In my student days, our way of dealing with difficult/unmusical members was for the band to split up then reform a week later. It was the best solution at the time. However, it's not one that I would opt for now.

The group I'm currently in recruited a new member, who seemed almost perfect. Several weeks later, it was apparent that things were not working. It was mainly a musical thing. This guy had no rhtyhm and kept singing out of time. Furthermore, he'd blame the problem on the arrangment, or not realise he was singing out of time. There were other problems, but that was the main one. After several frustrating gigs, we had a big talk about it AS A GROUP. The three 'oldies' were and are clear about what standard and commitment we expect. We explained that it wasn't working and explained why. We also explained that it was not 'our' (the group's problem), but HIS problem. While we were happy to help him improve, we also didn't want to be held back by him.

I'm glad we were honest with him. We gave him the right of reply. it did become a little complicated. He brought in other factors: a history of mental illness and a fear of not being accepted by groups. It didn't make it easy, but eventually HE contacted the members of the group and said he could see it wasn't the right group for him. he thanked us for our honesty.

All unpleasant stuff, but honesty was the only way to deal with it. And after that experience, we are determined to remain a trio!!

Good luck with your situation. Remember - it's your band. Why should someone else blur your vision and hard work?

Callie