Location: Goodlettsville, TN , Spending my kid's inheritance
State/Province: -
Country: United States
Postby Bill Crook »
<SMALL>I got a "pro" steel player "Flaming" me on another thread </SMALL>
It's hard for me to think a "Pro" would sink low enought to slam a "non-pro" player about his playing. These guys are far too better than that !!
One of them may smile and think "Yea, I've been there, done that too" but it's all in a fond, and well meaning respect. I have had occasion to be around (once or twice) the "Legends", the top players here in Music City and not once have I ever heard a negative commit about any player,Pro or non-pro. As good as these guys are,they arn't going to slam anyone,especially us amatures. They don't need to(in order to make them-selfs look and feel better). Eventho they play for a livin' they also play for the love of the music and the PSG.
Now. of course, being the amature that I am, I can say to Bobbe Seymour....."Airplanes don't have brakes" <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Crook on 20 March 2002 at 06:22 AM.]</p></FONT>
Break even? That's easy. Forget about tone. Change strings every two years. Use same bar for 25 years. Buy a cheap PSG. Tell everyone how good you are--that way you will get more jobs. Bum rides to gigs with other band members (tell them you will buy them a drink). Last but not least--if you break or lose a pick, learn to play without them. Joe P.S. For all my friends in the Western New York area (that includes you, Billy Cole) my band Willow Creek will be at the Lakewood American Legion Friday night and at Warren Eagles Saturday night.
Got my first color TV from the Lakewood American Legion. Clair, the bar manager had it out for auction as they had bought a new one. I asked him if someone from the band could bid on it and he said sure.
After a couple of weeks I got it for $75 and took it home, a console model at that. That was back in 1973. Wish I could get back for a visit and hear you guys pick.
I guess that I've done better than to just break even. But then I don't spend too much on equipment either. I have two amps, two guitars,two pedal steels,a tuner and a couple of stomp boxs and that's it. Most of this stuff I've had for decades. Probably spent more on gas and strings than anything else!
And I don't play unless they pay! If someone is making money from my playing, then I should get a piece of it. The way I see it, every time a band plays for free (or for peanuts) it puts musicians who are trying to make money out of a job. Also I find it insulting to play for free. I worked to hard for too long to not be compensated for my efforts. I want $100.00, I deserve $100.00, and I get $100,00 (or close to it). And PLEASE don't give me that cr*p about it being good "exposure" -yeah right! The only thing a free gig gets you is another free gig. Just my opinion.
Someone, anyone put a price on the SOUND of a great steel and a good or great player. PRICELESS Missing the point aren't we. Kenny Ray Stealin away 'n'Ky
