Top 11 Reasons To Be In A Band

[barondave]

As usual, my Spring cold has come on just when it's getting nicer. I guess I don't zip up my jacket after the long winter, or something. It's a fairly mild cold, all things considered, but I'm just as glad to be home and warm. But I digress.

Applecon lives, at least in post-con postings. This is one of the Top 11 Lists I read at the Bardic Circle event.

from July 9, 1994 -- I don't recall who, if anyone, we had as guests that day
The Top 11 Reasons To Be In A Band

11. Really cool thing to say to the chicks and/or hunks.

10. Finally get to hear the music you want.

9. Groupies.

8. Song lyrics can substitute for real communication at any time.

(these two need to be read together, quickly)
7. Rehearsals always an excuse for leaving a bad scene anytime you want.
6. Inexact rehearsal starting time an excuse to stay a little longer when you’re having fun.

5. Get to wear exotic outfits.

4. You can blame any mistake on someone else.

3. Travel is so broadening.

2. Occasionally get paid for doing what you like.

1. Get to be interviewed on Shockwave!

Comments

[lakeboy-55.livejournal.com]

I have issues with 4, 9 and 10. Having now been in several bands, albeit not well known, I have these comments.

#4: This behavior tends to shorten the band's life span, and enjoyment significantly, the effect rises exponentially with the frequency of occurence.

#9: This is probably strictly a personal observation, but the only potential groupie I ever had was a older drunken native american woman who promptly fell off a haybale after tellimg me how great and sexy I was. (True story)

#10: This assumes that you have a say in the band's material. As a, sometimes, working musician, I can assure you that there are a lot of times you end up playing material that makes you cringe on the inside, and even on the outside from time to time.

On the whole, though, I'd rather be playing than not playing.

[barondave.livejournal.com]

It's one thing to play the occasional song you don't like which was championed by another bandmember (if they play yours) and not liking much of the band's playlist at all. Indeed, I'd say that, given your response, #10 and #4 will act in concert to shorten a band's existence.

I'll let groupies throw their own panties. Or not, as the case may be.

[thaedeus.livejournal.com]

Lol.

I would also add:

11. Easier to explain all the guitars hanging on the wall to the wife, if you are "in a band"
12. hot backup singers!
13. cheaper than therapy
14. It's fun getting kicked out of the band weekly (and I'm in a one man band)
15. artist license is a good excuse for speeding

I can't talk about groupies at the mo... the wife might read this :)

--Z