I joined a covers band earlier in the year, around May time, they played some songs I already knew, audition went well and I was happy enough to make a start on some of the others they had in the list, but had my doubts around some of the more 'obscure' song choices.
I mentioned a couple of times that I wasn't convinced by some of the choices and suggested a few songs which we added in, but some of the odd songs remained on the 'to learn' pile.
The songs in question aren't just not my taste, but they are pretty much unknown songs, for me the whole point of a covers band is to play songs people want to hear, not songs I or anyone else in the band has a liking to (entertain, not educate). It came to a bit of a head for me, so I voiced this to the band and was also honest that I had no real interest in learning the original songs they have (I've been in an originals band, done my time
). This wasn't all that popular, I was told that 'this is what we've always done' 'we try to not play the most popular songs' etc.. I get not wanting to be the same as every other band, but if you're not playing a bands #1 hit, at least play one that got in the top 10
We had a band evening to try and straighten this out, where we met at the bass players house (a friend of mine that I introduced to the band!) where we talked about new song ideas etc.. I found it incredibly frustrating, 'we' rejected songs, because certain members of the band don't like the band or the singers voice (Oasis was a good example, not my favorite either, but we will be playing in pubs ffs!)
Anyway, I'm now in the position where my wife and I have just had our first baby and I'm struggling to find any motivation at all to prize myself away from my family to go and learn sub par songs, let alone spend hours practicing them with a group and play them to punters. I know about 80% of the tunes in the set (most of which I'm fine with) it's just the dross left over.
Do any of you guys put up with this kind of thing?
I think I already know what I need to do, given that my heart just isn't in it, the newborn has put what's important into perspective a little too.. The only thing I'm not sure about, is offering to play the gig they have in September, which will either require me to learn the crap songs, or give them the option of trying some of the new numbers suggested that I already know, as practicing them will be a lot easier / quicker than learning a lot of new ones.
Thoughts welcome.
Comments
Your bandmates will soon get fed up of playing songs that don't go down well - I'd say stick with the songs, play them live and THEN you will have a persuasive argument against playing them again.
Either that or the songs will go down well and you can keep them in the set.
There's always songs that go down surprisingly well or surprisingly badly..it's just a case of trial and error.
Prior to joining my current band I never in a million years would have anticipated the reaction that Mr Brightside always gets (and that seems to be echoed by every other band that plays it) but we once played Angels by Robbie Williams and didn't get past the first line as we had cleared the room...
Or, if your band *must* do a Pink track, Get the party started would be an obvious choice, and probably quite apt for a pub band....
Even big name bands tend to not play their own more obscure tracks.
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
Also, take Metallica - currently on a "by request.." style tour where fans vote for songs they want to hear. Yes it has thrown up the odd curiosity but Lars went through the statistics of it and they actually ended up playing FEWER songs than usual throughout the tour. The fans who voted just picked the usual suspects (seriously, who the f*** voted for Enter Sandman ?!)
I go back and forth on this. As a punter I like hearing something different, but that might put me in a minority.
As a player - what is the point of the band ? Earn money playing to as many folk as possible? Play well known stuff, that's the job, your band mates are wrong. Get yer rocks off playing what you enjoy to a select group of like minded souls? Then play what you like playing.
The problem is it is very hard to be both these things and if you have band members who don't understand that you're stuffed.
Exactly my point, I mean when was the last time Maiden played "Invaders" or "To Tame a land" or "Prodigal son" live?
And I voted for Sandman, knowing I wasn't going to see them this time round....
Ringleader of the Cambridge cartel, pedal champ and king of the dirt boxes (down to 21)
"You Overdid It, Doll" by whichever bland indie band did it. Not a terrible song but the set fell on its arse every time we played it. Got dumped after a few outings.
It's all very well trying to play things outside the "usual" covers but only if it works with a crowd.
Things like Jesse's Girl or Charmless Man are a bit rarer in covers sets but always work.