The Real Reason Why Bands Play the Same Old Tired Covers

[Marley's Ghost]

This band, very popular in the city it's in, does it. I found it on Youtube. the bassist is barely moving his hands, yet it sounds like the song. I think doing the harmonies well and of course the signature keyboards is more important than the bass part

I have a brother that says this band is awesome, a bunch of very talented folks. He saw them over in the Tampa area, I need to get over that way soon and check them out.

I've seen them a few times. They put out solid covers of classic rock faves. They've been together forever and have a big following.

 

[awakefie]

i think it varies from band to band and musician to musician. Am I lazy if I don't practice some weeks? I have always enjoyed the audience more than the craft. When I play for myself, it is never the stuff the band plays, when I play for the audience, I always try to make it what they want to hear.

The band I am currently in plays those 1-2 hits by legendary artists. Last gig Brown-Eyed Girl filled the dance floor - again. Bar owner smiles because dancers get thirsty and that makes him $$$. I feed off the energy of the crowd. My creative outlet is practicing things like YYZ by Rush, but I wouldn't play it with our following. Not a very dance-able tune.

Does that make lazy? Bar-owner is hiring us to entertain the crowd, not ourselves. In some ways I see it as a job, I exceed the expectations of the bar-owner by keeping dancers on the floor and buying drinks. Most bar-owners/managers want a full club, liquor sales, and good tips for the bartender and waitresses. Cliche, but true. When people ask me if I am a good bass player/musician, I usually say something to the effect of "I get paid to entertain, and I'm very good at that."

I don't play "Takin' Care of Business" because of my love of bass, but I do it to entertain the audience, and tired or not, it almost always does.