Would you play in a band if you didn't like their material?

[jazzyvee]

Forget the money side of it because I don't play music for a living and we aren't talking big money anyway.
 
Without mentioning any names, I've recently been asked to join a band of a well known UK artiste whom I have played with many years back. However the backing band used to do their own set as support band for the gigs. The backing band although very capable musicians, (still), aren't well known at all, never done anything commercial or even worked as a separate unit,  and if I'm honest,    I felt the audience didn't really get off on their stuff. I thought they would have been better off doing covers which would have warmed the crowd up much better. ( but what did I know hahah)
 
In addition to that I never really had a good experience playing their stuff at all for far too many reasons to cite here. But at the time I was with the unit I was younger and enjoying the touring and playing main artiste's music so I kind of went along for the ride so to speak.
 
This time round, although I would enjoy playing the main artiste's music again I would not be interested in playing the music of the backing band unless they were doing covers and not their own music.  
 
My thoughts are to say yes to do the project but no if it means playing the backing bands tired old stuff as well. I know I can't dictate what the outfit does, but I can certainly choose to be a part of it or not. Currently the set-list only includes the main artist songs but that may change by the time we hit the road.
 
Rehearsals are planned to start next week with a view to start playing at the end of the month on a few high profile gigs which would be good to do.
 
What would you do?
Jazzyvee

[terryc]

jazzyvee..I played crap in a 70's band earlier this year..I did it for the money..never again but as you say the money option doesn't come into it.
It is nice to do the high profile gigs, the buzz of an appreciative large audience is indeed great but I can see what you mean..playing the same old songs which have been done to death is very tiresome.
Why not try one rehearsal with them and if it doesn't work out then politely say 'thanks but no thanks'..at least they can look for someone else straight away.

[keith_h]

JV,
I think you need to determine what they will be playing. Even if they do not play the old stuff they might have new stuff you won't be happy with. I would think you should be able to find out the show format so you could make a decision before having to commit.  
 
In answer to your question I would probably say No to playing. While I always expect to play some material I do not like your description would be too much music I don't like. If I can't enjoy it why play?
 
Keith

[bsee]

There's a difference between not liking and not loving the material. Even within a band context, you may not love all the tunes, but you play the ones you like less in order to have the opportunity to play the ones you love.  
 
Any chance the backing band has changed over the years since you last played with them? Is there an opportunity to insert your style into the music and maybe make it a little more fun for you, or are their tunes beyond redemption?

[jazzyvee]

Sometimes I agree  you do have to play some stuff you don't like in order to get the good stuff. In fact I've done sessions in the past where some songs I wouldn't really listen to, turn out great to play. But with this stuff...... hmm I have to be careful what I say here because there is more to this than just the music.
 
Ok I've calmed down and deleted shed loads of stuff  hahaha.
 
Do i think the they will have changed in the passing years. No, but I'm prepared to consider the possibility and see what happens at rehearsals and decide after that.
 
 
 
Jazzyvee

[sonicus]

It depends on a few variables such as the rate of compensation and  
convenience issues  such as logistics and location. Having to play anything as it is written is a daily fact for many studio musicians. I know an excellent studio  Guitarist in Los Angeles who has 3 kids who does nothing but play studio and live gigs of all types of material. I like jamming with him because of his awesome intuitive versatility. He can play anything from Bach to Dark Star to James Brown and make it sound right. He makes his living locally in Los Angeles as a Guitar player.

[artswork99]

Jazzyvee,  
I think that is a wise decision to wait and see what rehearsals hold.  You are fortunate in being able to do so.  Time has passed and I hope that you are pleasantly surprised.  
Art

[jazzyvee]

I hear you sonicus, and appreciate your input , however like I said in my original posting, I wanted to leave money out of the equation as I'm sure many of us would play most things if the we were able to make a decent living from it.  
 
Jazzyvee

[sonicus]

Hi Jazzyvee,  
                      Sorry ,  I must have still had sleep in my eyes and did not read your original posting correctly. In that case as per your original inquiry my answer would have to be no. If I do not care for the material and I was seeking just a musical collaboration for fun and enjoyment if I did not like the material I would not be a participant . I must add however that I have a very eclectic interest in many genres of music , a wide spectrum .

[lbpesq]

Of course if I were single and the band attracted lots of groupies ....    hehehehe
 
Bill, tgo

[811952]

Even though I usually convince myself otherwise at the beginning of an engagement, there seldom is nearly enough money to compensate for playing stuff I do not connect with.  A miserable gig is worse than no gig at all.
 
John

[sonicus]

In that case Bill , if I  were still single ,    I might even appear with green stripes on my face ! lol _______

[jazzyvee]

Hahaha you guys....

[john_judge]

Jazzyvee, I think I would just approach the situation with an open mind, but with your open mind!  I would express your concerns of the material that has been played in the past and maybe the audiences response to it. Then I would see if the chaps felt the same way about the material and if they don't and you know that it really sucks then you are in the wrong league of musicians and prepare yourself for a musical slide downward in playing and in spirit.  
Even when it is for just money the same rule applies, if your not into it, then neither is your playing and people see that on your face, so you lower your standards and the public that has seen you perform say once again another year, look at that Bass player he is too good to be in that Band, but he is still is in it this year, then they think you have other issues. Remember if you want to shine as a player you got to stand out in the sunshine, not try to squeeze rays of light through the clouds hanging over you. Talk to the guys about some fresh idea's maybe and make your choice and if you feel the obligation to  do it again this year then do it and start planning now not to do it ever again.
I feel your pain, a while back I stopped doing session work at one of the  studio's because of the crap I was having to clean up, someone else's messy work, the money was good but enough was enough
 
(Message edited by john judge on October 13, 2009)

[afrobeat_fool]

Hi Jazzyvee! I feel your pain, man. I do play for a living, mostly. I play for some friends when I'm in town, and they get on my nerves with the same old tired stuff. But at the end of the night I am happy I brought some professionalism to their gig, and I am happy they are my friends. My biggest problem is spacing out on tunes I don't like. For me it is very hard to concentrate on those tunes. Just my 2 cents, I think J.Judge hit the nail on the head. I got to say I respect you for throwing this out for input. Most guys would just do it for the money(Iknow you don't care)or the exposure. Good luck!