Off Topic Left my band after almost 6 years..

[Resolute]

So Wednesday night, after 6 years of giving everything I was to a band, I left them.

I got to travel to various parts of the country, play in front of thousands of people a few times, and generally had a blast. In the end, differences in opinion, especially with the new drummer we had, and a lack of fun on my part was the deciding factor.

I felt on Wednesday almost like I was leaving a relationship with a girl I loved... Sounds silly I know, but that's how it felt. A few days later, I don't regret it. I feel free of a burden I was carrying, from the stress of a situation where I didn't fit any more.

I will always have places to play; my church, and pretty much with half the Christian musicians in my town would love to have me. (a couple have already asked) However, I'm newly married, have a growing career to care for my new wife, and a desire for ministry in my church.

For now, music will still be a huge part of my life, but will be secondary to those things.

I don't really know why I'm sharing this here, but the band I helped grow and develop was a huge part of my life for so long. It really feels like the end of a chapter in my life.. but one I don't regret. I'm sure some of you can relate to that.

 

[danny-79]

Sorry for your loss but from what you have said it might be a blessing in disguise, if you weren't having fun an enjoying what you were doing then there wasn't a lot of point in carrying it on.
With that said you never no what is around the corner, bigger an better things will happen !
Good luck with your future ventures and all the best !
Dan.

 

[ptg]

I know how you feel! I just left my band after just a couple of years and, like you, it was tough to do. We also played some big gigs locally but when the headaches outweigh the fun, it's time to go.

With all the other positive things going on in your life, it's all good!

And you've still got your Balls!

 

[oli@bass]

I felt on Wednesday almost like I was leaving a relationship with a girl I loved... Sounds silly I know, but that's how it felt. A few days later, I don't regret it. I feel free of a burden I was carrying, from the stress of a situation where I didn't fit any more.

Doesn't sound silly at all to me, and I can relate to that feeling of leaving someone you love. Because it really is what you do. And like with a relationship, despite of all the love, a band can become a burdon.

It sounds like you did the right thing for you. And I am sure you'll find other ways to play and share your love for music.

 

[Lynottfan]

Must be something in the water, I to have recently left my band , we had a fair amount of success so it was hard thing to come to terms with, but the band is going in amore indie/coldplay direction and I hate that stuff.

The loss is like a relationship ending, but the bottom line which I found was, We PLAY music, when playing isn't fun its time to do one and run.

I now have a couple of new projects to fill my time, still got my Ray , so I know what you are going through and say Rock on Brother.

 

[five7]

Leaving is better than being fired. Life is full of changes, enjoy it.

 

[nurnay]

I agree with the others, sounds like a good move. Playing in a band should be fun, once it's not, it's time to move on. I recently left one of my 2 bands. The one I'm still in is so much more fun, while remaining very professional. Everyone's reliable and appreciates what we do. The one I left? Not so much. One guy is never prepared and acts like practice is a burden, and the drummer had progressively gotten flakier due to booze, pills, and pot. Always wasted. Too bad, he's extremely talented. Now I have more time for family and can concentrate my efforts where they're appreciated.

 

[bob atherton]

I went through the same thing about three years ago. You are right, it is like splitting up with a girlfriend/wife. I played in a couple of other bands since but have now got back together with most of the guys from the original band. At the time when I left my band, for me it was musical differencies, I too shared my sadness on a forum or two.

The band is dead, long live the (new) band.

 

[JohnnyBoy]

Similar to my own feelings experiences...but the plus of being a poet is I only need pen and paer, not other members of a "band" as such. I may miss playing - bass- but not the late nights with physical exhaustion, other musicians snide remarks, too many rambling free jams etc. However, you will surely in time find another place to stand or perch in; chances even better than the one you left.

 

[ptg]

I may miss playing - bass- but not the late nights with physical exhaustion, other musicians snide remarks, too many rambling free jams etc.

Rambling free jams? Hey, I like those!

 

[Holdsg]

Leaving is better than being fired. Life is full of changes, enjoy it.

+1, having had both happen to me in the past year, I get that. Sounds cliche, but for every door that closes...

 

[Basspro]

I know the feeling brother,been there just a few months ago. But Hodsg your right, as my girl always tells me one door closes another opens. We all love what we do musically but when it becomes a chore or headache and no longer fun,we must move on.
All the best too you.

 

[patpark]

Opens the door to new opportunities.

 

[AnthonyD]

If it's no longer a fit, ain't nothing to think twice about. Sounds like you did the right thing.