Having to fire a fellow band mate, especially when he or she is your friend, is never fun to do. Sometimes though, it has to be done for the band as a whole to be able to move forward. The same goes for bringing in a new member. You may or may not know the new person prior to their audition. There are numerous concerns about how they will fit in with the band. So with these situations being a bit delicate, let’s look at some things you can do to help make things easier and more professional.
Have A Band Contract
While some musicians will feel this is overkill, or even too much effort to be worth the trouble, having a contract between the band members can help ease lineup changes. This is especially true when various members own parts of the band’s sound system or light rig, whether they own as individuals or as co-owners. Having a guitarist leave, who also owns half of the light rig, is something that increases the impact of the lineup change. Not only does the remainder of the band have to worry about replacing what is being lost, but if the guitarist’s “half” of the light rig is more of a 50% of the money spent on it then you have to figure out how they will be compensated for their share.
Let’s take this a bit further though. What happens when the singer, who is half owner of the band name and half of the songwriting element, quits or needs to be fired? Now the rest of the band has more issues to deal with. This is why contracts are so beneficial for any band, regardless of their professional level. Before any tempers flare, egos/feelings get hurt, or financial elements become part of the equation, you take the time to layout exactly what everyone is responsible for and will get upon their departure. When the time comes to add a new member to the band, you simply adjust the existing contract or provide a new contract specifically for them.
Approach It From The Right Perspective
This is one of the harder things to do, since many times during a firing people’s tempers may flare. Best approach here is to maintain it from the professional standpoint as much as possible. Rather than focusing on “you just don’t fit with us” or “we just don’t get along with you,” instead you focus on their contributions or lack of. It could be that they have made it clear they want a different direction than the rest of the group. Maybe they have been missing too many rehearsals or are drinking too much at rehearsals/gigs. If you look at it from a business-oriented perspective as how are they helping/disrupting operations, it makes it easier to minimize the “personal” aspect.
Dealing With Drug/Alcohol Addiction?
Having a band member who is having trouble with alcohol or drugs is a bad situation. Not only is it risky for the band in a professional sense, but you also feel the need to try and help your band mate. Sometimes though, the member with the problem doesn’t want help or feel they don’t need it. If it is affecting the band however, then something has to be done. This is definitely the case where you want to be professional and upfront about the reason you are firing them. You certainly don’t want to do anything to send them on a downward spiral. You can even tell them that you might consider allowing them back in once they prove they are over their addiction. Remember to be professional and calm in this situation but not too gentle about it. They have to know that the group won’t stand for it.
Just Rip That Band-Aid Off!
One of the worst things to do when you know that a member needs to be let go is to wait about doing it. Don’t drag it out and dance around the central point of the meeting. Let them know they are being fired from the group and give them legitimate and business-oriented reasons why. Sitting there talking about other things for 30 minutes before you get around to saying “so here’s the thing…” is just adding insult to injury really.
The same goes for audition and hiring a new member. Be clear about what will be expected of them should they be brought into the group. Be up front with the overall and each member’s expectations and the overall direction of the group. This will help to make sure you get the right person and be less likely to deal with another firing later down the road.
The Main Point: Treat Them How You Would Want To Be Treated
Throughout history there is a common morale about treating others as you wish to be treated. So why would this situation be any different? Think about how you would want to be told you are fired from the group. You would expect some sort of respectful “we have to let you go” approach wouldn’t you? So do exactly that for the person you have to fire. Do the same for hiring a new band member. Think about what all you would want to be told upfront. Would you want a band to say nothing about their impending national tour till after you confirm you are in and then say you can’t go on a tour like that? Make sure you try and tell a new member everything you feel you would want or need to know about if you were in their position.