and C for the sake of the sound..which should be first priority period. He books a small but popular venue there's no way to get all that in there. Nor would it be worthwhile to have stadium sound and volume in a local bar.
Second question....has he disclosed any gigs either booked or currently prospecting and is he tied to any agency to book with.
Third question...has he setup a rehearsal schedule as I assume all this happens ASAP. Along these lines has he disclosed pay scale for gigs, accommodations, per diem or anything associated with travel.
I think if you get answers to these 3 questions it may give you an idea of how much potential versus ridiculousness there may be with this gig.
If it all comes down and it's for real you gotta jump on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich... If it's a pipe dream of some rich dude with no experience but ALOT of dough it may be more trouble than it's worth. Good luck and keep us all posted.
Second question....has he disclosed any gigs either booked or currently prospecting and is he tied to any agency to book with.
Third question...has he setup a rehearsal schedule as I assume all this happens ASAP. Along these lines has he disclosed pay scale for gigs, accommodations, per diem or anything associated with travel.
I think if you get answers to these 3 questions it may give you an idea of how much potential versus ridiculousness there may be with this gig.
If it all comes down and it's for real you gotta jump on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich... If it's a pipe dream of some rich dude with no experience but ALOT of dough it may be more trouble than it's worth. Good luck and keep us all posted.
As long as it doesn't involve the entire band helping each other in and out of tight spandex pre and post show, I say go for it.
The visuals of that setup is awesome. Even my wife went "That's cool!". Its unfortunate that the spectacle of Rock has gone away. For a big a$$ show, I'd play that gear (Marshall bass gear has a very specific sound, that I like a lot). I'd load it in and out. I loved dragging in my 8x10 Ampeg cab and I miss it after downsizing to a 2x12. Yeah, its easier to move, but the show suffers, and my drummer preferred the 8x10 because it was right at her ear height.
No. Hell no. If I can't do it with a single cab, I don't wanna do it. The BL is delusional, and no one is gonna want all that gear/racket in their club. Stick with the effort you've already invested with the other guys, I wager you'll end up actual getting light years more paid work with them.
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I agree sir. This was very common for the 80's. Back then not having big gear was a detriment. This is an opportunity I wouldn't pass up. To the OP: Try this out for a while. If your other band is a bunch of cool guys, they'll understand. Try to make both work. But you won't come across this opportunity that often.
I notice the OP hasn't posted any more pics or any updates. Maybe he's already started with the band?
Go in with an open mind. Find out the back story. The real back story. See if its fun. The dude clearly has a vision, either it works for you or it doesn't, no reason not to explore.
That said, all of that gear, and its all mic'ed? I'm impressed. The only time I played in front of gear like that it all belonged to the club, and everyone who played that club used their backline. None of us complained. It was plug and play.
Looking forward to the next iteration.
That said, all of that gear, and its all mic'ed? I'm impressed. The only time I played in front of gear like that it all belonged to the club, and everyone who played that club used their backline. None of us complained. It was plug and play.
Looking forward to the next iteration.
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Deleted member 165050
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I am really not seeing a catch... unless you have to carry them Marshall stacks yourself that is...
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Deleted member 165050
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For me personally the spandex would be the catch.
Noo it's fine, everyone looks just great in skin-tight spandex
Whatever you decide, don't burn any bridges with this guy. It looks like he throws a helluva pool party!!!
For me personally the spandex would be the catch.
That's why you wear athletic cups.........
Ummmm you wouldn't want to see me in Spandex.......
