General Music Chat

OK, so those who have been following things know I auditioned for a Beatles tribute band the other night, and they asked me back.
It was fun, and I have no doubt I could do what is needed of me.
Now that I've been thinking about it, I'm not sure I want to pursue this. 1) I'm thinking it might get 'old' pretty fast doing nothing but Beatles songs - specially considering its going to take several months to get the set list of 75+ songs down before even thinking of playing out.
2) The volume. Granted we were practicing in an untreated basement room with a lot of reflections, the volume level was still pretty high (damn drums!) My tinitus was not bad the next day (yesterday) but over time...
3) In-ear monitors - that's what these guys use. It'll cost me over $400 to get set up with them. And I have always hated earbuds as they don't fit my weird ears comfortably.

The advantages of honing my skills playing with others again is big, as well as the opportunity to earn some good money. At the same time I don't want to lead these guys on if in 6 months or a year I'm tired of the whole thing.

Next practice is Tuesday night, but there have been multiple emails regarding songs, who needs to practice what, etc. I'm guessing the band does not look at these forums, although they had created a BM profile. If they do, I guess my doubts will let them decide for me!

Regarding cost, if you're good and have good management you should get better paying gigs to offset the costs. But that's the gamble on a tribute band b/c it depends on where you are and what venues are available to book really good tribute bands. Plus, I thought you had said you weren't doing the "look-alike" aspect of it, so that to me seems like a disadvantage. Most tribute bands at least make an attempt at looking like the artist.

The "top" tribute bands in this part of the country seem to play all over the place -- AZ, NV, CA, etc.

75 songs-- holy crap. Is that really necessary especially for a Beatles tribute band?

I thought it would be cool to be in a tribute band, but the thing is you're locked into their songs so it could get old fast. I'm not trying to dissuade you but it is a significant commitment to make a solid go at it.

Denny - very valid thoughts, thanks. Yes, I think there are venues around the area for work (I don't think there is any thoughts of traveling outside our immediate area) - but there is competition (otehr Beatles tribute bands) too, and I'm not sure any of them are doing the costume/imation thing.
Yes, 75-100 songs are needed - because they are Beatles tunes, most are under 3 minutes long! That was one of the things I was trying to get the feel of at the audition - if they extended any songs by adding a verse/chorus/lead, but they didn't.

I like tribute bands .... if you have a passion for the music I say go for it.
Its probably a good thing to be able to play Beatles tunes if you are looking to make cash playing .... many diff gigs for that kinda thing ....
Sounds like a lot of work ... that could pay off though ... probably a fun catalog of music to play ...
Might get old quick if you are just a casual fan.
Good luck

It sounds to me like you are talking yourself out of it before it really has a chance. My advise would be that being in a band means being flexible. However it should go both ways. I know that in the past when auditioning possible bandmates for our band I prefered for them to be open about what their goals are. I was honest with them letting them know what the bands preferences were and I would ALWAYS let them know that their input would be valued if they turned out to be a member! I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet give it a chance.

I think I've already talked myself out of it, now looking to see if others (even my wife!) can talk me back in!
I like Beatles stuff, but I'm not passionate about it, as these other guys seem to be. I can play a fair number of Beatles songs already. I've never been a big fan of tribute bands, myself - wondering who their target audiences really are. For example, I've saw the Grateful Dead (back in the day), The Other Ones and Bob Weir's Rat Dog; when I went to see the Dark Star Orchestra (Dead tribute band) it was some guys playing well-imitated Dead music and lot of people smoking dope in the audience. My wife and I left at intermission!

Did they express an interest in doing other music or are they saying only beatles tunes? I would tell them about your concerns just to see if they are interested in compromise.

I think I've already talked myself out of it, now looking to see if others (even my wife!) can talk me back in!
I like Beatles stuff, but I'm not passionate about it, as these other guys seem to be. I can play a fair number of Beatles songs already. I've never been a big fan of tribute bands, myself - wondering who their target audiences really are. For example, I've saw the Grateful Dead (back in the day), The Other Ones and Bob Weir's Rat Dog; when I went to see the Dark Star Orchestra (Dead tribute band) it was some guys playing well-imitated Dead music and lot of people smoking dope in the audience. My wife and I left at intermission!

I went to a Beatles Convention once... (1980s). It was grand, and they had an awesome tribute band...and I felt like I was at a funeral.

I think I felt that way because I was overwhelmed with the questions in my head about all of it.. and realizing that no matter ...these dudes will never come back...

I tend to believe that tribute bands take cover one step further by emmersing themselves in a 'role' thats gonna last much longer than a guitar -god performance on a single Saturday night. In short, it spells concentrated focus and commitment. In shorter..Its a lot of fn hard work. ;P

1) Do ya like the Beatles music?
2) Will the pay be reasonable?
3) Is there a defined schedule. Most tribute bands don't last forever... so maybe you are looking at full time employment for a year or two?

4) Did you have anything else you'd rather be doing, instead of this?

Jeff- this is strictly Beatles songs.

Dog - good questions
1) Yes I like beatles stuff, but I'm not nuts about it. I have a dozen beatles vinyl albums in my collection that never get played, but only 2 Beatles CDs.
2) The pay will be reasonable, but maybe not considering the dedication and work needed. I'm really not sure many Beatles tribute bands this area (Boston/New England) can sustain. Beatlejuice is the predominant one, but those guys only get together as needed for gigs. There is 1 other playing locally that 3 of the guys in this band came from, and I saw 1 in Boston that did Beatles songs on New Years Eve, but didn't try to copy them exactly. I'm sure there are others too. If we practice once a week (x4 = 8 hours) and play out once a month (4 hours) for $200 each that's less than $17 an hour and doesn't consider expenses like $400 for the in-ear monitor. And that doesn't take into consideration the hours of homework I'll need to do, too.
3) Everyone is a 'working stiff' like me, so this will never be full-time - I don't think there's a market for full time, around here anyway. the schedule is to be playing out within a few months.
4) My life is very full! Continuing my songwriting/playing and recording keeps me as busy as I need, and in the meantime I am still seeking out an acoustic-type act.

I keep thinking of a few weeks back when a friend who does a solo acoustic show at a local bar/restaurant called me up for a few songs. Typical noisy bar scene. When we did a Beatles song - Back In The USSR - no one paid attention to us at all (they did on other songs). yeah, people know the Beatles, but how many are fans that would go see a tribute act?

sounds like the biggest impediment is the $400 ear monitor,
but that might come in handy in other situations.

who knows, perhaps you and the bass player will get bored and split off.

it's a paying gig, and it might lead places,
besides having a paying gig is always leverage, for other offers that might come your way.

and there always ways of getting the audience to pay attention:
of course that might be your last night with the band, but hey what the hell
it's just a Beatles tribute band

Go to hearing specialist and get custom ear protection - they can mould you a pair from your ear-canal. Like 200 bucks or so. You can't really put a price on hearing though. Once it's gone, it's gone, so do what you have to.

Small practice rooms suck. Get bass traps and some accoustic treatment for the walls to reduce sound reflection. Don't stand in front of someone elses amp

OK, so those who have been following things know I auditioned for a Beatles tribute band the other night, and they asked me back.
It was fun, and I have no doubt I could do what is needed of me.
Now that I've been thinking about it, I'm not sure I want to pursue this. 1) I'm thinking it might get 'old' pretty fast doing nothing but Beatles songs - specially considering its going to take several months to get the set list of 75+ songs down before even thinking of playing out.
2) The volume. Granted we were practicing in an untreated basement room with a lot of reflections, the volume level was still pretty high (damn drums!) My tinitus was not bad the next day (yesterday) but over time...
3) In-ear monitors - that's what these guys use. It'll cost me over $400 to get set up with them. And I have always hated earbuds as they don't fit my weird ears comfortably.

The advantages of honing my skills playing with others again is big, as well as the opportunity to earn some good money. At the same time I don't want to lead these guys on if in 6 months or a year I'm tired of the whole thing.

Next practice is Tuesday night, but there have been multiple emails regarding songs, who needs to practice what, etc. I'm guessing the band does not look at these forums, although they had created a BM profile. If they do, I guess my doubts will let them decide for me!

Mike,

Well, I am not a musician, but I am a singer/songwriter like yourself and I got bored playing "Knockin On Heaven's Door" in guitar class...LOL!

I had a friend whose husband was in a group called "All Together Now", they tour around NH and MA, I don't believe he is with them anymore, but they were really good. They were totally into it and even did the accent and each took on the personality of the Beatle they were portraying....

As a fan, I have seen them three or four times, great stuff, love to dance adn sing along, but I did it with a big group of friends.

I also have never performed in front of anyone, so I can't help you there...

So, why am I bothering to post?? Because, I would go look in that notebook of song lyrics and sift through the files of unfinished songs and check out your free time and make sure you aren't going to miss songwriting because they will keep you very busy. I know that my friend's husband was still giving guitar lessons to make money even while in the band, come to think of it....he still owes me a can of hairspray...LOL!!

Anyhow....I hope you do what is best for you, but that call to do your own thing is strong, I know...and remember, the audience always shouts out for the same well known tunes....

Just my thoughts, keep or sweep, but I hope you post what you decide...oh, and congrats for being accepted....

Tam

Good point - I've walked away from several opportunities with cover outfits because it would have left me no time at all for songwriting.

I don't care much for tribute bands but on the upside - when Rob Halford left Judas Priest they quickly plucked a singer (Ripper Owens) out of a tribute band and used him for years.

He is still kicking around with various label type bands playing big gigs. And he made a pile of money along the way while having fun.

The fact that i don't care for tribute bands in no way means it ain't a good thing. I don't like Key Lime pie either but folks here in the south say it is very good.

Talbot

ps I fell asleep at a Grateful Dead concert. Didn't move me at all. But it moves a lot of folks so it's all about personal taste in the end.

don't forget that kid who went on tour with Yes year before last,
got him from youtube I think.

Good advice from everyone!
I'm going to go to practice next week, see how it is and then make a decision on buying the in-ear monitor set-up. A decebnt set of in-ears will assist on the hearing issues. At age 56 (as of this past Tuesday), hearing is not too bad and I try to avoid the superloud shows these days!
My biggest concern at this point is getting 'filled up' by Beatles tunes. Generally I vary what I listen to and play a lot, this is going to require a fair amount of homework, cutting down on my 'other music' time. I'm still looking to start/join an acoustic duo/band, as well as working on my originals - I have about 3/4 of the songs for my 2nd CD recorded (if not fully mixed), as well as a number of songs for CD#3.

Thanks for friending me on reverbnation, Tammy - everyone here should do the same for everyone else, helps our 'numbers'!