Man - I don't think Ive ever "vented" on the LAB before.
Glad the basement is here so I can stand in the corner and yell for a bit! haha
Long story short, I have a base duo that works 250-300 shows a year and has been together 7 years.
Due to personality changes and differing views on how to be professional on and off stage, the band has decreed a Dissolution.
This was typed up and done compeletely in writing to combat the "he said, she said" BS that can happen when ya do this all over the phone or over coffee.
Gigs that were already contracted were divided between the 2 of us and the clients were contacted and given the choice of retaining the NEW band lineup or droping the show without penalty.
All of my clients retained my new duo. A few of my former partner's clients stated that they hired the act for ME, not her and someone else. I have no problem helping her fulfill these shows as long as shes fair and professional and have stated this to her.
Had one BIG client(18 weekends, house PA, nearly 20grand pay) which was contacted early on in all of this. I told the entertainment department the old duo was gone, but that I had a new partner that would surpass anything I have ever brought to their property. (I have played this contract for the past 3 years as well as numerous single dates with them)
They replied with "its the original band, or nothing".
I then had to give a brief description of my ex-partner's lack of a work ethic and the many reasons we should have been fired if not for my fast thinking or corrective cover ups.
They again replied that they only wanted the original act.
Now, please don't think my ex partner brought anything to the stage. She didnt. Simply that shes a 44 year old female drummer.
Thats it. No vocals, no skimpy tops, and rarely a smile on stage.
I again asked why they would back me into a corner over this (requiring me to bring a sub standard show back to their property)
It pretty much was conflicting me 100%!
I finally have had it and wrote the Entertainment Dept, their Secretary and the AV dept and informed them I was not honoring their demands, I was offering a new and improved show, and was sorry that it could not be resolved any other way.
Fun, eh?
Rain