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I have done _some_ gigs. I was in the pit band for a theatre production (10 or so performances), and have done the odd jam, and similar things. But largely, these days, I just play at home.
I would like to get back into playing in public regularly but I'd need to find a band or a thing that was able to fit with childcare, and job (both of which are very demanding on my time), and which played the kind of music I like. I have zero interest in playing in a cover band, or playing blues. So, it's tricky.
I've been gigging as a hobby since 1986, pub rock, country (and western), 80's pop and more recently 50's & 60's Rock & Roll classics mate, not arf. Probably averaging 2/3 gigs a month, all covers, all been fun.
Never even thought about trying to make it big because there are many who are way better and prettier than me out there struggling to pay the rent.
Recently ended a 6 month enforced drought (drummer needed heart surgery after having a heart attack mid gig, hoping to get back to that band soon) by depping with an old mate who I was in a band with 25 years ago.
He's still schlepping some of the same old rock covers he was back then, but I hadn't played most of the set before and the 6 or 7 I had were with him all that time ago. I got a call at 6.30pm and by 9 I had youtubed the main bits and was setting up 45 miles away.
Had a great gig, realized I missed it more than I thought. Got offered the gig permanently, said yes and now we are 5 gigs in.
I figure the band is effectively a very expensive juke box that doesn't have all the songs you want, but keep the majority of the set to songs people are likely to know and enjoy and you are half way there.
The other thing that keeps me sane is the I figure the money we get paid is for all the crap like practicing, loading in and out and getting home at 1.30am only to have to start unloading all your gear. The gig itself, I'd do for fun. I just enjoy making a noise with a bunch of mates.
Plus (disregarding the gear) it's generally cheaper than golf.
So yeah, not gigging much these days as those two criteria seem to be mutually exclusive for the most part (with the exception of some blues festivals I play every year).
Ironically, my chops have never been better, I guess because I satisfy myself musically with learning and practice more than I used to.
More importantly to Misty,i wish you a full & speedy recovery,our bass players battling through prostate cancer,but luckily(for him)he's well enough to continue with our gigs & after recent tests I may be joining him,but we have to try & keep on the alternative is unthinkable.
I think it might be difference if we were actually a well known band and people specifically wanted to see us and knew our songs etc.
Had varying degrees of success on the pub/club circuit throughout the UK
Sold a few CD's, T Shirts etc but never made any money worth talking about.
Had Great Gigs. Had Shit Gigs. Had great fights and arguments and had great laughs.
Took ill suddenly 2 years ago and spent some time in Hospital and have not gigged since.
Set up a Home Studio in a spare room at home and having fun creating havoc in there for the time being. I might play the odd gig in the future, but doubt i will have the energy or inclination to give it 100% again....
But I know far fewer tunes -- and I'm very envious of friends who are encyclopaedias of music -- so I'm probably less "gig ready" in many ways, despite having better technique, and more musical knowledge.
I also have much worse stage fright than I did 20 years ago, even though I talk, in public, to large audiences, all the time for work, and find that completely fine and have no nerves. But the minute I have a guitar in my hands ...
Not for me, thanks.
I will miss the whole live environment, hanging out with bands (usually we know other bands on the bill very well) and journeys to and from the venue.
Also the buzz of performing, that's not going to go away so I could just form/join another band. But it takes time and effort to get it off the ground unless I was to join an already established band who had some momentum going (songs written/gigs booked etc)
Others have talked about finding gigs. It’s getting harder. Fewer venues, less money because venues can’t afford it. Punters who want karaoke backing, or expect us to be a juke box.
We don't do functions - pubs only
Pubs that don't have a good set up or crowd we don't play again
Try to keep to 2 gigs per month with a break of at least 3 weeks a few times per year - stops us burning out and getting bored.
Already fully booked for next year in our regular venues and we average 25-27 gigs per year. Our drummer is 67 and shows no sign of slowing down - hope that's me