I feel genuinely sorry for the guys on here who've never played/sang in a 'real' group or band. There ain't nothing like the real thing, baby.

A lot of us do what we do now because of various factors. The old band broke up, venues won't pay for four- or five-pieces any more, etc.

Even if you've never enjoyed the 'real thing', I'd urge you to look around for a 'weekend warrior' type gig that are sometimes organised by local music stores. Or put it about on a local website that you're looking for musos of like interest and try to get something going. I don't think you'd regret it.