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replaced - didn't see it coming

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by ricktunesmith, Jun 27, 2003.

  1. Jun 27, 2003 #1
    ricktunesmith

    ricktunesmith

    Dec 9, 2000
    Oak Forest, Illinois
    For the past couple of years, I played in a 50's and 60's trio. We played local clubs around the south suburbs of Chicago and there was as much work as we wanted. We worked one or two nights per month and didn't need much practice. This was fine with me because I have a full-time day job and a family.

    Last night, I got the phone call from the guitarist/singer that I was replaced. The other two musicians decided that they wanted to go "to the next level" and replaced me with a professional bassist. The new guy has played music full time for over 20 years and recently been in need of a steady band. This works with the band's new direction of being a Classic Rock band.

    I kind of understand the change, but ... I didn't see it coming.
     
  2. Jun 27, 2003 #2
    Nick man

    Nick man

    Apr 7, 2002
    Tampa Bay
    Its tough; Ive been there before.

    Ive been on both sides of this and I know its never a nice clean cut. There are always questions, especially when you considered the other band members friends.

    Sorry to hear about the tough break.

    Peace
    Nick
     
  3. Jun 27, 2003 #3
    wulf

    wulf

    Apr 11, 2002
    Oxford, UK
    Ouch - that hurts. What's your next move? Find another band or form your own?

    Wulf
     
  4. Jun 27, 2003 #4
    rumblethump

    rumblethump

    Mar 25, 2000
    Pioneer CA. 95666
    If you play music, it is inevitable this will happen sooner or later. Being blindsided is never easy. Pick yourself up, find other like minded musicians, and go forward. About 50% of the time the new player doesn't work out, so prepare for the "we want you back" call. Never burn your bridge. Good Luck!
     
  5. Jun 27, 2003 #5
    rickbass

    rickbass

    Nov 9, 2000
    The land of chicken fried funk
    Looking over my shoulder is a way of life for me, especially now that I'm on the southside of 40.

    The good news is you're a bassist and not a guitarist. Someone always needs a competent bassist with a good attitude.

    Another door will open if it isn't open already.
     
  6. Jun 27, 2003 #6
    Thor

    Thor Gold Supporting Member In Memoriam

    Feb 14, 2003
    Warwick, Rhode Island, USA
    Ouch.

    Might have been nice if they told you they wanted to take it to the next level before they cut you loose. Communication gap there, I take it.

    Very few of us don't have other work as well, as playing in a band pays poorly. Your job, and family welfare come first.

    If you need another band, it shouldn't be too hard to find. There is always a need for a lowlife.

    Good luck.
    Thor
     
  7. Jun 27, 2003 #7
    ricktunesmith

    ricktunesmith

    Dec 9, 2000
    Oak Forest, Illinois
    Thanks for the support. It kinda stings when it happens but over the last few years, every time a door closed for me a better one opened.

    This actually came at a good time for me. I have a good day job and will be starting my last year of law school in the evening division. What disappoints me is that the oldies band took very little practice. We just showed up to jobs and played. If I were to get into a new band, it would likely interfere with school or family time.

    I may take a year off the band thing. I've always enjoyed sittng in with blues players around Chicago. I dig the blues circuit and am comfortable playing blues. There wouldn't be much pressure musically and I can have space to study and take the bar exam.
     
  8. Jun 27, 2003 #8
    Trevorus

    Trevorus

    Oct 18, 2002
    Urbana, IL
    hey, good luck with that. Take a year off, and practice your bassing by yourself. When you get back into the band circuit, you will probably have some new things to bring to the table. Good luck with school and work, too.