Fired!

John Davis · From: Cambridge, U.K.

This is an interesting thread so many diverse opinions!, has anyone else experiancd this Guy phones up,needs a steel player for a gig that evening I say sure I will do it, only about 30 miles down the road
at Luton and I love to work with a different band whenever I can, But this lot!!!!!!!
AGH!!... they were the worst experiance of my life, sure we got paid, British Country music club are pretty good if you turn up and do the gig, but I was so embarassed at being there I gave my share back to the organizer, That was my idea of a freebee, taught me not to jump in with both feet,unless you can see where your landing.Band was called "Sidewinder" no connexion to the mdern incarnation of the same name This was about 25 years ago! and they were lower than whale shit! and thats at the bottom of the ocean!!!!!!!!

John Davis · From: Cambridge, U.K.

I apologise for my expletive, but it still makes me mad to think about it! Don`t normally run off at the mouth like that!

Eric West · From: Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.

Oh Bobbe, I dunno. Sometimes I'm wrong in spades. I think growing up for me meant realising that I didn't really have to be right. I just had to be.

The most trouble I was ever in, I had money in my pocket and I was right...

EJL

[This message was edited by Eric West on 11 July 2004 at 01:38 PM.]

Quesney Gibbs · From: Anniston, AL

The job I was expected to do for free was for some friends of the band leader and his wife (the bit#h) who wanted to renew their wedding vows.

No offer of pay for the band but they did say there would be free sandwiches all around.

I was expected to cancel my plans, drive 30 miles to get my rig, drive 30 miles back, do the freebee, eat a nice bologna sandwich and then drive 30 miles back to the place where we were playing and set up again. And then drive 30 miles back home.

I have not spent years playing, investing thousands of dollars in my equipment to play at the whim of idiots who know nothing about music.

I do know that the band was fired the next weekend. Yeaaaaaaaahahhhhh

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

I remember playing a benefit for a local dude, he was a welder by trade, and a MONSTER of a mandolin/guitar picker. We played, and when the hat got passed, everybody in the band kicked in a few bucks. We only drove about a hundred miles to get there(and a hundred home), but it was worth it when the guy came over with tears in his eyes, shook our hands, and said, "bless you, brother."
That was on a Sunday, he died later that week.
One of the best gigs I'll ever play.
And I give to the United Way, and designate where my donation goes(it's the Faith Home, a local Spirit-based recovery center for alcoholics and drug addicts---there but for the Grace of God...), and get a thank-you card from them, which notes the amount.
The flip side was playing a local congressman's annual barbeque for free, featuring our bluegrass band, and a high school marching band. The banjo player's grandad lined it up for us(thanks, Gramps), saying we'd get LOTS of exposure, LOTS of gigs, LOTS of food, LOTS of liquor----
The P.A. was one SM55, and(I kid you not) a guy with a bullhorn, holding it in front of our instruments when we took a ride!
We need to give something back. Just need to make sure who we're giving it to.

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

Jim Thompson · From: Washington, Pa. USA

Ques, you did the right thing. That was not the kind of gig we do for nothing. If the band leader wanted to do his friend a favor then he should book the band, and discount the price to his friend, minus his pay for the job. Don't take away from the rest of the guys in the band. That band leader is very inconsiderate of his people. Sadly enough there are quite a few of those out there too. I've played music for over 30 years and through the years have done a lot of freebes. Some that I should'nt have done but I learned from those mistakes. Now the only freebes that I do are for some individual that's in need of help. Severe health problems or some family disaster or something like that. And then only if I know the ones that are putting the event together. I've seen some where the ones putting on the event made more from it than they gave to the person it was supposed to be for. I won't do anymore for a club or bar just wanting to raise money for their establishment. That's what they are in business for in the first place. Around here the best ones for that are the "Legions" and "Eagles", and "Moose" clubs. They say that if you do their benifit or whatever then they will book your band on the regular band nights. As soon as they elect new officers the new entertainment chairman only calls his freinds and gives the work to them. Another good one for misusing bands is radio stations. They say it's good exposure. Just remember one thing- "People die from exposure". Don't let them catch you in that trap. When you raise your standards you also raise your level of respect that you get from those who would other wise take advantage of you.

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Zum U-12 8&6
John Hughey's biggest fan

Jim Florence · From: wilburton, Ok. US * R.I.P.

I can't remember when I've enjoyed a thread this much. As any of you who are as old as I am, will see a bunch of nostalgia here. I have been there and done that on every one of these cases. And don't you remember when almost every lead singer was a drunk, and would show up [If he had a guitar at all] he would need an "E" string,would need someone to tune it for him, and would need to plug into your amplifier, and couldn't finish out the gig.
And they were frequently wanting you to play for free, because this guy can get us good jobs.[He was secretly being paid]
Or how about this one, "When we get the crowd built up, I'll give you lots more money" If you remember that time never came.
But I've had a lot of fun in these 72 years.
Jim

Jim Florence · From: wilburton, Ok. US * R.I.P.

Sorry, I got carried away and strayed off the subject.
Them folks just didn't get along

Kurt Graber · From: Wichita, KS, USA

You did the right thing. I get along with just about every band I have been with but I always have a vote. Never lose your vote or respect. I have been fired one time in 25 years of playing because I wouldn't give up part of my pay for a sound system investment. I know many of you have been there...etcc but you never ever get anything for your money investment when the band splits up. Most bands do not put you in a situation unless it's a group vote. Depending on the situation, I'll play for free if I believe in the cause. Bottom line is this. You stuck to your guns and said no. Unfortunately you got fired for it. Nevertheless; I respect you for your decision and they are going to think twice about the situation in the future. If it's one thing I have learned in 25 years it's this. It's more important to play in a band where everyone gets along and thinks on the same level than to put up with drunks, egos and jerks who will walk all over you. You will enjoy yourself a lot more too.

John Floyd · From: R.I.P.

Eric West · From: Portland, Oregon, USA, R.I.P.

Oregon has always been a NIGHTMARE of Fund Raising Scams.

At one time, NONE of the money raised had to actually go to the Target Charity.

My wife went to work for one once in the 80s. A Week Later the ORAG raided the place, and found that none of the money ever got to the Target. They missed however that ALL cash contributions went directly into the oil paintings that were hanging on the wall, and were totally missed... He ended up skating on to continue his quasi legal parasitism.

This guy was a "Professional Magician". He also enlisted one of our local long time PITA Guitar players to handle his "Firemans Fund" benefits. I knew there was something I didn't like about the guy..

I've been approached to "sell things" for such "Benefit Funds", and be able to keep half the money for myself. It's just the tip of the iceberg, and I won't say any more about it except that I know people personally from the least to the greatest in this state that I've lived in for 45 years, and our State Motto is "Oregon; One Big Surprise After Another".

As far as I know, there is still an inordinate amount of pelf that these grafters are allowed to keep for themselves. As it comes to my attention, I find ways to stop it. It's one of my hobbies.

John Steele · From: Renfrew, Ontario, Canada

John,
I think your volunteering for the Shriner's Hospital is very commendable. I do it myself. My apologies if my frank statements offended you.

That's a great example of having to look closely at a charity. Would I consider the Shriner's Hospital a "good cause" ? Sure.
Similarly, would I consider contributing time to the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario? No.
Here, it is the responsibility of the Provincial Government to fund this hospital. They look on with glee at every dollar that's contributed by private donors, and subtract it from the health care budget. They need the bucks; after all, pork-barrelling and corruption are expensive hobbies.
Sure there are worthwhile charities... but someone would have to be a litle more specific than simply stating "it's a good cause" before I'd bite. Anyway, this is getting more like off-topic board fare.

Back to Quesney's original post - Another twist on the concept of one person asking a band to volunteer: This afternoon I played a benefit (can you believe that ?) for a guy who's on his deathbed. The women made sandwiches, we all danced up a storm and sent the guy home with $1700 in a pickle jar. No strings attached.
I was one of a five-piece house band.
It was the bass player, a dear old friend, that asked me. I wouldn't say no to him. I didn't even know the guest of honour. Although I would never consider that I'd racked up a brownie point with my friend, I know that he feels that he now owes me one.
In fact, he had four other musicians come, so I know he feels that he owes one to four different people. Interesting, huh ?

-John
p.s. By the way, John, I think that's very honourable that the doctors at the Shriner's hospital volunteer their time gratis too

Herb Steiner · From: Spicewood TX 78669

I used to do a lot of benefits, rarely now, except for Masonic things or benefits I know will be given to my friends in need.

It was when I realized that the bartenders are getting paid, the waitresses are getting paid, the bar owner is keeping the bar receipts, and the only people NOT getting paid are the musicians who ARE THE REASON PEOPLE ARE THERE IN THE FIRST FREAKIN' PLACE, that things changed. I decided if I wanted to help someone, I'll write a check, bid on a silent auction item, or donate my services willingly, but the choice will be mine.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages
Texas Steel Guitar Association

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Me too, Herb. Jody.

Pookie Anselmi · From: Galliano, Louisiana, USA

Years ago when I played in bands we did a couple of freebies a year. The whole band voted whether to play or not.

Part of Ques' problem was the leader's wife.It seems anytime a spouse sticks their nose in the band, there's trouble.

Pookie A.

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Q.. AMEN!.. That playing for free crap has got to stop. DON"T tell me I have to take a day of my valuable time,PAY FOR MY OWN GAS,utilize the talent I have spent most of my lifetime developing and nurturing,drag my EXPENSIVE equipment around,and then have the CRUST to tell me,its not worth paying me. BULLCRAP...You did well IMHO.. I will NEVER play in a band with a "leader". Its a democracy or I look elsewhere. When one guy makes all the decisions,be they right or wrong and everyone else has to OBEY... well,its just not an idea I would even consider being a part of. Look elsewhere...... bob

[This message was edited by Bob Carlucci on 12 July 2004 at 07:50 AM.]

Larry Robbins · From: Fort Edward, New York

Me three Herb!

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Sho-Bud ProII,Nash 400,
TC Electronics M300.
"Kindly keep it Country"

Gene H. Brown · From: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

Man, isn't this one glorius business!!!!!!!!
Gene

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If You Keep Pickin That Thing, It'll Never Heal!
;)

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Don't ever, EVER, get involved with any husband and wife team. The husband is usually a slave to the wife just to get laid,
and the wife is usually using the band as an outlet for a personal power trip.

Billy Woo · From: Los Angeles, CA, USA

"Some Bands" have a gratuity clause to play a gig for free (once a year) for the "Members of the Band" for instance the keyboard player's daughter's wedding or the Lead Singer's son's Bar Mitzvah..of course this is an agreed arrangement as long as there are no conflict of schedule or interest but in Quesney's case..Hmmm that's a toughie, if the other band guys are cool and the gigs pay good money, it probably wouldnt hurt but compensation of some sort should have been made in the interest of "Group Harmony"..

Bronco Billy
Zumsteel U-12

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

I don't mind bands with "musical directors".
The person who writes all the charts etc.
A bit of leadreship is not a bad thing per se.

I don't mind playing to support a serious frontman who plays his tail off. As long as he doesn't forget to inclued the players supporting him or her.

But a band with "A Boss" is a bummer. ESPECIALLY if "The Boss" is the weak sister musically.

But it is funny if the leader is a musically supurb musician, then usually he is a pretty good leader too.
( the excpetion is often singer / bandleaders : egomaniacs on the hoof)

John Floyd · From: R.I.P.

quote:
Don't ever, EVER, get involved with any husband and wife team. The husband is usually a slave to the wife just to get laid,
and the wife is usually using the band as an outlet for a personal power trip.

Kevin we must have crossed paths somewhere, probably when was of us was quitting and the other hiring on. We have had to worked for the same Husband and wife Artists? .

[This message was edited by John Floyd on 13 July 2004 at 10:49 AM.]

Ray Minich · From: Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra

"Husband and Wife Team"... That's an oxymoron in my house, we compete for resources.

Jimmie Misenheimer · From: Bloomington, Indiana - U. S. A.

RIGHT ON BROTHER JOHN FLOYD!! As a Shriner, I have done MUCH free work. Some of it was music. Always happy to do so. As I look through "'Heimers" book of rules though, page #3 says "I work for NO-ONES DAMNED WIFE!!"
Jimmie 'Heimer

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