I'm not sure what to do. I've been jamming with a guitar player for almost 2 years, and the guy vanishes. I've tried to get in touch with him several times over several months, but the dude never responds. I think he fired himself and just never said so. Here's my problem:

It was MY project. He joined ME to collaborate on MY stuff...... BUT......he did help with some of his own ideas and a few riffs are of his creation. He wan't just a guitar monkey. Now, I am moving on without him 'cause I'm not gettin any younger, but what is the RIGHT thing to do? Is it OK to keep those songs as they are, seeing as how it was my project anyway, and give him written credit on the cd credit list? Or should I delete the riffs he brought and re-write something to fill the gaps?? I just don't want to be a dick and have this guy go "THAT"S MY SONG!!" when I'm playing some gig and he happens to be there.....but I also don't want to back track into older stuff and delay what I am currently working on......

What do you guys do if some dude contributes shit and you use it, then that dude quits?

This is tough.......any thoughts????

As long as none of the tracks are registered, the songs and riffs belong to no one, so legally you have the right to play and even record these songs / riffs. He left your band without saying anything, so if he complains later on that you're using HIS stuff, say it's his own fault, he should have contacted you, or at least called you back.

Cool...thanks......nothing is registered yet. I didn't think of that part. I'm just such a nice guy. You are right - he is the one who left with no explanation. I don't feel so bad now.....

I agree with Archetype. He left you, it's his fault. I think you should keep on trying to find him though.

I am now completely cool with keeping all the songs as they are. Thanks guys!! But I'm not too big on putting any more effort into finding this guy. I know where he lives and he knows where I live. We are only about 10 miles apart. It's not like I'm pissed off or anything - I'm not. I just think it is inconsiderate to just vanish like that and I don't like the idea of having wasted so much time already. He's had months to return my calls and messages. I think I've put enough consideration into this situation by being concerned about the right way to proceed. But, I admit I'll feel like a jerk if the guy shows up one day and it turns out that he lost his job or had to move or something. But even so, he could have just returned a call........

I'll post a song or two one of these days and ask for the devy forums collective opinion....

Thanks again.