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Originally Posted by Vanilla
What makes some band members cause rifts within their band? Why is it so common? Is it to do with personality conflicts and big egos?
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Yes, that happens
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Originally Posted by Vanilla
I know drugs and alcohol can play a big part
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Yes, that happens also
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Originally Posted by Vanilla
It doesn't seem to make a difference whether a band is super famous or underground, there's always a band around that has problems with one or more artists. Obviously not all bands though.
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All bands have issues. Some just handle it better than others
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Originally Posted by Vanilla
What makes some bands work well and other ones fall apart?
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(1) Chemistry
(2) Everybody's wants, needs, and goals are all roughly the same
(3 most important) The memberes REALLY DO like - and respect - each other, despite their differences
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Originally Posted by Vanilla
Do you think bands can maintain their image if they lose a big player like a guitarist or vocalist?
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It depends on the amount of "weight" that was attributed to the departed member in the public eye.
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Originally Posted by Vanilla
What is the key ingredient to a band that will last the distance?
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First and foremost is splitting everything monetarily evenly. Even if you were signed to a major label, most of the money is in the songwriting and publishing: bands that have stood the test of time with little or no lineup changes are the ones that divided payroll evenly, even if the songwriting was attributed to one or two people. R.E.M. , U2, and Queen are perfect examples of groups that divided all royalties evenly despite who actually wrote what. Metallica also did this all the way up to the loss of Cliff Burton, in which subsequent bass players are more viewed as "hired employees" although they are photographed as actual members....this trickles all the way down to cover bands playing pubs and clubs.
There are exception
The second thing is make sure you LIKE the people you are playing with - that you actually enjoy their company
The third thing is to remember that conflict isnt always necessarily a bad thing: sometimes the rollercoaster ride is what strengthens the comraderie of band mates...It can also help write songs and even enhance performances...the important thing is to never let the audience/fans know there is a problem
If someone quits and talks **** about you in public, be the bigger person and dont talk smack back.
One last piece of advice and one that was given to me a long time ago that was the best advice I ever got:
Q: Are you a musician and want to have a band do what you want them to do?
A: LEARN HOW TO SING --- become the lead vocalist. Take lessons if need be. For original bands: A vocalist/instrumentalist (especially a lead vocalist/instrumentalist) is what carries the weight in the public-eye -- BECOME THAT GUY...In cover bands, this is an especially excellent trait that will aid you in getting picked in audition over someone that doesnt sing. Learning how to sing harmony as well will put you over the top
Like any band, vocals are as much about sales as it is talent --- An OK singer that can sell what they do will always go over better than an excellent vocalist that cant sell it
Good Luck