When I was in high school and much to my parents dismay I was in a band. After school was over I was in a band and playing gigs. Over the years I have been in several bands and even played in a few orchestras and jazz situations. People view playing in a band differently, and this includes me. Below is the conclusion to all this.





So the question is this. What does being in a band mean to you?

Funny stuff.  

When I was playing in the early 80's it was about finding my way and learning to play with better players.

In the middle 80's it was about great gigs, touring, and generally living a pirate lifestyle with everything you can imagine and much, much more.

In the late 80's it was about trying to get signed to a label, getting an advance, and not signing my life away.

By the middle 90's, it was like having 5 wives, and having their nagging, conniving girlfriends trying to muck things up over the stupidest of things.

By the late 90's I quit playing for 3 years. Then I started a band of like minded adults, who did it for the sheer joy of playing together. It wasn't about the money, fame, girls, etc. Just the enjoyment of playing in front of appreciative crowds and feeling good about playing every single gig.

I haven't gigged for about 8 years now, and I don't miss it. That, and I can't really stay awake past 11:00 p.m.

Randy

so what  is the truth then? 
I prefer  what my wife thinks I do...

For me being in a band was about playing peacemaker.
The guitarist and the drummer.
The singer and the guitarist.
The drummer and the other drummer.
The singer and other drummer and the bass player.
The guitar player's wife and the singer.
I didn't like the drama.
But it was fun to play.

Being in a band is about being able to nag.
Even if it is ignored.

rsp@odyssey.net


When I was playing in the early 80's it was about finding my way and learning to play with better players.

In the middle 80's it was about great gigs, touring, and generally living a pirate lifestyle with everything you can imagine and much, much more.

In the late 80's it was about trying to get signed to a label, getting an advance, and not signing my life away.

By the middle 90's, it was like having 5 wives, and having their nagging, conniving girlfriends trying to muck things up over the stupidest of things.

By the late 90's I quit playing for 3 years. Then I started a band of like minded adults, who did it for the sheer joy of playing together. It wasn't about the money, fame, girls, etc. Just the enjoyment of playing in front of appreciative crowds and feeling good about playing every single gig.

I haven't gigged for about 8 years now, and I don't miss it. That, and I can't really stay awake past 11:00 p.m.

Randy

I can relate to everything you just said especially the part about how it was like having 5 wives and having their nagging girlfriends trying to muck things up. Man have I got some stories about that!


Playing the solo gigs are good. Just me and the acoustic solo thing. easy setup, easy tear down. Weddings and restaurants. On the side it is ok. The occasional Karaoki with a looper, my prerecorded tracks, and an electric guitar is always a fun gig too. playing solo gigs have some other advantages too.


Sometimes though... I miss playing in a band and all the interaction that can happen between musicians. But a lot of times playing in a band is way too demanding.


Now more than ever it has got to be about the music.  

bapu


Being in a band is about being able to nag.
Even if it is ignored.

Bapu I know you are a respected musician in these parts, and rightfully so......but that sounds like singer talk to me.

For me it was being allowed to sit in front of that Marshall full-stack and play an Am at high volume without getting into trouble.

Of course, all of my "I'm in a band!" time was when I was young (late 70's, early 80's).  Now, if I actually could play, it would be only for the love of playing in a band setting.  Maybe once I'm 60...

I joined my first rock band when I was 13, in 1968.
I knew nothing but had been playing/studying with teachers for 6-7 years so
it was simply more learning.

For the next 18 years up until I quit playing guitar in '86 it was still about learning.
The problem or issues was that having to deal with other people I was learning
more about them than how to make music with them.

Needless to say but people can teach you a lot of things you really don't want to know.
I found life and music was much better without them.
The cool thing is that the internet changed all of that. Computers are very easy to turn off
and it brought playing guitar back into my life although it hasn't replaced the energy that
is made by musicians playing together.

IMO the thing that I learned most about being in a band is about how to be a good
musician to work with and create music with other musicians.
The cool thing is that one learns many different things because the band isn't always
on the stage.
One learns from the practice sessions, the studio work, the jams, etc...if they're paying attention. I learned that many musicians have trouble with that part. :)
 
 
Oh...thought I should add...I know that I looked the same to all of them at one time or another as they looked to me. Part of learning I think.