Starting a band at 45...how?

**chefcraig** · 07.08.06, 12:28 PM

Towards the end of 2001, for various personal reasons I quit music. I'd played for the previous 5 years in a metal/hard rock outfit, and I'd finally had enough of low or non-paying gigs to last a lifetime. I'd been playing in various bands since the mid-seventies, and quite frankly I was burned out.

I'd come to find my last band's focus too narrow, as all we would ever play were our own originals from the Creed/Priest/Maiden school, and it was really limiting, as I can play more than one style of music.

Lately I've started writing again, and I've given thought to starting up a new band. Even if it means jamming in a garage, it would be a start. The lousy thing is I have no idea how to start again.

Any ideas on how I could go about doing this? I play bass, guitar and keys. I'd like to find folk in my age group, yet most are so set in their own work/family routines it's kinda difficult. I'm not even sure how far I want to take it, considering the crapfest my last band went through. Yet it would be good just to play with some folks again. Like I said, I'm capable of many types of music, and I want the new band to reflect this, rather than simply plowing ahead in one direction.

Any suggestions would be gladly appreciated.

...craig

**lal5150** · 07.08.06, 10:39 PM

start at sam ash . the one off the palmetto always has posters looking for people to jam or looking to start a band . i know we lack real clubs down here . but have you ever been to tobacco road in miami. i guess chef , the best bet would be to hit your local music stores and ask the people work there.

**cyberfiddl** · 07.08.06, 11:59 PM

The when/what/how stuff is important. Once you're past that, be sure of one thing:

Have FUN.

**onefootoutthedoor** · 07.09.06, 12:17 AM

Craig, go where the music is. Also, check out craigslist in your area to see if there are any other people looking to jam. You'll find em'.

**chefcraig** · 07.11.06, 06:30 AM

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the help.

...craig

**ziggysmalls** · 07.11.06, 02:02 PM

I would maybe put a post at www.gigfinder.com

You can look for musicians or can look for a band.

Maybe you will find something there that will strike your interest. Here in Cleveland we have a local entertainment rag that has a website where you can put classifieds in.

Just be honest of where you want to take it. You never know a linker may read this and reply to you.

**voivod** · 07.11.06, 07:39 PM

Originally Posted by chefcraig

Any ideas on how I could go about doing this? I play bass, guitar and keys. I'd like to find folk in my age group. Any suggestions would be gladly appreciated.

Enter your zip code in here... http://bandmix.com/index.php

and here http://musicians.meetup.com/cities/u...?from=loc_pick

**chefcraig** · 07.12.06, 09:53 AM

This is simply outstanding. I sincerely appreciate all the help and fine suggestions. I mean it.

...craig

**againstthewind** · 07.14.06, 03:20 PM

Great thread idea Chef, I am kind of in the same boat, an old fart at 39, and it is good to hear from others who are going through the same thing. I would love to get into a band, even a garage band, but it seems so hard to meet others who have the same interests. Keep us updated.

**Otis5150** · 07.20.06, 02:03 PM

Good for you, Craig. I got back into playing with a band about 5 years ago, at 30, after not having done it since college, and it wasn't as hard as you'd think. Everyone has mentioned some good websites, but Harmony Central also has musicians want ads. Good luck and let me know if I can help.

**Strat God** · 08.12.06, 06:31 AM

I'm 50, and started a cover band less than a year ago.
We just signed to a national agency for bookings. A small start, but we're having more fun than should be allowed by law!

**Otis5150** · 08.13.06, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by Strat God

I'm 50, and started a cover band less than a year ago.
We just signed to a national agency for bookings. A small start, but we're having more fun than should be allowed by law!

I hear ya'! I got back in the game five years ago, at 30, and it's much more fun this time around. Not as many egos/attitudes and everyone is pretty much in it for the love of playing music. The cool thing is that I actually met my girlfriend through the band. She's our singer and we're getiing married next year. Hopefully it's work out better than Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks...

**TOM_5150** · 09.05.06, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by chefcraig

Towards the end of 2001, for various personal reasons I quit music. I'd played for the previous 5 years in a metal/hard rock outfit, and I'd finally had enough of low or non-paying gigs to last a lifetime. I'd been playing in various bands since the mid-seventies, and quite frankly I was burned out.

I'd come to find my last band's focus too narrow, as all we would ever play were our own originals from the Creed/Priest/Maiden school, and it was really limiting, as I can play more than one style of music.

Lately I've started writing again, and I've given thought to starting up a new band. Even if it means jamming in a garage, it would be a start. The lousy thing is I have no idea how to start again.

Any ideas on how I could go about doing this? I play bass, guitar and keys. I'd like to find folk in my age group, yet most are so set in their own work/family routines it's kinda difficult. I'm not even sure how far I want to take it, considering the crapfest my last band went through. Yet it would be good just to play with some folks again. Like I said, I'm capable of many types of music, and I want the new band to reflect this, rather than simply plowing ahead in one direction.

Any suggestions would be gladly appreciated.

...craig

Advertise at the local music stores with a brief description of what you're looking for............

**ellargogusano** · 09.08.06, 11:00 PM

Don't go looking for a band- Post at the music stores you are looking for guys or girls to jam with. Once you find the right people then it's a band. If you go looking for 4 or 5 people to form a band (personalities will destroy it) Plus make sure if you are 45 each person wants the same thing. Otherwise it will be tough
Good luck to you

**Otis5150** · 09.09.06, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by ellargogusano

Don't go looking for a band- Post at the music stores you are looking for guys or girls to jam with. Once you find the right people then it's a band. If you go looking for 4 or 5 people to form a band (personalities will destroy it) Plus make sure if you are 45 each person wants the same thing. Otherwise it will be tough
Good luck to you

Very good point, but don't confine yourself to posting at music stores. You'll have a much larger pool to choose from, using the web. It has always worked for us, whenever we've needed to find someone. Carig's List and Harmony Central are great places to post ads. Good luck!