Ten biggest reasons I hate gigging

[Commodore 64***]

Eric, I found a small music shop that is run by an unpretentious, nice guy (as opposed to the other shop in town who told me I should spend money on lessons instead of the guitar I was looking at). And I signed up for lessons. A few months later, the store had a "Rock Band" event...where students could sign up to do two concerts at the end of the summer. I signed up. He "found" some other "adult students" (only one other person was a student) and we did like 5 songs. I didn't realize I was auditioning throughout the 6 rehearsals and 2 concerts until he asked me to be in his band.

They are truly supportive of me, warts and all. I have no experience singing and even less "feel" for singing than I do for guitar...but they make sure I sing a few songs (The Weight, Bad Moon Rising, Brown Eyed Girl, and a 2nd verse of Soul Man) even though I'm awful. They must be desperate, but screw it. I'm learning a lot more and faster, too. Nothing like a 4 hour rehearsal to build hand strength and muscle memory.

[Eric***]

Eric, I found a small music shop that is run by an unpretentious, nice guy (as opposed to the other shop in town who told me I should spend money on lessons instead of the guitar I was looking at). And I signed up for lessons. A few months later, the store had a "Rock Band" event...where students could sign up to do two concerts at the end of the summer. I signed up. He "found" some other "adult students" (only one other person was a student) and we did like 5 songs. I didn't realize I was auditioning throughout the 6 rehearsals and 2 concerts until he asked me to be in his band.

They are truly supportive of me, warts and all. I have no experience singing and even less "feel" for singing than I do for guitar...but they make sure I sing a few songs (The Weight, Bad Moon Rising, Brown Eyed Girl, and a 2nd verse of Soul Man) even though I'm awful. They must be desperate, but screw it. I'm learning a lot more and faster, too. Nothing like a 4 hour rehearsal to build hand strength and muscle memory.

Hmm. Maybe I should find a music store and hang out there. It would probably be better than the failed craigslist adventures I've gone through.