it always seemed severe to me, but, unless every band member is well below the legal drinking age, straight edge is the only way around the party-ing issue.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

No Practices? Sounds like you have the time to join another band.

Who says you have to be in one band?

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"Persistence Is The Father Of Invention"
-Crazy Old Man In Training

If you're happy with the band other than this, you have to actually talk to them about their behavior. Do this when they are sober, and do this when there is no other (band) business (rehearsal, gig, etc.) scheduled that day.

Give them one chance--explain to them how their conduct is not tolerable and is detrimental to the band. Be polite, but firm and do not get angry or personal.

If they change their behavior, you have your band back; if not, you have to be prepared to walk out--that day.

My band had to do this with a guitarist. He messed up the last set of three gigs in a row (the last one, he was so drunk he couldn't stand up; he was also playing a different song than the rest of us; I turned his amp almost off and he didn't realize it).
I sat down with him and explained that he would no longer be able to drink before or during a gig; we wanted him to stay with us, but it was ultimately his choice...he got angry, said he had no problem with alcohol (multiple evidence--including recordings and video--to the contrary not withstanding) and promptly quit the group.
To his surprise, we found another guitarist and continued on unabated. I wish he had sobered up (at least on stage) and stayed, but he was ruining our reputation.

Sorry to hear about your situation--hopefully it will work out.

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Good Vibes To Y'all!



Screamin' Armadillos
Texas Roadhouse Music
Guitar/Slide Guitar/Harp/Vocals

Running a band is like raising unruly step children. Pack up and split the blanket. Drunks are gonna be drunks. If they really cared what you think or how you feel, there wouldn't be a problem. I've seen it several times. Generally, the singer has been told how good he (she) is, one time too many, by some power drinker in the audience-----and believed it. Not just singers are affected by this, it can happen to any band member. There are those musicians who are only in it for the party. They are the reason that sometimes I am reluctant to tell anyone that I play in a band.
Starting over is always a drag, but it is usually worthwhile. I've found that owning a good sound system gives one a lot more control over the situation, but also a lot more headaches. Sometimes it's funny how much we will endure just to be able to play once in a while. Ya gotta really love "sho-biddness".

BORED? Maybe he's reached his goals. It's a lot more work to be a musician in a band than a vocalist. Band Leader? Is he the one getting the gigs, arranging music, or Just picking the songs he can do easily. And his ego says he's the front man. (David Lee Roth soon found out Van Halen was still Rocking On without him) Unless this guy owns all the equipment I think it's time to move on with the rest of the band or without them. Good Luck