Too Much Tech - Edited

[ProfessorGAC]

Backstory: a couple guys I played in a band with 40 years ago got back together for a new band. They played together in the 80s & 90s, but only 3 of the 4 are in this new plan.
Sidebar: That band, all friends of ours, openly admitted to stealing our concept & look. They felt they'd be playing smaller rooms & wouldn't really be competing with us using our shtick.
Anyway, they invited me to yesterday's practice. I got there at noon, and their sound system, auxiliary track computer, monitors & one of the guitar player's setup is so tech heavy it took them 105 minutes to get ready for their first song! Too much tech.
I sat there for an hour & 45 minutes waiting to hear something!!! Too much tech
Also, they set up a full PA for a rehearsal in a room that can't be more than 300 square feet. But, because of the click track for the backing tracks, 2 of them were wearing headphones. They didn't even really need the PA. Too much tech.
They asked me to join, but I'm thinking no. Maybe only as a lead vocalist, but the one guy seems to relish being the lead singer. (Age has really taken it's toll on his power & range, though.) But, that's a maybe, leaning no.
I don't know what their an is. They only rehearse once a month and they admit there's not enough polish on their stuff. Not sure how they're going to get sharp playing once a month.
And, if it's just to get together and bash away, waiting around almost 2 hours to get going seems unappealing.
I really like all those guys, & was looking forward to this visit, but underwhelmed by what I heard. I guess I expect3d a good deal more.
BTW, for the guitar player's here: the one guy had a pedal board with 28(!) stomp boxes. Yep, twenty-eight. He had a router to create combinations with one click, but he'd hit them & I really couldn't tell. So, all those boxes but same tone. Too much tech.
But, he bad an Ibanez 12 string electric that was really nice. Great action, good neck shape. Played great. Couldn't find an image of it online, so I can't post a picture. You'll have to trust me on this.
Edit: I found an image of it. Same color & everything.
https://images.app.goo.gl/eqRREFUNodSpxr9RA