Ryan's Gig Guide - July 2018

along Gang' and the Hollywood lifestyle feels mere footsteps away. T WO YEARS LATER Probably only two original members remain- ing now and one is the songwriter; which be- comes a problem as they haven't got time to write new songs because their time is totally engrossed emailing venues, writing press re- leases, producing CDs, chasing up radio sta- tions, sweeping the floor behind themselves as they walk and arranging band practice which is costing a small fortune as only one band mem- ber is funding them. After some intense phone calls an emergency band meeting is arranged. Crucial points are raised highlighting that things cost money, money is required to pur- chase things, not just a lone musician's money should be used to purchase things and that all members should take responsibility for the maintenance of the band which is benefitting all their music careers. Unfortunately not ev- eryone attended the band meeting and the most offending member was absent. W HY MANY BANDS REALLY SPLIT UP Personnel problems; clashing or extreme opin- ions mixed with erratic behaviour or unreli- ableness are frequent grounds for musicians being ejected from a band. Arguments re- sulting in singling out who offers the most or least (like a reality TV show) creates division or fracturing within ranks and sometimes results in a decision to disband in order to save friendships. Despite the often star jumped "one for all and all for one" attitude, it turns out that different people desire different things. Money issues are a prominent justification for a group to splinter; if a strong opinionated musician isn't prepared to invest in their music career then they become the target of ridicule from fellow members. The band as a whole becomes less about music and more a tug of war be- tween finance and creativity which normally prompts separation and the nascence of solo careers. Another important factor; some acts expect success within a particular amount of time. T HE FINAL SHOW Deep down nobody in a band really wants to perform a last show; new faces saturate the venue and loyal supporters from the debut show sadly aren't present. Slightly fake smiles sparkle on stage; rehearsals for side projects have already commenced for the majority of the band members beforehand. Staring inatten- tively at their watches between songs they breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will never have to remember their chord sequences ever again. Regardless of personal differences they all stand tall and proud one last time to form the sadest visual spectacle of their entire career; the lugubrious wave goodbye. N i c k J To w n s e n d i s t h e f r o n t m a n a n d g u i t a r i s t f o r B r i t i s h b a n d We a k 1 3 . A n e x p e r i e n c e d U n d e r - g r o u n d m u - s i c i a n a n d m u s i c p r o - m o t e r , f i l m p r o d u c e r a n d a l l r o u n d g o o d g u y . S u p p o r t e r o f o r i g i n a l m u s i c . rgg July 2018 9