That sucks. You spend all that time honing your improvising skills, and don't get to use it onstage. I also spend the majority of my time practicing improvising, but I don't see any point in getting on stage if I can't use it. Fortunately I have a reputation for nice solos, so whoever I'm playing with will let me cut loose and do what I want. If everything's pretty much planned out before the gig starts, note for note, why not just get a DJ? The band might as well stay home. It's one thing to do covers all night (we've all done that), it's another to mimic everything. To me, the high point of live music is seeing good musicians push themselves to their limits in their solos, when they're inspired by a pumped up crowd. Those are magical moments.
If I were you, I'd look for another band, or even change genres so you can get more creative. You have all this pent up talent. I'd rather go to the dentist than play in a band where I couldn't improvise.
