Danny Danziwhen 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.

I agree....and I've said to many over the decades that "there's no drug in the world like being in a live band and  playing original music on stage to a receptive audience"....no substitute for it.
 
But, one has to be aware (remember, for many of us) of the time vampire that being in a working band really is along with the countless aspects of making it work and keeping it actually enjoyable which is the imperative....IMO.
Carry on....
 
 
 
 
 
 

Quazelar

Danny Danziwhen 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.

I agree....and I've said to many over the decades that "there's no drug in the world like being in a live band and  playing original music on stage to a receptive audience"....no substitute for it.
 
But, one has to be aware (remember, for many of us) of the time vampire that being in a working band really is along with the countless aspects of making it work and keeping it actually enjoyable which is the imperative....IMO.
Carry on....

Well said. Even cover bands are cool if you get the right situation. The vampire thing is definitely a no no once you get out of your 30's. I'm in a situation now to where we play 1-2 times per month (3 times on the rare occasion) on Saturday only. The pay is great, I'm with great friends and we love every minute of what we're doing. (Van Halen tribute band)
 
-Danny

Yes... I totally agree. Had the band been professional and tight in their musicianship both individually and as a group, and with a repertoire  of decent songs... hey you can be a cover band and still play good stuff, I might have considered joining up.
 
So for now, I shall continue to write and record and work on my chops and skill set.
 
 
Danny:  A Van Halen tribute band..... now THAT sounds like fun.

Danny DanziWell said. Even cover bands are cool if you get the right situation. The vampire thing is definitely a no no once you get out of your 30's. I'm in a situation now to where we play 1-2 times per month (3 times on the rare occasion) on Saturday only. The pay is great, I'm with great friends and we love every minute of what we're doing. (Van Halen tribute band)-Danny

Ha....I was 33 (1980) when the last band I was in (3 piece light rock - 80% original) finally gave up the ghost because of one member having an affair, divorce, etc. drama.
I started in live bands in 1970 and I just couldn't take it anymore.
Now, since 1980, I just write/record in my own domain when and for how long I want. :)
 
It seems you are in an ideal situation so I hope the synergy and enjoyment continues to prevail.
 
GH...."Had the band been professional and tight in their musicianship both individually and as a group, and with a repertoire  of decent songs... hey you can be a cover band and still play good stuff, I might have considered joining up."
Yep....I'd be hard to please regarding band mates meeting those criteria and I certainly would hold myself accountable to the same expectations.
 
A good weekend to all....

Quazelar
 
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

+1 to all of the above..plus band members refusing to attempt any kind of stage craft, and endlessly fiddling about with amp settings/mics/tuning up between numbers while any kind of enthusiasm from the audience gained during the previous number quickly evaporates...

Quazelar that seems to be the only song on the album I remember, except for something like "Time Is" (for those who wait), whatever that song is. The rest - just don't remember.
(White Bird - It's a Beautiful Day).
There is the album version of the song over at utube also there.
 
But playing live - ?????? really not need by me, each to their own though.
 

spacealf
Quazelar that seems to be the only song on the album I remember, except for something like "Time Is" (for those who wait), whatever that song is. The rest - just don't remember.

Yeah...it's taxing my neurons too.
I do recall Time Is and Girl With No Eyes.
The album is on youtube so I'll probably give a listen today to refresh what's left of my memories.
 
Thanks....back to topic.

jamesg1213plus band members refusing to attempt any kind of stage craft, and endlessly fiddling about with amp settings/mics/tuning up between numbers while any kind of enthusiasm from the audience gained during the previous number quickly evaporates...

Ha....oh yes...used to really pvss me off and I recall all to well weed hopper. :)

Whether you play live or not, that is up to you.
 

Personally I feel being in a band is a combination of all the good things mentioned here but for me the music is also very important.  I don't play that much know but my last band was a tribute show with Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Elvis.  A great show but most of all the band was incredible.  The opposite of what Herb had experienced. Really seasoned players who knew the music backwards but played it so well and so perfectly. They were keen to get it right even after doing it a long time. It was just a joy to hear them.
 
Every time I did a gig the music would make the hairs on my body stand up many times during the show.  It was the music and the way it was played which really made the gig for me.  They were also nice guys too so that is just a bonus.  I think you need both.
 
You don't want the music to be amazing and the guys have terrible personalities either. That is not much fun. So Herb, keep your standards up high.  If you thought they were a bit sloppy then they were I would say. There are bands out there where the music takes a top priority.  Any type of music it does not matter.  You just have to find one that is all.  PS We did a fantastic version of Mustang Sally too. (we used to do a dance bracket after the show)