From simon@alphabeck.co.uk Fri Sep 07 03:37:28 2012
Subject:Re: Ages and Area

Well, I live in the UK, and as I see it, a lot depends on the kind of band.

I play keyboards on a 10-piece(!) ska/funk/reggae band playing mostly original material, and we usually have 3 or 4 gigs a month, mostly at pubs but also at larger venues and festivals. We are not a "name" band (although we are building a reputation in London and elsewhere), nor are we a tribute or nostalgia act. A lot of our fan base comes from the ska/mod/2-Tone community, even though our musical range extends beyond ska to Latin, dub and funk.

I also occasionally dep (usually on bass guitar and electric upright bass, but sometimes on keyboards) with a Blues Brothers tribute band. This is where the money is - weddings and similar occasions, corporate parties, but ultimately it's not particularly creative (can still be fun and exciting though).

So you have a choice. Be your own musician - give audiences the kind of thing they want - we put in a few covers to keep in with the traditional ska fans, but above all, play what YOU like. Or you can be part of an entertainment machine, mining the veins of nostalgia; ultimately being less creative but bringing home more cash ar the end of a gig. Or even do both...

Simon