... but I've nothing to say
Trying to think what's happened recently?
Hmmm... Had a new slide - a Mudslide - for Christmas. Very nice. Every time I play, or listen to slide, I think I need to get into it more. But then I don't.
Did the first gig of the year last week - a theatre gig in Hereford. Superb night. It was like being a proper musician for the evening, Standing ovation, the lot. Then it was up four hours later to go to work. Hmmm. Not quite like being a proper musician, then.
Tonight I'm rehearsing for a gig next Sunday when we're supporting the Bully Wee Band who are, I'm told, legendary. Although I must confess they are part of that genre of music I know little about. Looking forward to it though.
Still working too hard and driving too far. Need to work on an exit strategy from the rat race so I can concentrate on music and writing (latest book out this month, by the way - already available in Kindle!).
Been listening to a lot of You Tube. There are some very good folks out there. How come they're not on TV or the wireless? Heard some stories about professional miming at the Hereford gig from a professional soundman. Makes me angry.
Sigh.
Hey ho.
Derek
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Comments
Well. I do but not on guitars.
Re miming, it's the music industry and sadly people used to not paying for music seem happy to accept a lower standard of performance (aided by technology). Lets hope real performers get a chance to prove what they are capable off before it all gets to plastic.
MUSE always swap position in the band to indicate to fans the situation. A full rotation of staff here:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xymez5
Derek, I don't worry about why people aren't famous anymore. I personally know players who are some of the best in the world but will never be heard outside of their own town. Sad, but that's how it is. And I think that's ok. The world doesn't need international fame, it needs local heroes who make a difference in a small circle. If each player is happy with that, and they have a fulfilling life, that's just fine.
Ok, I'm getting a little preachy, but I think 'fame' is overrated, potentially damaging and something we don't have to yearn for to validate our lives.
(/soapbox)
Anyway, a few more gigs under the belt since the last post, a few more to come over the next couple of weeks. It's all going nicely
It helps to be either *on* or ahead of the fashion curve. I know plenty of great local artistes who are frustrated that they've not hit the big time but don't realise that their boat already set sail long ago.
For every arena gig there is one artiste on stage who made it for a huge number of talented people in the audience who didn't, of which there must be thousands a night.
One local band leader said to me "We've not made it because we didn't do London." Which is sad. He'll forever beat himself up over it.
No. He didn't make it because there is very little room at the top.