Before You Start a Band | Watch This! (5 worst things about being in a band)

[@Axess-sv8nq]

After being in bands for 30 years (1979 - 2009), here's my list: - Clubs rip your band off. No matter how great a show you do, or how you pack the place, or how good you are, club owners will pay you peanuts. - Being in bands that have family members them. You will always be outvoted and the family members run everything - especially if one is the manager. - Dealing with people too addicted to drinking or doing 'substances'. When it comes time to play the gig, they hardly know where they are. - Narcissists. The one or 2 people in the band who have to be the center of attention at all times. If you steal their spotlight by being great, you get kicked out or they quit. - Band Whisperers. These are people who whisper in your bandmate's ear about how great they are and how the band would be nothing without them. - Band members with dominant wives/girlfriend. I was in one band where the girlfriends would constantly interrupt practices with B.S. - Playing a bad club. You know the place. Where people are more interested in talking to each other and getting drunk with you being their background noise while you're out there playing your heart out on stage. - Repeat Song Requests. "Dudes! Play _______ again! That song ROCKS!!" or my favorite: "Do you guys know ________? My GF/BF wants to hear that song!" I'm not a JUKEBOX! - The Primadonna in the band who has to have all the same name-brand and/or expensive guitars/gear they can get. They blame their own sound issues on YOUR 'cheap stuff'. - A drummer who speeds up or slows down when they get tired. - Getting shocked in the lip by a microphone that isn't properly grounded. - Managers who book you in the WORST places for little pay. - Band members who are ALWAYS late! Yeah, that was a long list! LOL! There's more. But, I think that's enough for now.

[@BrianGossard]

Good points. I forgot some of those. I was probably a little cranky in this video but yeah being in a band isn’t always as fun as it looks. People ask me over and over again why I quit “But you guys were so good. Why did you leave?” And this video was kind of my answer to that.

[@Axess-sv8nq]

@@BrianGossard Nahh. The video is great! You know, though, even with all of the nonsense I listed, I stayed with it for that long. It was all about the crowds and the show. It was such a blast to feel that stage vibrate and feel the wind of a crowd cheering! More than a few times, I would see people in the audience singing my own lyrics along with me! That was such a rush!

[@Axess-sv8nq]

@UC0hsAM4DF8zsrt_MUEIWEfA I just learned how to shield myself from it - which is one of the reasons why I stuck around for 30+ years. Heck, I'm still doing it - just online now. I love to entertain people - it's my life calling. I did it. Had a great time - despite the nonsense. And I retired from the physical stage. The only time I'll stop playing guitar, and entertaining people, is if/when they kick me off KZbin.

[@Malcolm701]

Yeah, yeah...

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

The real motive for most people is getting girls. But bands are so common that its about as attractive as working at MC Donalds.

[@BarryPoogy]

Would I do it again? YES! Everything you said is spot on, but yet, being in a band gives you experiences and the rare and truly exceptional moments that you will treasure and talk about for the rest of your life. Even a really shitty moment shared with your bandmates can be memorable. The truly great moments where you find yourself looking at yourself on stage and the crowd is heaving up and down and wondering if this is really happening are unforgettable.

[@JawJX]

yeah even if you barely made any money for a show, the process of packing the equipment, performing, crowds cheering, having fun, those are the moments most enjoyable that we will remember

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

I tried to start a band like 5 times and it was a NIGHTMARE every time. Different nightmare each time, but a total waste of time I could have been home playing Playstation.

[@ThomasGilmore-fi6gb]

​@@worsethanhitlerpt.2539In front of a video game, which is right where you belong...that's what the retard pacifiers were made for 😂

[@deanherbig9178]

it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll

[@canismajoris6733]

There is no top anymore anyway. More like "it's a long way to moderate obscurity if you wanna rock and roll"

[@whitepony-f9w]

@@canismajoris6733 i'd argue the opposite. while competition is INCREDIBLY high now, you could still get pretty successful even in more niche genres simply due to how democratised the music industry is now because of social media

[@Aerospace_Gaming]

Hi Mr. Gossard, it is Aiden Cerul. I was in your class in the beginning of the 2017 school year in fourth grade. You were one of the best music teacher's I've ever had

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks Aiden! I appreciate the compliment! Hope you're doing well!

[@abdielsantiago4801]

Hey! thanks for posting another video. I love them. I'm a music teacher and I've showed some of my students your videos and they absolutely love them! Keep it up.

[@BrianGossard]

Abdiel Santiago thanks! I will post some more music teaching kind of videos too, but I hope you enjoy these as well.

[@jonathanmosher72]

You seriously don't need all that stuff. You don't need a half stack. You don't need a bunch of heavy gear besides the drums. If you play a bunch of music that requires alt tunings and if you have to play super clean you MIGHT need that stuff. I've been playing gigs for 27 years on guitar and bass. As a bassist, I played with $5000 worth of gear and $225 worth of gear. I thought my USA Fender P and Ampeg rig was in the van and we showed up to an outside gig and I realized it was left behind. I played with my back-up 120 dollar Epi Thunderbird bass and an Acoustic 200-watt bass combo I bought used for $125 and we were headlining. The sound guy laughed and said it sounded great. I really don't care about gear anymore. It's to impress the musicians in the audience and the other bands or to stroke ego.

[@BrianGossard]

You’re definitely right about not needing all that gear. Personally, I enjoy the gear. I played in alternate tunings so I did use two guitars in my band. Much respect to you for doing it so long with minimal gear though. I will say, one thing I observed is that audiences too is more seriously when we showed up looking like we were more established than we really were.

[@jonathanmosher72]

@@BrianGossard I like gear too. I was a gear head. I played an Alembic, with a rack system, 2 SWR cabs bi-amped with a special cross-over all with high-end road cases. I still have a room full of stuff. Two of the bands I was in were actually going somewhere but the first the frontman had mental illness. The second, 16 years later, the guitarist (who's one of the best around) is a perfectionist with recording anxiety. He refused to put out what we recorded because he didn't like the amount of over-drive he uses at shows on the album. This is after multiple medium size labels were throwing money at us. That basically killed it for me.

[@omarcapaso7156]

Where i live, people have house shows. A host offers their house to let a bunch of bands play. And getting music out there and promoting isn’t that hard nowadays. Just get a band that you are friends with to promote you, so on and so fourth. You may not be big per say, but you get your music out there, and that’s fun.

[@BrianGossard]

That sounds like a great way to do things. Promoting music has changed a lot, even in the 10 years that I’ve been out of the scene. You make some good points.

[@rabbitholestudios2024]

i’ve completely ignored all of these and wasted all my money to make deathcore , and it’s been fantastic and a great time.

[@bobbyedge9271]

Through the miracle of amp modeling I was able to shrink my tour rig by about 70lbs which was a life saver. Also clubs that you have to "pay to play" and sell tickets are an absolute scam. That kind of deal is indicative of a lazy promoter and box office. It's even more of a scam that a lot of these venues are taking a cut from band's merch sales.

[@RMoocher]

As a bassist with a long history of playing in local, original bands, let me add to your list... 1. Weekly rehearsal costs add up. 2. Studio recordings are expensive! 3. Most original gigs pay poorly! 4. Most original gigs have poor audience numbers as most folks care not for unknown local bands. 5. Most bands will have at least one bad member, who may be unreliable, a drug/alcohol abuser, a control freak, or just an arsehole. 6. In my opinion, a LOT of unknown, original bands sound bad (for various reasons) and you're stuck hearing a lot of it at gigs! 7. Most live sets are only for 40-45 minutes, and you're usually rushed to set your stuff up on stage, and take it down. 8. Sound guys at live shows always take a big chunk of the gig money from the bands.

[@BrianGossard]

Well said, my friend. You are clearly one of us!

[@RMoocher]

@@BrianGossard yep. Quit a band recently at 37. I've had enough of the BS for the time being.

[@Skaarxiong1]

dude, you didn't fail. you got to do and live out your dream. not the way you had envision it, but you did it. so you didn't fail. you only fail if you didn't even bother to try.

[@westonniedermier9186]

#3 is so spot on. Well worded man.

[@BrianGossard]

Thanks man! Please feel free to share with other ex band peeps.

[@larrylambert2727]

A redeeming quality of music vs most other things is that I don't feel like Im actually "spending" money when I buy good gear. As long as you get a decent deal and take decent care of the stuff it really retains its value and becomes a pretty liquid asset if needed. I don't know of many gamer friends that can go sell their old systems or games etc and fund a significant unforeseen expense or vacation or anything like that. Good guitar gear is an asset that has saved most of us at least once.

[@PressuredSpeechBand]

I tell my wife my guitars are investments. She has other ideas.

[@gvdz3395]

@@PressuredSpeechBandlike handbags?

[@ElliottErnst]

What a Debby downer. Never give up guys take every opportunity that comes ur way! Practice patience and be the best in ur town and be productive. Fail quick and learn from your mistakes and make that change into success

[@ThomasGilmore-fi6gb]

I've form different groups for different situations successfully. I've always prepared chord charts that include the arrangement details for every instrument. If I already know players that are right for the work I will offer it to them (first choice) if not I hold auditions. I expect to pay everyone some money for rehearsal. I've been able work with skilled pros that can read charts and take direction without having bruised egos. Professional musicians will do what the leader asks w/o complaining. If asked for ideas and suggestions they'll offer them, if not asked they don't. When I'm called to work as a sideman I pride myself on being able to give the MD what he wants. Dealing with guys that expect a band to be primarily a bunch of buddies haing a party is a good way to piss time down the drain. Creating an ensemble that's worthy of taking to a stage is work, work, work! The fun comes last.

[@spacealienjesus709]

How true these things are..

[@LaLA441000]

Thanks for the Pep talk. With that attitude, it's not strange that you didn't "make it", whatever that means. One tip: Enjoy the process & Just have Fun.

[@BrianGossard]

I don’t think you got the spirit it was intended in. I also have another video talking about all the wonderful things about the process.

[@davidgangemi3314]

All these things are true whether you are an original band or a cover band. And it's much harder when you're an original band.

[@dannym5345]

Making it in a band is a pipe dream music for me is enjoying playing and trying to be creative nothing to do with money

[@Videomaker-pz4xm]

One annoying thing about being in a band is your other band members changing ideas that weren't wanted or sometimes they have a terrible idea.

[@BrianGossard]

That’s when you need new band members. I’ve been there.

[@worsethanhitlerpt.2539]

I was in a band with a guy who wrote pretty cool metal riffs, but then he used these crappy FX pedals and RUINED his own ideas. The FX sounded like TV static. I totally understand that also people re-write their lyrics until they SUCK when the first draft was good

[@se7encureton]

Bro your speaking so much fucking facts. Ty I needed this today.

[@BrianGossard]

What band were you in?

[@se7encureton]

BrokeNote UnderTone

[@snidjantha]

What you are sayin is very true. Music industry is going down hill. You don't get paid back what you keep spending on. If you want to play music, just play for fun. Can't play for money anymore. Cheers Up Musicians.

[@juana1483]

Everyone wants pop these days. Lots of today's music can be made with just a few people. Today's crowd doesn't care much for excellent musicianship! I love mostly music from late 60s and 70s. By the time the hair bands of the 80s came along, I feel the best rock was sadly behind us. I still have some fine electric and acoustic instruments from way back, and one 1966 Fender amp, but these days, I find a lot of enjoyment with a $500 looper/drum machine.

[@canismajoris6733]

That's because you only pay attention to mainstream rock. You are part of the problem.

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

It would be nice if like in other jobs sthere is sells people and there is workers. Like in car dealership. Having to do too different tasks you may not be cut out to do is too much. In my younger years I found it difficult even to get to play with the right people. Put on top of that trying to be a band manager. This sucks on all levels.

[@blessingwarrior2828]

I liked the video Neema watching from Uganda 🇺🇬

[@scottbaekeland9750]

The best and most famous musicians that ever lived also had to deal with these things. It's like basketball, not everyone gets in the NBA but if you like to play you find ways to play even if no one pays you. Every art form has issues for the artist. I'm 72 and still playing every week for not enough money but our band really has some moments that I wouldn't experience otherwise. It's not for everyone and the people that feel they are not getting enough out of it seem to drop out in their 30's. Am I disillusioned about the music business? Of course but I got over it in my 20's. To paraphrase the Hell's Angels = Live to play - Play to live.

[@kc9kepextra460]

The last people I gave one of my CD’s to, they said “I don’t think I have a CD player anymore .. “

[@canismajoris6733]

Maybe don't hand out outdated technology then

[@Theslavedrivers]

@@canismajoris6733 What do you suggest instead?

[@kathrynwhitby9799]

how about 5 worst things about starting a band relying on music shop adverts? (ie, when you don't have a group of friends that play instruments)

[@sqlb3rn]

These are issues with gigging, not simply being in a band. If all your band does is record and release music and videos, most of these points don't matter. Once you decide you want to play gigs, that's when the drama and pain in the ass begins, and all these points are spot on.

[@DoomLatveria]

I am spending money on my rig, lots of it, but i am setting up for a long haul, i cant buy more gear after i am done cause i am just chasing a dream, and i wont need more. I went well rounded setup over specialized.

[@daveycrockett9447]

Every member needs to have the mindset that you need to play to an audience on what they want to hear (that equates to what gets them engaged and moving)- NOT songs that you want to play as a band. Again- its about the audience and not for the bands own self gratification of what songs they like. #1. Mistake IMHO. Song selection and playing to the band’s strengths - both musically and vocally is extremely important!!!

[@jonasirw1]

Makes total sense why Kiss decided to put on a total spectacle even when they were young and broke. You really have to so something to stand out otherwise you get lost in all the noise.

[@JPC-do8xi]

Half stack is a great sounding cab with a good head,I miss using one but combo is much lighter

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Good talk. Hey...do you wanna' buy some tickets to our upcoming show?

[@BrianGossard]

Lol I see what you did there.

[@simarsaini585]

Mr. Gossard I’m ur old student. I was in ur class from k-4 grades. Read my username for my name

[@BrianGossard]

Hey Simar, thanks for checking out the video and saying hi. Hope you're doing well!

[@simarsaini585]

I’m great. Thank you for teaching me so many amazing lessons! You are still my favorite teacher and will always be

[@bernie8835]

Far too many people in bands that don't offer anything new, guitarists sitting in their bedroom practising scales, nobody want's hear that, be inventive use your imagination, that's the way it was in the 60's and 70's, people innovated, they didn't copy, use your influences to create something new.

[@BrianGossard]

I agree. Looking back, we spent a lot of time trying to be like the bands we looked up to and it was only when I stopped doing that and started making a very different kind of music (songs for kids actually) that people started to take notice. Part of the trick is you need to be doing something that there’s a need for.

[@juana1483]

I agree bro. Music went to pop now anyhow. Uggghh 🤢

[@LeoSG61]

Your music needs to have lots of passion that people are interested to see your band play again

[@leroygolden6470]

#6 Band arguments about stupid shit like what you wear to a show, using the “wrong” equipment, too many or not enough effects, looking at the bass player’s girlfriend....... #7 Angry Spouses. “Are you rehearsing again??!!!” “You spent HOW MUCH???!!!!” “When are you gonna give up on this fantasy?” #8 Not enough gig money to pay for your impending divorce.

[@undercrackers56]

The worst thing about the three bands I was in was the bass players. Talk about sour attitude. As the guitarist it always fell upon me to setup and tear-down the PA. The drummer(s) insisted that they did not understand the stuff and the bass players made it clear that it was beneath them. Funny enough it was the bass player who ultimately broke the band up.

[@Richtigash]

You got paid $1000 for 1 show and you’re complaining. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.

[@udertyrat]

Rams Head? Are you in MD? I’ve played some of those.

[@CHESTER9871]

I just want to play music with others 🥲A band we can get together at a rented studio for some jam sessions/rehearsals a couple times a month or in their grannys basement

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Gotta pay the after show groupies in kind 😶

[@mikeoxlong8272]

The 5 worst things about being in a band in the 5 other people in the band.

[@_Only_Zuul]

Choosing a GOOD band name without someone in the band hating it. Everyone in band has to like the name. Decisions via band vote.. Guitarists who hog all the songwriting/song contributions and don't let you have a shot at bringing some music to the band, every ideas has to be from them.

[@robertmellang6998]

Cool video. Kinda like being a pilot.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Tell me about it. I have an SVT with 2 4x10s. The amp weighs 92 lbs. I hated #3 also, I'm kind of an introvert.

[@doylegrizzle4906]

One Gig we drank more than we earned, and wound up owing the the event manager!

[@chasleask8533]

If you ever find yourself looking forward to work on Monday morning , it's time to move on .

[@KennywalkerTV]

I wish we had 100 people at our first show.

[@BrianGossard]

I’m certain we didn’t have 100 people at our first show. We were always asked to sell 100 tickets though. That was awful.

[@justalazer7485]

You forgot to add when the younger students get worse and worse

[@Malcolm701]

Personalities that don't fit in, in so many ways. You do need a very strong leader of a band- hopefully he doesn't suffer from crap ideas...

[@ohioridercinci2495]

love the truth here.

[@Malcolm701]

First essential thing is really great music...

[@jamesponcedeleon4218]

"In the end...I failed". Holy fuck thats a scary reality

[@sqlb3rn]

My last three gigs I got paid nothing, nothing, and $6

[@richardchubb3152]

I've had better success and fewer hassles by going solo. My last attempt at auditioning musicians was a joke. The guys showed up an hour and a half late for practice. One guy busts out with "I'm not paying taxes." After playing a song, another one says,"That was nice, but you played it wrong." I must also add that I was supposed to book the gigs, pay them, and kiss their butt's? FYI... Your guitar licks mean nothing, especially when I can play them myself. McDonald's is always hiring..

[@cadarnell1]

My parents are on fire I have to go put them out lol

[@meldeer6253]

we were not looking for STAR-DOM ..just having fun!!! I live in NY not my choice i have gotten the cold sholder from so many musians iv even been put down for my playing egnored and it ant like i dont try,, exzample my self a 4 people wer jammining in a basement having funn helping each other then this eragant keyboard player who post on face plucker his face how wonderful he is had me in tears i left never to return and the so called band disintagrated .. my self stoped playing mu guitar for 15 yr.. 15 yr .. then there was the neighbor who was a singer and drummer pritty good to .. he put me down his wife had issues with me becouse i was transgender why in this day of time in this would it matter who i am in the music industry .. yuppppp Ny great place aaaaaaaa true story how about we talk about these problem's

[@doylegrizzle4906]

We had to pitch in to buy a PA

[@Tiredeyes_66]

DONT BUY EXPENSIVE STUFF! dw my guitar was 15$ and the rest of my gear is a phone

[@LarryDexter-nj9zn]

Long story short…don’t get involved in playing in a band. Played for 35 years in multiple bands. Yes there are some good times but they usually don’t outweigh the bad. The bands all end the same way pretty much. Just don’t do it, save yourself the bullshit.

[@Sarah_Beesus]

If you're worried about money and buying equipment, I know the perfect thing Play in a folk punk band

[@blessingwarrior2828]

💪

[@WilliamKirkham-y1j]

Your amp is missing a knob.

[@kc9kepextra460]

You probably won’t make your money back on an X-Box either 😁🤪

[@markreiber4457]

Drunks ,I quit a band cuz of that

[@darkphotographer]

funny thing is you don t actually have 50 friends , to come and see your show , your only friends are probably in your band , one thing you don t mention , is you have to deal with other musician ,,,,

[@mrdeathwish6200]

this guy is discouraging us

[@bryanourhero]

Yup it's all sucks

[@arbitarymusic805]

...or get e-drums

[@BrianGossard]

I like E drums.

[@chrisgriffin6495]

people act like the struggle isn't part of the fun!

[@canismajoris6733]

It isn't

[@larsheydecke887]

Why did you start a band To begin with you have to love playing music and the thing is its fun to play with others Thats my no one goal This is a realy strange vid

[@buddycollins1000]

You lost the passion and the heart to carry on with your dream and that’s the reason why you didn’t “Make it” and it has nothing to do with the reasons that you mentioned as they’re just part of being a gigging musician. I bet all of your idols in music would tell you the same if you met them. You just gave up dude.