They fired me.

[txbasschik]

Looks like the Knowbodys has made it to the top of TB's $#1t list....

BTW -- what bog did that charismatic "couple" crawl out of?

Oh no, not The Knowbodys!!! I never did change my sig. Oops!!! I love my Knowbodys. Least dysfunctional band I was ever in, and if Ron came back from Cali today, honey, I would be running to get The Knowbodys rocking again.

No...its my (erstwhile) current band that fired me, and that has the married couple. I'll be a proud Knowbody 'til I die!

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

Lots of prarie and open space for a shallow grave or two...

Nah. Soil's too rocky and shallow here. You have to take 'em to East Texas and put 'em in the swamp and let the gators take care of 'em.

LOL!!!

Let's not kill 'em. That would deprive me of the spectacle of watching someone else go through what I've been through!

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

Well... looks like to me that THEY have missed the Last Train to Clarksville.. and someday, they will feel some level of regret for being so callus towards you.

And meanwhile, I've boarded the Express!!! LOL!

Hey, maybe the new band can play that song? It'd be fun, and I can remember your post and have a giggle at the inside joke. LOL!

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

Based on many of your previous posts, you knew that a long time ago. Good riddance to them. This frees you up to do stuff with a lot less drama.

Less drama will be extremely nice. I'm already excited about learning new material, working with new people, etc. Its going to be a project that will allow me much more freedom, creatively and in my home life. Win-Win!

Cherie

 

[RED5]

Thanks hon!

Yeah, they're a married couple. My husband made me promise that I will never, ever, ever-again play in a band with a married couple. I swore on my Waterstone I'd never do such a dumb thing again!!! LOL!

I don't think the new guy will ever be a real part of the band, either. No one will. My husband's lead guitarist used to play with them, and he told me that when I joined them. "You'll never really be a part of that group, and they'll end up screwing you." I put it down to "bitter ex-band member syndrome", but...he was right.

The guitarist I'm working with tonight has a very supportive wife who just adores me. She plays bass, but not with her husband. Smart girl! LOL! She's letting me use her rig tonight...its much better than mine...and is over the moon that I'll be working with her husband.

Nice, to not have "spouse issues" to deal with!!!

Cherie

Cool, you're not moping about. I guess you got a demand for bass players in Tejas too huh? I've found that husband and wife teams are closed circuits, they never realize that what they want is a pickup band to support their vision or what ever you wanna call it. There's exceptions, Jr Brown for example,but I've had no luck with fambly bands. That other lady you talk about, she gets it. My wife and I don't care for each others taste in music or players much, ( I play with a whole gang of alley cat guitar players, that's their price to pay) but respect each others space. I should note she's a critic not a player,and I do hold up what I'm playing to her so she can keep me focused,heh! keep up the good work, ain't no music like Texas music!

 

[ryco]

"When a doors closes, windows open!"

It's a drag being replaced and it stings a little. But all the personal growth you've acheived in this project can now be forwarded on to even better projects.

Straight ahead!!
All the best to you 'cause you sound like a great band mate!!

 

[txbasschik]

I think you may have hit the nail on the head, right there.

Oh well, best of luck finding a better band to play with.

My mom totally shares that opinion. She believes that, with the bond that is needed between a drummer and a bassist, I was doomed from the start. She says that no matter how close and friendly I was with the singer, I was always going to represent a barrier between her and her spouse, intended or not. I've been getting a lot of positive attention for my playing and performance, and have been singing in public at the jam, which has made people ask the band to let me sing some leads with them. She says this was likely all pretty threatening to the singer, who, by nature, must crave the spotlight for herself. Can't be helped.

She could be right.

Cherie

 

[Tony In Philly]

Oh no, not The Knowbodys!!! I never did change my sig. Oops!!! I love my Knowbodys. Least dysfunctional band I was ever in, and if Ron came back from Cali today, honey, I would be running to get The Knowbodys rocking again.

No...its my (erstwhile) current band that fired me, and that has the married couple. I'll be a proud Knowbody 'til I die!

Cherie

OOOPPPSSS -- sorry -- I thought all that stuff was about that the band in your sig!

Well, then hats off to the Knowbodys ...and sorry about that..

So, what is the actual site of the total jerks so we TB'ers know who they really are?

 

[psychotiger]

want me to kill 'em for you? i can make it look like an accident...

Whoa, Trev.... Like I've told you before, we are not supposed to discuss our "ancillary services" company in public. Dude....

Anyway, Cherie, I agree with the rest of the responses. I've never caught you guys live but from the videos I can tell you that my 15 year old son/guitarist (who idolizes SRV) would steamroll this chick-guitard. And lordy, Julie, switch to the bridge pickup, lady! And never, I mean NEVER play SRV while wearing open-toe sandels! Put some boots on for Christ's sake! What were you thinking! Pure sacriledge.

OK, rant over. You stuck with them too long and hopefully have learned something about yourself for doing so. Older, wiser....

And, hey, you are a chick bassist that can sing in an area wear everyone seems to want to be a lead guitarist so you are a hot commodity. I predict the question will not be "will I be in another band soon?" but rather how many will you be in.

Down the road in Cedar Park,

Clif
Ninja / bassist

 

[txbasschik]

Cool, you're not moping about. I guess you got a demand for bass players in Tejas too huh? I've found that husband and wife teams are closed circuits, they never realize that what they want is a pickup band to support their vision or what ever you wanna call it. There's exceptions, Jr Brown for example,but I've had no luck with fambly bands. That other lady you talk about, she gets it. My wife and I don't care for each others taste in music or players much, ( I play with a whole gang of alley cat guitar players, that's their price to pay) but respect each others space. I should note she's a critic not a player,and I do hold up what I'm playing to her so she can keep me focused,heh! keep up the good work, ain't no music like Texas music!

You know, I think they'd probably be happier if they did just exactly that...have pickup players who know their stuff. No drama.

Yeah, that guitarist's wife has a great attitude. She and her husband are new to the area, and she's had some health problems keeping her from playing out. She's thrilled to get to know another female bassist, and she is just so supportive and enthusiastic. Its very refreshing!!!

Your wife's a music critic! Wow, what a great way to keep focused! She can give you her critique without making it, like, personal. Very cool!!!

You're a lucky guy!!!

No music like Texas music...LOL! You know, its been said that there's music in the dirt here. So...I should be able to take a shovel down by the creek, turn over some clay, and find me a whole new band in there! HeeeeeeHee!!!

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

OOOPPPSSS -- sorry -- I thought all that stuff was about that the band in your sig!

Well, then hats off to the Knowbodys ...and sorry about that..

So, what is the actual site of the total jerks so we TB'ers know who they really are?

myspace.com/thechromewheels

Not a bad band. Not a great band. But we got a lot of good gigs, and were making decent money, had an ever-broadening fan base, and I felt like we were as tight as we could be.

But...oh well! Now I get to learn a bunch of new songs!!! The guy I'm going to work with writes, too, so we'll have originals *and* covers to have fun with. YAY!!!

Cherie

 

[Phalex]

Yep!!! Stronger, better, faster...The Six Million Dollar Bassist! LOL!

That exact scenario is very likely to happen tomorrow night. I invited a *lot* of people to our show in Lago Vista. I know a lot of people there. They faithfully come to support us. But I won't be there, and they will be, like, shocked and stuff!

Yyyyyyep!

Cherie

I'm real sorry to hear about what happened Cheri. Sometimes people just suck!


Have you considered showing up at the gig tonight anyway?? I know it would be a tough situation emotionally, but if people are going to be asking questions about what happened to you, I think it would be good for them to hear it in your own words.

We had the misfortune of letting a guitar player go a few years ago. Me and him go way back, and I was the one dissenting vote that wanted to keep him. There were personality conflicts, and he was in the middle of it, and long story short: They gave him the boot.

The story that he tells about leaving the band is vastly different from the story that my drummer and singer tell when people ask.

Just a thought.

Now go out and play some bass with new people!!

 

[txbasschik]

Whoa, Trev.... Like I've told you before, we are not supposed to discuss our "ancillary services" company in public. Dude....

Anyway, Cherie, I agree with the rest of the responses. I've never caught you guys live but from the videos I can tell you that my 15 year old son/guitarist (who idolizes SRV) would steamroll this chick-guitard. And lordy, Julie, switch to the bridge pickup, lady! And never, I mean NEVER play SRV while wearing open-toe sandels! Put some boots on for Christ's sake! What were you thinking! Pure sacriledge.

OK, rant over. You stuck with them too long and hopefully have learned something about yourself for doing so. Older, wiser....

And, hey, you are a chick bassist that can sing in an area wear everyone seems to want to be a lead guitarist so you are a hot commodity. I predict the question will not be "will I be in another band soon?" but rather how many will you be in.

Down the road in Cedar Park,

Clif
Ninja / bassist

I'm not, you know, the *best* at playing and singing, but with the right material, I can do it. That surely does help matters!

Yeah, the open-toed sandals...errr. They look like they belong at the office. But, to her credit, she never complained about anything I wore, so I'll cut her some slack on that. Boots *are* better, though!!! LOL!

Also, to her credit, when she did attempt to switch to the bridge pickup, her hubby didn't like how it sounded. It was a source of LONG debate and much bickering between them during rehearsal. I always liked the sound better on the bridge pickup, but he was so adamantly against it, so she ultimately did what he wanted.

Yet another problem with bands that have married couples...they tend to do what makes each other happy, whether it really is the best thing or not. That limits creativity and growth.

Cedar Park? Who you play with? You can pm me that, if you like. Since I have more time on my hands now...LOL!...I could come see you play!

Cherie

 

[MtManiac]

Have you considered showing up at the gig tonight anyway?? I know it would be a tough situation emotionally, but if people are going to be asking questions about what happened to you, I think it would be good for them to hear it in your own words.

Not a bad idea - and bring some business cards!!

 

[txbasschik]

I'm real sorry to hear about what happened Cheri. Sometimes people just suck!


Have you considered showing up at the gig tonight anyway?? I know it would be a tough situation emotionally, but if people are going to be asking questions about what happened to you, I think it would be good for them to hear it in your own words.

We had the misfortune of letting a guitar player go a few years ago. Me and him go way back, and I was the one dissenting vote that wanted to keep him. There were personality conflicts, and he was in the middle of it, and long story short: They gave him the boot.

The story that he tells about leaving the band is vastly different from the story that my drummer and singer tell when people ask.

Just a thought.

Now go out and play some bass with new people!!

I've e-mailed some of those people with the news that I won't be there. The word will go around. Like with your ex-guitarist, I'm sure the two stories of what happened will be markedly different, so I told the fans closest to me what happened from my POV.

I also told the people at the ice house. Had to. Hubby was already there, ranting about it and making some pretty nasty comments, so I figured a calm relation of the tale was in order. I also told the drummer that the people there know about this, so he wouldn't be shocked or upset and think I went behind his back.

It was good to able to tell him, "I've got a gig on Friday already." Lets him know I won't spend any time at home crying over this! He seemed pleased...he must feel "off the hook" for this. Whatever. No skin off my nose! While they are at their gig, having to field questions from shocked fans, I will be at my new gig, making new fans and having a new experience.

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

Holy Crap Cherie! I'm shocked, I'm stunned! But I am Happy, Happy, Happy for you!

I know the hurt you felt from the phone call, Man, I felt hurt when I read your post! Those gutless, spinless, mindfxxxing, a$$holes! :scowl: But then, guess what? Because you have been working on your own, networking, and getting attention just being yourself...a new gig falls in your lap! This isn't over, not by a longshot! CW is going to regret treating you badly!

As everyone has said, you are better than them and better off without them! We have seen the videos and the videos do not lie!

I predict good times ahead for you!
Russ

Thank you sweetheart!!! You know, after the initial shock and hurt subsided, I'm happy, too. All new material, all new band dynamic, so much more freedom!!! Happy days!!!

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

As much as it sucks this happened to you, if I were a band looking for a bassist and read this rant, I wouldn't hire you in fear if something didn't go your way it woulde public domain.

This is no better than the smokers circle outside of the workplace. I am assuming they ran the band like a business.

I can't say their reasoning and manner how they handled was acceptable, but it's not the business of thousands of TalkBass members.

Want to clarify...I am not angry at or offended by your post. You are entitled to your opinion, and you are entitled to have me accept without rancor, since you offered it in polite terms.

As for running the band like a business...erm...not so much. I would actually have been happier had it been so. The guy with this new project is taking a far more business-like approach, and I like that. He's an old pro from Nashville, and he knows how to keep the balance between business and personal. Takes a lot of the "personal b.s." aspect out of playing.

I think that when you mix "personal" and "business" too closely, the "personal" aspects can't help but overcome the "business" aspects. I'd been warned that this is often the case with married couples, because they can't help but mix the two, too deeply. But I didn't want to believe that, to my ultimate determent.

Less naive now, for sure.

Cherie

 

[Tony In Philly]

myspace.com/thechromewheels

Not a bad band. Not a great band. But we got a lot of good gigs, and were making decent money, had an ever-broadening fan base, and I felt like we were as tight as we could be.

But...oh well! Now I get to learn a bunch of new songs!!! The guy I'm going to work with writes, too, so we'll have originals *and* covers to have fun with. YAY!!!

Cherie

Hmmm...they seem like just another bar band from what their page suggests. Personally, I always play in bars myself, but I need to have the right mix of tunes to keep my interest -- i.e. really good classic tunes, a few originals (hooks and all, not just fluff), and some great bluesey or rootsy sounding stuff, etc. Anyway, I wish you well in your next venture. It sounds like you're on your way already.

 

[txbasschik]

Cherie, you've hated that band for as long as I can remember. I remember many times you complaining about the bandleader. If you ask me, you should be relieved that it's over. Just move on and find something that fits your idea of what you want in a band and don't worry about the band that was a constant source of irritation.

Now that the "hurt" has subsided some, I actually am relieved. My husband is way more offended than I am. Gonna have to rein that boy in...he's really angry!

He'll get over it though. When he no longer has to deal with my band's drama at the ice house, when he sees that I can move on and be ok with this, he'll be ok, too.

Cherie

 

[txbasschik]

Hmmm...they seem like just another bar band from what their page suggests. Personally, I always play in bars myself, but I need to have the right mix of tunes to keep my interest -- i.e. really good classic tunes, a few originals (hooks and all, not just fluff), and some great bluesey or rootsy sounding stuff, etc. Anyway, I wish you well in your next venture. It sounds like you're on your way already.

Some of the local musicians have told me that, while they came to the shows to support my playing, they were often bored by the sets. Not enough energy, songs all sound the same, vocals so loud and indistinct that they couldn't enjoy or even understand them, were among the critiques.

They aspire to be more than a bar band, and that's cool. When I as hired, they said they'd never be touring, etc., but, clearly, they have changed their minds.

In my current home situation, I can't do much more than be in a bar band. Touring is out of the question for me. So, now they're free to pursue their dream, and I am free to keep playing in a setting that's good for me. If not for all the lying, I'd not be hurt at all. The lying is what bothers me most.

Gonna move on and play better stuff...tonight!!!

Cherie