Which band to join?

[chrose1201]

I think the style (genre) has more to do with the viability of a tribute band, than does the fact that they are "faithfully" reproducing the original artist. Some styles of music tired more than others. And, some music has large, loyal followings of people who fuel tribute bands.

For example - a couple of tribute bands that are wildly successful: Get the Led Out and Australian Pink Floyd, both have a product that many people want to see, over and over and over. They sell out large halls regularly, and tour eternally. People in large numbers want to hear/see them both. It's like watching the albums being created. Personally, at least with these two bands - I enjoy it.

But, maybe it's because I've seen one too many shit live Zep shows, so.... LOL. You can have that shit. Gimmie the record and we'll get on with it.

Close to home, as mentioned previously, my wife's tribute band fills halls, casinos, theaters - every show, all the time, everywhere that they play. People LOVE Neil Diamond. Why? Beat's the fuck out of me, but they do. Lot's of them. They want to hear it - note for fucking note.

Maybe incorrectly, but I imagine a jam band as more than just "jamming". Like Vic says, there is a lot of things that can happen, much like in mainstream jazz live performances. Sadly, that often does not happen, however. But, if things line up correctly, I might find it more fun than playing Money or STH every fucking night - even to wild-eye, die hard fans.

I can tell you this. I feel like I have a limited vocabulary. I can play my limited vocabulary over a wide variety of styles and more or less fit in. But one fear is that this particular band, as talented as they are, I would be playing the same thing over and over without a break in musical styles. The tribute band is a "Southern Rock Tribute" band. With the concept of doing more B sides covers or less often played songs by the popular southern rock bands with a handful of the popular songs included to keep the wild throngs happy

 

[chrose1201]

Man I've been looking for band "C" for a long time.
At this point in my life, not gonna put up with Head trips.
Have played in the past with some of the best semi pro players I could've ever hoped to be involved with.
If I can't find something close to that. I'll just do my solo gig.
Hell I can sing, I can play. Only down side is
I won't have to split the money.
I won't have to listen to, "I don't like that song"
I wont have to haul any more than my stuff.
I will still have to pay for and set up PA so that's not gonna change.
But I remain hopeful.

If I could sing and play too we probably wouldn't be having this conversation because at that point it would be MY band and everyone else "hired guns"

 

[SteveC]

I can tell you this. I feel like I have a limited vocabulary. I can play my limited vocabulary over a wide variety of styles and more or less fit in. But one fear is that this particular band, as talented as they are, I would be playing the same thing over and over without a break in musical styles. The tribute band is a "Southern Rock Tribute" band. With the concept of doing more B sides covers or less often played songs by the popular southern rock bands with a handful of the popular songs included to keep the wild throngs happy

Yea..... no. Bring me that chair and your Rush albums.

 

[chrose1201]

Yea..... no. Bring me that chair and your Rush albums.

So keep your name on the guest list or not?

 

[rogue3]

I can tell you this. I feel like I have a limited vocabulary. I can play my limited vocabulary over a wide variety of styles and more or less fit in. But one fear is that this particular band, as talented as they are, I would be playing the same thing over and over without a break in musical styles. The tribute band is a "Southern Rock Tribute" band. With the concept of doing more B sides covers or less often played songs by the popular southern rock bands with a handful of the popular songs included to keep the wild throngs happy

this is important.

I'd be definitely inclined to band A. Looks like they could evolve,so,interesting,even challenging directions.Music to be made.If its for the crowd,i'm sure they would have no problem digging up a couple crowd pleasing covers,while keeping the interesting part of their repertoire going.

idk about baking after the gig, but if its after...not before...to each his own.I'd check the sobriety stand of both bands,pre and during gig,before committing. Today,i have no patience for players that can't meet their committments.

I've done improv in the past, constantly changing solo, take it somehwere...if i can get away with it.When i did good original bands,i followed the script,but, missed the freedom of improv.However,the guitar work i wrote for those bands was total improv...then cemented in my brain for performance.

In band A, my ears hear a place for Jeff Beck style improv's and fills...a Strat with Vibrato/ experiments...jazz fusion...sax player! Funk! Then i'd go out on a gear hunt to fill that sound in my head.(the fun part).I'd make the leap to a strat with vibrato(a first for me!)but tele and lester would always be there to fallback on,plus a clean(er) sounding Fender combo. It would push me to another level.Would i make it...maybe...but i sure as hell would have fun trying.

I believe band B would be a better fit,based on what you said...probably more fun for you.Meet the band.decide.

 

[freebyrd 69]

As much as I hate to say it, because I love Southern Rock, unless you are incorporating some modern day material in there, like BlackBerry Smoke or the like, nobody is going to give a shit about either of those bands.
Aside from a few staple songs, where exactly are these gigs or potential gigs taking place? Nursing homes?
If you are doing it to have fun, pick your poison. Nothing wrong with that, AT ALL. If you are looking to gig out, the audience that’s going to desire that for a whole evening is VERY limited.

 

[MikeyTheCat]

I can tell you this. I feel like I have a limited vocabulary. I can play my limited vocabulary over a wide variety of styles and more or less fit in. But one fear is that this particular band, as talented as they are, I would be playing the same thing over and over without a break in musical styles. The tribute band is a "Southern Rock Tribute" band. With the concept of doing more B sides covers or less often played songs by the popular southern rock bands with a handful of the popular songs included to keep the wild throngs happy

What I learned from guys who were Jazzers was they could play chords that made my weak ass solos somewhat interesting.
Sometimes it’s what is being played underneath that makes the jam work.

 

[Emmitt Fitzhume]

I would join the metal band.

 

[chrose1201]

As much as I hate to say it, because I love Southern Rock, unless you are incorporating some modern day material in there, like BlackBerry Smoke or the like, nobody is going to give a shit about either of those bands.
Aside from a few staple songs, where exactly are these gigs or potential gigs taking place? Nursing homes?
If you are doing it to have fun, pick your poison. Nothing wrong with that, AT ALL. If you are looking to gig out, the audience that’s going to desire that for a whole evening is VERY limited.

I understand what you're saying and I would tend to agree with you, but surprisingly enough the old stuff remains popular around here.

 

[freebyrd 69]

I understand what you're saying and I would tend to agree with you, but surprisingly enough the old stuff remains popular around here.

That’s cool then. What do you want out of this? To play out on a regular basis? Just to have fun personally? Where are you located?

 

[chrose1201]

That’s cool then. What do you want out of this? To play out on a regular basis? Just to have fun personally? Where are you located?

The band was building a following 3 years ago and disbanded as I understand because a couple of members wanted to go more classic rock. Another leading southern rock style band is getting long in the tooth now so this band hopes to take that place in so far as go to southern rock gigs. I have been playing in cover bands for about 75% of my musical life and apparently am more comfortable when things are structured. I also have been playing Top 40, disco and pop music for the last 12 years and I want to make use of my new Friedman amp and my good guitars before I can't rock anymore. I just want a last chance to rock it out. So for me the opportunity to play those songs has become clearer through this post. Finally when someone yells Freebird I can play it I am in Upstate, NY

 

[freebyrd 69]

Friedman’s rule! Good luck man! Sound like you made a decision.
We still do a couple of Southern staples, including some country. I’m 52, and I started my own project. I’ve pretty much decided that when it’s done, for whatever reason, be it 5 months or 5 years, I’m done too. Have fun!

 

[ErictheRed]

As much as I hate to say it, because I love Southern Rock, unless you are incorporating some modern day material in there, like BlackBerry Smoke or the like, nobody is going to give a shit about either of those bands.
Aside from a few staple songs, where exactly are these gigs or potential gigs taking place? Nursing homes?
If you are doing it to have fun, pick your poison. Nothing wrong with that, AT ALL. If you are looking to gig out, the audience that’s going to desire that for a whole evening is VERY limited.

Well, "Americana" is a very broad term that gets passed around. If it's old southern rock there won't be much demand, but you can throw a lot of newer stuff in there under the umbrella of Americana possibly, like Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams, maybe even Alison Krauss, maybe Cody Jinks and Drive by Truckers, etc. That might be outside of the scope of the band, I dunno, but there's a lot of stuff in there that's pretty closely related to "Southern Rock" that is newer and popular and good.

 

[Tim Fezziwig]

Southern Rock cover HANDS down-Hatchet,Skyn, Outlaws- cripes-ducks in a barrel-jam bands- usually uptight---tight = no fun ---Hey we are now going modal for 11 minutes-explore.

 

[edro]

Southern Rock cover HANDS down-Hatchet,Skyn, Outlaws- cripes-ducks in a barrel-jam bands- usually uptight---tight = no fun ---Hey we are now going modal for 11 minutes-explore.

Always liked them and 38 better'n Skynt Lyzyrd....