This is a little risky, as I know there's folks following this forum that knows my situation, but the frustration level has grown to the point that it may not matter...
A few months ago, I was called out of the blue on a Monday morning by one particular band's manager (also the star's father) and told that the band had decided that they didn't want me to use my IEMs any longer. They say I don't play properly with the IEMs in, although I have several multi-track recordings that prove this is hogwash (but reveals other issues elsewhere that shall go un-mentioned, of course). I think it boils down to the fact that when I play bass AND provide the PA, I may not be as attentive when two particular people want monitor changes during the show. It's claimed that I'm cut off from communication with the rest of the band, but with 4 vocal mics and a little drum overheads in my ears, I hear everyone and everything fine. And it turns out that it was only two people with this problem, not the star of this band who wears in-ear monitors themselves, and not the entire band. The situation was put to me as "non-negotiable" and "I have to please the majority and you're the minority". So I came back with "being the guy that books a lot of the gigs, provides a lot of logistics, and provides the PA when necessary, I'm putting YOU guys on probation to see if I can manage without the ears". I refuse to use a wedge, why do we need more little screaming boxes on the floor spewing more volume onto an already loud stage volume?
This has rocked along now for a few months, but as I figured, I'm getting tired of ringing ears and not hearing the bass well unless it's at a hideous stage volume. Not to mention, getting pounded with 2 guitar amps and the aforementioned hideously loud monitors. At 59 years old, I still hear pretty well. I depend strongly on good ears to play music, tune pianos, and occasionally, mix for an event. It's my living.
I really don't see another solution except to exit the band, which will be two bands since the same rhythm section plays with two different artists (one originals, one cover materials). But with 3 other bands, getting other opportunities to play, and involved with the church band (where the use of my IEMs is perfectly fine with everyone of these other groups), it's getting very hard to justify staying in this particular situation. So I have a decision to make and soon.
Just wondering if anyone else has dealt with a similar situation and how you did or didn't handled it. I'm not certain that there is a good way to deal with it. I don't think for a second that I can make the case and these guys will say "oh, now I understand, then fine, feel free to wear your IEMs". I fully realize that IEMs aren't for everyone, it solves certain problems while causing others, but I know how to deal with those problems.
A few months ago, I was called out of the blue on a Monday morning by one particular band's manager (also the star's father) and told that the band had decided that they didn't want me to use my IEMs any longer. They say I don't play properly with the IEMs in, although I have several multi-track recordings that prove this is hogwash (but reveals other issues elsewhere that shall go un-mentioned, of course). I think it boils down to the fact that when I play bass AND provide the PA, I may not be as attentive when two particular people want monitor changes during the show. It's claimed that I'm cut off from communication with the rest of the band, but with 4 vocal mics and a little drum overheads in my ears, I hear everyone and everything fine. And it turns out that it was only two people with this problem, not the star of this band who wears in-ear monitors themselves, and not the entire band. The situation was put to me as "non-negotiable" and "I have to please the majority and you're the minority". So I came back with "being the guy that books a lot of the gigs, provides a lot of logistics, and provides the PA when necessary, I'm putting YOU guys on probation to see if I can manage without the ears". I refuse to use a wedge, why do we need more little screaming boxes on the floor spewing more volume onto an already loud stage volume?
This has rocked along now for a few months, but as I figured, I'm getting tired of ringing ears and not hearing the bass well unless it's at a hideous stage volume. Not to mention, getting pounded with 2 guitar amps and the aforementioned hideously loud monitors. At 59 years old, I still hear pretty well. I depend strongly on good ears to play music, tune pianos, and occasionally, mix for an event. It's my living.
I really don't see another solution except to exit the band, which will be two bands since the same rhythm section plays with two different artists (one originals, one cover materials). But with 3 other bands, getting other opportunities to play, and involved with the church band (where the use of my IEMs is perfectly fine with everyone of these other groups), it's getting very hard to justify staying in this particular situation. So I have a decision to make and soon.
Just wondering if anyone else has dealt with a similar situation and how you did or didn't handled it. I'm not certain that there is a good way to deal with it. I don't think for a second that I can make the case and these guys will say "oh, now I understand, then fine, feel free to wear your IEMs". I fully realize that IEMs aren't for everyone, it solves certain problems while causing others, but I know how to deal with those problems.
) trying to dictate aspects of your gig without paying you commensurate to those demands.
