What's talent got to do with getting band bookings?

Saw an interesting contrast between two bands over the last few days.

I went to see both halves of what used to be one great covers band as they played separate gigs close to where I live.

One of the two new bands had the guys who most people would say were the "stars" (if you can get stars in covers bands!)from the old band -including the dynamic front man.

The other band had the "journeymen" players, background musicians from the old band. Both had added a couple of new musicians to make up the numbers.

Musically both these two new bands were great, but the one with the wild frontman certainly had the edge in terms of putting on a show. The interesting bit though came when talking to the members afterwards.

The "band of stars" had been rehearsing material since the start of the year and had managed to put together one set of 10 songs. The gig I saw them play was their first together and they were doing it for no fee. They had no other gigs booked.

The other band had been gigging solidly since the original band split up. They played two sets and have gigs lined up well into the future. Crucially this band contains a couple of guys who not only know how to book gigs but who have the drive and determination to make it happen. Neither band has an agent or manager.

It struck me that like most things in life, success doesn't necessarily come to those with most talent but those who want it more - and who know how to get it.