We need to dump a band member - what do we do?
We have a guy in our band that is constantly showing up late, either on either drugs or booze, and generally just a mess. He’s been here since the beginning and we feel guilty about kicking him out but it’s a big problem. What do we do?
-Stacey. Orlando, FL
Sit down with him and give him an ultimatum as a band member and partner in your project. If he cannot commit to the terms you should start looking for someone else immediately because it will happen eventually. There’s a time and place to have fun. Onstage, in the studio, and the expense of other people is not that time. One should have their addiction problems as a private matter at home, not involving anyone else who counts on you to be their livelihood. This isn’t the 70s or even the 80s. Trashing hotel rooms, drinking to an excess, and using hard drugs are virtually taboo in today’s touring culture. If your band is moving to the next level the first thing any management company will be doing is replacing your drug little fiend with a competent member. If all else fails leave him at a truck stop in a neighboring state and maybe he won’t find his way back to the practice space.
