I have a minor issue with starting a band and transport.

I'm here because I don't know many other musicians without a driver's license who have similar experiences I can ask for help - after scrawling through google for a few answers and finding zilch, I have come here.

So, basically.

I've been wanting to start a new band since my old one at college broke up a year and a half ago, but have never managed it because of many contributing factors. Of these is that the village I live in is about 15 miles away from the nearest city with a music scene and places to practice and none of my musician friends live locally - however, these sort of predicaments would be manageable if it weren't for one thing - if I could actually drive.

The issue is that I simply can't cope with the experience. I hate driving. I've been having lessons for a little over a year now and failed two practical tests (which I think is owed in part to my own anxieties and confidence issues). I have another test booked for next week, however as usual I'm extremely nervous about it and don't hold much hope for myself passing - I've already made the decision that if I don't pass this test I'm going to stop bothering... Not just because I could do without the added stress, but also I can't keep affording the costs of lessons and test fees.

So, this is where I need your help.

My problem is that I'm very aware that a musician is somebody who needs to be able to drive (or at least have some kind of personal transport), due to the equipment that needs to be transported to practice spaces and venues. I was wondering, is there any musicians out here who doesn't drive/doesn't like driving, and still copes with the disadvantage? I know that it's certainly possible to cope as a musician without being able to drive (cause you know, John Lennon got his drivers license at 29), I simply have no insight into how it is possible, due to lack of experience and advise.

Just drive without a license. You'll save on insurance too!

I'm afraid I don't know what to say about your anxieties. My desire to go do what I have to do trumps all of mine.

Hope you can find a way to do it.

Its not the best thing to be dependent on others like that.
If there were an Emergency, your driving skills could make all the difference.

Wow I am terrified to get up and play in front of people. But driving doesn't scare me. I guess thats just the way it goes. Start saving for cab fares. Or move to the big city. Anyone ever put a b15 on a subway? Lol.

Well, seeing how I live in the city that you speak of for ten years, and have dealt with musicians who refuse to drive or have other strong aversions to other norms of American life... there are two options:

1. Move on down here. You can find dirt cheap rent with band mates if your standards are low enough. Living with the band solves the problem of having to get a ride to practice.
2. Stay put, dealing with band mates who refuse to drive is a band killer. It wears on everyone, even if you are the cute, single girl in the band. It will eventually drag the band down because everyone will feel obligated to give you a lift before and after practice.

I'm 44 and I never learned how to drive, either. My father wouldn't teach me. My high school didn't offer classes. Young Drivers of Canada charged $600 in 1984!!! I lived in Cambridge, England from 96-98. Then moved to Fenstanton, East Anglia--98-99. They used to have great bus services. Three companies competing with each other. Buses every five minutes! Drivers who made change and rolled cigarettes with one hand while driving with the other. St. Ives was close enough, I could bicycle there in fifteen minutes from Fenstanton. Same with Grantchester from Cambridge. Performing shouldn't be fraught with anxieties. Should be relaxing. Used to be this great pub in Fenstanton. The King Bill. Walking there with my wife in the pouring rain one winter's evening. What do we hear coming from within? A Kinks cover band playing Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon! Pretty sure my death will involve a car, so I avoid them at all costs. It's me and the squirrels, trying to cross the street at the same time. All of us screaming. Oh God! Oh crap! Oh no! Later, I see the same squirrels lying on their stomachs on tree branches. If they can forget their anxieties ...

I'm with scantron. Non-driving band members who don't live on the way to practice is a huge drag, regardless of how much the other members like you otherwise. I'm dealing with the situation right now. Our third guitarist lives in the middle of nowhere, has no car, and no license because of a bunch of DUIs, and he's not even anywhere near a bus stop that could take him to my area so I can get him. It's so exasperating. I'm not trying to sound hostile, but that's they way it always ends up.

Biking might be possible, I rode 15 mi to Guitar Center, bought a guitar, and rode back with it. If I had a better gig bag, then I think getting there would not be an issue at all for me. (Of course, the fact that I'm just starting, and work getting in the way of everything prevents me from even thinking about joining a band)

I'd also say move to said city. Time will tell how motivated you really are. Not having a car and insurance is a total $$ saver, no shame there...

Theres a singer in town I'd love to play with but I got tired of even thinking about picking him up and dropping him off before it even happened. And I think hes great.
How about getting on a go cart track for 2 hours straight. People banging into you and spinning out. That would cure you and get some experience without killing anyone

If driving stresses you out that bad, how do you deal with musicians and thier bull-crud, and things like venue managers, girl-friends of band members, so on? I think musicians stress me out more than anything else.

You should learn to relax and learn to drive. Get a friend to get out on some back roads some place with you, and let you just go easy, and get the feel of it. Don't think about it, just do it. I think you're putting way too much into it.

1. Make do without a car.
2. Live outside of the city.
3. Play in a band.

Choose up to two.

Do, or do not...there is no 'try'.- Jedi Master Yoda

You can have anything in life that you desire, but positive thoughts must come 1st to create the energy required to bring such things about. There's a higher Self within us all that makes things happen. This is the same Self that allowed you to progress to the level of musician you are now, capable of performing at a band/entertainment level. Do well!

I'm extremely nervous about it and don't hold much hope for myself passing - I've already made the decision that if I don't pass this test I'm going to stop bothering...
fLrpBLDWyCI

Get a girl friend that will drive you around.

Just how stuck are you -- where in the heck is Royston?

Joe Walsh doesnt drive either...but he has a Mazerrati...and a limo. Proof you Can make it as a rock star without a drivers license!

I was in a band with TWO blind people.

If you're good, other band members will find a way. Also, host rehearsals at your place. Let musicians come to you.

You'll have to find a way to meet people. This internet thing makes location less an issue initially. Maybe post some of your work on YouTube, put an ad on CL with a link and see what happens.

I've known several city-dwelling musicians who don't drive. They carry their guitar in a gig bag and amp choice is a compromise involving tone, power and weight.
They take busses and cabs.
This, actually, is so often the case that many clubs provide a PA and some kind of drum kit.
Take the money you save by not driving and take some lessons from the best teacher you can find, get real good and then everybody will want you in their band!

I did 4-6 gigs a week for several years without a car. Unlike you however, I live in Chicago where I would take cabs to gigs, loading my gear in the trunk. If the gig was too far for the expense of a cab, I'd just rent a car. Unfortunately for you, you cannot drive so you cannot rent a car.

If you want to gig, you better get to a city where cabs are plentiful. If the nearest city to you is still a relatively small town with few cabs and far driving distances, you may have to consider moving to the nearest large town or give up on the idea of doing gigs. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

The aggravation you'll cause by not driving will probably be in direct proportion to:

- Your playing ability
- How far away you live from band members
- How willing you are to pay expenses (own PA, rental equipment haulers, pay soundmen, etc.)
- How much of the other band's gear you'll store/carry
- How much PR you generate

I'd say if you lived very close to a band member or two, sprung for van/trailer transportation, did your fair share (and maybe a little more) of the lugging, have good chops and have lots of dedicated friends to come see your band and spread the word on how great your band is - you'd be ok.

Now, living alone 50 miles away with a ton of heavy gear, no money, a bad back and a few internet friends... well, then you'd be in trouble. ;)

-DJ

I hate to drive, am not particularly good at it (band members used to call me Wrongway Peachfuzz), but it's a necessary evil. Had to rely on a friend to drive me for 3 months or so when I broke my leg a few years ago. That really sucked!!! Either you should grow a pair, quit whining, or move to the city and ride a bus or a cab.

johnny hiland is blind and gets by great!!

If you have halfway decent public transportation it shouldn't be a huge problem. You'll have to leave some gear at the practice space though, unless you plan on gigging with a practice amp.

Funny, this reminds me of a thread recently posted on UG... odd.

johnny hiland is blind and gets by great!!

Unfortunately for the OP, blind guys get more sympathy (regardless of talent level) than people who can't drive.

musicians who don't drive are usually referred to as.....drummers.

musicians who don't drive are usually referred to as.....drummers.

I was going to say, never trust a drummer whose car has ... cruise control.

So as it turns out, I passed my test yesterday with 5 minor faults (out of a maximum of 15) in spite of my concerns. Examiner was lovely, he was really cheerful about the whole thing which made me a whole lot more relaxed about the whole thing. My confidence will most likely get better now I can drive at my own pace.

Looks like I'll be doing the driving in the band after all, thanks for the help guys :)

CONGRATS!! Glad you passed.

So as it turns out, I passed my test yesterday with 5 minor faults in spite of my concerns. Examiner was lovely, he was really cheerful about the whole thing which made me a whole lot more relaxed about the whole thing. My confidence will most likely get better now I can drive at my own pace.

Looks like I'll be doing the driving in the band after all, thanks for the help guys :)


Nice, very nice!
Now get going on that band!

So as it turns out, I passed my test yesterday with 5 minor faults in spite of my concerns. Examiner was lovely, he was really cheerful about the whole thing which made me a whole lot more relaxed about the whole thing. My confidence will most likely get better now I can drive at my own pace.

Looks like I'll be doing the driving in the band after all, thanks for the help guys :)

Hey congrats! Did you take the test at the GSP post north of Athens? I've taken several tests out there over the years. I recall driving away on my motorcycle after failing my motorcycle license test :lol:

BTW, what instrument do you play?

Hey congrats! Did you take the test at the GSP post north of Athens?

I'm in the UK, nowhere near Athens :P

BTW, what instrument do you play?

Guitar. Like to sometimes pretend I play piano, though not quite as successful with that....

I'm in the UK, nowhere near Athens :P



Guitar. Like to sometimes pretend I play piano, though not quite as successful with that....

Ha! Oh boy, your town said "Royston" and I assumed it was the Royston 15-20 minutes from my city of Athens. Athens is a big music hub and I simply assumed you were in the nearby Royston, Ga. :mrgreen: