Should I stay or should I go...? Problem solved - Mods please delete thread

[Sixgunn]

It seems you are in a loose loose situation I would not play myself the singer could get a keyboard learn to play it in 2weeks job done

Yes. It would be loose. You might add some punctuation. It might make more sense.

 

[rollie 55]

Yes. It would be loose. You might add some punctuation. It might make more sense.

There's always a smart arse on here

 

[sleddogn]

By the way anybody know an appropriate way to message BL on his holiday to politely tell him I won't be joining them?

yep, sorry won't be able to make it TONIGHT, hope it all goes well...

 

[tpaul]

The OP is not obligated at all to be the scapegoat due to miscommunication between the BL and the groom.

No, but no good deed goes unpunished. As others have pointed out, when things go south the BL is likely to blame it on the other band members who refused to play.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

If y'all do this it WILL ruin someone's wedding. At this point they would be better off hiring a DJ.

Or cancel the wedding.

 

[arbiterusa]

So to sum things up, we are on 2 weeks notice with no real rehearsal for 5 years, we don't know the time, date or venue we are playing at as we haven't been told, and now know we are only earning a paltry amount for this.

My question is, do I play the gig, lose out on money from work and have the reputation of ruining the happiest day of someone's life because we never rehearsed, effectively killing the band and ensuring we never get booked again? Or do I go with my gut, kindly explain that I will not be made a fool of in a situation that everybody is uncomfortable with, and have the reputation as a quitter until I explain my exact reasons behind it which would leave folks more understanding of my situation?

Walk. This is a no-brainer.

 

[downunder]

Go

 

[Charlzm]

Any suggestions, wisdom, idioms or carrots greatly appreciated.

Run away from it like it's a house on fire. Which it is.

 

[Eminor3rd]

I played a gig with a local, popular singer/drummer, Marvin. He ususally has a band, but his band moved to Florida for their winter season, so he asked me and a guitar player (who I've never even heard play) to back him up for two gigs.

No rehearsal or set list, and often he would just count off a song, not telling us what song, or key. We were expected to just jump in.

And surprisingly, it all went well.

I'd do the wedding, just for fun.

So he would just count 4 beats, and then you'd all just play something random, and it worked well?

 

[Jimmy4string]

 

[Fretless1!]

If y'all do this it WILL ruin someone's wedding. At this point they would be better off hiring a DJ.

^^^^ This to Infinity.

 

[Steve Dallman]

So he would just count 4 beats, and then you'd all just play something random, and it worked well?

I don’t know what the guitar player did, but I could tell what song it was within the first couple words, and could hear what key. I didn’t always have the first note right, but from the second on, I’d be fine.

I don’t recall the guitar player screwing up, although he didn’t do “Born to be Wild” well. (He’s a bluegrass player primarily.)

Marvin is a crude joker...unless he’s doing kid gigs. One of his jokes: “Ya know those commercials where they say “”If you have an erection that last over 4 hours, call your doctor?”” Hell, I’d call everyone I know.”

 

[Steve Dallman]

How's that work?

For me, I’d recognize the song within a couple words (I’ve been playing since ‘67...I’ve heard ‘em all) and can recognize the key pretty well. I don’t recall how the guitar player handled the beginnings, but I don’t recall him screwing anything up...I didn’t pay attention to him at the start of songs as my mind and attention were full.

 

[crazyBassClown]

How's that work?

Experienced players with big ears.

So he would just count 4 beats, and then you'd all just play something random, and it worked well?

Not everyone has to start together you know. You've never had a guitarist/singer start a song and joined in a few bars later? For a laid back acoustic gig it works quite well, as long as the players are experienced, and know to sit in the background if not sure of what to play.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I played a gig with a local, popular singer/drummer, Marvin. He ususally has a band, but his band moved to Florida for their winter season, so he asked me and a guitar player (who I've never even heard play) to back him up for two gigs.

No rehearsal or set list, and often he would just count off a song, not telling us what song, or key. We were expected to just jump in.

And surprisingly, it all went well.

I'd do the wedding, just for fun.

Plenty of us could do same but OP's collective doesn't share that skillset.

 

[Downunderwonder]

them

trouble is it's only the dopey groom the BL has been dealing with and he wants his teenage fantasy band.

 

[tr4252]

How the hell did he "trick" you into working Christmas day? It's not like you could get the dates mixed up. Sounds like a brilliant manager if he could get a crew to work Christmas day on normal pay without then realizing it.

He lied to me. We were promised double time. He deserved to be called general manager from hell. He was the kind of manager who would take a long lunch, come back obviously intoxicated, and start a loud argument with someone, within earshot of most of us. He was arrested for attempting to bribe a police officer (traffic ticket). He received at least one complaint of sexual harassment, that I know of, before most of us had heard of the term. He wasn't a "brilliant" manager by any standard, however low. And I had to share an office with this guy.

I hope that's enough for you, I don't want to sidetrack the thread.

Tom

 

[Diamond_Dave]

I think you have to play the gig just to watch the train wreck. It’s like Hunter S Thompson and his gonzo journalism. You’re there to observe, but you make yourself part of the story.

Gonzo journalism - Wikipedia

 

[Eilif]

If y'all do this it WILL ruin someone's wedding. At this point they would be better off hiring a DJ.

My Thoughts exactly. Don't be part of this clown ruining someone's day. If you make it clear you will not be attending, perhaps it will inspire him to back out. The wedding folks will be pissed but it's better they get good music for the event and it's not your responsibility to cover for the BL's stupidity.

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, if this was someone's backyard BBQ or basement party... then maybe. But probably not.
And definitely not for a wedding reception.
The only way the wedding will be 'ruined' is if the BL tries to pull this off.
Bail immediately with no uncertain terms and get some distance from this cluster puck.