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Fired From My Band Yesterday

gfred611 - Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:11

After giving almost 3 years to my band, this week they let me go as their primary drummer, in order to rehire their previous drummer, but want to keep me on as a sub.

The leaders felt like they needed to regain their "Edge" in order to increase bookings. I was very surprised, and deeply hurt by this, an am taking some time to heal, and figure out what to do next. This former drummer gave them much grief and pain before, and when I was hired, they ensured me that they would never rehire this person again! Of course, she is an awesome rock drummer. I was , or thought I was, giving them what they needed. No one in the band is perfect, but we played a variety of music, and enjoyed working together.

Anyways, I thought you may have some helpful words on how to deal with situations similar to this. I know I still want to play music, but this experience has really shaken my confidence, both in myself, and in other people.

Would love to hear your thoughts,
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DecompProject Says Re: Fired From My Band Yesterday

Submitted On: Friday, Aug 7, 2009 - 1:39 PM

I'm sorry you got let go that sucks a lot, this can really do a number on your confidence and all around views of your self as a drummer, but don't give up. Bands with ex-members is kinda like dating some one with "baggage" ya know the old "I'm still friends with the ex" type of thing. Things will get better and you will find a bad ass band to get into, don't worry to much about this.

teedrum Says Re: Fired From My Band Yesterday

Submitted On: Monday, Jul 27, 2009 - 11:45 AM

Something better is around the corner and when it happens, you will laugh about this situation! In my career there has NEVER been a gig that I was either fired from or didn't get that I regret. Look at it as a rung on the ladder to your ultimate gig! You will bounce back from this and be even stronger! Hang in there!

ThatDrummerKid Says Re: Fired From My Band Yesterday

Submitted On: Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 - 11:05 AM

Yeah man, i hate when that stuff happens. Trust me, I'v been screwed over on some dumb occasions. I was in a band that was doing great and we were starting to actually do stuff (getting shows, recording, etc...) and it just went to hell because person was a diva and just oculdn't get along with anyone in the band, and he reuined it for everyone and especially myself. I hate when something good goes bad and it's not your fault!

ricky Says Re: Fired From My Band Yesterday

Submitted On: Tuesday, Jul 21, 2009 - 10:45 AM

Wow that sucks, all i can say is continue to pursue music. Also listen, learn, and practice more than you could before now that u have more time, so when you play or sub you blow them away. Another thing just play to make the music sound it's best not only for fills.

wish you the best. God closes some doors to open new ones!

debrasil Says Re: Re: Fired From My Band Yesterday

Submitted On: Wednesday, Jul 22, 2009 - 2:32 PM

right on

d.hitchcock Says Re: Re: Re: Fired From My Band Yesterday

Submitted On: Thursday, Sep 3, 2009 - 3:54 PM

I feel for ya, bro' ...

Trust me, I KNOW how you feel.

Can't count how many bands have "let me go." Even by dumpy, half-baked cover bands.

It makes it hard sometimes. You have to remember the sheer joy of making music, not the tribulations with band members. But it's hard.

Try to regain your footing and continue playing.

One of my teachers, Kim Plainfield, once told me, "Hey, at least when you're in the music business you know you're going to get canned at some point. It's a given."

Everybody gets canned sometimes. Kim got replaced once for some session work; the producers hired Steve Gadd instead! I mean, how are you going to argue with that??? :-)

Hang in there, and good luck.

d.hitchcock