IceCreamMan wrote
the band dynamics i am not privy too so take my advice with that in mind ...i reckon keep the name ,its a good one.... if it comes to the point where the other 2 are well either we ditch it or we ditch the band then make some deicsions ...music should be about expression and enjoyment ..unfortunately as i get more into music and bands i am begiinig to realise that bands are all to often filled with politics and bullshit that detract from the enjoyment of music...
I don't know Hammeron or anybody in her band or what's going on in that band, so my comments here are general.
The problem with many bands is that all the band members have in common is their membership of the band. Joe Boyd, who managed the Incredible String Band, said that the seeds of that bands eventual demise were sown early on. The ISB started off as Clive Palmer and Robin Williamson - who were friends. Then Mike Heron joined to make the trio that cut the first ISB album. Mike knew Clive, Robin and Mike didn't know each other outside of the band. Then Clive left and, as Boyd wrote, "Mike and Robin were Clive's friends rather than each other's. Without him as a buffer, they developed a robust dislike for one another. Fortunately, the quality and quantity of their songwriting was roughly equal. Neither would agree to the inclusion of a new song by the other unless he could impose himself on it by arranging the instruments and working out all the harmonies."
When you see it written like that it's amazing that the ISB hung together for another 7 years, though with other members coming and going (usually political appointments to reinforce either Heron's or Williamson's position) and with the band getting on better, or being better able to paper over the cracks, after they gave up drugs.
Like many bands the ISB reformed after a long separation and the two main members soon rediscovered their dislike for each other and the band split again.
I think keeping a band together for a long time takes either one dominant personality who is the band in all but name (EG Jethro Tull) or an awful lot of good work on interpersonal relationships. Or perhaps, as ICM says, not seeing too much of each other. Drink, drugs and all the temptations and diversions and ego massages that come with fame don't help.
