Be very careful about leaving your gear where you rehearse!! You may know the person who owns the rehersial space and you may trust them. However you don't know all his friends. His friends may be scum of the earth. Iv'e had more stuff stolen than I now currently own.

Another word of warning. Don't get so hammered at the gig that you lose all sense of reality. While you're jokin and laffin with that cute lady; her boyfriend is out unloading your van into his. This is very common!!!!

And last but not least; check out who you invite to come jam or join the group. They may be great musicians with a habit as big as their talent. Junkies have no loyalties.

This is coming from my personal experience. Paranoia strikes deep!!