I was given list of 60 songs and told "We do these just like the record" 
 
I tried to contact band members by phone email text etc.  no response
 
I get in touch with band leader that tells me he is a drummer and knows nothing about keys or arrangements but he "Does them just like the record" He then says he will have the other 2 guitar players to contact me.
 
I get text from Lead/rhythm player but he only responses with one word answers. I ask if he wants me to work out some arrangements etc. He says "Yes"
 
I get text from acoustic player singer that gives me all the keys and says " I do all my songs just like the record"
 
I don't hear from anyone in 9 days so I call the band leader. He tell me work on the Lead/ Rhythm guitar players 42 songs the acoustic player won't be there
 
Bass player calls and we talk. He tells me his wife won't let him go over tunes at his house and he can't come to my place. I ask if he can talk about the songs over the phone. He say I do them "Just like the record"
 

IT'S TIME TO GIG WITH SOME ADULTS.
or at least, people that do not have their heads up their anuses.

Dang Bill, you sure do get yourself into some stuff. My only advice would be to take the money for now, and try and adjust on the fly.
 
Randy

Is this the famous ghoul riders???

thanks for the tip
 

I am impressed with all the followup you attempted.  Sorry it went sour but you did great!

Joe you said they were "Good Pickers" 
 
Here's how the bar bands I've been involved with around Hammond and the North Shore work. (the ones making money)   (bands/musicians in New Orleans are a completely different animal and are top notch)
 
They decide on a tune and work at it over about 2 months till it comes together as an arrangement.  on the gig    This happens with every song in the repertoire. Over time it's "their sound"
They have no musical training or way of comparing their musicianship to a pro player/band. To them the recordings are gospel and it's perfect. If their ears can't hear what's there then you can't really blame them for any shortcomings. I try to fit in with what they are playing.. A problem I notice with me doing that is I'm not a hotdog and play what the song needs.
 
" John's cousin played like Van Halen and used BOTH hands on the solo to that country tune" mentality
 
Also, when I try to show an arrangement or bridge/instrumental section/different changes they shut me off. They DID say they play it just like the record. I get " This is how we've always played it"  so they don't try anything presented. Suggestions are taken as an insult to them and attitude of "Who does he think he is?."  Ex. On American Trilogy they cycled a I vi IV V progression through out the song in C. So when at the bridge I played Gm, they freaked out  at that point I was in "Go ahead take another solo" mode with the acoustic player/singer
I found out that not 1 song I worked up for them was to listen to. No to mention any new songs they told me to do. They don't rehearse so .....
 
(I made recordings slowed down etc. and explained then asked the guitar players which part they wanted/ I recorded bass part arrangements as a SUGGESTION because of the feel it needed) 
 
Joe - the first time I played with them I was given an 1 hour notice for a down beat. I was set up outside and behind the mains. When you you posted that "live " video of them at the chili cookoff  I thought they are probably better now. I sure hoped so
 
I Am going back to playing on Friday nights.   I love that kind of music and the guys really love the music too. Those guys are some "Good Pickers" IMO 
 
 

So did they fire you or what? I seem to be missing the funniest part of this story! When they a uh...ya know blah, blah, blah and then you tell them to go F themselves.

Clint I didn't fit in with these guys at all.  I counted a tune off  in  2 measures and explained that I would come in at the and of 3 on the pick ups of the 2nd measure. On the down beat there was only me playing. I kept playing as a turn around but they just stood there watching me. I stopped and the Acoustic player did an intro "their way".  
 
The way that gig went I could tell they wanted to hunt up one of their other old guitar players. Most of their tunes I've never heard of till I learned them. They need a guy that, like them, has been playing those songs for 30 years and doesn't need or want to rehearse.
 
Playing in that situation would make me feel like, as MM said, "a musical whore". I don't care if they can pay $100 a gig  I do have my standards. Besides they sound fine to them

bayoubill
Joe you said they were "Good Pickers"  

 
I LIED?? a million years ago when I heard the main ghost he was good
 

 
Joe - the first time I played with them I was given an 1 hour notice for a down beat. I was set up outside and behind the mains. When you you posted that "live " video of them at the chili cookoff  I thought they are probably better now. I sure hoped s o
 
I hope for their sake they are too
 
 

I Am going back to playing on Friday nights.   I love that kind of music and the guys really love the music too. Those guys are some "Good Pickers" IMO 

 
I am happy you are going to be in a band that you fit well with , lifes too short to dance with fat girls