Last gig could've and should've been better. I have mixed emotions. Let me start by saying the band has great potential, members are talented. The crowd loves us and we have 6 gigs booked, plus two venues that we can have monthly gigs. Now the problem I have is, I don't think the band can tighten up. Our bass player, very talented (bass, guitar, keys, etc.,.) loves to roam off stage and hits wrong notes playin' around, doesn't keep bass line and actually makes women and men uncomfortable while playing in their face. I know he could be a great bass player, but may really be wanting to be the front guy and lead guitar player. It effects other bandmates and myself as we lose focus on music and having fun. We spoke to him, but he continues to pull stunts. Two of us want him replaced, and two of us want to give him another chance. He's critical on my lead guitar playin', which is fine, I'm always looking to improve and accept constructive critism, not keen on it, when on stage though. Tough to get into and out of leads with no bass line or while bass is soloing and stepping on my leads. I'm not great, but get compliments at jams and invited out to sit-in with more seasoned bands, so I guess I do O.K. I like bandmates and think we can be a great band. The worst part is inviting friends that see me play with others and always show to following gigs when I play, but all have given me bad feed back on the bass player in new band, and don't show up to our other gigs. Not sure what to do?

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2012 American Vintage Telecaster 1958
09 Fender american deluxe strat.
97 Gibson les paul special P90's double-cut
65 Princeton reverb re-issue
2010 Guild Gad-F40e

tell him to shape up or ship out , tell him and if he continues to do his thing then it's the bullet for him , or maybe try and give him a song or 2 to showboat see if that makes him behave on other songs the band i was in was a trio and we could bounce off of each other , maybe this is what your bass player is looking for ? anyway , best to get it sorted out pronto though mate , cheers
Alan

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No matter how good he is a guy like that can drag a band down pretty quick,if he were in my band I'd have him out.I'd rather have an average or even mediocre bass player who is concientious and dependable than a great one who wants to be cock-of-the-walk and turns patrons off.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

If you cant play the songs right from begining to end you shouldnt be in the band, end of story.

Technical excellence on bass is all well and good for your bedroom and posing infront of the mirror. What a band needs is a bassist thats like another percusion player. Nice and simple, bang on time, not some Geddy Lee on pcp clone.

Occasionaly you'll meet a bassist that can play superb melodies whilst accenting beats and perfectly conveying the whole rhythm and melody of the song at the same time. Those are the ones you want, you'll know when you find one, you'll be sending the rhythm guitarist his dear John letter.
We had one turn my band down. I was close on tears for a week, luckily he's a perfect gent and still stays intouch, comes to gigs, and even offers advice.
Bass is one instrument where theres no grey area between the pro's and the jokers.

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No no and no

Thanks, band is gonna give him another shot. I personally don't think he has it in him, to change ways. Nice guy, but I think we need a team player.

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2012 American Vintage Telecaster 1958
09 Fender american deluxe strat.
97 Gibson les paul special P90's double-cut
65 Princeton reverb re-issue
2010 Guild Gad-F40e

I would skip the "do better" talk and dump him. Find a replacement first.

I have played with some excellent bass players. One of them was easily the best musician in the band. They showed their talent with taste and timing...even some major thunder and speed...but always (always) in support of the song; never stepping on a solo or showboating off stage.

In my experiences, and I've had many, it's always easier when you have one who handles the business end and one who handles the music...kind of like a leader...but listens to all opinions and makes the final decisions. This person usually is the unanimous choice of the bandmates and is respected as the most wisest in terms of what sounds best.

It seems that without some kind of organization, because no matter what you believe, it *is* still a business, that a lot of arguments and hurt feelings can take place and hold the band back from achieving it's goals (both short and long term).

I've been in many bands and the ones that had a musical leader that called the shots were the ones that eventually sounded better and got better gigs. Just my two cents! Good luck!!!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

If possible videotape your next performance, then make him watch himself and ask him if he saw a band where that crap kept happening, what would he think...Would he be interested in paying them? Or even seeing them?

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RAMA LAMA FA FA FA

Maybe he didnt get enough hugs when he was a child.....
I agree with the aforementioned posts, and think he is trying to become the center of attention.....Tell him to quit acting like someone from Dirty Dancing and play the bass on the stage where everyone can see him, this way he will get the "maximum exposure" that he is looking for.
If your band becomes known as the "Band that has that bass player that is so in your face" It could very well be the end of the band altogether. Then you won't have to worry about getting rid of him.
Sorry to be so blunt, but just my opinion
J

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I can't find the Crossroads, my GPS must be broke....


2001 Fender Highway One, 2004 Fender SE Ash, 2011 Fender 200 SCE '99 Washburn WR120Pro, Amps: Fender Stage 160, Vox Valvetronix 30, Peavey 212 400 watt, Ibanez 50 watt Toneblaster

I'd find a new bass player.

It's like any work environment. Having a superstar is great, but only provided that they don't totally disrupt the work flow and kill the morale of everyone else on the team. This is an old Management 101 problem: what do you do when you've got someone who outproduces everyone else but no one can stand them?

Unless that person is out producting everyone combined, not just each looked at as an individual, you have to fire them. They might be great in a different environment where they're out front and have a backing band behind them. But your goal is to be a band as group so that pretty much dictates the choice.

Chemistry is and always has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome with bands. Good Luck with that.

seems to me if i could pick four qualities that define a bad musician, those would be the four. as a bass player, i gotta say those are pretty much inexcusable. what's a bass player who drops the bass line? a waste of stage space. and any musician in a band who makes the crowd uncomfortable is counterproductive and even financially irresponsible...

If it were me I would get rid. From your complaints it would seem he is only holding you guys back from having fun and getting your art out there.

CC