Band Rules...

So... I been thinkin'...Band RULES! I borrowed some of these from another cat, but they're pretty good:

1. All decisions are made by voting. Everything will be discussed before voting and everyone has a say. Decisions made are in stone.
2. Anyone is allowed to bring in new material and suggest changes to old ones.
3. Being drunk or otherwise intoxicated on gigs is not allowed. You get one pass.
4. Gig pay is split evenly, after costs are covered (lodging, gas, food etc.). Be as thrifty as possible, no luxury suites, caviar, or champagne. Even the big touring bands follow this rule.
5. Merch money ( T-Shirts, buttons, CD's sold at gigs) goes into a band account after production costs are covered. This money is to be used only for Band business.
6. Tasks (promotion etc.) between band members are balanced as evenly as possible, with everyones' work, other activities and proficiencies taken in for the equation.
7. Rehearsal is not a party, or a "concert" for friends. It's work. Do the work.
8. The members of the Band are a little gang. Have each other's backs. It's about trust and fellowship. Stick together.
9. Stick to the set list. Especially when you're starting out.
10. Don't suck.

Not a bad list. Only one we've ever had a problem with was #7, but that was awhile ago. Still working up to #10, tho. I'd add "communication" to the trust and fellowship rule.

Nice list. I'll print it out and hang it on the wall at rehearsal. Especially like #10.

Can't say fairer than that.

Arrive having eaten.

I have a question about rule #1...does it have to include drummers?

i like #10. even though it hurts me...

Yep. I have another one, I wish our former singer would have adhered to : Be honest about your expectations. If you don't want to gig 8 nights a month, don't make people waste their time and energy working on a set list to eventually wuss out when gigs start coming in.

I'd add:

Rehearsal is not the same as practice. Practice on your own time and come to rehearsal prepared.

Excellent TS! And Pat, you hit the nail on the head.

I'm stealing this........

I unfortunately had to fire our singer because I got so fed up having to cancel gigs left and right I had busted my butt to book and hired one of my former student, a 17 year-old girl who sings like a freakin' angel. The only problem is now, rule #7. Her family thinks they can just come in and out of the rehearsal room and listen whenever they feel like it. The other day, her older sister actually sat in the room and started crocheting. :shock: I almost had a heart attack...

I was in til 10.

Where the hell are you rehearsing Pat?:lol:

Randy, I really doubt that #10 is a problem fer ya.:cool:

WaylonFan76, I wouldn't mind someone sitting and being quiet, it's the ones that start requesting songs or even worse, adding comments....those are the ones I show to the door, family or not.

Where the hell are you rehearsing Pat?:lol:


@ Casa De Pat :mrgreen:.

Amendment # 1:
Don't beat to death tunes everybody already knows (unless of course you're working on a new arrangement of it?). Leave 'some' life in them for the gig.

Amendment # 2:
3 hour rehearsal - 1/2 hour break.
2 hour rehearsal - 15 minute break.
Strictly enforced!

Ken, those are right on.

We're still a relatively new band, and all the other guys are half my age. They need the work ethic kinda pounded into them. I've been there, done that.:cool:

At one rehearsal, they kept pooching the form during the solo. I'd stop, and make 'em do it again. They'd pooch again. Finally I just said:
"It's the same $&^%ing form as the verses."
"You mean two of this and four of that?"
"It's the same $&^%ing form!"
"Why do old people repeat themselves all the time?"
"Because young people don't $&^%ing listen!"

:lol:

That's a conceptual thing that seems 'obvious' to any of us over say, 35(?).

But listen to a lot of modern rock - the 'solo' sections are many times, different than the tune. Why? I have no f'n idea but that's what they're used to - it's a different part of the song so in their minds/experience - it's different.
But yeah - that's the $hite you go over at rehearsal; form, endings, breaks.

*I mentioned beating the dead horse because I've got a rehearsal tonight with a bunch of good players who still feel that they/we need to go over every tune, every rehearsal. It's almost security blanket ish.
The ironic (and funny to me) thing is that everybody will blow 'something' on the gig that they nailed in rehearsal. That's just the nature of performing - no 'perfect' shows. Oh, and we have to take a long break :roll:. (But the other 3 guys like the long break and the running of the set so ... )

"Why do old people repeat themselves all the time?"
"Because young people don't $&^%ing listen!"

:lol:

I teach high school, nothing ever said on this forum could be more true than that!

I want # 10 on a hat

Didn't think about that one...their experience is very different from mine.:lol:

As far the expired equine quadruped, when you know it you know it. Know whut I mean?

I was asked to be in a band, and no one took #7 serious. I was in school and working 2 jobs. I didn't have the time to waste an entire night waiting for guys to show up and get serious. Really left a bad taste in my mouth. I guess thats why I drifted away from the whole band thing.

#1 can also be settled using boxing matches. that's what we did when i was in punk bands on tour and no compromise could be found.

#11 - decide now about interviews and stuff -get everyone`s ego`s lined up BEFORE hand, or it`ll give ya headaches later . . .
#12 sex drugs and rock and roll -have every member list `em in order of importance
if you don`t match, make two bands!

So i guess it's not a band if none of those rules are being followed? Or only when they want to enforce it on someone else?
i was working with some guys recently who couldn't communicate anything... everything was last second... i was willing to work with them because a close friend was their drummer, and yes Friends get discounts.... they fired him, so i didn't have any reason to stay... they keep wondering when i'm gonna take off of decent paying jobs to come see them and "Help out"... yeah. right.

Everyone chips in for beer and $@@$.

Wow. Our band is nowhere near that strict. We try to have a good time at band practice. Some people bowl, some play pool; we jam out, and we get all tore up every Friday night and have a good time playing our 20 or so original songs with each other, all 8-12 of us guys and gals. We like to blow off steam at the end of the work week, and if band practice is strict like work, who wants that? We play out at least once a month-sometimes twice, and are always invited back to the bars and events we play at. Sure, before a gig we tighten up a bit, but we still have a good time. We usually have guests at practice, and if they bring a sixer,its even better. Doesnt bother us a bit. If they crochet or read, what do we care? I guess all bands are different and have different reasons for being. Granted, we dont play for our supper, or things might be different. BTW, we are all over the age of 30, and take our songs seriously, but its about the fun and togetherness that keeps us coming back. Our only real rule is NO SMOKING cigarettes in the practice room.

I would add a suggestion to support the leader. My experience has been one person usually puts the majority effort into getting things done, and most others just want to argue with that person. For the last year I have made the effort to support the leader even though I may have different ideas.

I will definitely make my ideas known, and if the group wants to incorporate them in some way that's great. But if my ideas are not used, and I still want to be in the band, then I need to support the efforts of the leader.

11. We're working at this but playing music is supposed to be fun...as in "play"...

12. There is no number 12...

Be punctual.

One guy I played with was a great musician but was always late for everything. Even if we told him the starting time was 1/2 hour before the real deadline he would still be late. Deal breaker.

13. It's called the Music Business.:lol:

Wow. Our band is nowhere near that strict. We try to have a good time at band practice.

The having fun part - that's a given. We all wouldn't be doing this into our late 40's if it wasn't still fun. The 'rules' Fezz is talking about is so that we can at least get something done.
Every band's situation is different. For example the cats I played with last night - yeah, we take a long break (that I personally feel is too long) and most of us have a beer or two over the course of the rehearsal. But nobody gets sloshed - so no biggy. The band is good, rehearsals are productive and we have a good time.
I have been in outfits where alcohol and drugs, not to mention a few of the other above stated prohibitions, were a huge problem - which is absolutely NO fun at all. I'm sure Fezz can relate to that.

... and buy yer own tuner!

I'd add:

Rehearsal is not the same as practice. Practice on your own time and come to rehearsal prepared.

Can I get an AMEN!?

What Ken said. Music is always a joy to play. The fun is a given. But, this ain't no party, this ain't no disco, this ain't no foolin' around. You have to do the work before you can party.

My band rules are pretty simple.

1) Be on time
2) Be prepared
3) Never impaired

Seems to be working so far.

Yep. Used to be in a band where I'd drive an hour after my work day to go practice only to sit and wait for the drummer to listen to the song for the first time. That used to get me angry...

All good rules. I can't think that anybody with an ounce of professionalism would argue with any of those.


I do let the break thing slide a little. My main working band doesn't rehearse. Ever. I have a master list of songs, and we just do 'em.

My original project rehearses, every Thursday. but we're like family, and only see each other then, so we tend to spend more time than I'd like shooting the *****. It's ok though, because when we are playing, we get TONS done and everybody is on top of things. I'd rather us all be a little friendly and have some fun hang time, than make it too much like a day job. If the music were suffering it'd be different, but like I said, the guys are really on top of things. Everybody gets demo CD's of new songs, and they come in prepared. 3-5 times through a new song and it's usually ready to gig or record. We also run through the ones we already know, just to keep the dust off them. But really it's kind of loose.

We do adhere strictly to the "band members only at rehearsal" thing. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.

Other band rules I have- I don't give a crap what you're into where drinking or other "recreation" is concerned. Do whatever it takes to get you through the day, that's your business. If it effects your performance, or gives the band anything less than a professional appearance, on or off stage, you're fired. Be an idiot on your own time.

Everybody brings their own. Beer, smokes, drugs, cables, whatever it is you need, bring it. No bums allowed, we're all grownups here, and we can provide for ourselves.

No drinking or illicit substances of ANY kind in the vehicle. I drive fast. If I get pulled over I need it to be for speeding only. I don't need compounded problems because you can't travel without your little baggie, or couldn't wait for a beer until we got to the gig. We're a band, we're gonna get searched, use your head.

Have crap that works. I cannot abide people with chronic gear troubles. Breakdowns happen, stuff fails, it's happened to all of us. I get that. If something is failing every week, and your stuff is falling apart, and you can't keep it in decent repair, then I can't use you. Cheap, reliable gear is everywhere these days. Get crap that works, or get out.

All good rules. I can't think that anybody with an ounce of professionalism would argue with any of those.




Other band rules I have- I don't give a crap what you're into where drinking or other "recreation" is concerned. Do whatever it takes to get you through the day, that's your business. If it effects your performance, or gives the band anything less than a professional appearance, on or off stage, you're fired. Be an idiot on your own time.

Everybody brings their own. Beer, smokes, drugs, cables, whatever it is you need, bring it. No bums allowed, we're all grownups here, and we can provide for ourselves.

No drinking or illicit substances of ANY kind in the vehicle. I drive fast. If I get pulled over I need it to be for speeding only. I don't need compounded problems because you can't travel without your little baggie, or couldn't wait for a beer until we got to the gig. We're a band, we're gonna get searched, use your head.

Have crap that works. I cannot abide people with chronic gear troubles. Breakdowns happen, stuff fails, it's happened to all of us. I get that. If something is failing every week, and your stuff is falling apart, and you can't keep it in decent repair, then I can't use you. Cheap, reliable gear is everywhere these days. Get crap that works, or get out.

Good stuff, bud. I prefer driving my own vehicle alone. Half the time the cops don't even notice me. I'm an old man in a Camry with the left turn blinker on.:lol:

No cell phones. Nothing chaps my ass more than to see someone texting or answering a call right in the middle of a band practice.

No cell phones. Nothing chaps my ass more than to see someone texting or answering a call right in the middle of a band practice.

Get a rehearsal space like ours. We have a studio in an actual, WWII era bomb shelter. 18 inches of steel reinforced concrete, under the drummer's house. No signal of any kind gets through that thing. You can bring all the cell phones you want, but they are TOTALLY useless down there.:cool:

Good stuff, bud. I prefer driving my own vehicle alone. Half the time the cops don't even notice me. I'm an old man in a Camry with the left turn blinker on.:lol:

Good grief, you're THAT guy?!? Sorry 'bout that bean burrito I tossed on your windshield... But you GOTTA stay outta the fast lane bro.

I'd add:

Rehearsal is not the same as practice. Practice on your own time and come to rehearsal prepared.

I like this. Other members of the band have trouble with this.

… not that there are two sets of rules – one for an original band and one for us old guys in bar bands

there are something’s that are a big deal with one and may not matter in the other

… with that said, may I respectfully suggest my rule for bar bands

Under no circumstance will the drummer stop a song once started due to an impending train.

Good grief, you're THAT guy?!? Sorry 'bout that bean burrito I tossed on your windshield... But you GOTTA stay outta the fast lane bro.

I was hungy anyway....:lol:

Perhaps the best rule of all is 'be patient, we're all only human'.

..... Practice on your own time and come to rehearsal prepared.I AGREE! they always state a lack of time in their lives. MAKE TIME! Youve made a commitment, stand by it. Make Time to come prepared!

No girlfriends or wives at practice. It's practice, not a concert.

Perhaps the best rule of all is 'be patient, we're all only human'.

There's being human and being a stupid human. I have no time for stupid.:lol:

Failure to adhere to number 9. is a pet peeve of mine.

Fezz...yeah, but I've yet to meet a human that hasn't been stupid a whole bunch of times. As long as it's not every time, all the time, there's usually something to be gained from giving people time to get back on track.

Now this one guy who NEVER learned the freakin' chords to Three Steps To Heaven...he had to go.

Fezz, I think you and I would get along in a band greatly!

Good stuff, bud. I prefer driving my own vehicle alone. Half the time the cops don't even notice me. I'm an old man in a Camry with the left turn blinker on.:lol:

Fezz this could be a new original song!!!

Fezz...yeah, but I've yet to meet a human that hasn't been stupid a whole bunch of times. As long as it's not every time, all the time, there's usually something to be gained from giving people time to get back on track.

With me, I'll give you one. Repeating a singular mistake makes me look bad. It's like practicing. Learn from your mistakes.:mrgreen:

From a creative perspective, BAND RULES is kind of an oxymoron...

However I love the list, including what Telesavalis contributed. Great stuff, and gives me some ideas on how to keep a band together and in a productive way.

I'm going to steal these guidelines / rules.

Thanks a ton.

NO YOKOS !!!

So... I been thinkin'...Band RULES! I borrowed some of these from another cat, but they're pretty good:

1. All decisions are made by voting. Everything will be discussed before voting and everyone has a say. Decisions made are in stone.
2. Anyone is allowed to bring in new material and suggest changes to old ones.


I didnt get any farther than the first two.

Bands are made of people, and people often disagree... if everything is left up to vote, then often you'll have no decision at all. Some of the best bands I've been in had a leader, who did a lot of the behind the scenes work, and he would listen to other people's input, but often the final decisions were his.. and I was OK with that. He booked, he fronted the band, he got paid and then paid us.... etc

as far as the second "rule", drummers, and sometimes singers, will drive the guitar players crazy with endlessly wanting to learn new songs and having a "Wish list" of 500 songs they "want to do". The problem with that is, usually the drummer has no homework to do for the new songs at all. Its the guitar players who have to sit down and spend all that time learning the songs. The singer will say, it doesnt have to be perfect, lets just jam on it.. but the guitarists still have to put enough time into it at home, to play it well enough to even have a go at it. Meanwhile the only homework the singer will do, is get the lyrics off the internet... if they even bother with that.

Rules are just made to be broken. Its different for every band.

as far as the second "rule", drummers, and sometimes singers, will drive the guitar players crazy with endlessly wanting to learn new songs and having a "Wish list" of 500 songs they "want to do". The problem with that is, usually the drummer has no homework to do for the new songs at all. Its the guitar players who have to sit down and spend all that time learning the songs. The singer will say, it doesnt have to be perfect, lets just jam on it.. but the guitarists still have to put enough time into it at home, to play it well enough to even have a go at it. Meanwhile the only homework the singer will do, is get the lyrics off the internet... if they even bother with that.


Interesting points! As a L.S., I will always try to keep this in mind!

If there was ONE rule I'd like to have in place at a band rehearsal, it would be:

1. NO NOODLING BETWEEN SONGS.

My god, that drives me nuts, trying to discuss the format or arrangement or whatever of a song, and somebodys wailing away at full volume, just fooling around. the last band I tried to stomach, it was the drummer who bashed away, full volume, constantly between every song. I couldnt deal with it. He claimed he didnt get to play during the week and so this was his practice. I only lasted about three rehearsals.

Bands are made of people...

I wish!:lol:

So... I been thinkin'...Band RULES! I borrowed some of these from another cat, but they're pretty good:

1. All decisions are made by voting. Everything will be discussed before voting and everyone has a say. Decisions made are in stone.
2. Anyone is allowed to bring in new material and suggest changes to old ones.
3. Being drunk or otherwise intoxicated on gigs is not allowed. You get one pass.
4. Gig pay is split evenly, after costs are covered (lodging, gas, food etc.). Be as thrifty as possible, no luxury suites, caviar, or champagne. Even the big touring bands follow this rule.
5. Merch money ( T-Shirts, buttons, CD's sold at gigs) goes into a band account after production costs are covered. This money is to be used only for Band business.
6. Tasks (promotion etc.) between band members are balanced as evenly as possible, with everyones' work, other activities and proficiencies taken in for the equation.
7. Rehearsal is not a party, or a "concert" for friends. It's work. Do the work.
8. The members of the Band are a little gang. Have each other's backs. It's about trust and fellowship. Stick together.
9. Stick to the set list. Especially when you're starting out.
10. Don't suck.

Man, some of you guys are serious about playing. I'm sure not. I just never realized. You rehearse?

#1 - really? Somebody ought to be driving the thing.
#2 - ok
#3 - I wouldn't know about that, not since jr high anyway. It's a business. I don't do business with drunks and drug users.
#4 - hmmmm, ok
#5 - odd. My CD, my money.
#6 - I make more money because I do more work.
#7 - rehearsal again. does not compute
#8 - it's a group of people I make money with
#9 - wow. a setlist?
#10 - I like it

And no phones at rehearsal? How do you book sessions if you don't answer your phone?

6. Tasks (promotion etc.) between band members are balanced as evenly as possible, with everyones' work, other activities and proficiencies taken in for the equation.

------------
#6 - I make more money because I do more work.



Another interesting point. I've never been in a real working band where each member did "their fair share" of behind the scenes work. There are always guys (or girls) who dont do anything except show up... these are always the people that do most of the bitching about gigs, pay, etc... but they never do anything about it. Promotion, booking, sound and lighting equipment furnishing and transportation... usually all this is handled by one or two people and the rest do nothing, but expect to get paid the same as everybody else.

However in one band I was in, they had a "sliding pay scale". They listed all the tasks required to book a gig and play it. If you provided more services towards that end, you got paid more. Those that only showed up to play, made the least. Guys that booked the gig or provided more equipment, etc, made more.

I was OK with that. I just showed up and played, but I was grateful that I wasnt expected to do any more than that.

And sometimes it's jsut common courtesy. If I'm struggling with getting a speaker on or off of a stand (yes, I use the modern things) and you're standing there with you thumb up....well, most folks will help you. Not all. Those are the ones I don't call again.

And Fezz, you know I'm just pokin' fun right? I haven't really been in an all for one and one for all situation since junior high. I've either worked for somebody or they work for me. If you are trying to keep the same guys together and get jobs then yeah, evrybody should know what to do and what's expected and take criticism. I don't have to criticize. I just don't use them again.

Yeah I know. I'd rather sleep in the bus than do any of the "rules". But, I know what to do, been doin' it a long time.:lol: