Fired from My Band

[Gwen Frederick]

Hello all,

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. They want to keep me 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,

[Jane 'Pogo' Paterson]

Tough break! I'm sure the band's decision is no reflection on you, but I'm not surprised you feel hurt and your confidence knocked. I'm not speaking from any personal experience, as I've never been in a band (I don't think I'm good enough - YET!), but try to look at it this way; if the previous drummer was really awesome, then it says a lot about you that they hired you as her replacement. Who knows, in time their re-hired drummer might go back to her unreliable ways, and by then you might just be in another band and can give your old band the two-fingered salute if they ask you back!!

I hope this helps you to feel better - whatever happens, best of luck!

[Gwen Frederick]

thanks

[Gwen Frederick]

thanks for taking the time to encourage

[Cindi Hunt]

I'm with Jane on this one. If the previous drummer was awesome and they hired you to replace her, that says a lot about your drumming so don't doubt that part. It may just be that even though she was a pain to work with they just had a deep personal connection with her. I've only been in one band and I am the least experienced person in it, so mentally I try to keep in mind that I could get axed someday, but I'm hoping to increase my skill level before that happens. Personally, I don't know that I would agree to be a "sub". Just a thought to get a more positive twist out of it - I don't know if you prefer only rock - you might take this as a chance to try another genre of music. Or, if rock is your thing, haven't you ever felt like you wanted to play other rock music that this band didn't care to cover? This may be an opportunity for an even better experience with a band you will feel more inspired by. I'd troll Craig's List and see what you can find. Don't let the turkeys get you down!
Cindi H.

[Gwen Frederick]

thanks everyone for your encouraging responses

[Alice de Buhr]

Gwen,
I'm so sorry to hear about this. How rude! I hope you find something better and stronger than WJ in the near future....It'd be nice for you to have something solid, where you couldn't be in a position to be "fired." I've always thought being a part of a band gave some permanence, a feeling of being "home," but if they looked at you as a "hired gun," they don't deserve to have your talent grace their stage.
Rock on!
Alice