Suggestions on how to quit a band.

A simple group text, email or phone call. Short and honest. Guys, its nothing personal but this just isn't working for me. You need to find a new bassist. Don't spend time or energy worrying about their reaction.

 

I was in the exact same place with a Zep tribute I play in. Wed night's was the BL's fun night, and he really looked forward to studio time. Money didn't matter to him, he just loved playing Zep and would play it all day every day for no compensation if given the opportunity.

I don't remember exactly how I dealt with it, but at some point I said I couldn't rehearse the they wanted anymore. I'd rehearse before gigs, but that was it. I got kind of lucky because at around that same time our drummer was moving to another state, and we got a new drummer who was in the same position as me. So I had some backup with my decision. BL rolled with it better than I expected. He got involved with another band which still gave him his night out, and the Zep tribute continued with rehearsals before gigs only.

Don't know if that helps any, but you might want to just clearly tell them where you're at. There's a chance you might not have to quit, and they'll make adjustments. If you're certain you want out, then I think you just have to be clear and honest. There ain't no easy way.

 

A phone call is my preferred method, for sure. Unless you're actually friends with them IRL and hang out, in which case, breaking the news over a beer or coffee or something is usually pleasant enough. Just be "human" about it and it should all be pretty fine.

 

Go grab your gear while nobody is there and just let them figure it out at the next practice. You should probably avoid all their calls too. This is the most popular method among musicians.

 

Do they already know how you feel about the lack of forward motion, or have you been keeping that to yourself?
If they already know because you've told them before and nothing has changed, then just group text, or call the BL,
let him know how you feel, basically what you wrote in your original post.

If you have not mentioned it to them at all before, why not bring up your concerns with them and see how they feel about
it before just up and quitting. If you like them as people and, it seems at least, you like their playing, just not their lack
of progress, talk to them! Let them know and you may get some good results.

 

Exactly what I did recently.
Damn good advice.

 

Have you aired your grievances with them. It sounds like you are all mature adults, so talk it through and see if they'll make some changes. Make it clear you are out if things continue as they are.

If you are set on leaving now, I'd call each member and explain your situation. Whatever, leave on good terms.

 

My boy used this method once. His band was doing the release party for their new album. He had written a few new songs for the next project. Without even listening to them the co-BL told him they weren't interested as he wanted the band to go in a different direction.
So he called every person in the band and left this message on their answering machines. "I'm playing the show tonight, but don't worry about practice tomorrow as you're fired."

Short, rude, and to the point.

 

I disagree with the texting part.It is not cool.Just tell them at the next practice.

 

This is something I wished I could've done.Get ahead of it.He didn't wait until he totally felt like
crap!

 

It is always best to communicate face to face and let them know how you feel.
It isn't always easy but IF you do it properly you don't burn the bridge, and possibly end up playing with some of them again.
Have a great Christmas!

 

As I understand it, the first step is to set fire to the drummer's van, preferably while his drums are in it.

 

Last band I quit, I just unplugged in the middle of a song, packed up and headed for the door. They stopped and asked me where I was going. I said this just isn't working out for me (too much hard rock, I like blues). We are good friends before and after. Thinking of quitting my current band. I'll be more diplomatic and tell them at the end of rehearsal (no gigs, paying rent, waste of my time). I'm getting more gigs with a pickup band that doesn't rehearse and getting called in to fill with others. Been retired almost 10 years and I want to enjoy it.

 

I'd get on the phone. A band like that... I wouldn't be too stoked about having to force myself to go to one more rehearsal just to quit. Everything you described sounds vaguely familiar to me.

 

No offense, but that strikes me as a REALLY weird way to end one's relationship with a band.

 

If you otherwise enjoy the music and the people, it wouldn't hurt. Since you've already said something and it hasn't changed, you can give it one more shot in a
more direct manner and, if nothing changes, then you can walk away having already explained your position.

If you didn't really care that much about the people or the music, I would just say to tell them how you feel and walk away.

 

Give them two weeks notice, and don't leave your stuff laying around.