Grinding halt

Well, first of all, I don't see any reason you should stop playing. Why would you? It's part of who you are.

The unfortunate part is that there doesn't seem to be a way to get around replacing your stinky. He already knows that. He probably already knows what a difficult decision that is for you guys to make. So there's no hard feelings there.

You brought up your age bracket. I wouldn't worry about that at all. You'll find somebody that wants to do what you're already doing. Age is almost irrelevant.

The hardest part is going to be finding a stinky that can sing, too.

I don't think they'll be able to pry the bass from your cold dead hands much less force you to quit now.

If you don't to quit, then don't! Keep on with the duet as long as it appeals to you.

There's no harm in putting ads out looking for people to jam with while your stinky gets his stuff straight.

You gotta do what's right for you.

I'm late, again

WHat they said

Ron, hang in there dear! I know how you feel about your age even though I am a little younger, I still mentally and creatively want to rock the dirt off the Earth! And true that it will be hard to reorganize now...I feel fairly certain that things will look up sooner than you think too..Everything happens for a reason....Even stuff that is difficult at first! I have faith in you! You are one very strong man with a lot of talent! Maybe it's time to find a studio and record, or write..Never TOO OLD my man! NEVER!

You know you don't want to so why even bring it up as an option. It is part of you and will be until the times comes you can't play. So just stick it out and see what develops and keep us updated with how it goes!

Hey,

You seem to have made up your mind already, although it may seem like a slog replacing your stinky... you aren't ready to say die. There are tonnes of musicians around your age bracket, don't give in friend!

Keep rockin. I know I was miserable when my last band split up. I missed it something terrible.

I don't ever imagine myself quitting. From reading your posts, I can't imagine you hanging it up either.

You'll get through it; just keep playing -

Our drummer had been away from our band for all practical purposes for about
6 or 8 months. His kit was there at the church but most weeks he didn't come to play. He also has many other issues outside the band to contend with; but it took him a while to actually make a formal break of it.

It was awkward when he finially did pull his kit, then this other guy just appeared....and man he can play! He's very musical and can do melodic stuff wiht his cymbals & chimes - not to mention that he's talented on guitar and bass as well.

Anyway - things always work out, it just takes time and perserverance.

hang tough; the music is who you are, why give it up now? Age shouldn't define anything, as long as you have the physical ability to keep playing, why not.

Jeff

I knew you ugs would say what you're saying.

Thanks.

I read a book where a guy said that the common belief is that there's a point in your life where you face a crossroads and have to make that life changing choice.

His point was that life is a series of crossroads, and every choice is life changing.

Do I want to quit?

No, of course not.

That's certain.

Will I play in a band again?

At this point, that remains uncertain.

The band was such a pleasure to be part of.

We worked hard, and played harder.

Egos were in check.

I love the guys I played with.

I'm spoiled.

I don't think I can regroup and find that again.

I don't know if I have the time, energy or desire to try right now.

Standing at the crossroads again....

C'mon dude the age thing is a cop out. The cool thing about music is it is timeless. There are old guys that like death metal and young guys who like classic rock. My band has a thirty year age difference from the youngest to the oldest. 23-53. You sir are a bass player and the groove is in your soul. Find another drummer who wants to just jam. You guys are at an age that if you find a stinky your age he's likely to have played most of your stuff and if he's younger he might freshen things up. Or hell do the duet thing and when your guy comes around you'll be waiting. In this situation I think there are more options than not.

H

I haven't picked up my bass since my last gig- in July. I took (or am taking) a good long break to get my head straight. I chased the dream (and came as close as you can to living the dream) only to watch it fade away. I am truly glad it did fade as I learned what I really want in life. I'm poking around again to try and find a gig that will work for me (and I'm as picky and hard to please as you Ron- although not as old .
Anyhow- who knows what's around the corner Ron, for either of us!! Let it play out and take some time- you've seen more than most and know what to do....

I think you should start that punk/screamo/light jazz thing you've been secretly dreaming of doing all along.

Eh. What else am I going to say. You've been giving great advice to everybody on this forum for years. Time to listen to the stuff you've been shoveling all this time.

Pause. Breathe in. Breathe out. Keep moving.

You know. The same thing you tell all us young 'uns.

I'm sorry to hear about your drummer.

Can you try to help him work thru his issues?

If not, Burn the Hair Off It and see what it comes back as.

Best of luck to you and your friends, I hope things work out for you all.

LDD

OFC,

You've offered a tremendous amount of great advice to all of us over the years. We all appreciate what you have taught us. Now it's time for you to listen to what everyone here says. STICK WITH IT!!! Place an ad on CL and whatever other local forums are available in your area detailing exactly what you are looking for. There ARE, most certainly, drummers in your area that have your level of experience and share your goals. The task of rebuilding what you've lost can be refreshing and enjoyable even though at this point it seems like it may be painful.

C'Mon man. Pull it together!!!!
-EE

Who says you have to jump right into another band? With the economy like it is, bookings are hard to come by right now anyway. Keep the chops up and let people know you're still around. If it's meant to happen, it will. Oh, and, if it doesn't, can I have your EUB?

Barehanded, you'd best not be eyeballin my EUB

Well Larry keeps calling and he's coming to my house on Sunday.

I'll hang in for now, see what's up

maybe this thing will work itself out.

Thanks for the props and the nudges.

There's one twanger I know from an old band that was one of the most aggravating sumbiches I ever had to deal with that's been hitting me up some on facebook to put something together.

That'll never happen, even if I have to quit,

and that's probably what's been dragging me down about this.

Larry's already said he won't take no for an answer and we are going to carry on.

So it sounds like something will come together.

Sorry for the whining.

That's the spirit you old curmudgeonly(sp) bastard!

H

Ron, you and the Local Yokels are my inspiration!

You guys have so much fun together that you set an example for the rest of us about just what a great band can be.

You CAN'T let that go!!

I mean, looking to you guys keeps the dream alive that great things can happen.

Maybe you can find a sub until the stinky gets into a better situation.

Then again, where will you ever find someone with toms like his!

Don't make us send the gorilla squad!!!

don't make me drive down there and smack you around and turn Lucas loose on ya!

the yokels were too damn good. maybe they'll come back, maybe not.

but you're wisdom, experience and friendship would be truly missed should you put down the ugly stick.

but if'n you do, i got dibs on the Jaco fretless and the mesa! bwhahahaha.

How many times have we heard the clef tell the lads to keep on keeping on - even if it's in the woodshed.
You know to take your own advice, my friend.
Plus it'll give you some time to work up some new songs of your own.
We all know you can write and have a great voice, as well as the necessary talent to put the lot together in the studio or live.
Just do it!!

two words: drum machine.

rock.

DDD

Never quit... as long as you got the itch...scratch it brother....