Actually, it was a text.... simply saying "call me, we need to talk"
 
I was busy at the moment in some "small group therapy" sessions.....
 
So I texted back saying I would call back later. And I did.
 
It turned out that my old friend, a bass player with whom I had played in a church band situation for several years, and is in an established working band, was wanting to talk about music. Seems that the band's lead guitar player is suffering from the after effects of several strokes and is having difficulty playing guitar now. He has notified the band that he will be giving up music no later than the end of the year, but sooner if possible. The physical dexterity with riffs and picks just isn't there anymore and pain is constant.
 
So, in short, I was asked if I might be interested in taking the gig.  Working band, solidly booked part time for almost a year out (they play 2 main clubs within a 50 minute drive and a scattering of other places on occasions), all older gents, gigging family friendly places, playing a variety of country & rock classics.  We talked about all sorts of things for almost an hour. The band is part time, and gigs about 2 nights a month. It's more of a hobby than anything else. The band has been together with the same personnel for many years. It was also a "re-grouping" of an older group that played together as kids and teens. So these guys have long history and hopefully have worked out the drama. 
 
It all sounds good. I have not played in a band (not including a scattering of backyard jam sessions) in almost 24 years.  I know I can handle the playing....sure I'll need to learn a bunch of new songs and dust off the old ones because working on the studio here, I have not played covers in that length of time.
 
I'm not convinced that I even want to get back into a band.... part lazy, part do I want the commitment that would be required, part that would limit what my wife and I could do on weekends.  But.... on the other hand, interacting with accomplished musicians again would be cool. Playing to an audience, again, that's cool too.  We never discussed the money because I certainly would not be playing, should I take the gig, for the financial remuneration.
 
So.... I have agreed to go to a rehearsal/jam with them this coming Monday evening.  Have guitar/amp, will travel. 
 
Thoughts and comments appreciated.....and I'll keep you posted if I decide to become a "working musician" again.

"Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the band chooses the guitarist "  
 
 

what kinds of music are they playing?  modern contemporary Christian?
 
It may be different than the stuff you're used to playing.  just be prepared for that.

If you are really into gigging then this might be rewarding for you.  After you learn the songs and start playing on what seems to be a very constant basis, the driving and time commitment to this group could become an issue for you since you have not been in the circuit for many years.  That is what I found out with a small group I joined playing wineries in my are.  So really think over the long term for this.  Will this make you happy in the months to come.
 
Best wishes.
 
Rimshot

Good for you Herb. There seems to be a history with your mates and this might turn out to be a fun adventure/way to rekindle that fire. The good thing is it's only part time/the commitment is fairly minimum, and if it does get in the way of your personal life/plans, you can always opt out.

I can relate, Herb, sort of. 
 
My Church has been nudging at me to learn all of the worship songs and get involved with the Church Worship Band.  They rotate some of the players on a regular basis.  For instance, they may have a different Bass Player each week and rotate 4 a month.  My biggest issues are some that you have mentioned.  I have not stood up there live and played for at least 25 years.  I can barely keep up with the music I am writing and recording and work I am doing with the virtual band. The big one....they don't practice.  They have been doing this for so long that they know the songs and just get up there and wing it.  The Worship Leader plays electric rhythm, probably the instrument that I am most comfortable with; and they have a steady consistant Electric Lead Player.  They rotate Bass, Acoustic Guitar and Keys weekly.  My Acoustic Guitar doesn't  have a pick up in it.  I have never played Bass live, only Studo work.  Those are probably the 2 opportunies where it would make sense for me to get involved. 
 
I have been wishy washy on committing because I am not really sure if I want to put in all of the time to learn all of the songs.  In the mean time, they have linked me to the Worship Bands music distribution web site and keep asking me to learn the songs.  Maybe it is just stage fright to get back up there and do it again.....I don't know.  Is there some where in the back that I could just hide out and play under the radar until I get comfortable agian? 

good points....
 
The music is top 40 stuff from years gone past..... a partial list from their web site  http://www.tazzband.com/
              Already Gone              Best Of My Love              Boot Scootin' Boogie              Call Me The Breeze
              Don't Let The Green Grass Fool Ya'              Don't Close Your Eyes              Gimme Three Steps
              House Of The Rising Sun              I Love Beach Music              Keep Your Hands To Yourself
              Lady Soul              Long Train Runnin'              Mustang Sally              Neon Moon
              Play That Funky Music              Rainy Day Bells              Shaggin' On The Boulevard
              Some Kind of Wonderful              Takin' Care of Business              Tequila Sunrise
              This Magic Moment              Under the Boardwalk              Walk Softly On This Heart of Mine
              Wipeout              Wonderful Tonight              Words              Young Blood
 
There's a number of things I need to consider before I say yes or no.  One of the main things is how they dress..... I'm not into the "look alike" casual on stage..... bluejeans and a nice shirt I can deal with... blazers and tux... probably a deal killer for me.

Beagle
what kinds of music are they playing?  modern contemporary Christian?
 
It may be different than the stuff you're used to playing.  just be prepared for that.

 Working band, solidly booked part time for almost a year out (they play 2 main clubs within a 50 minute drive and a scattering of other places on occasions), all older gents, gigging family friendly places, playing a variety of country & rock classics.  
 
So I am thinking this is not a worship gig they are talking about.

 
The commitment part is what makes it easy for me to know that I wouldn't.
 
It was the main reason I quit after so many years. The desire to perform and play with other musicians became an addiction so it wasn't easy to quit but I sure haven't regretted it and glad that I realized the truth in why I wanted to stop.
Although the money was good it wasn't my main source of income so really not a deciding factor back in '85.
 
I jammed with others and know that I still couldn't handle the commitment so it saves myself and others an issue to deal with.
Besides all that I'm not geared to perform and just not into getting "my act" together. Less really is more for me.
 
I've been on leave from my day gig for almost 6 months and know that I'll be glad when I'm not committed to that anymore. It's been great not living by the clock and doing what I want, when I want.
 
 

Do you have to commit now?  How about suggesting a trial period where you and the band can decide if you want to make it permanent.  Then, if you've decided not to continue, you can fill-in until they find someone permanent.