Its been nearly a year since I left my last originals band. Since 2005 I've been playing in rock bands live til then and I've achieved a lot in terms of releasing stuff on iTunes, touring the UK and even being on TV/radio/magazines. I love performing and rocking out.
Since then I've been more focused on my guitar tuition and its bringing in decent money although a lot of evenings are dedicated towards lessons. I keep Friday/Saturday free for the gigs.
I'm also involved with a local band who I've been friends with for ages as a guitar tech/backline guy, and occasionally I do the odd dep show. I enjoy the live environment and meeting other bands, etc etc. This is a slightly weird role as its more of a backseat member, I literally show up and play if required or if not, just help set up the rigs and make sure they're sounding ok without all the responsibilities and duties of being a full-time member. Its rather strange but I am enjoying it as its a different role, and I get on with all the guys really well. We all do social stuff together, which is something I haven't done in previous bands. I also sit in at songwriting sessions and offer my opinions, which is really cool.
I haven't played a gig on guitar for a year now (the main gigs I get are as a bass dep which I don't mind but always hanker to play guitar on stage again). With all the drama and politics that can sometimes go on in bands that I hate (was the reason why I left my recent band), I'm rather put off by joining another band again or even starting a new one from scratch. If I form a new one (which I've done with the last 3 originals bands I was in) it takes time to build up the setlist, get tight and build a fanbase. I'm on the wrong side of 30 now and life priorities have changed slightly. Earning money is no.1 priority, which unfortunately originals bands don't do much unless you're Oasis or the Arctic Monkeys. If I was 21 it wouldn't be so much of an issue so many bands I know are caning the touring and late nights on 3 hours sleep, rocking up in new cities everyday and rinsing the show at night.
Sorry for the long post but has anyone else reached that stage where they just know their days of performing live are over? Maybe I'm just lacking inspiration or something as I'm kinda going through a weird phase in my life. Are you still involved in music even though you don't play in a band? Its all I ever wanted to do and luckily I've done it (and still kinda doing it in some respects).
Comments
But I've spent so much money on gear, rehearsal/recording fees, PR and distribution, and all the other costs that you associate with being a half-serious band, only for it to not get anywhere fast. So I ask myself at the end of the day if its all really worth it.
It's true that I've recently started downsizing my equipment quite a lot - partly driven by getting old and not wanting to carry heavy things more than I have to, and partly because I realised I just don't need much - but I can't see myself stopping completely, although there have been a few points when I've wondered if I could really bothered with it all. (Usually after losing yet another singer...)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I think I probably enjoy music much more now, as it's a hobby rather than a commitment and it doesn't interfere with my day job, I occasionally think about performing live again, but I don't really miss it and I don't think I'd make the time sacrifices needed to get something off the ground. I'm perfectly happy with the amount of music I play.
I had a similar thing with photography where I was doing it as my main job and just stopped enjoying it so moved away from digital and returned to film photography which made me enjoy photography again.
@Lestratcaster it sounds to me as if you have already made a decision, and FWIW I'd say it's the right thing once you start to ask yourself "is it worth it?" then it probably isn't. - concentrate on your teaching and "consultancy" work, in ten years time you can easily return to the stage if you still have the enthusiasm.
My experiences of being in a band suggest you need a high tolerance threshold and endless patience, I have neither.
I'm not locked in here with you, you are locked in here with me.
From 28 to 36 I played in cover bands initially enjoyed it but eventually it got to be a grind and I jacked it in a bit over a year ago.
I'm glad I did it but I don't miss it now and can't imagine going back to it.
I didn't even start in originals bands until I was 32/33 (can't quite remember...senility). Wait until you hit 40...then you'll really regret being so silly about being in your 30s
my whole playing and writing changed in my late 20's I play "less flash" than I did before, I think I write better than before and I like what I write better then before. it's allowed me a way of playing solo, with a trio or with a band - for which I have different musicians. I don't get the opportunity, to play it as much as previous bands due to as you say a lesser desire for originals bands in general, and certainly over a certain age, that said, I've rarely been as inspired to take opportunities for either solo, the trio or band when they are there and because this isn't my only source of income I can be a lot more flexible in terms of location and money for a gig.
I'd say you'll maybe have a better experience as you've got older as you're more mature, the people you play with are more mature and you're not living the dream, you're making the most of opportunity
Lately, I've started to missing gigging, but we're in the middle of moving house to a new area so things have been on hold. I'll start looking for a gigging band to join once we're in our new home.
As has been said earlier, these things go through cycles.
Sometimes after a few years in a band and it splits I lose the faith and take a break. Sooner or later a phone call for my services or attending a gig lights the fire again and off we go.
I've reached the stage where It must be done to a high standard or not at all. Luckily I know plenty of capable players Over 60 that can do that at the drop of a hat as well as some youngsters like me ;-)
Live gigging is usually fun (but crappy venues without access are not) so I'll do this a while longer.
I know how to play a lot of songs so maybe its a possibility.
I enjoy the money from covers gigs, it's pretty much what pays the bills but in the summer I do originals with a couple of bands at festivals and I enjoy that as well. Some of the guys I work with have turned 60 but they still love it ..... not just the playing but the getting pissed together, eating burgers at 2am on the way home, attacking wedding buffets before the guest, the piss taking and whole way of life that comes with being in a band. On the whole men never grow up, certainly muso's don't tend to but that's what keeps you feeling young even when you don't look it
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
That was sometime last year and what I tried to do in the middle of that time was half-arsed and it showed. Since December I haven't played at all until the last week or so when rather suddenly it all came back.
Without wanting to labour the point, Natasha is leaving next week (Amicabally as life-long best friends,...that's kind of why it's happening) and I'm single again after a very long time.
Now I need something to focus on and Now I have the time, all the equipment and all the resources so Now there's a point.
It's for me and it's one of the few things I can call my own and bolster what's left of my Identity outside of being the couple we've been for.......a long time.
I guess my point is that it became important to me again and now it is, I'm more grateful for it all than I think I've ever been. I Really need it now.
There's a lot to do now!
Hope that's maybe of some help.
If is is not lucrative and/or fun, why do it?