What makes a friendly band??

[Nuke]

Playing music and watchin a bloke wagle a stick for two hours in rehersals is all very well and good but what in a band makes you want to go back week after week and carry. What things about your band make you go back for more.
Personally mine would be the copious amounts of alcohol that are consumed after every rehersal and concert :guiness but im sure everyones is different. Any ideas?

 

[Naomi McFadyen]

I enjoy playing- good people in the band... that keeps me going as music is all I have

 

[Okiedokie of Oz]

I find a band has to excel in one of 2 categories.

1) Musical ability.
If the band plays nicely together, and plays to an audience that is always VERY appreciative, I enjoy the band immensly.

2) Socially
I hate bands with players that are up themselves, or don't socialise.

 

[lynchie]

good music, close proximity of a pub, and severe lack of people I may want to hit...

 

[andyp]

Friendly people. Music you enjoy. If you don't enjoy the music, or don't like the people, why go?
I would argue that bands that socialise together play better together, too.
A lot of my band are my oldest friends, and that's one of the most important things to me.

 

[Well Worth It]

This is usually easy to judge by how many times a year the band members meet up OUTSIDE of engagements/rehearsals.

 

[Vickitorious]

I have a really good laugh at band, and they all look after me! lol!

It's brilliant!!

 

[six pints]

good music, good people, and lots and lots of beer!

 

[2nd man down]

Fun people, good atmosphere, and it makes a difference when you know everyone is trying their hardest.
Root out the prima-donnas (or prima donnash...private joke!!) too, they can ruin morale in no time.

 

[sparkling_quavers]

All of the above but it is the simple things that make a difference. Like if (as a new potential player or guest) you go to a concert/rehearsal and nobody makes an effort to chat to you. It might seem crazy but I have (and know alot of players who have guested for bands that have been like that too) To put it quite simply- you don't bother going back again do you?

 

[akwarose]

friendly people that u can be yourself with, and who dont judge you when u ask for help with something, people who are willing to help, good atmosphere, music you enjoy and the fact that i love it to pieces, coz i like performing as part of a group!

 

[ploughboy]

Fun people, good atmosphere, and it makes a difference when you know everyone is trying their hardest.
Root out the prima-donnas (or prima donnash...private joke!!) too, they can ruin morale in no time.

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Close to the wire that one mate :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: funny tho!!

 

[manx_yessir]

Like if (as a new potential player or guest) you go to a concert/rehearsal and nobody makes an effort to chat to you. It might seem crazy but I have (and know alot of players who have guested for bands that have been like that too) To put it quite simply- you don't bother going back again do you?

Yep I have to agree with you there Rach. When we went to our first Littleborough rehearsal last year & then Emley this year, there were plenty of people who made sure they came & talked to us & invited us to the pub afterwards. We also went to play with a couple of bands last year before joining Littleborough and hardly anyone made us feel welcome so we felt like outsiders. As much as I love banding, I'd rather not play then go somewhere where everyone didn't get along.

 

[Big Twigge]

A band where they don't shout at you for playing a little wrong note and who invite you to the pub with them for post band pints and make you feel welcome...would work for me

 

[drummergurl]

I enjoy playing- good people in the band... that keeps me going as music is all I have

ditto, and also, people chatting to ya on your first rehearsal is always good, i always feel like the little lonely one in the corner whenever i go to a new band or go to a rehearsal with a band i know no1 from

 

[Dave Payn]

A mixture of commitment to making good music to the best of the collective ability, mixed in with people willing to have a chat, a laugh and a joke over a few drinks and DEFINITELY no members long disappeared up their own backsides!

 

[Cornishwomble]

I like a band who go out of their way to say hello to guests. Practices may only take up 3-4 hours a week of your time, so I always like bands who socialise and do other things.

I like bands who try hard and are not always moaning, who actually enjoy doing gigs and turn up with plenty of time so that the whole thing runs smoothly.

 

[lynchie]

I believe that taking over half an indian restaurant with band members is a good way to show solidarity... also taking over large sections of pubs and bars works similarly...

Flixton... experts in rearranging tables...

 

[Will the Sec]

When I told DP I was leaving my former band, he said "Come to Fulham. You'll be hooked by the people, and you'll never want to leave." I told him he was nuts, as Fulham is on the wrong side of London, but his words were prophetic.

I always make a point of saying hallo to new members and will buy them a drink at the break. (We're lucky to have a bar on site.)

In addition, I'll use my knowledge of London to see if they're using the optimum method of getting to and from the rehearsal venue. If it's easy to get to and from band, (and safely) then that is a catalyst for them to come again.

Ideally, the MD will have a quick chat too, and BUY THEM A BEER. (This has never happened at Fulham...) *ducks*

When it comes to deps, be friendly, be appreciative, don't be critical of their playing (you can apply that concept if necessary by not asking them again) and above all, offer them a suitable dep fee. They might refuse anyway, but the sure fire way to alienate a fellow bander is to take their services for granted. It won't help should you need deps in the future, either.

 

[flugelgal]

I agree pretty much with what everybody has said here. I think if people in the band are welcoming and friendly it makes all the difference. I just joined Granite City a few months ago and people like Moy have been wonderful, feeding me and everything on occasion. Makes all the difference!