A Loyal Band Member Doesn't Perform Well: Should We Keep Him or Cut Him?

If you were to do a search on any online or offline musicians' classifieds you'll find, among other things, hundreds of ads from performers looking to start a band or singing group. The person placing the ad will usually state their musical influences, and already have a strong idea of the style(s) of music and type of band they'd like to put together. For those that actually succeed in forming their ideal group, it's the result of numerous meetings and auditions to get the right people that fit well. In this scenario, there will likely be more candidates that were rejected than those actually selected. The best thing about this type of situation is that you can be as selective as you wish, and only pick the cream of the crop. Cool, right?

But, here's a not-so-cool scenario: You're in a band with a group of guys you've known since you were in diapers; let's say it's a five-piece band (bass, keyboard, guitar, drums, and a lead singer). Everyone in the band performs well above acceptable levels. However, your drummer, which also happens to be your cousin 'Ron', plays a bit sloppy and has poor timing. This, of course, limits the band with the types and styles of music you're able to perform. You've all addressed this issue as a group many times. Cousin Ron doesn't like being seen as the weakest link, so he decides to practice more; twice as much as anyone else, every spare moment he gets. Sadly, it doesn't help much.

There was this one weekend when Cousin Ron had a bad case of chicken pox. The lead singer's friend 'Dewey' sat in on drums, and for the first time the band was able to perform songs you never could with Ron. And Dewey is such a quick learner, and already knows so many songs. On top of that, Dewey really wants to be a part of the band. But, Cousin Ron gets better, and the band resumes its old setup.

Then comes the opportunity of a lifetime: You get to audition in front of a crowd that includes a couple of record producers. But, out of the 60 or so songs in your band's repertoire, there are only 3 or 4 that Cousin Ron plays well enough for this type of gig. And those 3 or 4 tunes sound so much alike that they can't possibly show any diversity or uniqueness in your group. Meantime, the lead singer privately notifies you (the band leader) that Dewey is available, and is willing to help out. You only have 2 weeks to prepare for the audition. What do you do?

Do you cut Ron loose for the sake of the band possibly landing a recording contract? Or, do you continue to drag him along, even though his sub-par talents will likely prevent the group from advancing to the next level? If you replaced Cousin Ron, how would that make him feel? Would it cause problems in your family. Could you deal with what your mother would think (or say)? What about her sister, your Aunt Mary?

The decision you and your band makes depends on how important (to the band) the opportunity at-hand is. An audition is not a guarantee; it a chance. But, it's a chance you've been waiting for all your life, and you may not get another chance if you make a bad impression. Personally, I think the issue should be discussed with Ron, who's already aware that he's the weakest link, and should do the noble thing; sitting this one out for the sake of the group.

However, if the group DOES decide to do the audition with Ron on drums, they SHOULD NOT blame Ron if the performance ends up being a bust. I'm a living witness that loyalty sometimes costs dearly. You just have to decide if you're willing to pay the price.