dictator ruled bands

siraxeman

What do you think about them in regard to one person calling all the shots...often dictating pay and everything else that goes on in band life? 2 famous name bands would be Richie Blackmores Rainbow and Bon Jovi.

Could you stomach being a slave in such a band?

Bridgehouse

I was in one for quite a while. On occasion it felt like an abusive relationship. Particularly looking back on it now...

mellowsun

Saddam and the Skylarks 

monquixote

If you know the score and the guy calling the shots is OK then it's fine.

It's the bands that pretend to be a democracy, but aren't that are the real killers.

usedtobe

Never again..

mellowsun

Mugabe and the Mudflaps

ESBlonde

Lots of them. Ike Turner,  James Brown, etc. As far as local bands go I get more posed off at musicians that do nothing but turn up and play, pocket the cash and moan that the food was not the best.  If someone can and does take the role of sorting everything and still pays for the hour or so on stage then more power to them.  You always have the chance to run your own band.

Jack_

Hitler & The Nazi's.

Bunch of posh art school dropouts.

Sassafras

By all accounts Captain Beefheart was a right hard taskmaster. Treated his musicians who contributed just as much as he did, if not more, like his personal slaves and kept the lion's share of the money by taking all the writing credits.
Seems like he was very hard to get on with.

siraxeman

Joe satriani, steve vai both dictators, van halen etc....lol i jest I'm more thinking of local bands playing the small time scene. Often with their heads in the clouds and ideas way above their station. 

Jack_

Devin Townsend? Dave Mustaine?

They just sack anyone who doesn't agree with them...

richardhomer

Don't most bands have a 'leader'?

Mark Knopfler once described himself as a 'benevolent dictator' when he was in Dire Straits. When Waters decided he was in charge of Pink Floyd others took exception - but ultimately the band changed after he left.

I suppose what I'm saying is that yes - plenty of bands have been run by dictators - but they were probably better for it....

siraxeman

I guess it just irks sone folk being bossed around by someone who they feel is inferior.

Benson

Problem is worse when it's the other extreme. A band full of pedestrians that debate every minor detail yet achieve or decide nothing meaning the band coasts to a halt not coming close to reaching its full potential. The reality is every band needs leadership to succeed, at least some people recognise that and are willing to try. If my reply sounds passionate it's because I'm about to kiss goodbye a band I've nurtured for ten years because all my efforts have got me apart from some utterly cracking gigs was the reputation of being a cunt. 

siraxeman

Leadership is not the same as dictatorship! !

Benson

siraxeman said:

Leadership is not the same as dictatorship! !

No but leadership badly executed, yet with good intentions, is often confused with dictatorship. 

John_P

It's not uncommon for lazier musicians to moan that someone is being bossy when they comment about not learning songs or contributing.     In one of my bands the drummer is the weakest member, doesn't book gigs or contribute to the pa but moans the most about wanting more gigs and any niggles with the sound - he thinks the singer is too bossy.

It's tough balance between leading a band,  having a bit of get up and go and pleasing the majority.      In a couple of bands I probably lead the way but I do dep gigs for a couple of bands and I just turn up and do want I'm told by the "dictator" and charge them accordingly. 

Sassafras

Trouble is, most self-styled leaders turn out to be absolute twats with egos the size of Alaska.
Usually the ones that are focused on world fame and riches.

Voxman

The Eagles

richardhomer

Voxman said:

The Eagles

Which one was the dictator? Surely there was a choice in that band!

octatonic

Smashing Pumpkins.