ADA Depot - A Forum To Support Users of ADA Amplification Gear
Miscellaneous => Rants & Raves => Topic started by: rabidgerry on October 06, 2021, 02:18:51 AM
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Hi everyone, been a while since I've posted anything meaningful on the Depot. I've also been struggling to come to terms with the situation as well a bit and I actually have resisted posting anything about it here since the day it happened.
Well come the end of July I lost two thirds of my band. The drummer we actually wanted to replace. We had meetings about getting rid of him like literally a few months before he took it upon himself to leave and in the end we left it so he would arrive at the right conclusion himself. He simply isn't into heavy metal music, or drumming more importantly. Those fundamental things you need to be in a band like Rabid Bitch of the North. Anyways, he left by himself and that was ok. He seemed to be relieved as well. Cool lets move on then I thought. But no sooner had he left than our singer/bassist also left but for completely different reasons. His were personal, things beyond his control outside te band that he felt he had to leave the things he enjoyed most to concentrate on these matters.
So one day 2/3rds of my band gone! Now what? Sitting with the guts of a 2nd album, songs we'd even been rehearsing. Do I continue? Or forget about it?
I decided to continue even though the task of rebuilding will be monumental. For a start the music we play is a style not massively popular in Ireland. It's not even massively popular amongst the metal scene that exists here and to top it off, finding people into the music is one thing (there are fans obviously as they used to come watch us :) ) but it's finding people who play bass, who sing and who can drum. There is a severe lack of all those personnel on these shores in most of those fields and within that genre of music. Do I still bother to carry on?
It's a crushing blow and everyday I feel like packing it in. We were nothing big of course, but the band was the very fabric of my being. From picking up the guitar, to wanting to be in a band, to forming a band, to writing songs, to playing our first gig, to gaining a profile, to our first tour.....................it's like if I don't have this anymore what is the point in even playin guitar anymore? It all lead to one another organically and so long ago that it's like what is the point now when there is nothing less? Pretty unfair that I lost the band just minding my own business but there you go. Take the engines away from the plane and it's going down! I actually don't even feel like I'm the same person anymore as stupid as that sounds. I feel like I was Gerry from Rabid Bitch of the North. Again, small time band, not famous or anything, but myself and former colleagues would walk around and be recognised all the time and have people shout over t us. This is pretty cool given we are just ordinary guys. But now it's like I've disappeared of the face of the earth. I just don't feel valid unless I have a band or am in a band (there is no one else who I could join either btw). Totally ridiculous right? Well that's how I feel all because of something that just disappeared one morning.
So now I've got all that off my chest, I said I am going to give a go at rebuilding right? So here I am, trying to rebuild. The intention at the moment is to at least get people in to do the album. They don't have to be permanent members at this stage. I can do bass if needs be and guitar, which leaves drums and singing needing covered. Currently playin' with a drummer, but have not heard from him in a few weeks now. Also chatting to a bassist to see if he would want to join up. Lets see how it goes.
Anyone else gone through the same thing as me then? Curious to know as this has totally taken a big part of me with it and I feel like this is a last attempt at salvage the years hard work we put into this band.
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Man, I can really empathize with you here.
I spent like 16 years living down in Southwest Florida, the last 8 of which were spent desperately trying to keep a band together, or even getting one together in the first place. The problem was layered - I was doing a 70s glam meets Van Halen meets Queen kind of thing. Kinda theatrical hard rock. That absolutely was not popular between 2004 and 2012, especially down there. Furthermore, the music scene down there just wasn't that big. Not a lot of people to work with. And I discovered time and time again that, unless you are trying to do the absolute latest flavor of the month, or have a paid cover band situation going on, it's a nightmare finding like minded, talented musicians. There were dark days for sure...months and months of nothing going on at all. A couple year long stretch of not having anyone at all. I don't know what it's like in Ireland, but the way you describe it, makes me think it may be similar to what it was like down in Florida.
At one point, I finally had a lineup together, and we cut a record, and upon listening to the mixes, the bassist and drummer quit. While trying to rebuild, the rhythm guitarist quit. I had to start over again with just one other guy. So I built a new lineup, which took forever. We got up and running, and after about 2 years of stability, in fighting and petty nonsense caused 3/5 of the band to quit, just on the verge of doing our first tour (the dates were already lined up and everything). So I tried building it back again, but it was on fumes. More drama. More people quitting.
Every time I found myself without a band, it was wrecking me. Months and months of reaching out to what felt like the only 5 or 6 people in the whole state that played drums, just to find anyone that was interested. Working with people with subpar ability, just to get literally ANYTHING happening. My entire identity was wrapped up in the idea that I was the frontman in a killer hard rock band. It was not a healthy situation. Also, I'm glossing over soooo much. The lows were repeated, and crushing. Seriously soul crushing.
After one final gig in fall of 2012, with a cobbled together lineup, I couldn't take it anymore. I found a job in New York, loaded literally everything up (4 full stacks, 2 SVT bass rigs, a whole concert PA, everything...), and left.
In NYC, I found a far stronger music scene. Exponentially so. Within the first year I had a killer lineup, and we were already gigging. We met more musicians. My network grew. We cut a record. I got involved with a big music production crew here and made even more friends and connections. I became busier than ever before. I cut a solo album, and found a following overseas. At some point along the way, I found that I no longer had my whole identity wrapped up in one thing. I was cool going a couple of years without an official band, since I was doing diverse shows every single month with all sorts of musicians from all over the city. In some ways, when I look back on those years in Florida, I almost don't recognize that version of me.
The area you live is not going to change. There won't suddenly be a couple busloads of musicians moving to your area. You are almost certainly finding the same frustrations I did. There will be bassists, drummers, singers, anything you may be looking for. But if you aren't doing exactly what is passing for rock nowadays, forget it. They aren't going to be interested. The challenge of having a band is that you are trying to create art, but it relies so heavily on the involvement and commitment and stability of other people besides yourself. The way I tried to explain it to people all those years ago was to tell them to imagine they are a painter. Their entire identity is wrapped up in being able to paint. It drives them. They NEED to paint. It's what they wake up thinking about, and dream of at night. Now, imagine that suddenly, in order to paint, it required someone to hold the canvas, and another person to hand you the paint. It's a silly metaphor, but it helped people understand why it was just emotionally destroying me. So you have a hard decision to make here:
• Moving to a city could definitely solve your problem. But that may not be something you are able to do, or willing to consider.
• If moving is completely out of the question, another option you have (which wasn't as much of an option for me) is finding people to collaborate with remotely. If you open things up to the whole world, you can easily find like-minded players, looking to collab on some tracks. You could certainly finish the album that way.
• If playing live is mandatory, perhaps finding people that at least live in Ireland would be the way to go. You could do remote work, and maybe get together once a month to rehearse. It looks like Ireland is roughly the size of NY State. Not exactly small, but, small enough that a once a month thing and occasional gigging is totally feasible.
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Oh snap! I just checked out your band. Dude, rebuild. Pick one of those options I mentioned and get that going again. If it really means as much to you as you say, you need to do what it takes to keep it going. It won't be easy. But there is an audience out there for proper old school metal. I respect what you're doing, a LOT.
I'm biased, though...I've been writing and recording an 80s melodic heavy metal album since the pandemic hit :)
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Hi Tommy, that was an epic story and I'm glad you told me it as it..........well obviously feels very similar to my own. The bizarre thing is, way back in the early days, when we didn't really have a band, it was me and my friend the bassist singer and we called it a band and we just needed a drummer. That took so long just to get a drummer. But at that time in life I was 19 so I had time. We both went to College and hey presto we found the drummer! Now these two guys and myself are the guys who I ended up being in the band with for years. But back at this point, we lasted as a garage band for like 2 years may be? It was fun, but the singer/bassist bailed and that was the end of that incarnation.
Some time passed and I tried to start from scratch again by myself. That wilderness I was faced with was exactly the same as the one I'm facing now. It's so messed up. What eventually happened was, I hooked up with that same drummer again and slowly but surely we put together another lineup, and after many other casualties along the way, we ended up with the the original bassist singer again and we stayed like that for 10 or more years until the end of July this year. Just as a manager lands us so money to push us a little bit further!!!
Well what the hell, I'm going to give another shot, but it's harder than ever. Strangely I thought havin spent many years making a profile for ourselves I thought I would at least have a few people knockig on the door but there you go! I'm having to look all over again.
Ireland's scene is small, but if I was playing some kind of extreme metal I'd have more success getting guys. But the fact I'm playing what I would call real metal but others would might call old school, that limits us even further. It was this style that set us apart as well on the scene and I'd like to think we helped with the popularity increase into traditional heavy metal over here and UK in general but that limits the amount of talent out there for me to hook up with again! If I lived in mainland Europe I'd have a better chance as MJMP would probably agree with.
@TommyVonVoigt feel free to let me hear some stuff man :thumb-up: and appreciate the empathy.
I kinda thought in the states it would be easier to put a band together, but I guess it all depends doesn't it?
What are Florida people into then?
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Well keeping a band togheter isn't always easy, I had my share too. But you can't give up, if it doesn't work with one or more persons in the band find new ones. Not always easy but search and you will find. I know I did. The last 2 years we had to find a new bassplayer and guitar player and we did and we seem to have a very good and steady band that loves to play the "old" metal. We are all more or less of the same age and grew up with the same kind of metal music so that makes a strong bond.
Now I agree with Tommy, your music is too good to let go, I saw you live here in Belgium and I really like what I saw and heard so don't give up!!!
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Hey RG, well lots of empathy from me also. Don't give up, keep building it anyway you can. I'm happy to collaborate with you remotely to help with any skills I can offer, even if it's just moral support :thumb-up: .
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Well keeping a band togheter isn't always easy, I had my share too. But you can't give up, if it doesn't work with one or more persons in the band find new ones. Not always easy but search and you will find. I know I did. The last 2 years we had to find a new bassplayer and guitar player and we did and we seem to have a very good and steady band that loves to play the "old" metal. We are all more or less of the same age and grew up with the same kind of metal music so that makes a strong bond.
Now I agree with Tommy, your music is too good to let go, I saw you live here in Belgium and I really like what I saw and heard so don't give up!!!
That's really super nice of you to say so MJMP. I truly had a great time that time we played in Belgium and I was so happy to meet you in the flesh. Playing Belgium again was a realistic possibility as well, until this collapse of course. But fingers crossed I can get over this and put it back together. I actually believe the music for this second album is a lot better and I believe my recording experience I can help produce a better record than before so it is a total shame I guess to pack it in. Thanks again for everything as you are one of the kindest people I've ever met and always been there to help me with gear :thumb-up: so truly appreciated.
Our manager has spoken to a potential bass player over the last few days! He owns a bullet belt........... :lol:..........so that's a good start, never mind what he sounds like :lol: :lol:
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Hey RG, well lots of empathy from me also. Don't give up, keep building it anyway you can. I'm happy to collaborate with you remotely to help with any skills I can offer, even if it's just moral support :thumb-up: .
I have called upon you many times :) I know it. There is always a wealth of knowledge to learn from the likes of yourself. What was I asking about the last time something to do with mixers and monitor sends :lol: Again thanks very much Richard, always a total legend as well, always supportive and always helpful! I will do my best to keep truckin'.
You and Mike still playing or all been shut down due to lockdown?
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Well good luck with the bassplayer, I hope it works out for you both. BTW don't know if it will help but I also own a silver bullet belt ;D
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Well good luck with the bassplayer, I hope it works out for you both. BTW don't know if it will help but I also own a silver bullet belt ;D
Mine are brass so I'm not as fancy as you :lol:
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Well Lemmy had a silver one, so I had to have one too.
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Hey Gerry,
I can completely relate to what you are going through and how you feel. I've been through that myself and it isn't easy. People who think being in a band is all sex and drugs and rock and roll really don't have a clue how much hard work goes into making a band successful. It's no walk in the park.
After reading these posts the first question that comes to my mind is this: You have a manager, doesn't he have any connections that can help you get going again? After all, he does have a financial stake in this too.
I agree, your location doesn't help, and possibly moving to a place where the music scene is more active might help, but above all, you CAN'T GIVE UP!!! The music you write is an extension of you and who you are.
I had a killer band together years ago and we were called Band Of Heathens. Everything we played was all original compositions, which I was the one who wrote everything. It may sound egotistical but I was the only one coming up with ideas and pushing to develop them. The styles of these songs were all over the map, from 70's hard rock, to 80's metal, to 90's prog metal, to hard rocking blues, and we even threw in a couple of country dittys just for laughs and to throw people off balance for a minute. It worked well and we were gaining a lot of local popularity and expanding. If we couldn't book a gig, we'd go raid a local jam night, or open mic night at some pub and take over the stage.
We went on like this for almost 5 years and then it had to end. James, the drummer couldn't physically hack it anymore and had to step away from the table. He ended up getting back surgery and had a catheter tube draining fluid from his spine for the next two years. Eric and I tried to press on and find a drummer who was interested in doing it but, no one wanted to do all original music. They just wanted to play cover songs and maybe do a tribute band thing. Eric and I have lost touch over the years and I haven't tried to reform the BOH, but I still have all the songs on tape. Hours and hours of rehearsals that I taped, and there is too much good stuff there to just let it go.
I've been in and out of a few bands since then but nothing worth writing about. I can do without the primadonna attitudes and the lazy asses who think all they have to do is walk out on stage and be a star.
Since I have all the music and the rights to the name, I decided to build my home studio up and re-record and publish those songs on my own. I can't give up on my writings as they are a part of me. I'll probably get some cameras and make videos of these tunes as I'm recording, or even create some kind of video to go with the songs I'm doing. I can play bass, and drums, although it's going to be a challenge to get the drums recorded in my apartment. It's okay, my neighbors are A-holes anyway.
If I moved to New York, or maybe even Nashville, I'd probably have another band in 5 minutes, but that's not an option for me at this point in time.
Whatever you do brother, keep the faith :thumb-up:
That's just my 2 cents,
Harley 8)
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Bands come & go. Keep your stuff, keep on doing you, and others will find you. Don't stress it.
Every time I see the end of a long relationship (and a band is definitely a relationship between several members), I feel all is lost. It is not, of course. I took a break, quit my full time band. Me and some friends from other bands formed a band together...totally part time...totally low pressure, which is much more fun....even if we almost never gig.
There are more musicians out there than you may think...what about a tuba player for bass? :facepalm:
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Hey RG, unfortunately the band I had with Mike dissolved (for now anyway), I need to find a good bass player and drummer to get a 3 piece going just for my mental health. Which is one of the great things about playing, it helps keep you sane.
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Hey Gerry,
If you cannot find a bassplayer for the recordings, just hit me up.
Won't be able to be i your band, obviously, but I have a fully equiped recording studio to get you the bass tracks.
Peter :metal:
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Hey Gerry,
If you cannot find a bassplayer for the recordings, just hit me up.
Won't be able to be i your band, obviously, but I have a fully equiped recording studio to get you the bass tracks.
Peter :metal:
What an amazing offer! Bizarrely I did think of asking you :lol: But I didn't know if you where up for it.
I have been talking to a bassist as of last week, but he isn't very good at communicating and turns out he is in another band so I'm put right off by that.
That's really cool Peter. I will be in touch :thumb-up:
Hey RG, unfortunately the band I had with Mike dissolved (for now anyway), I need to find a good bass player and drummer to get a 3 piece going just for my mental health. Which is one of the great things about playing, it helps keep you sane.
That's really shit Richard, hope something works out between you guy going forward, and you are right, need something even for your own mental health! It's over looked what being in a band can do for you mind!!
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Hey Gerry,
If you cannot find a bassplayer for the recordings, just hit me up.
Won't be able to be i your band, obviously, but I have a fully equiped recording studio to get you the bass tracks.
Peter :metal:
What an amazing offer! Bizarrely I did think of asking you :lol: But I didn't know if you where up for it.
I have been talking to a bassist as of last week, but he isn't very good at communicating and turns out he is in another band so I'm put right off by that.
That's really cool Peter. I will be in touch :thumb-up:
:thumb-up: :thumb-up: :thumb-up:
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I truly hope something works out there, Gerry. That Rabid album I got is an absolute banger! :headbanger: I don't want to say never but...if it is, that is one damn fine legacy to have, Sir. I feel that. Especially now that I'm also band-less. I may or may not play in a band again, and if I don't...well our last album is a damn fine way to end it with, IMO.
Maybe the answer is already here though. Touring seems to be pretty much dead now anyway unless you're in the really big leagues. Reaching out to available musicians online and willing to help doesn't limit you to just Ireland or even the whole UK for that matter. The recording process is a little different, but the outcome can still be as glorious as you want it to be. I think the biggest hurdle is getting the drums right. You may have to hire a local drummer to learn and then record for your songs and after that Peter offered his bass skills. Damn, you're halfway there now! I also happen to know a guy who would really love a chance to do the vocals for your project.... ;)
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I truly hope something works out there, Gerry. That Rabid album I got is an absolute banger! :headbanger: I don't want to say never but...if it is, that is one damn fine legacy to have, Sir. I feel that. Especially now that I'm also band-less. I may or may not play in a band again, and if I don't...well our last album is a damn fine way to end it with, IMO.
Maybe the answer is already here though. Touring seems to be pretty much dead now anyway unless you're in the really big leagues. Reaching out to available musicians online and willing to help doesn't limit you to just Ireland or even the whole UK for that matter. The recording process is a little different, but the outcome can still be as glorious as you want it to be. I think the biggest hurdle is getting the drums right. You may have to hire a local drummer to learn and then record for your songs and after that Peter offered his bass skills. Damn, you're halfway there now! I also happen to know a guy who would really love a chance to do the vocals for your project.... ;)
Well thanks Kim, totally appreciate it. The album didn't quite reach my expectations sonically but I am by no means horrified by my output. I never went to music production classes so I taught myself all that stuff out of necessity. I also felt I would lose something about the character about the band had I always just used local recording studios and their personal But ways, it was a learning process and I know the second album would/will turn out better.
I get what you mean about available musicians, you are right, it is possible to get the job done using people anywhere in the world. One major benefit of this era.
@Peter, not ready for anything just yet Peter but I will let you know for sure one way or another. I have been talking to bass players recently so there is always the possibility should they join they can do the album also. But it's all still very uncertain right now and if I feel I should just progress the recording situation then I guess it will be time to call upon your services. Thanks again for this offer, it helps put my mind at ease.
@Kim yeah I basically have been playing with a drummer who I think is only in it for the drums on the album. He's good, but we need more time to solidify as at the moment it's been sporadic and I feel I haven't gelled with him just yet.
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@Peter, not ready for anything just yet Peter but I will let you know for sure one way or another. I have been talking to bass players recently so there is always the possibility should they join they can do the album also. But it's all still very uncertain right now and if I feel I should just progress the recording situation then I guess it will be time to call upon your services. Thanks again for this offer, it helps put my mind at ease.
No problem, I'm not going anywhere, I am available if and when you need it.
If you don't, also no problem :thumb-up:
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@Peter, not ready for anything just yet Peter but I will let you know for sure one way or another. I have been talking to bass players recently so there is always the possibility should they join they can do the album also. But it's all still very uncertain right now and if I feel I should just progress the recording situation then I guess it will be time to call upon your services. Thanks again for this offer, it helps put my mind at ease.
No problem, I'm not going anywhere, I am available if and when you need it.
If you don't, also no problem :thumb-up:
A million thank yous my man I totally appreciate that :headbanger: :bow:
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Getting somewhere http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeP-V2Cpuo4
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That looked like fun! :thumb-up:
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Oh it was/is! I love playing that song. There is even more fun parts later on. The last song I wrote I think before the breakup of the original lineup.
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Oh it was/is! I love playing that song. There is even more fun parts later on. The last song I wrote I think before the breakup of the original lineup.
Well then, you're on the right track! Hang on to that feeling and keep it alive. The trick is going to be meeting a couple of other guys who like the sound of it and want to have some fun with you. Before you know it, RBOTN will be reborn!
Harley 8)
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Well currently this is the drummer who has agreed to help do the album, he might stay.............I dunno.
Waiting on a bass player getting back to me who applied to an AD I had up. He has been learning two tracks. So when he knows them he will come over and play with the drummer and I and we shall see if A) he is any good B) he enjoys it and wants to join. FIguring out if he is the right guy from then will be something gauged over time from then on I guess.
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Hope it keeps building up for you, it was sounding good. :)
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Keep up the good work Gerry, you'll get there for sure :thumb-up:
BTW where's your hair :o
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Hope it keeps building up for you, it was sounding good. :)
Thanks Zilthy that is much appreciated :thumb-up:
Keep up the good work Gerry, you'll get there for sure :thumb-up:
BTW where's your hair :o
Again thanks MJMP :thumb-up: :lol: I had it shaved off a couple of years ago. Growing it back now though :headbanger: Going for a mullet this time I think :lol: I do the laughing emoji but I'm serious
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Hey RG, cool I like the song :thumb-up: , just listened to it focusing on the drummer, he's quite good and gets better as he gets more familiar with it...
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Again thanks MJMP :thumb-up: :lol: I had it shaved off a couple of years ago. Growing it back now though :headbanger: Going for a mullet this time I think :lol: I do the laughing emoji but I'm serious
Well at first I did not recognise you without the hair, I was thinking for a moment you had a second guitar player also, but watching a bit more I was like mmm that's Gerry without the hair. And is it also a different color? You had black hair, no?
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I can't remember where on here I mentioned that I had a bass player now and was just looking for a singer now to complete the new band lineup but you will not believe what happened to said new bass player who was fantastic and really just starting to fit into the band.
About a month ago he had an accident with his motorcycle chain. He ended up losing his index finger on his left hand and part of his thumb. You could not make this up. So leaves the poor guy (he was a music tutor by trade) unable to play many instruments that he had played previous and of course totally screws up the fact he was our new bass player.
Leaves me in a bad situation again as the guy wants to try and continue with the band despite not yet knowing how. I've agreed to wait on him, but I said as soon as he realises, or should I say if he realises that he physically will not be able to play bass with us he has to hold his hand up and tell me rather than me have to tell him. Of course I want him to succeed. But how realistic is this? Anyone know any three fingered guitar players or bass player? How do they cope? I want him to pull through this and hope he finds a way because looking for a new guy again will be a nightmare and sets me right back to where I was a year ago with only a drummer and having that one extra guy really boosted morale. But then the constant lack of progress again just makes me want to pack it in and not play again. Yesterday was the first time in weeks I played guitar. My calluses have gone it's been so long. I wasn't as terrible as I thought I would be and managed to play some songs ok with the drummer, but it says a lot as to where my motivation to continue has gone. For the mean time I'm not retiring.............but it's tough.
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Hi Gerry,
Django Rienhart. (I probably spelled his name wrong).
A Gypsy Flamenco guitar player who is well known all over the world. When he was a boy, a fire mangled his left hand and he lost the use of ring finger and pinky. He ended up being one of the most sought after Jazz players of his time. Look him up. He could play like a bat outta hell.
If this man has the mental determination, he can find a way to overcome this adversity, and he will get back to playing every instrument he loves to play. Being a music tutor, tells me he has a deep passion for the art.
IF you need another example, think of Def Leppard's drummer, Rick Allen. He lost an arm, but came back and played on their biggest selling album of their history as a band. Maybe it was the fact that he was a one-armed drummer that helped push the band's popularity on that album? I don't really know, I'm just guessing here.
I guess what it comes down to is this: How close are you guys as friend, (the 3 of you)? Is he good to work with, and does he inspire you to do things on the guitar, as well as your drummer? Those things are important to the chemistry within any band. If the chemistry is there, then maybe it's worth giving the guy a chance, especially if he is determined to succeed himself. Being an outsider, I can't give you any clear direction. All I can do offer a suggestion. In the end, it comes down to you guys. How much do you want it to work?
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Hi Harley, I actually of know Django Reinhardt and looked him up right away when I first knew what happened our bassist. But I always thought he had two fingers. When I saw him, he has a full deck. So perhaps he had lost the ability in some. Most importantly it looks as though his index finger is working. This is the anchor finger in my opinion for a guitarist. Django has this finger. Our bass player does now. Not sure who has it worse. But I get what you are saying my man, I just think it might be a worse for us.
Well this is it, he's a new member. I barely know the guy. I just know that he was much better than the last guy. However the last guy was the frontman, and singer and best friend of nearly 30 years so there is a bit of a difference. I know musically with this new guy things musically would have been better. Him and the drummer I have now were the best musicians I have ever had in the band. I could communicate so much easier with them because they understand music a lot better. But hey, it's all gone tits up now and we don't even have a singer yet either. And finding a replacement for the last guy will be tough, not many people into this kind of music in Ireland never mind have the ability to scream really high and as relentlessly as our last singer. I guess we shall just have to see what happens with our bassist.
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Hey RG, wow that's really horrible for him, I spose only time will tell if he can adapt and still play bass. One option will be go left handed but that will take allot of work and who knows how his damaged hand would go picking :dunno: . I cut a tendon at the last joint on my left index finger (very sharp chisel) when I was 23 (many moons ago). so became a 3 fingered player. I had an operation which restored some stability to the tip but I can't bend it much. I can play flat style runs and barre with it but if I want to play blues rock stuff style (thumb over the top of the board etc.) I basically use 3 fingers and open chords are harder e.g. open C I have to play with last 3 fingers. I did contemplate learning left handed but persevered in the end. I've lost some dexterity but it wasn't the end of the world. The thumb loss will be harder to compensate for. All you can do is give it a go, if it's not going to work then move on. Playing the bass on keyboard also may be an option? Wolfmother made that work and other bands have done it that way.
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OMG this sad for him and you. You really have some bad karma over you. I hope it works out in the long run.
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Hey RG, wow that's really horrible for him, I spose only time will tell if he can adapt and still play bass. One option will be go left handed but that will take allot of work and who knows how his damaged hand would go picking :dunno: . I cut a tendon at the last joint on my left index finger (very sharp chisel) when I was 23 (many moons ago). so became a 3 fingered player. I had an operation which restored some stability to the tip but I can't bend it much. I can play flat style runs and barre with it but if I want to play blues rock stuff style (thumb over the top of the board etc.) I basically use 3 fingers and open chords are harder e.g. open C I have to play with last 3 fingers. I did contemplate learning left handed but persevered in the end. I've lost some dexterity but it wasn't the end of the world. The thumb loss will be harder to compensate for. All you can do is give it a go, if it's not going to work then move on. Playing the bass on keyboard also may be an option? Wolfmother made that work and other bands have done it that way.
The left handed thing is an option I guess. I think his hand would be ok enough to do rhythm. But it would take a long time. Which would take longer though? Adapting to three fingers or learning left handed? I dunno, it's all up in the air at the moment.
I did not realise this about you Richard, so you have a dodgey index finger on your left hand? Jeez it's amazing you persevered.
OMG this sad for him and you. You really have some bad karma over you. I hope it works out in the long run.
Don't I know it man! It really saddens me as I felt the band had a lot more to do and more places to travel and not it's floundering and barely existing.
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Dammit Gerry - that sucks, I am so sorry for that guy and you
I played with a bass player who had a day job as a crane operator. One day, his pinky finger on his left hand got caught in a pulley and came right off....the bone was still there on his hand, but the finger fell to the ground. Doc says it was 'de-gloved'
He had somebody retrieve the finger and went to Emergency. Luckily he saw the best hand specialist in the state to get it reattached (just lucky the guy was in town from San Francisco for a conference or something). While he got the finger reattached, it took a LOOOONG time to heal up and it didn't work or look right...not as much muscle, just skin over bone. It hurt like hell for him to play with it, so he stopped using it. He still plays lots of local shows at casinos, clubs, etc. with his 3 fingers
Now, he only lost his Pinky. Losing an index finger and thumb is quite different, I'd imagine
I believe Jerry Garcia had half a finger on his right hand, not so tough to play that way....Tony Iommi is missing the tips of two of his fingers, you gotta hear his story if you don't already know it
Tommy talks about chopping off his fingers (https://loudwire.com/black-sabbath-tony-iommi-chopping-fingers-off/)
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Gerry,
He didn't completely lose his thumb, so maybe he's thinking he can still anchor his hand to the neck with that and adapt with his three remaining fingers, I don't know. I can't imagine what must be going through his mind during all this. However, he did express the desire to keep going with the band, so he's definitely into the music, so he must believe that somehow, he can do it. My heart goes out to him and I hope he succeeds. For his sake and yours.
Django still had his fingers but they were useless. I did see a photo of his hand that isn't widely available, and the ring finger and pinky were permanently curled and shriveled. All he had was the use of this thumb and index and middle finger. So essentially, he was a two-fingered player. Now I don't know if Django ever reached over with his right hand and tapped out a few riffs that way to augment his left hand, but that might be something your bass player might be thinking about too.
In the end, it's your band, so I can't tell you which direction you need to follow, and yeah, it IS tough. I don't envy the position you find yourself in.
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The thumb will be the worst of it, if that still works, you/he can adapt to 3 fingered. Fortunately for me when I cut the tendon, I already used my little finger allot, I did a gig the same night I cut it, wrapped a rubber band around my index finger to keep it bent and played regardless. The surgery later reattached a bit of tendon which gave me some use of it. While I had the hand in plaster after the operation, I put a slide on my little finger so I could still play until the plaster was removed. Necessity is the mother of invention, if you really want to play, you adapt. Adapting to 3 fingered playing is faster I suspect than going left handed, but that's also doable. All the recordings I've posted on here are from well after I cut the finger BTW, so it's not all doom and gloom.
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Sorry to hear that and sorry for your friend.
If you are wondering if he will be able to play again, that is up to him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGm96vFvmxk
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I get what you mean, but what I meant was if he would physically be able to play again. His hand initially seized up with pain and he had to exercise constantly to keep it loose. The last I heard from him was he had regained full mobility, but still in a lot of pain. He also give us a date saying he would be back with us in January, and he has actually began to play again which is great news. But we will have to see. Its physically demanding music believe it or not :lol: It might not sound it, but it is.
So this is a bit of good news on the situation. Still need a singer though so it could be all for nothing in the end.
The guy playing with his feet is amazing! Well done him.
This guy also
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMO6RLaN5OY
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Well RG, I really hope you can start playing again next year!! You deserve it after all you have been through.
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Well RG, I really hope you can start playing again next year!! You deserve it after all you have been through.
+1 :thumb-up:
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Hey RG, well that is good to hear, I hope the pain is manageable for him and diminishes over time. Finding a good singer is hard :facepalm: .
(Its physically demanding music believe it or not (http://adadepot.com/Smileys/default/lol.gif) It might not sound it, but it is.)
Absolutely, you have to be "match fit" to get through a gig, let alone rehearsals and lugging all the gear etc. Long hours, crap money, lucky we love playing or there wouldn't be much live music :headbanger:
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I've a video of Carl playing. He sent it to me of him playing along to a demo of ours. I can hear him playing along when I listen on proper speakers. Although there is bass on the demo.
Will post later on.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtIs2SWBdmA
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Wow!
I totally admire this mans tenacity. It would be criminal not to give this guy the chance to play in a band. ANY band.
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Wow!
I totally admire this mans tenacity. It would be criminal not to give this guy the chance to play in a band. ANY band.
+1
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Carl's doin' just fine :thumb-up:
No need to worry about him, he's good
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Hey RG, excellent :whoohoo!: so glad he's back at it and playing well :thumb-up:
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Wow!
I totally admire this mans tenacity. It would be criminal not to give this guy the chance to play in a band. ANY band.
Oh I know it, and our drummer said the same thing, but way before I did. I was just like panic stations, will I need to find a new guy etc which I think is a natural reaction. You can't really see in the video but the stump is just off the neck. It is actually amazing. Total kudos to him getting into that kind of shape in a very, very short space of time. All that effort for a band that doesn't have a singer either!!! I mean he must really believe in it.
I still struggle with the fact we may never get playing live ever again, but I try to remain positive. Which is easier to do when you know you have a man this dedicated also within the fold.
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It's good to play without a singer for awhile - the tighter you guys (in the rhythm section) are, the easier it is for a singer later
I'm not saying anything you don't already know, but hey...gotta say it sometimes
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And hey RG, he's got really good energy going there, it's going to work out (IMHO), these things take time. I will be flabbergasted if you guys "don't" play live again, you are building the elements you need, it's never instant, always takes time to line all the ducks up etc. Make this one better than before, instil all the learning. Keep the faith my friend :wave: , hey I'm not particularly a metal fan, but I like your stuff :whoohoo!: .
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Sounding pretty there :banana-guitar:
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Sounding pretty there :banana-guitar:
Since he's been back with us for a few weeks now he's been great. Some thing he just won't be able to do ever but they're minimal really. Just been the odd thing where he has went to copy or match the guitar and he just can't make the run as he has a digit less. In general though he plays great, may be plays even better??? Who knows?
But we've pretty much got the next album covered now material wise.
Just lookin' for a 1980's Rob Halford or David Wayne to fall out of the sky and that will be us sorted! :lol: Which probably isn't going to happen any time soon.
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Hey RG, that's great news :thumb-up: . Having had my index finger compromised for many years now you tend to find a way, though I can't play some open chords the way I used to and I don't even bother trying to play open C any more :facepalm: .
Well hopefully you find a good singer and get things back on track :headbanger:
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Total credit where it's due man, I admire than you continued on despite the injury.
Well fingers crossed someone who fits the band style is out there. It would be a shame as I feel I am way better at guitar now, despite turning 40 last month.
And I'm excited as I think I'm moving an MP1 into my live setup now to replace the Rockmaster for a while. Simply to give the ADA a turn as my main unit as I have never done so before. Just have to make sure I get the same sounds at home as I do on the big rig. I'm pretty sure I'll get there. Boost the MP1 with a treble boost, and have it set for unity gain. Just tightens it up and adds some chunk to a patch I'm currently loving.
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Hey RG, after all that stuff we went through getting the RM voices to switch LoL. MP-1 sounds like a good move and will hopefully add some inspiration, I assume you'll go for the 3TM? Biggest difference I found with MP-1 from home levels to live was the opening up of the dynamics and bass (just due to volume) and master vol settings between patches. But then I generally went in reverse order, set my patches at rehearsal (loud). But I also had to get my lead boost above another guitar, not an issue for you.
40 hey, happy birthday and all that :thumb-up: :banana-jazz-smiley-emoticon: . Does anyone else in the band sing? Maybe you could/should give it a shot, it takes some work but, practice makes it better.
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Oh man the Rockmaster stuff is still incredibly useful and will be again in the future. It just so happens the sound I have at the moment has inspired me hence the move. Also the Rockmaster I think needs a bit of a service. It's been in use a long time and never had a break, so I think now is a nice time.
You know I have a 3tm but I actually think I prefer the regular MP1 with that treble boost. Just adds a tightness and a ice chunk.
I always find I'm cutting a lot of the bass on an MP1. Both live when I have used at practice and also at home.
Current patch is
OD1 4.4 OD2 9.5 bass -4 mid 0 treble 0 presence 8 Master 6.5
Works really well with my Dimarzio Megadrive equipped (yup the pickup Lesley West used) Squier Stagemaster.
Going to stick a PAF Pro in the neck as there seems to be a shortage of second hand Super Distortion 2's or else they're at crazy prices.
Carl sings, but he sounds more like Prince rather than the sort of voice we need :lol:
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Hey RG, PUs make soo much difference, I was reminded tonight at rehearsal, I got out my Profile Silhouette Tel for run, the bridge PU (SD hot tele) was so thin and toppy on my standard MP-2 patches, it needs it's own bank trailered to it. It's not often you see a MP-1 patch with that much bass removed (-4), mid and treb flat and crank up the presence :thumb-up:
Can you sing?? Personally I love singing, and practice makes me better at it. Though it does depend on how much guitar stuff I have going on.... singing needs a lot of focus.
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I personally always have seemed to need the bass removed on my MP1's. Probably 0 is the most I ever set it.
You are right about pickups mattering. I plugged my strat in right in last night using the same patch and I found without the boost it actually sounded ok. In the bridge that guitar is sporting a rare Fender Enforcer (hex pole piece kind). It seemed to enjoy the boost off as well as on. On another guitar the same patch needed the presence dialled down a notch and it has a Super Distortion in the bridge.
I've a stock pile of pickups. I might swap out the enforcer for a super distortion, I dunno. I still need to get to know it I think.
Can I sing? Hmmmmm I thought about this. I think I possess a bit of ability, however I would need trained up. I can actually hit some high notes as well. However it's a one guitar band, and yes there is a lot going on so I don't think I could do both. I have actually considered dropping guitar to perhaps attempt singing but it's last resort. However I do like a band called Angel Witch who's for years had one guitar and he was also the singer and lead guitarist. This is only an old video but you get the idea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR4gK6tmIvQ. Had the privilege of supporting these guys once a few years back in Dublin.
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Hey RG, I got my tele out for a run at Wednesday nights rehearsal, it has a very old SD hot tele PU in the bridge, and I've put an Ultrasonic ref 3 in the neck. The bridge SD cut my head off with my current MP-2 patches. I've always meant to follow Dante's approach of setting up a bank (so 10 sounds/patches) for each guitar as their PUs are all different, just never got around to it. The MP-2 patches are tweaked for the Anderson which has Ultrasonics (Ref6 and 2 x Ref 3's). They also work fine for the JPLP (Burst buckers), but I noticed the other week when I gave my Epiphone SG a run, which has Gibson 57 re-issues in it, the neck PU didn't work very well with my current patches.
I've always sung and played from the get go, it does take practice, and mostly back in the early days was all one guitar and me singing. Later, playing with another guitarist and 2 strong singers I moved to just harmonies (mostly) which let me free on the guitar more. Really depends on the song as well. Some are easy(ish) to play and sing, others, where there is lots going on on the guitar, are much harder. The hardest was when I needed to play bass for a while and sing, not so bad for the straight forward stuff, but I struggled when the bass line was more sophisticated. I got better at it over time but it took some work. I suspect it would be similar for you, but hey, give it a go and see. At least tide you over until you can find a decent vocalist (which I'm sure you will :thumb-up: ).