Author Topic: What gigs are you simply not interested in doing anymore? (Read 904 times)

gleech · « **Reply #30 on:** August 01, 2012, 05:34:39 PM »

In addendum, I played professionally from 1969 until 1979, toured the country supporting 2 albums and left to raise a family and get a 'real' job when the label dropped 200 acts, mine included. Something in me died at that time. Just absolutely love to play and couldn't get it together to do it until now. Work pretty much got in the way. I'd play anywhere where the music is enjoyed and the musicians are respected. I've been playing with my old high school band from 1965 doing the same set we did back then at benefits and class reunions. Once a year is not enough, though. I'll keep looking and someday I'll find the right combination of players.

glocke · « **Reply #31 on:** August 01, 2012, 05:46:58 PM »

Well put, Gary. Don't look threatening at the SPD gig. They tend to shoot first and question later.

Don't bring your dog either!

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #32 on:** August 01, 2012, 06:59:08 PM »

Wish I was back in Columbia Missouri sometimes.

Well, I am in Columbia Missouri, and I can't help but laugh because I feel like we're in the same situation. There are a ton up and coming college students who are convinced that they're about to hit it big and go on tour. They're happy to play for next to nothing, and in a lot of venues people are too drunk or busy chasing the co-eds to care how they sound anyway. We're considering booking shows in Jefferson City and Lake of the Ozarks because they tend to pay better even if you do have to drive farther.

gleech · « **Reply #33 on:** August 01, 2012, 09:35:54 PM »

right on, Kevin. Living in the middle of everywhere it's a drive to get to anywhere. Lots of road time. I'd vote for the Lake, more tourists with disposable income. Too many rednecks and politicians in JC. Ha!

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #34 on:** August 02, 2012, 08:07:51 AM »

Rednecks are an inevitable fact of life around here. Just toss them a Natural Light and keep moving and you'll be fine. I don't mind the drive too much, at least it's all interstate.

hammer · « **Reply #35 on:** August 02, 2012, 08:40:06 AM »

I don't mean to hijack the thread but you must have a bigger vehicle than I did a few years ago when I needed to make numerous trips over a 6-month period ( I think it was just about every other week) from St. Louis to Columbia and Jefferson City for my real job. Because of University of Minnesota policies all I could rent was the cheapest car and I vividly remember getting blown from lane to lane as the big rigs towing two trailers behind them flew buy.

I tried flying from St. Louis to Columbia but on several occasions all I was able to rent for a vehicle once I got there was a pick-up truck. On one trip I ended up taking several big wigs (very proper older women) from the Missouri State Department of Education out to dinner in the pick-up and it was all that was discussed that evening.

A little more on track with the thread, it's now easier for me to articulate where I desire to play as opposed to those venues in which I'm not interested...any place where people come with the intention of really listening to the music.

mtjam · « **Reply #36 on:** August 02, 2012, 09:26:58 AM »

Not very interested these days in low-paying gigs that last from 10-2 A.M.! Those are killers anymore. Definitely prefer gigs that start around 8 or 9. Afternoon is even better!

hydrargyrum · « **Reply #37 on:** August 02, 2012, 09:34:29 AM »

Actually, I drive a 1991 Honda Civic hatchback. The back seats fold down, and I can get all my gear in without any trouble. I've owned it since 1996, and aside from a new radiator, alternator, and the usual maintenance stuff, it has been my faithful chariot all these years. For at least three years I spent two hours a day on I-70, but never had much trouble.

I'm a bit surprised about the car rental stuff. We've got about ten car rental stores or dealerships who rent here in town. The airport is pretty backwoods though.

Back on topic, our next gig is playing outside a music store. No drunks, no smoke, and the people who stop to listen always want to know about our gear and seem to care about the music. Not too bad.

serialnumber12 · « **Reply #38 on:** August 02, 2012, 08:47:42 PM »

smokin ass bassplayer sits in on open mike night and the band wants you (me)to play the entire set sweating & funky then the f***ers dont even buy me a beer or even smoke a joint wit a bro for my troubles.........then ask me what kinda bass was that?

terryc · « **Reply #39 on:** August 03, 2012, 02:00:30 AM »

Smoking is banned in public places in the UK(since 2007) and I welcomed it!. Some of my old leads in my spares box still smell of stale smoke so that is a bonus.
Old guitar cases seem to want to hang onto nicotine no matter how much they are left open in the air

jazzyvee · « **Reply #40 on:** August 03, 2012, 05:03:08 AM »

Cold places, they kind of make your fingers forget what you have spent years teaching them.

jazzyvee

811952 · « **Reply #41 on:** August 03, 2012, 07:11:51 AM »

Keavin, I know exactly what you're talking about! I tend to not revisit those places if they won't at least show some appreciation!

John

peoplechipper · « **Reply #42 on:** August 03, 2012, 10:43:37 PM »

I love playing live and have rarely made money from it; at best it covers the bar bill and more...this is the lot of the beer leagues, unless you're a cover band...I am okay with this as I play heavy music and don't expect to make my living with it...my bandmates have families and such so touring is surely a losing proposition...I've done that in the past; fun but spending money to play for few folks is a bit deflating unless you know you can follow up on the word of mouth...

Tony

jazzyvee · « **Reply #43 on:** August 06, 2012, 10:52:49 AM »

Assuming you are not a full time pro, would you take a day off work unpaid to do a gig where you were not getting paid or would get significantly less than you would get from your day job ?

Jazzyvee

rustyg61 · « **Reply #44 on:** August 06, 2012, 07:11:34 PM »

I take vacation days to play all the time. I don't loose any money, as I get paid vacation, but I loose time off days for myself tht I could be enjoying with my family. I work shift work, so the only way I can play regularlay is to use vacation days, & I'm OK with that. I didn't play at all for 12 years after I started working shift work & honestly thought I would never play again, but now I'm loving playing more than I ever did before (Playing an Alembic now might have something to do with that!) so I want to play as much as I can & don't mind using vacation days to do it.

Rusty