I have mixed emotions. I spent the last eight years in this band. We played country music with some southern rock. I hated country when I joined the band, but it was a good gig so I took it. I ended up having a lot of fun playing the stuff, and we really got a good following, but it got to the point that so many places wanted us that our booking lady (guitar player's wife) couldn't say no, and just kept booking and booking. When you are a single father who just bought a house you don't have time to be playing all the time. It got to be every weekend, so I gave them four months notice to replace me. They did find a guy and I was able to leave without any hard feelings, but most of the fans said that it wouldn't be the same without me, and some even said they wouldn't be following the band anymore. I think that part of it really sucks, but I care too much about my son and the rest of my life to put the band and the fans in front of everything else. Right now I am loving the time off, but it's only been one weekend so far.
I know I'll end up missing it, but I think I did the right thing.
Has anyone else ever been in this situation here?