At this point, I’m pretty skeptical. The way she is behaving, I’m not sure how a conversation will be received, even if I use a soft approach.
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When to fire a band member?
- Thread starter Stinky_Fingers
- Start date
The solution is so easy and so obvious, I’m surprised it hasn’t been posted yet.
Fire the drummer.
Fire the drummer.
Do whatever you want about the singer, but don’t forget to also get that sound guy butt crack problem fixed
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
I know some agencies pay sound techs better than musicians. When the guests are there, they are dressed properly, like the musicians. Crack has no place at a wedding!
Sounds like you all got off on a bad start, and also that she does not understand her place in running the band. Without being in the room with you all it is hard to say if she is in the right or that there is a lack of leadership she is making up for. Probably time to let her go, but ensure the new hire knows the rules of the road coming in.
Also...don't talk shite about other bands in your group chat, especially when that group chat has members of that band in it.
Also...don't talk shite about other bands in your group chat, especially when that group chat has members of that band in it.
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Surprised you are still holding on. Is there something else that you are not telling and probably for good reason. Not my place to give advice since I am not there. That's my take on most BM threads on TB ,. Good luck!
The agency won’t have an issue if the band is profitable. But, keep track of and document all communications. Always cc the right person or people.
I’m in a 10 piece band w/horns - it’s hard to schedule bookings and rehearsals. There is no room for attitude issues. We recently fired our singer as she was acting like a prima donna and was the only person charging a fee to rehearse, yet on gigs she would mess up when to come in.
Fired and immediately replaced with an easy going fun person who took over her role and is a joy to have in the band.
Do it.
Fired and immediately replaced with an easy going fun person who took over her role and is a joy to have in the band.
Do it.
What a drag. This is the gig, girl. Take it or leave it.
It sounds like someone needs to be running her own operation.
You’ll be helping her career.
It sounds like someone needs to be running her own operation.
You’ll be helping her career.
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Expecting people to change just because one person says something rarely works out.
Short answer: Bid her farewell immediately. Do it with professionalism and respect, but let her go. Narcissistic toxicity is poison to any organization, regardless of its size or mission. If you want the organization to be seen as highly professional, you’ll need to model that. The other band members are watching you. She’s clearly unhappy, but you’re not responsible for her happiness. Invite her to find it somewhere else. Now.
Sounds like it needed managed earlier. It's always difficult to see that in the moment, because ultimately you want to make music, not manage drama.
Since it's already gone this far I'd say a sit-down is needed. Not at rehearsal, not at a bar over drinks. Make it clear it is a business discussion. Be clear and blunt about expectations.
For me? Lash out on stage in front of an audience? If it were Etta James herself I'd end the set early, get backstage, and fire her then and there.
As for her working at the booking agency or whatever - that's difficult. Does she have sway through badmouthing you? Maybe, you can't really know. It's just as likely they know who she is and will assume you made the smart move. Again, don't know.
Hoping you get back to more music less drama soon!
Since it's already gone this far I'd say a sit-down is needed. Not at rehearsal, not at a bar over drinks. Make it clear it is a business discussion. Be clear and blunt about expectations.
For me? Lash out on stage in front of an audience? If it were Etta James herself I'd end the set early, get backstage, and fire her then and there.
As for her working at the booking agency or whatever - that's difficult. Does she have sway through badmouthing you? Maybe, you can't really know. It's just as likely they know who she is and will assume you made the smart move. Again, don't know.
Hoping you get back to more music less drama soon!
As a business owner for 30+ years I say buy the sound man coveralls as a uniform and fire her ass. 
Seems you had somewhat of a hand in initiating the behavior. Hopefully you have learned something, so that you can avoid needlessly making similar mistakes in the future.
Your insensitive comment does not justify having to deal with what seems to be an endless problem. Her behavior must improve or she should be let go.
Given the structure and purpose of the band, you can definitely fire her. Make your own decision as far as when and if you should. Consider the value she brings, whether there is any chance you can mold in her into what you need/want, and how difficult it will be to replace here...or if replacing her is even necessary.
IMHO you should already be taking steps to rectify the situation, one way or the other. The relationship needs to be clarified as far as the role of employee VS employer. You also need to set and reinforce clear and reasonable expectations and standards. My feeling is people generally deserve a chance to correct behavior and also you should document the situation and whatever steps you have or will take to rectify it. If the she responds positively to counseling and gets better, then you can continue to employ her. If she does not get better, or perhaps gets even worse, document the results and whatever additional steps you take to try and improve her attitude and performance. Make it clear that here continue employment with you is contingent on her behavior.
When/if you let her go, be as professional as possible.
- Jul 7, 2010
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You need to let her go now...It will NOT get better and she will bring others in band down too. Start a fresh.
I'd let her go. A bad apple can spoil the bunch. If you have other good players who get along, they are probably silently seething.
It's better to do it sooner rather than later. And you can replace if needed or not.
It's better to do it sooner rather than later. And you can replace if needed or not.
I bat you can find a new singer faster than you can fix that situation.
The sound guy can probably be dealt with much easier.
The sound guy can probably be dealt with much easier.
