Off Topic Why I love gigging

[adouglas]

Because I can't think of a better way to spend Labor Day weekend than making this happen:

I'm just a hack bass player in a cover band. I'll never get rich, I'll never have a CD out, I'll never become known. Heck, I'll probably never even recoup half the cost of my equipment. But I love doing this. People have a good time because of what I and my bandmates do. That's just flat out cool.

Not one but two gigs this weekend. I'm exhausted and I feel absolutely fantastic. Last night's gig (pictured above) was especially great. We've never sounded better, they asked us to keep on playing and, best of all, the cops shut us down. I love it when that happens.

Plus it was confirmation that the old and moldy music I play still gets 'em jumping… this was a party for 20-somethings and they all LOVED it.

With all the endless talk about the fine points of tone, and colors, the latest must-have offering from the factory and the general friendly banter that goes on around here, it's nice to be reminded that at the end of the day it's about the music and having a great time.

 

[Manfloozy]

Amen brother Bongo!

 

[lorino]

The Music

That girl in the green dress appears to be quite attractive - but that tool she is talking to. The pants? I know old farts always judge what the youngsters do - but I'd like to think I'm kind of hip - I get most of it. That is just a ridiculous trend / fad.

Happy for you AD - I, on the other hand, had the exact opposite experience this weekend. Originals band, had a great three band line-up - some local favorites. And... bumpkis. Rotten crowd.

I gots to get in a cover band.

JIM

 

[lorino]

The Music (part II)

AD - can see that energy in you in the pics.

What was on the set-list that got the youngsters moving?

JIM

 

[Colin]

looks like a cool party was it the whole band?

 

[adouglas]

There were many, many…. many……. VERY attractive girls there that evening.

I mean, we play "Fire" by the Ohio Players, which is beyond suggestive to begin with. Part of my job in that song is to get it even grittier and dirtier with backing vocals. So I'm doing this while a girl who looks just like a young Carol Alt in a scorching-hot dress is dancing seductively five feet in front of me.

Let's just say I spent a lot of time trying desperately to think about baseball.

Have to agree about the pants. Just plain stupid.

 

[jlepre]

Pants on the ground
Pants on the ground
Lookin’ like a fool with you pants on the ground
Gold in your mouth
Hat turned sideways, pants hit the ground
Call yourself a cool cat looking like a fool
Walking down town with yo pants on the ground
get it up!!

 

[nashman]

I'm currently just a basement/CD/MP3 player learning songs. I'm up to about 90. Never played in a band but I'm sure it would be very fun and fulfilling. I would like to give it a go one day.

 

[five7]

You do it right. That looks great. Give yourself more credit!

 

[tkarter]

The gig high ought to last around a week.

tk

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I know what you mean. One of my bands jammed this evening after about a couple months off this summer, and even though we had to brush off a little dust, it was fun. We all get along really well and enjoy each other's company.

Getting a good and lively crowd at a show is really fun too!

 

[Alex001]

World Wide Pants

 

[Aussie Mark]

I had two gigs as well on the weekend, so I know exactly what you're talking about. Getting paid good money to have fun making other people have fun is not something that many other hobbies have going for it.

The I'd rather play any day to 75 people jammed into a small venue than 150 people spread out around a large venue.

 

[kamakazee]

Ultimately, that's why we're here. The end result our gear is the music that we want to play, and the people's reactions we play it for. At the end of the day, I love making people happy with music I play. Good job making the audience get into it!

 

[MadMatt]

Wow! Looks like that gig was a lot of fun. Congrats!

 

[keko]

Yeah, nice party!

I started giggin' when I was 16 with only one purpose, ...to collect some money, so I could buy professional quality bass and rig! But later that become my "second/parallel" profession!

Today I'm happy to have gigs at all, sometimes when crowd is happy I think to myself, ...oh I could do that for less money, just for fun, but than realize that doesn't make sense doing it for free!

I'm a semi-pro musician and my band is specialized for weddings and other private party gigs, but we take all other arrangements too!

Keep on giggin' adouglas, I wish You a many more gigs which makes You happy!

 

[JayDawg]

Very nice! I really wish I could play more than I do now but my schedule simply won't allow it. I'm glad you had a lot of fun at the gig. Keep up the good work!

 

[andynpeters]

Nothing matches the thrill of seeing a room full of people having a great time....when it's all your fault.

 

[OldSchool Noob]

... I'll never get rich, I'll never have a CD out, I'll never become known ... But I love doing this. People have a good time because of what I and my bandmates do. That's just flat out cool ... it's nice to be reminded that at the end of the day it's about the music and having a great time.

Indeed!

I played this past Sunday in Church and while it was a different vibe and a different crowd, I know the exact feeling. Great thread!

 

[drTStingray]

This is a great thread and I'm sure what you've said will strike a chord with a lot of us here - it certainly does with me.

The look on your face says 'OK I just cracked a rude joke - did I get away with it' and from the laughter on that girls face I'd say yes - you've pulled there

PS love the candy red Bongo as well.