Oh, I see. Probably just get up and play, you should know the songs type of band.
But even a high-school band, has a beginning, a structure, and an end. Ah, but then I suppose - they are all much older now, and they were younger all back then - whatever that song is with "we" in it, instead of "they".

Nope! Can't think of that song, but I know some people play it.
However it goes!
 

Probably a good move taking a pass Herb. Every band I've gotten an invitation from over the last 8 years or so has been pretty much what you described except for one. The last call I got was from a very established country/rock band, and they just worked too much for me. Nice gig though. All pros, with great gear. Quality PA and lights. Roadies too. The pitch was, just show up with your guitar and everything will be set and ready to go. Good money also. I just couldn't see myself gigging 8 to 12 times per month. Those days are gone for me.
 
The others were nothing more than jam bands. No groove or magic.
 
My wife asked me a few years ago if I would ever play out again, and I told her it would have to be an almost perfect situation similar to the last band I had. All pros. Play 2 to 4 times per month of nothing but quality gigs. And the music would have to stuff I absolutely love to play. Every song, with no fillers. Pretty tall order.
 
Randy

rsp@odyssey.net
Probably a good move taking a pass .........
 
nothing more than jam bands. No groove or magic.
 
.... it would have to be an almost perfect situation similar to the last band I had. All pros. Play 2 to 4 times per month of nothing but quality gigs. And the music would have to stuff I absolutely love to play. Every song, with no fillers. Pretty tall order.
 
Randy

 
My thoughts exactly. I would play in a New York minute with a band of real pro's who take the time to make sure  the music is right.... play a few gigs a month and play good music all night that keeps the interest of the players and the audience. Sadly, most local bands fall far short of those expectations.
 
My last band was a house band gig for 2 and a half years.....good band. Nice and tight musically, but we played every-single-weekend and after the first year there....I think we took off just a few weekends.....we asked for more time off the following year, but that's still a lot of playing.....and don't forget Wednesday mights were rehearsal nights to learn new tunes.... a huge time commitment. But I was so much younger then....
 
I joked with my wife the other night that the folks on the Cakewalk forums had ruined me because now, in the recording world..... details matter and are not easily passed by with a flimsy excuse....

I'm glad to see others here feel similar with regards to this topic.   At my age, I don't need to play gigs and I don't want to play music that bores me.
 
 
EDIT: ( 9-4-14) I made the phone call yesterday informing my friend that I was passing on the opportunity to join the group.

GuitarhackerAm I being too picky? Too strict? Expecting too much?

Ha...the will I or won't I commit to a band endeavor conundrum. :)
I feel for ya Guitarhacker.
 
After reading and agreeing with the comments/pro/cons of this opportunity....IMO...I'd say NO on the above.
Personally, I would never commit to any band endeavor again.
The inevitability of drama, one or more not pulling their weight, having to play sappy overdone covers, someone always showing up late, not caring about the musicianship of songs or performance, dealing with fragile egos of those that don't have their chops up to snuff, members not practicing at home between rehearsals, keeping the gigs lined up where the band can actually do better than break even....I don't need to elaborate further.
 
A band is a 3-5 part marriage and I don't baby sit adults or desire to have band talks anymore.
Even if I were remotely considering that dreaded band commitment it would have to be a mainly original band with a few select covers that I must like and enjoy playing. (We all know the odds of that being the case. :) )
 
Of course, I still like writing, recording and jamming with others.
Note...my take on it is coming from a jaded 67 year old who has been there and done that just like many here.
I would never discourage the desire of the younger at heart to give it a try.....it will be a great experience in many ways.
Plus, we all play for different reasons.
 
(BTW...so we know who we're talking to I'm chulaivet1966 on the BIAB forum.  Wish I could change my very dated login name here)
 
Carry on....

Herb, if I were you I would appreciate being asked, and it must have felt good to know you still have what it takes. Sometimes it takes a look back to appreciate where you are.
 
The right umph behind songs on the web and you actually get more listeners that way...and you made them at your lesure.

craigb

That's when you respond "you can have all the Freebird you want in the men's bathroom!" :-P

Is that like the Big Bird, or just a White Bird?
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRKtPCr8v_4
 
It's a Beautiful Day.
 
 

Hey look!  Someone gave Mike Tyson the bird!

spacealfhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRKtPCr8v_4  It's a Beautiful Day.  

Wow...great cut/album.
I can't tell you how much that kindles so many memories from my post USMC dark days.
This live cut is more uptempo than the album version but still quite enjoyable.
 
I may have to purchase the DVD....it's your fault. :)
 
Thanks for posting that one.
Back to topic....

In my opinion Herb, if you are a true entertainer, when you stop playing with a band (especially if the last band you were in was a good one that just took it's course and had to end...and ended on a good note) a part of you dies. At least that's how it's always been for me. I've never settled for less so all the projects I've been in have been good ones thankfully. In that situation, when you are away from the band thing, you just feel like something is missing in your life. You don't know what "that something" is until you play in another good band.
 
That said, it all has to be worth it. Money wise, travel, extent of commitment, and everything else that goes with you and your time. The other side of the coin is.....though it's awesome to spend time with wife/family, it's also nice to do a little playing. If it's not every single weekend and it gives you the ability to still have a life, make some money, have some fun doing stuff you like and wifey is cool with it, go with it. Best of luck!
 
-Danny