Need advice/guidance/thoughts

[Zcustom]

So let me make this quick, or at least try.

 

I play in 3 bands.  One is a blues band and has been booked at a trashy biker bar for a gig on June 5th.  This gig was booked last fall, and has been on my calendar for a while. This gig comes with a decent paycheck.

 

Another is my new band, and it's celtic punk (think Dropkick Murphy's. Flogging Molly etc).  This band was contacted by a local club that is pretty picky about the bands they let play there.  They've asked us to open up for the Mahones, an irish punk band who is currently on tour with the Dropkick Murphy's. This gig has no paycheck.  Guess what night that show is?  Yep, June 5th.

 

The guy who books for the blues band is a really great guy who I owe my current music career to.

 

Do I; Honor my commitment to the blues band and miss out on a great opportunity for exposure with an internationally successful band, or

 

Say screw the blues band and play the gig that has a chance at making my new band a more well known name?

 

My perfect scenario would be to reschedule the biker bar gig, but the guy who booked the gig isn't even willing to call the bar and ask.  He says that I have to honor my commitment.

 

What should I do O huddle?

 

Oh and here's a pic of super hot Julie Bowen

 

 

[Guest]

Tough one, but I'd say that you can't screw the guy who helped get you where you are. Get a stand-in drummer for the blues gig!

[Panthro]

It depends on what you want out of this...

 

If this is a career do what you think is best for you.

 

If this is something fun and everyone is friends do what is right by your friends.

 

 

[Scrumtrilescent]

I see no pic.

[Darth Biscuit]

Me personally, I would honor my original commitment... unless you are willing to cut ties completely with that band.

Panthro makes a good point... which band has the most potential for you? If it's just a fun gig thing, then honor your commitment and do the original show... if you want to make this other band a career, then maybe consider doing that show. Tough spot Z.

[g5jamz]

Be honest with both bands and explain your dilemma.  Blues band might be understanding and would appreciate you finding a temp replacement for one night. 

[Cary Kollins]

Go with the celtic punk band.  You never know the connections you may make.  It's a tough call, but there will always be blues gigs at bike bars.

[natty]

If the guy who booked the blues gig is who you owe your current music career to then you honor that commitment imo.  Don't crap on the people who got you where you are for the sake of potentially going further.  If your punk band were guaranteed to take off after the gig that might be a little different, but all you're looking at is potential.  

 

Also, it's been a decade since I've been involved in playing in bands, but I'd be skeptical of any gig that doesn't pay.  If the venue is indeed picky about who they book then they should have no problem paying you.

[Hawk]

agree with natty...if this guy helped you get you to where you are, I think you at least owe him the respect to play at the gig that you booked for months in advance.

[Scrumtrilescent]

Man Z, is that cough of yours getting worse??

[Zcustom]

thanks for the input so far, here are some variables to consider.

 

What I want to do is move the date of the blues band gig.  That bar only has live music once a month so there wouldn't be any conflict with other bands etc. 

 

The new band is where my heart is though.  That band has come together so quickly and strongly I just feel like it's destined for success.  Not to mention that we've only been together 3 months and have played 7 gigs so far with another 2 on the calendar.  There really seems to be a buzz around that band and rightly so, I think.  Opening for a band with 20+ years in the scene and close personal friends of the Dropkick Murphy's is huge.

 

I can't get a fill in drummer for either gig, as there is too much material to learn and not enough time to do it in.

 

I guess this is just tough for me because I know deep down that I'm going to do the Celtic Punk gig and screw over a friend and mentor that has always been there for me.  The blues band is just extra cash and frankly I get bored playing in that band, the celtic punk band is really special and I love it.

 

Of course this would all be a moot point if he would just attempt to reschedule the blues band gig, but he refuses on principal.  I think I'll offer him my cut of the pay if he can reschedule it, that's how important the other gig is to me right now.

 

 

[Zcustom]

If the guy who booked the blues gig is who you owe your current music career to then you honor that commitment imo.  Don't crap on the people who got you where you are for the sake of potentially going further.  If your punk band were guaranteed to take off after the gig that might be a little different, but all you're looking at is potential.  

 

Also, it's been a decade since I've been involved in playing in bands, but I'd be skeptical of any gig that doesn't pay.  If the venue is indeed picky about who they book then they should have no problem paying you.

 

Yeah they're paying us but we put all gig money back into that band so I personally don't bring anything home.

 

It's the Chop Shop btw, go check out their booking requirements sometime, it's like Amos'

[Hawk]

which band is it that you are sending me the autographed CD from?  stick with them is my new vote!!!!

[Darth Biscuit]

Wait, wait, wait... drums?

I thought you played the skin flute???