Sounds like your boy got his priorities a little mixed up huh? Did he realize the warped tour is actually a big deal with big acts and that was a chance at getting your name out there? I bet he still did not get any from the webcam girl in L.A.
I know this sounds kind of messed up but since when besides a vocalist is a band member irreplaceable? I mean as a bassist did he bring that unique sound that became the bands sound? I doubt he was another Jaco Pastorius, Les Claypool, Flea or John Entwistle right? Don't get me wrong, other bandmates can make or break a band and some are irreplacable. But as a bassist, if he was just a constant rhythm, he could have been replaced. Since you said the other guy dropped the guitar and took over bass, the old bassist could not have been that good if the guitarist was able to cover for a full time bassist. I know this because I can play bass but to really be good at it is something only a bassist can do to it's fullest extent. I consider myself a guitarist who can play bass but by no means am I a bassist. I'm sure you've met a real bassist so I think you know what I am trying to say. Right? I am not just trying to bash your friend whom I don't even know.
Wrenches, I just read you msg after I posted to mguire. I don't really like the leadbelly version but it's nice to know the origin of the song. I appreciate it but I dont like it too much.