My buddy and I have played for years together. He's always been front man. Plays rythym guitar and know lyrics to quite a few songs.
For years we just messed around, he played and sang whatever he wanted, I played bass and sang backup harmonies.
We've both been in bands and the drama that goes with it. I suggested we form a duo. I've been working on a lot of my own songs now, as well as playing guitar rythym, leads, lyrics to the songs we've done and more of my own. My goal is to be able to go solo when and if I ever choose to. I do like playing with others.
When we formed as a duo I said he's gonna have to realize this is a partnership, not me just backing him. He agreed but it went in one ear and out the other.
The second gig we played he at one point started playing a song. Just strumming one chord. I said what song ? He said get to the mic. I said what song, again and this time with more robust he said get to your mic. I must have stared daggers, he then said 'I'll walk off stage right now, I'll do it'.
I went back to my mic and gave the best I could for the last set. Going home I reiterated what was said. When I got to the part about him saying he'd leave the stage he denied it. I said so what I heard you say wasn't said, it was something else? Yep.
We are buddies, we hang out, do different things together, but I was doing ALL the work. Setup, break down, got the first two gigs, my equipment and truck, he never offered to go less than 50/50 on the pay. But the real issue is him threatening to leave the stage, then lying and thinking it'll work out.
At the moment he said he'd walk off I knew I was through. I'll never play another gig with him. I'll already playing with other people and still practicing my solo material. Got a set of harmonicas and having a ball.
Like I said, I'll never play another gig with him. I'm pretty pissed at his behavior but not all that surprised. I haven't told him we're done. I could if I wanted to but I don't think I owe him that after what he pulled then lying about it.
I guess I'm just sharing a story and venting, chances are if I don't go out getting gigs we'll never play anyway. I know it's usually fair to be up front and honest with people but in this particular situation I've granted myself a pardon, and I don't feel the least bit guilty.
Other more experienced people I know that play out have said more than once to get rid of the anchor, and I think they are right.
Just gotta keep pushing forward. We get along pretty good but in a performance setting he seems to think he just has to show up and play...I need someone who has my back, to back me both career wise and musically. He's just not capable and I accept it. I knew going in it may or may not work out. It didn't and I think knowing that was a real possibility going in made it a whole lot easier to accept....
