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Tired of Gigging but not Music

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by p5harri, Jul 21, 2021.

  1. Jul 21, 2021 #1
    p5harri

    p5harri

    Dec 7, 2012
    So I just became a grandfather for the first time. My little buddy rocks.....

    Also, while I was cleaning up my bass, my 4 month old grandson reached for it and had a big smile. (I predict great things for his boy :))

    Truth is I still love playing as much as ever but I'm really over the weekend gigs.

    I'm currently with some great musicians and all around nice guys (no drama), but most weekends I would just as soon be sitting at home with my wife or doing stuff with my family.

    Plus I'm not a spring chicken and these days it's harder to recover from a late night and loading equipment in and out. I've been doing this pretty much straight for 40 years.

    Just a hard decision whether to let it go or not.
     
    FilterFunk, el jeffe bass and MrLenny1 like this.
  2. Jul 21, 2021 #2
    dalkowski

    dalkowski It's "rout," not "route." Supporting Member

    May 20, 2009
    Massachusetts USofA
    Given the state of live music currently, your timing is well-nigh impeccable. Enjoy that grandson!
     
    p5harri, FilterFunk, el jeffe bass and 1 other person like this.
  3. Jul 21, 2021 #3
    WI Short Scaler

    WI Short Scaler

    Jun 13, 2018
    Central WI
    Every time I think I'm about to call it quits on gigs, we play one and I remember why I bother. My expectations are maybe lower than many folks on here. We have a great little 3 pc, quick setup, own all the gear outright and get along great. So for me coming home with $150 in my pocket is a good night. Seems others on here aren't on that page, not referring to you just a general opinion it seems.

    I'm hoping to retire in a couple years and will be quitting gigs whenever that is. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to have grandkids (instead of just grandpuppies) by then, maybe not. But I do know we want to have all the freedom to be up on "the lake" at the drop of a hat and not have to work around gigs.

    Best of luck in your decision, enjoy that grandson!
     
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  4. Jul 21, 2021 #4
    friskinator

    friskinator Supporting Member

    Apr 5, 2007
    Georgia
    I’m in my late 40s with no grandkids (or kids), but I’m in the same boat. I’ve got one last gig at the end of the month, but after that, I’m out. After 30+ years, I’m ready to get my weekends back and not deal with the hassle anymore.
     
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  5. Jul 22, 2021 #5
    p5harri

    p5harri

    Dec 7, 2012
    Thanks for the replies. It’s just hard to quit something I’ve done forever. Quiet evening with the family just seems a lot more fun now then lifting heavy gear and late night.
     
  6. Jul 22, 2021 #6
    P. Aaron

    P. Aaron Supporting Member

    Sep 16, 2002
    Livin’ on a slab in Plano, TX
    Choosing the best humans to spend time with has been our dilemma for ages. Some play for money, some try to love a job that doesn’t love us back all that much.

    The grandson is a special gift. It is its own door to an important place.

    Time and gravity also weigh heavily as music tries to keeps us young. We romance it at our peril.
     
    p5harri likes this.