... but when your together so long you can work off each other very well with just a nod or a certain look at each other.
And if someone had an idea we would try to work it into the act and give it a chance to see the audience reaction and then decide to keep it or not.
Stay safe

Heck sometimes I'd end up playing drums or percussion if needed on some songs as my drummer would get sea sick.

Mixing it up to me means having an open mind without blinders on and willing to try different approaches to songs, playing them in many ways using flexible options available to you whatever they may be.
And believe me there are so many in today's world out there for the musician.

The Band days were fun, many great memories.
Stay safe