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Potential Singer Caught in a Lie

Texan

Texan

667 Neighbor of the Beast.
Aug 15, 2004
3,476
2,838
Houston, TX
#1
We auditioned a singer over the weekend who claims that he was one of the singers from and very popular funk band from the late 70's-early 80's. The guy can sing, there is no doubt about that, but after the audition, he said "bring this video up on youtube, I'll show you me in the 80's". So we go to the computer pull up the video and he points to one particular guy in the video and there is a striking resemblance, but there is a big problem. The guy in the video died in the mid-80's. I'm somewhat familiar with this band, and apparently so is this imposter. He's knows their history pretty well and so do I, but you would not expect a white rock musician to know about this all black funk band which is, I'm sure, why he is using the story. I haven't called him out or given him the thumbs up either way. The crappy part is if the guy would not have made up the story, I'd invite him to join the band. He is such a good singer that I almost want to overlook this, but I just can't trust the guy. Anyone have this happen? What would you do?
 
#4
Is the singer using this guys name? If so, that's off the charts weird! So, unless there's some misunderstanding, i.e. you're mistaken about which member of the band passed away, I would run for the exits! :eek:
 
#5
kdogg said:
Is the singer using this guys name? If so, that's off the charts weird! So, unless there's some misunderstanding, i.e. you're mistaken about which member of the band passed away, I would run for the exits! :eek:
Click to expand...

No, he is using a pseudonym and his alleged real name is totally different than the dead guy. This is an odd one for sure....:eek:
 
#13
Hmm, well, you are auditioning his voice and stage presence not his ethics. I really wouldn't care if he was boasting or not.
I've worked with guys claiming to have sung with everyone from James Brown to the Drifter/Coasters to Elvis Presley himself.
Two of the guys were amazing and the other wasn't.
It all comes down to talent and what they sound like now, irrespective of their history.
It's not like you are co-signing a loan for him.
 
#14
Somewhere there's got to be a photo of the real guys headstone.
Get a copy or two, print them out and then invite buddy back for another try, all the while leaving out the photo's where they're sure to be seen.
Watch for reactions, and should he get all bent out of shape for calling him out in this way, play dumb and claim you were going along with the gag............

:D
 
#16
I would try to find something about the guy that he is pretending to be on the net. Ask him back to talk about joining the group. Act excited about working with the guy he says he is, and then look up the place on the web that clearly says he is deceased. Look at him and wait for a response. On the other hand... lots of people lie on job applications, and are good workers..... except that darn lie. Could be a good explanation. Everyone knows Bruce Lee is alive. Would you not take lessons from him if you found him?:hmm::hmm::hmm::hiding::hiding::hiding:
 
#17
I worked with a pathological liar once. He was a great percusionist, and his band was a sheer joy to be a part of. When it came to business he was as straight up as anyone I've ever dealt with. When it came to his personal history? Let's just say it was always entertaining. Among his many endeavors, he claimed to have been a paratrooper, decorated Marine Colonel, and lineman for the SD Chargers. Oh, and claimed to have a doctorate in something or other. But at the end of the day, he was a great guy.
 
#19
Before you let him into the band, make sure he knows that you know the facts. Raise the issue and see what he says. "Hey, we'd like you in the band but have one concern - You died in the 1980s".

Maybe he'll sheepishly admit to the lie so he could impress you. Maybe he'll get all defensive.

- Keith -
 

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