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I got word from our bassist that he is retiring. He has some major back issues and gigs leave him in pain for a few days. This band has been together in one form or another for 20 yrs. I was a founder, and a couple of years ago we got back together and have done a ton of gigs. When we reformed our singer told us if the bassist quit he was done also. I love our singer to death and cant imagine playing gigs without him, but he is one of the most negative people in my circle these days. We are getting together sometime this week to talk about the state of the band and what to do or not do, so nothing is in stone yet.

So I am at one of those crossroads. Do I try to keep this outfit going or do I do something different? I love playing with these guys but teaching another bassist our setlist is a daunting deal to me. And plus it would limit us, cause weve played together so long that weve forgotten more music than most cover bands ever learn. Every gig some song comes out of the closet that we havent played in a while to keep things interesting. A new member could really screw the chemistry up.

Plus Ive gotten tired of the cover band deal. You know puttin on the hits. I get all the room to do what I want with them but it gets boring. This week I did a girls rock camp and met a lot of musicians who do originals. Ive kinda got a hankering to do original music. I think Im a decent writer, Ive recorded a bunch of stuff for our band and havent been able to get everyone on the same page to do anything in that direction.

I guess Im just venting and looking for some ideas or guidance from the forum.

Thanks in advance!

Ok me first.

JW we've crossed swords sometimes but bloke I wouldn't wish this on anyone, besides you are a decent enough bloke.

To me this rather sounds like this was going to happen at some point along the line so perhaps now is a better time given your other involvements too? Anything I say will probably mean nothing because you have done a heck load more live gigs than I have at present but I would look at Crip as an example.

He pretty much had the same deal happen to him and has found a way back into it and you are not short on talent. Personally I'd go for my own stuff each and every week if it were an option and I had no other commitments.

Keep well Bro.
Hope you find that direction..

Chippy.

Things, change, eh?
Life just served you a tray of lemons, but you knew this day would be coming, sooner or later.
Time for plan 'B' . . .
If you've always wanted to compose your own music - now is the time.
One word of advice, though, if you should write your own music:
Compose stuff that YOU want to hear.
Don't write in any special style because that's what everyone expects from you. Write for yourself, and no one else.
You can always share the song later . . .
.
Whatever - covers or originals - good luck.

Any number of good things could come out of this. First of all you have a world of talent. You could be playing with another cover band in no time if that's what you want. I'm always amazed at people who spend their entire musical careers doing covers and never have the desire to write their own stuff. I'm GLAD you want to explore originals. It would be a shame to have creative ideas and never work them out, kind of a waste of creativity. You probably could do both. I'm sure there's plenty of cover bands that play part-time you could get into and plenty of people doing originals part-time you could get into. Why not both? Sounds like your singer may or may not bolt, what about the drummer? I've been in so many bands that split, it's always tough to figure out what to do next. Bottom line is you're going to get into a good situation because you've got the ability and desire to do it...

Do something different!

You know, I was thinking "Wow, 20 years, maybe you should try and convince them to stay!"

But then it hit me what you had said...

"This band has been together, IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER"

"A couple of years ago we, GOT BACK TOGETHER"

Hmmm....

You're feeling as if you are losing something that has been consistent, and yet, it seems as if the band has already been through different personel and even disbanded at least once, only to be reformed again.

Maybe they just need a break every few years to MISS IT AGAIN?

I'm betting that after however many months of rest, maybe even a year or so, they miss it, and are ready to go back at it.

Maybe this is the PERFECT time to spread your wings and do it YOUR WAY!

You seem younger in spirit and healthier, than your counterparts. Maybe you need to get some younger members together and go nuts. Try things you have wanted to try, but wouldn't fly in this band.

Here's a question for you:

"Are you scared a little?"

I KNOW you are a front man type with a confident personality, but that's not what I am talking about!

Just a thought, but...

Could you be SO USED TO BEING COMFORTABLE that you are a little afraid of trying something new, and having to struggle to get it going strong? Afraid of basically "starting over" or even "being judged" if it doesn't work out?

I know that personally, I have always been my worst critic. I doubted my talent for A LONG TIME, and wasted a bunch of time, not pursuing with full force, what I really WANTED TO DO.

I knew I was talented, but somehow, I doubted myself just enough, to get really serious EARLIER, now I am busy playing catch-up.

20 years.

You've had a great run, and alot of fun.

It won't grow any more than it has over the last 20 years.

What are you really losing, if you follow your heart right now?

It may be the perfect time to STOP BEING BORED and explore new territory. I have a feeling there is stuff brewing under the surface you haven't even tapped into. Don't walk into the unknown... RUN THERE! Experience all the setbacks and then ADVANCES that starting something new brings. It may renew your soul. It may make you feel 10 years younger than you already do!

You know, that we'll relish the stories, both ups and downs, that you bring back to us, and be cheering for you all the way!

This could be exciting for you!

One question could set it all to rest for you:

"Will you regret NOT doing it? Will you wonder -WHAT IF- if you don't try? If so, then that is your answer. Your band has had a far better run, than 99% of any other bands will ever have.

You've done that.

What do you really have to lose?

I'd talk tp the band. See if they'd also like to move in new directions. Otherwise, start hitting the pavement.

Of course, there are lotsa bass players out there who cold probably fit in with you in a month or less, if you're lucky enough to stumble across them...

You obviously are very good at what you do, JW. I'll bet one or two or more of your present lineup would tag along with whatever you decide, if you decide to keep them.

Good luck with the changes.

dang JW, we may have different musical views, but I would be there in a second, you may not want me as vox though . Im really sorry to hear that and you have every right to feel a bit lost right now. 20 years! after all! Its hard to lose a good thing trust me brotther, my fiance broke up with me after a month of being deployed.

this is what I would do, I would try and recruit. 20 years after all!
It worth trying to keep a pulse on right? You might get luck and find a bassist like me in the area, or a vox who can sing unlike me hahaha.

Whatever happens I wish you the best!

What does your heart tell you John?
Your too good a man and musician to second guess yourself.

Use the force Luke !

Another thought John...

What stops you guys from just doing a big reunion show once a year?

Your bass player could handle that. Probably be a big show, where all your regulars come out at the same time, and the guys would look forward to that. Still playing together, but with some extra fire, cause it is a special once-a-year thing.

Jw, I can relate. To me it boils down to one thing. Do you want or feel like adding a new bass player to continue doing what you have been doing for 20 years. I have gone for 5 years and didn't realize it but I was in a rut (in my comfort zone) you know, that is a nice place to be for a little while but it can burn you out and you don't even realize it untill something like this comes along and makes you realize it. A guy on here just rescently told me when one door closes another one opens I think it is the guy with the connections (Sans). On one hand you sound a little negative. Of all the instruments it is easiest to replace the Bass player. But do you want to, that is the real question? Good luck to you bro!

You guys are forgetting...

The singer's leaving too.

That's TWO positions to fill.

And even if he convinced the singer to stay, he told us that this guy was really negative all the time, and bringing John down because of it.

Sounds to me like John is really wanting to express his creativity. Break out of the mold he's been in. Best way to do that is to begin his own project, where he wouldn't have to struggle over artisitic vision with other people, who after 20 years, are probably pretty set in their ways.

And if he worked out an agreement to play with his old band once in a while for a yearly reunion or special events, then he doesn't even have to completely give the old band up. Everyone stays on good terms, and I bet the bass player would deal with the pain of a night of playing, if it was only once or twice a year.

Seems like John could have his cake, and eat it too, in that scenario.

Thanks for the replys.

This can be a cool place to be.

A little history and I guess this is for me more than anyone. The drummer, singer and myself formed this band in 88-89. The current bass player came in in 93. I left the band in 98 for personal reasons. From 99 to 06 I raced motorcycles. Around 04 the band decided to do originals and changed the name cause the audience for the band wouldnt accept the change. In 07 I was contacted about a reunion gig, 08 we were back going full steam ahead. Its been fun and easy. Over the past couple of years weve practiced less than 20 times. We ussually just try anything new in front of an audience.

If I bring in a bassist, I will be the one that gets him up to speed. Cause although reading my post you think I am an ad lib let the chips fall where they may player, the truth is I know what Im doing 99.99% of the time. Every week before a gig I would call everyone and say make sure you listen to such and such song we may play it this weekend. With the crew I have they know that means we will play it unless one of them says no. Ive played with lots of people who say they can play stuff and then cant deliver when the time comes. Do I want to go thru that?

One decision I made a few weeks ago is that I am going to start recording on a regular basis. Writing new material or pulling out old stuff and start building a catalog of MY MUSIC. Be it good bad or ugly. Will it see the light of day, who knows. This will take care of the creative side of me.

The only problem still is that I love playing live in front of people.

Thanks once again and have a great day.

I know my situation is different than yours John. But I am, like Bob, glad to hear you will be doing more on your own creations.
We dont gig as often as I'd like, and a little more monitary compensation would help our project move forward at a better pace.
But we do play our originals in front of crowds, thus far we have gotten really good responses to our music.
I cant put into words how good that makes me feel.

If I had back problems, I'd put an ez-chair on stage and play in that

If music isn't your main income, but something you like to do, but doing covers isn't something you like to do any longer, then I don't see the point continuing as-is unless you like to punish yourself

See who else in your band wants to change gears with you. Slap some sense into your singer so he's not depressing anymore too Then continue as is while working on new materials so you don't have to miss out on performing, unless of course you need a break.

But what do I know?

Chris

jw123 wrote:I got word from our bassist that he is retiring. He has some major back issues and gigs leave him in pain for a few days. This band has been together in one form or another for 20 yrs. I was a founder, and a couple of years ago we got back together and have done a ton of gigs. When we reformed our singer told us if the bassist quit he was done also. I love our singer to death and cant imagine playing gigs without him, but he is one of the most negative people in my circle these days. We are getting together sometime this week to talk about the state of the band and what to do or not do, so nothing is in stone yet.

So I am at one of those crossroads. Do I try to keep this outfit going or do I do something different? I love playing with these guys but teaching another bassist our setlist is a daunting deal to me. And plus it would limit us, cause weve played together so long that weve forgotten more music than most cover bands ever learn. Every gig some song comes out of the closet that we havent played in a while to keep things interesting. A new member could really screw the chemistry up.

Plus Ive gotten tired of the cover band deal. You know puttin on the hits. I get all the room to do what I want with them but it gets boring. This week I did a girls rock camp and met a lot of musicians who do originals. Ive kinda got a hankering to do original music. I think Im a decent writer, Ive recorded a bunch of stuff for our band and havent been able to get everyone on the same page to do anything in that direction.

I guess Im just venting and looking for some ideas or guidance from the forum.

Thanks in advance!

Thanks Sans, shouldnt you be in church this morning?

Just kidding

This past week I did my yearly Girls Rock Camp. Last night at the showcase I was talking to one of the female drum instructors. She used to play in this heavy band in our area called Mother Crush, course Im with Aint Yo Mama, well maybe we could get together Anutta Mutta For Ya. Anyway she and I are going to talk about maybe doing something.

I had put up a CL add a few days ago in my area and got a contact that might actually be up my alley in the cover song side of things.

So who knows what will happen. Ive still got to sit down with AYM and see where we are. I started checking emails and all of the sudden have request for some decent gigs, go figure!