Stuck in the middle... dysfunctional trio

[Russhhh]

Hey all, looking for some band wisdom.

I joined a drummer and guitar player 15 months ago with the aim of a long-term development of a country rock trio. We all work day jobs, are in our late 40’s early 50’s, and we’ve practiced often twice a week to get to a level of “tight” that has been reflected in positive reviews of our gigs this year.

We have been gigging once or twice a month, although we took six weeks off in April/May while the drummer had knee surgery.

Coming off three straight weekend gigs in September that were all great, the drummer announced that he wants to take our sound to the next level by stepping out from behind the drummers and share the singing duty with our guitar player, and playing rhythm guitar. He says playing drums just isn’t fun for him, and he’d rather someone more talented take over.

Guitar player says the drummer is doing great, moving from a trio to a four piece group is going to add more schedule/personality burdens to keeping the band going, as well as cutting our individual take by 25%. And as a sole guitar player, adding a rhythm guitar will take away from our clean sound. Guitarist says we are thriving as a trio, and he is dead against changing the lineup.

So there we are a stalemate with the bass player in the middle. I like a three way split on money, and we sound good. Other than the money and logistic I have no issue with morphing into a 4 piece. But as it stands these two old friends (guitar player and drummer, friends since high school) are entrenched in their positions.

Short story: Successful band is about to dissolve over management differences.

Any thoughts?

 

[51PRI]

Seems you would be the deciding vote.

 

[oldrocker]

Thought 1:
Go with the guitar player, get a new drummer and continue as a trio

Thought 2:
Go with the drummer, now rhythm guitar player find a new drummer and lead guitar player and go as a foursome.

Thought 3:
Let these 2 guys figure it out and go with whatever they agree on.

 

[Russhhh]

I expressed a preference to stay the course, but the Drummer says he’s done playing drums.

 

[51PRI]

I expressed a preference to stay the course, but the Drummer says he’s done playing drums.

Oh, so the drummer has presented an ultimatum? I don't like ultimatums. I usually tend to go against people who make them.

 

[Russhhh]

Exactly the position of the guitar player. He said to me that he could live with a four piece, but he wouldn’t like it. And I think as far as the lifelong friendship between these two he is “put out” with the fact this band change is coming via an ultimatum.

 

[3Liter]

Learning drums to a level competent to play out is a pretty big commitment to all the sudden find it "no fun". Odd.

Is soemthing else an issue here?

Is he any good at guitar?

Other advice:. Can he sing and play drums? Get a headset mic. Or maybe do a few guitar/guitar/bass songs during a set to scratch that itch.

 

[buldog5151bass]

For country rock, adding a see one guitar would help round out the sound - I don't know your set list, but there aren't many country rock trios other than rockabilly. Four is still a small band, both for $ and scheduling. In your mind, will it improve the sound?

 

[40Hz]

Oh, so the drummer has presented an ultimatum? I don't like ultimatums. I usually tend to go against people who make them.

Once an ultimatum is delivered it’s over IMO. No matter which side wins out there’s going to be bad blood. That never continues long before a band craters.

Luck with your next band.

 

[Russhhh]

Drummer has played drums all his life, been in other bands, very competent. Also, a very outgoing personality and does all backup vocals and shares crowd banter easily. He has a wireless headset.

He owns an acoustic guitar and an electronic keyboard. I have not heard him play guitar during the 15 months, and heard him play keys once or twice, just messing around with a Bryan Adams song.

We play Eagles Take it Easy, Already Gone, old country Cash, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr., we also do some new country Buy Me a Boat, What Was I Thinking, and 8 Second Ride. The new country sound seems to have less need for a rhythm guitar.

Overall, I think a rhythm guitar could improve the sound, especially during solos on songs like Hotel California.

 

[yodedude2]

no one said fire the drummer?

 

[bajaandy]

Meh! If the dude wants to play guitar and sing, let him. Find another competent drummer. Be happy and play music. If it all falls down, oh well. Some of those songs you listed need a rhythm guitar ,IMHO. One sticking point I see would be if Mr. Former Drummer critiques Mr. New Drummer. That's gonna suck. But then, maybe it'll be a good thing and he can help the new guy out.

 

[Slater]

the drummer announced that he wants to take our sound to the next level by stepping out from behind the drums and share the singing duty with our guitar player, and playing rhythm guitar.

This seemed to work out for Aerosmith.

But as it stands these two old friends (guitar player and drummer, friends since high school) are entrenched in their positions.

Since they’re long time friends, you’re probably going to have to stand on the sidelines and let them hash it out. Then, let the chips fall where they may.

 

[Koshchei]

I expressed a preference to stay the course, but the Drummer says he’s done playing drums.

Is he a good rhythm guitarist and singer?

 

[jmon]

As some have said. Wait it out. Sounds like the two have them have to figure this out for themselves. Real shame if the band breaks up but that is the way of bands I’m afraid. Best of luck!

 

[DavC]

i'd suggest he gets a nice drum machine , then program it to cover those drums parts ..?!!

pay stays the same ... would use 1 more channel on board ...

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Find another drummer. You’re going to need one soon.

 

[D-Smith]

Seems to me the guitar player is the problem. When you are 50 years old with a day job, and playing drums in a band isn't fun anymore, it's not an ultimatum, it's just a choice on how to spend your free time. Guitar player should respect that choice.

 

[HolmeBass]

I’d go 4-piece all day long.

The compromise would be a fools-on-stools configuration of 2 acoustics and bass to play wineries, breweries, and smaller gigs where drums usually don’t work. Then play with him on drums for bigger gigs.

But a country power trio is sort of an oxymoron in my opinion.

 

[buldog5151bass]

A trio can work (I played in a modern country band for several years with guitar, drums, bass, and a singer who played flute, sax, and a little acoustic guitar). Believe me, a second guitar will fatten the sound, assuming the guy has decent guitar chops. Question is - does he, or is he just strumming a few chords?