What would you do?

[Nev375]

I'll admit that bass has a very easy learning curve, ... at first. And I'll admit it's more likely an average guitarist can compose and play acceptable basslines rather than vice versa and therefore many guitarists consider the bass an inferior instrument.

However, to become an advanced bassist, the learning curve is quite steeper than the guitars'. To learn the nuances and the touch of playing dead in the pocket and sense and respond to the dynamics of different musicians doing different things and pull it all together into a tight solid groove... consistently and on-the-fly. That's what separates those who know the bassics from those who know the bass.

It sounds to me like you've bought in to the guitarists thinking that bassists are failed guitarists. And I can't help what other people think, But I've never wanted to play guitar. I like feeling the vibration of bass notes whether it's a simple line or complex slap and pop stuff. And like any true bassist should think, I feel there are no limits to my selected instrument and it is capable of expressing everything any other instrument can. There have just been fewer pioneers in bass than on say, guitar or piano.

 

[mellowinman]

I'll admit that bass has a very easy learning curve, ... at first. And I'll admit it's more likely an average guitarist can compose and play acceptable basslines rather than vice versa and therefore many guitarists consider the bass an inferior instrument.

However, to become an advanced bassist, the learning curve is quite steeper than the guitars'. To learn the nuances and the touch of playing dead in the pocket and sense and respond to the dynamics of different musicians doing different things and pull it all together into a tight solid groove... consistently and on-the-fly. That's what separates those who know the bassics from those who know the bass.

It sounds to me like you've bought in to the guitarists thinking that bassists are failed guitarists. And I can't help what other people think, But I've never wanted to play guitar. I like feeling the vibration of bass notes whether it's a simple line or complex slap and pop stuff. And like any true bassist should think, I feel there are no limits to my selected instrument and it is capable of expressing everything any other instrument can. There have just been fewer pioneers in bass than on say, guitar or piano.

All instruments are easy or difficult, depending on what level you want to play at, or what level of natural talent/ability to learn though practice you have.

There sure are a lot more mediocre guitar players out there than just about any other instrument. My God; 90% of the people I've ever heard at less than the very top level should really be ashamed of the noise they've made on those things.

 

[gregmon79]

That is a major blow to anyone's ego. Whether their ego be super or minuscule. I would say stay if you can swallow your pride and stick it out. It sounds like you don't have any other choices to play. Would you rather play with this, what seems to be an egotistical arrogant SOB, guy and have some fun playing the simple bass you do or take a chance and quit and possibly not play at all?? It's a hard spot to be in. It doesn't sound like he'd miss you much and would replace you easily. I'm not trying to be an ass. It all depends on what YOU want. If it were me, I'd tell the guy to F off and find other guys to play with. But I'm in an area where that's possible. It all depends on how much you're willing to take. I would still stand my ground when you need to though as in when you did with the stage placement. Again, it's a hard spot to be in. But you have to make the decision. I wouldn't be able to stand to work with a guy like that. Ever think if starting your own band? You must know some people from playing that same circuit that long....

 

[fdeck]

I'm perfectly happy to take gigs where I'm a sideman. I do quite a lot of those gigs. And I don't care whether the other players respect me or not -- I can't control their thoughts. I don't care what they put on their Facebook page.

But if a smaller-than-life guitarist wants to include humiliating me in his show, he'd better be offering me quite a wad of money. Being on stage with the band would be important for me, because interacting with the band and the audience are part of what you're paying me for, even if I'm a sideman.

For some reason, there are bandleaders who think that food & drink are a substitute for pay. An entire bottle of wine is worth $10 to me, so two glasses... maybe a buck or two. That's not pay. Most food served at gigs is execrable.

If asked to set up offstage, I'd take care of it by bringing a wireless rig and having some fun.

 

[Downunderwonder]

Wireless is a great idea. Ape him in the middle of the action, bet you get your spot back on stage real quick, or fired, but good bassists available for 20 bucks probably aren't easy to find.

 

[Octaves]

If I earned my primary income from other means and was gigging explicitly for enjoyment, I would continue in this situation only if:

1. You have your share of the space on stage. This is for respect and practicality.

2. You enjoy the style you are playing and enjoy the gig.

3. You have measures in place to protect yourself legally if, IF this band goes anywhere or a song becomes realised and you've written the bass part.

Apart from that, suck it up

 

[Nephilymbass]

I couldn't be in a band with someone like that. And that's all ill say about it

 

[Tx Basser]

How much is the egoist being paid? Doubt it's $20.

Are you sure you're getting an equal split? What's your agreement.

People are commodities to him as long as he can be the center of attention.

Boot me off stage for a guitar stand? Screw him (Cartman style)!

Guitar stand is more important than you.

I'd be looking around for another band situation.

Sooooo many great responses to the OP questions. But I agree with Stumbo. I am 58 yrs of age and would tell this BL tool where to get off. Just how old is this "star"? If the BL doesn't respect you, time to bug out of this gig.
Prima donnas are never worth the money to me unless it is BIG money. I do applaud your patience in dealing with the jerk. Tell the BL that you can set up a video conference and "skype" your bass parts from home.......