I don't get all the drama in this thread.
As I see it, the band has a member that for whatever reason, is the weak link right now. The reason the lead guitarist doesn't want to be part of the gig really isn't even important and might not be anything that he even wants to share.
Seems perfectly clear to me that it's time to start auditions for a back up (or possible replacement) for him. If he wants to stay in the band and contribute, fantastic. If he wants to sit out a few gigs, fantastic. If he wants to drop out, fantastic.
There's no reason the BL (OP in this thread I believe) needs to suddenly become a shrink or nanny or have the problem solving wisdom of Solomon.
All the BL really needs is a replacement so the show can go on. All this wringing of hands and soul searching for the root cause of a players reluctance to partake in a gig is just drama and a waste of time. In the meantime it puts the weekend plans of the rest of the band in "are we playing or are we not" turmoil and if left unchecked long enough will eventually result in other band members dropping out.
Start the auditions immediately. It might be hard to find a good candidate for this type of band and the free venues you play so I'd be searching post haste. In the event you find a good fit, then have a heart to heart talk with the reluctant player and see if he wants to continue with the band and the venues you play, if not, the backup takes his slot and he can become the backup if he wants.
As I see it, the band has a member that for whatever reason, is the weak link right now. The reason the lead guitarist doesn't want to be part of the gig really isn't even important and might not be anything that he even wants to share.
Seems perfectly clear to me that it's time to start auditions for a back up (or possible replacement) for him. If he wants to stay in the band and contribute, fantastic. If he wants to sit out a few gigs, fantastic. If he wants to drop out, fantastic.
There's no reason the BL (OP in this thread I believe) needs to suddenly become a shrink or nanny or have the problem solving wisdom of Solomon.
All the BL really needs is a replacement so the show can go on. All this wringing of hands and soul searching for the root cause of a players reluctance to partake in a gig is just drama and a waste of time. In the meantime it puts the weekend plans of the rest of the band in "are we playing or are we not" turmoil and if left unchecked long enough will eventually result in other band members dropping out.
Start the auditions immediately. It might be hard to find a good candidate for this type of band and the free venues you play so I'd be searching post haste. In the event you find a good fit, then have a heart to heart talk with the reluctant player and see if he wants to continue with the band and the venues you play, if not, the backup takes his slot and he can become the backup if he wants.
