It must be rather disconcerting to be able to be replaced by an MP3.

You have my sympathy.

Ian

Truth is, unless we entertain (or even show up ), we are ALL replaceable by a DJ or even just a Muzak/Sirius setup.

Times are getting harder. No restaurant ever went out of business by dropping their pianist, and with margins getting tighter and tighter, some ARE. This makes it more important to at least show up for the ones we actually have...

But seriously, sorry to hear of your 'senior moment', Fran. I guarantee that's one mistake you won't make twice

Fran, I empathize with your situation. It is very difficult being the pivot man in the group. For years I've told my guys to have SOMETHING ready just for emergencies. Whether it be a CD, a laptop or a loaded arranger the members who rely on my cache of music need an escape route if I'm not there. I'm sure the guitarist and sax man could make a go of it, but not without rhythms and such. Your guys should have been prepared.

Ian, not even close...If i could have been replaced by an MP3 player..I think Stu would have ran home and got a MP3 player...

The fear set in because the band and audience would miss, my running of the "show"..including sound engineer, keyboard play[yes I do play}..trouble shooting (mic feedback etc)..and my charming charisma...not to mention my re-pore chatting with patrons on break..

It takes many attributes to do my job...The MP3 player can not replace me...only resolve a bad situation....

Some folks still have a lot to learn here..

Diki, wasn't a senior moment..this was a change in time from our usual 8-12 at this venue...I did not book it and was not aware it was to be a 3-7 booking..Stu dropped the ball..not I...a simple email or call would have did the trick..

This is the first time in over 45 years that I missed a gig....and most of those years..i didn't have a MP3 player..

What's the lineup that they couldn't play at all without you, Fran?

And sorry, I was only having a little fun with ya'. Of course, if the booker fails to tell you what time the engagement is, if it is different from a regular gig, it's not your fault at all. I've had that happen... screw-ups at the booker's end. I hope Stu was appropriately contrite

At this point, having demonstrated to themselves how utterly indispensable you are to their continued working, perhaps now is the time for you to demand a raise!

aye aye..

"What's the lineup that they couldn't play at all without you, Fran?"

Stu lead singer, JoAnn lead singer and sometime keyboard parts..and myself..doing it all..

I think you're learning very well, Fran.

Chin up...things will get better.

Ian

Been there! Guitar player was handling the bookings and one weekend we didn't have a job and I kept asking him are you sure?
Come to find out we were no show at a wedding.
To make it worse it was booked through an agent he wasn't happy either.