I’m 74 and I have just finished a batch of songs out of the best work I’ve ever done. I can’t stop making music or art. But I have no expectations about making it in the music business!
A broke musician has demons and a wealthy CEO has demons. One thing I've learned is that no one in this world really has it made. We all know we're gonna die, we all have aging parents, we all have fears and pain, but at least with music I can express myself and somewhat exorcise the bastards. ;) Great video. RIP Jani.
Very true but the fact that We age aand eventually die is why We need to be successful in music, not for the money but the be known and are music to be heard. I dont want to be know as the guy who works in a supermarket, I want to be know for My art and My creations because We make art for others to experience and enjoy. If We just do music for are selfs never get successful and We are the only ones who ever see or hear are art then whats the point? You mihht as well of just kept that music in your head, no point bringing into the world.
I wanted to become a famous musician in my 20s but all I learned from that pursuit is that fame probably would have ruined my life and possibly killed me early on. Now I'm in my 40s and fame seems like a curse these days. If you have family and friends in your life that you love and they love you back, you're truly winning. Great wisdom!
Lots of older guys here writing and recording for the sheer joy of it. I'm with you! Life has beat me up in more ways than one but I can still make music, even if it's just for me. ❤
I played my whole life as a musician and have had dreams rise and fall many times. At points I was in a band signed to Capitol Records in LA, living on Sunset in the Hyatt...and at other points I was scrambling to keep from getting evicted due to poverty wages playing in bars for crap money. I persisted through hard times and flew through high times playing big venues as a hired gun. Then time took it's toll and I eventually ended up 72 and living alone. What I do have is some good friends who help me out. I am now disabled with mobility issues and battling emotions that can get dark. I now regret placing music above other things and losing relationships. I now strive to nurture positive relationships and be grateful for what I have.
Eventually (I pray) you'll be drawn to the Most High Living God through Jesus Christ. I made fun of it for most of my life. I got humbled. I stayed at the party last man standing for longer than should be physically possible. The good thing about when He humbles you is He raises you back up. He is not a God of the weak, like I believed for so many years. He is the God of life and strength in the midst of this insane and changing world
Any circle of friends I had left me about 6 years ago. Family is gone. I work and go home… that’s it. At 61 at least I can write and record for my own therapy..
bro this advice goes for anything in life. not just musicians wind up alone. I had children young and spent my twenties living the family life. but eventually when the kids are grown or life happens, you can wind up alone anyway. pursue your dreams; music, family, or otherwise. regret is real. just enjoy the ride.
The reality is, people who chase success have a hole they can’t fill but it drives them to achieve those perceived levels of success. But they always have the hole. People who are fulfilled rarely chase it because they are fulfilled, their success is their inner peace and happiness. It’s why leadership should never be given to people who badly want it. They’ll always compromise others to maintain their own desires.
@@JasonMarshMusicthe peak of an artist is based on his most fuckd up days, when they get everything they want they lose that drive to make it, that's why 3rd and 4th records usually aren't as good as the first 2.
If I had invested half the energy and competence I invested into music into any normal career I would have a well situated life and a wife by now but here we are...
This video hits home. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless grind for recognition, whether it’s chasing 100K followers, landing a big break, or finally getting that “moment” we’ve been dreaming of. But as Tom Bukavac wisely points out, those milestones often don’t deliver the fulfillment we think they will. They’re fleeting, and the emptiness that sometimes follows can be sobering. The reality of the music industry isn’t the highlight reel we see on social media-it’s long nights, countless sacrifices, and often, very little external validation. But maybe that’s the real test: finding joy and meaning in the process rather than the destination. Because in the end, no number of streams, gigs, or followers can fill the void if we lose sight of why we started making music in the first place. Thanks for sharing this perspective-it’s a conversation more artists need to have.
Hey Brother Brad. I'm a lifer on guitar, and like you have played many large stages with many great musicians. I now find myself a grandfather who hasn't played a real show since before covid. It has been a VERY difficult "letting go" even though my singer wife and I do some small duet stuff. Here's the PROFOUND lesson I finally learned in a nutshell: - Guitar playing is SOMETHING I DO...NOT WHO I AM. Peace & Love 💙
Great wisdom in your video. One important thing that needs to be mentioned is that the only way to make it BIG in music is to sell your soul to the devil. That means all the BIG ones have done exactly that. So we should never evny them, compare ourselves with them, etc. But keep playing, singing, writing, jamming, rocking regardless!
Watched a 1000 videos on UA-cam, this may be one of the most real, helpful of them all! Great job, Brad! I've wasted alot of time in pursuit of the illusive "dream"!
You are so right!! I was just thinking the other day. If I had just worked a regular job, I would be in a completely different place. I had a promising career ahead of me as a baseball player. I picked guitar instead. Went to Berklee and traveled all over the place playing music. I'm glad I'm still playing and making money at 68, but it's not been easy. It is a crazy and hard way to make a living for sure.
I'm 55. Passed up chasing a music career for the stability of a regular job when I was young. 20 years as a lead pressman in the commercial printing industry. Got laid off during the 2008 economic crash. Lost everything, my marriage collapsed, almost killed myself. Ended up a truck driver. Had two different insurance companies fuck me over when I needed them. Now my kids are grown and I'm trying to have a music career as a singer songwriter which is going nowhere fast. But if I'm gonna fail, might as well fail doing what I love. There are literally no guarantees in life.
@@BCTTV_DTJTruck driver for 15 months. Got rear ended by another truck. Busked and gigged on weekends to not being able to play with turn shoulder and ruptured neck discs. 4.5 years later still battling g back. Insurance refused so much delaying treatment. In debt BIG TIme as I sit here with guitar in hand dusting off 30-40 originals from years past. Take care of yourself , this life is damn difficult , yet overall worthwhile!
Take the word "music" and substitute it with "tech", "flying", "medicine", "engineering", and any other passion that humans pursue and you have hit the nail spot on with this video. It's everywhere man. That's life. Get to a point where you're happy with what you're doing and you will be truly happy. Or leave when it's time to leave. Been there, done that.
GREAT video! Everyone has their own interpretation of success. We may be listening and watching the artist from a distance thinking they are successful because they are playing music in front of large crowds, but they may be wondering why they aren't drawing the sales and concert attendance as a different artist. Some are driven to succeed, some are driven and dont succeed, some dont understand or know how to succeed. I did NOT make it in music, but I still play, raising my family, played sports until I was 41, kept my guitar player alive several times, who has Mental illness and depression......he has all the talent to succeed but doesn't have the Mental strength to live or even be around that lifestyle. His Dad was a famous musician and he wanted to follow in his dads footsteps, but had too many demons. Music is a tough lifestyle and will test you physically and mentally. Prayers for ALL
Greetings from Detroit Brad! thanks for the inspiring video. I know a lead singer / guitar player who was in the one of Detroit's most popular rock bands in the 1980s. They even had a major record deal at one time. When their major label debut did not fare well, they disbanded in 1987. A few years after he became a software developer. He went on to develop a home security app that he eventually sold for millions. He and his wife now live a comfortable life in Arizona. He just started playing guitar again at the age of 65 after many years of focusing on his software business. The lesson we can all learn is we are all able to reinvent ourselves. There's always options. too many musicians have an all-or-nothing mindset .
Yeah man! I'm feeling that message! I was surfing bandcamp the other day at work, and it is kinda hard to find music that rocks or doesn't suck and mainly I find the reason why is that it usually sounds too much like the people are trying too hard to sound a certain way... but there are a load of cool bands out there and you find a good one and it is amazing! We are all doing this because of that feeling right? Let's make bandcamp and the whole of the internet and the world a place full of really good music so that we can all listen for free and don't have to pay for records anymore! It's a huge team effort to make loads of cool music.
I remember an interview one time where Ronnie James Dio also said that in the end it is about being a good person. Great advice and another great episode.
I was fortunate enough to party with Dio, Vinny Appice and their British road manager (with members of my band and various exotic dancers/strippers) in our hotel room for over four hours after they came to a show we played at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI. Dio said basically the same thing - watch how you treat others on your way up because you will encounter them on the way down. He was a salt-of-the-earth person who knew exactly what he wanted.
Man this video gave me chills . . . I know what you mean . . . My busy band days ended in a fog of divorce . . . I blocked out most of it in my mind. Today I work dayshift as a metal fabricator and have a quiet home and somewhere to hang my hat. I feel safe. Today I look at my guitars sitting on stands and wonder what they would say if they could speak. For the most part I am glad it's over and I feel safe in my later years now.
This was great Brad. You have an amazing heart. I will be 58 January 14th, and after high school, my friend Bobby ( May he rest in peace) and myself were going to move to L.A. from here in Upstate NY. I was going to try and hook up with a band and Bobby wanted to quote on quote " Go for the better weather and babes". Bobby had kidney issues ever since he was a kid, which is what did him in 8 years ago. When his issues got worse, he couldn't leave his doctors here in NY. But he he still wanted me to go and pursue my dream. Bobby was my Brother from another mother, so I didn't go with out him and stayed back here in NY. I did end up in WA State in 1999 when I met a girl ( Broke up 10 years ago). They say God works in mysterious ways, and I have always believed in that. Because looking back, I know Bobby and I would have went down the wrong path and probably would have drank ourselves to death if we made it out to L.A. and partied big time. Because back then at 20 years old, we thought making in in the music Bizz was all partying, big houses and hot women all the time. I look back and say " Thank God we didn't go there. We would have died". Yes, very sad about the drummer of My Chemical Romance and Jani Lane. Happy Friday to you and family Brother. Again, great video and thank you for your awesome heart.
The ones I really feel for are the ones that never got a glimpse at the Apex. And are still locked in the struggle. They never know that what they were striving for was not what they imagined it to be. I guess it is better to have walked away from it than to have never known it. For what you think it is on the ground floor is not what it is upstairs. Not At All !!!!!!!!!!!! There is a certain personality that not only can make it but can also tolerate it.
Being a "musician" is one thing, being a musician that seeks "stardom" is quite another! Not many people really care about your music unless you are recognised by the industry! I gave a CD of my singing to my cousin to listen to in his van and said to him "I hope you like it" and he replied "Don't worry if I don't like it I'll waz it outta window". I asked him a year later if he'd wazzed it outta window and he replied "No I haven't listened to it yet, its still knocking about van somewhere"! Etc.. etc..🤣
This is an incredibly important and positive message and one that really got to me. I’ve been struggling with addiction and depression for years and have only recently started to find my way through and became a father of a beautiful girl that brings so much light into my world. I have also been writing more than ever since I quit alcohol and drugs and have finished an album that I’m proud of. Though no one will really ever hear it, the music and my family has been my salvation. Thank you man.
I boozed hard during my time in nashville. Found out in my 30s that I’m hard on the spectrum and I was using it just to get through every gig. I hated the socializing and would drink my way through it. Made a lot of mistakes at that time too. Learned a lot though, and feel much better now that I’m getting back on the horse - but this time doing it my way with a clear head
Such a true and heartfelt video Brad. I really admire your openness and bravery to just speak your mind freely. Reminds me of the time I was in LA at 20 years old. Alone, starving, sad and lonely. I thought - fuck making it, I’m going home to family that want me around, I’ll figure out what to do next as I go. I know now at 56 it was the right decision. 🎸🥁 And yes I’m still rocking and playing gigs.
72 yo here, and writing and producing the best songs I’ve done, things started to take shape for me when I retired from my day job when I was 66. Indie Alternative Pop/rock. I’m loving it!
@@juliadixon8465 guitars, acoustic, electric and bass, and piano. My influences are wide and varied. From Beach Boys to Dandy Warhols, REM, The Eels. @glennwlove
I'm 39 and I've been doing this for 25 years. Only played a few shows since covid, but we had one last week and it really bummed me out big time. I still can't shake it. Like I said, I've been playing music for 25 years in bands. The current band ive been in for 12. We are a metal/hard rock band and I'm a vocalist. We're finally trying to get back out into the scene again. Unfortunately, a very good man died a few months ago who was tremendously loved by the local music scene. There was a benefit show for his memory and we were asked to be one of the bands. Of course we said yes without hesitation. This would have been our first show at that venue in 5 years. The other few shows we have done between then and now, have been at random parties and other places. Life just got in the way. But play music is like riding a bike. All of the rehearsals leading up to the show got better and better. My voice felt strong and I felt good. The band was tight. We were ready to go. Then the show comes. Almost everything about it was great. Turn out was awesome from the jump. The lineup up for the show was awesome. There was memorabilia of our buddy everywhere. people were celebrating his memory and everything was great. I noticed something was wrong when we did our sound check. My presence just wasn't there. I don't know how to explain it. Had nothing to do with the sound or the engineer or anything like that. It was 100% me. My voice was just shot. My energy was gone. It's like something just sucked the life out of me. No matter what tricks I would use, techniques, movements, etc.... absolutely nothing worked. I was shot by the second song, winded and could not project any power to my performance. No matter how hard I tried - failure after failure. I couldn't even look at the crowd. The pics of me from the show depressed me pretty bad. I just saw emptiness in my eyes. no soul. Absolutely NOTHING was there. It scared the shit out of me. I felt it while playing the show and that lingering feeling hadn't left. I haven't opened up about it because of the nature of the show. It was about Drew, not the bands. So I didn't feel it was appropriate to even so much as talk about it on my personal Facebook. Listen, doing this for 25 years you're definitely going to have some bad shows. This was something else. Not something I could just brush off. It was almost confirmation that my time is up. I'm not just going to give up because of that, but it was the first time I ever had doubts. Like I don't have it anymore. Like I said, all of the rehearsals were great. I laughed and told myself it was like the opposite of what happened with Freddie Mercury during live aid or whatever. His voice was shit during rehearsal and was constantly worried while warming up because NOTHING worked, but then absolutely crushed the performance. My situation was the exact opposite. But I know if I were to walk away, I'll just want it again.
I have had experiences like that. Done everything to prepare for a great show and then just put out a flat performance. Then other times be a complete wreck before a show and have the show of my life. Performing is an unpredictable thing.
@@Eyesofwrathvox What a great story though. You should write a book. You had me hooked for the next line the whole time. Life is paradoxical. Sorry to hear that happened to you.
I am 35 and a big aspect for me is that I feel like people don't understand my musicians way of life. Having a simple job, small appartment and spending my free time producing my music all by myself. I have more career driven friends who probably judge me for living this life ...and then I have friends who have no ambitions and prefer having low qualification jobs but they drink a lot and stagnate in their mindsets. I feel I dont really belong in either one of these groups🎉
I owed you a subscribe after this video. In 2001(ish) I was signed by Limp Bizkit on a developmental contract for something like 2 months. Pretty funny to me looking back, because I sucked at guitar at the time but was just happy to be in a band. I saw these changes you spoke of and came back to myself remembering why I picked up the guitar in the first place. Now I'm 42 and playing consistently in the US and Japan doing classical guitar sets in a variety of cafes and coffee shops and occasional music halls and couldn't be happier doing what I love. I got married, and my wife is so supportive. Music is a beautiful creative outlet, but I left the business model and success/fame model behind and feel so blessed to get to play music for anyone who cares to listen.
@@badbrad You are the inspiration! People like you remind us why music is a pillar of being alive. Yet, how we harness it, enjoy it, and express it healthfully in the current zeitgeist definitely warrants the wisdom you share.
I'm not a musician, just a music lover, but I appreciate your heartfelt & knowledgeable talks. Oh, and I admire how much exercise you're getting in on that walk! That's so good for you! 👍 I should be doing that, too.
Playing in a band was all that mattered to me, having an audience was the benefit of that but gelling with your band mates & pulling off any song was magical ! 🤙
Those are some real words right there. I played around Hollywood for decades (saw SHOCK many times), toured the US, recorded with Grammy winning producers, played huge shows and as HIGH as it got, it got much much lower. Every great thing that happened was rewarded with something absolutely horrible. Playing massive shows followed by the loss of friends to drugs and alcohol. The dream of the "next big show" or "next hit song" and no matter how big they are, you always want more. It's an insane thirst that can not be quenched. I had an amazing ride and we did way more than most and I'm glad I got out when I did with my health, but I almost didn't. I still guest on some songs here and there, but if I never stepped up to mic again, I would be fine with that. Thanks for sharing
At age 53 I've certainly stayed at the party for a long time. So true about how much you give up in life to try and work towards our goal. I never got married or had kids nor have I had success in lasting a relationships for more than 5 years if it even reaches that long. But yet every time I think I should just leave before I waste much more of my life at this some seemingly big break comes along to make me change my mind. it's not an easy thing to get away from.
I remember when noone knew who Eric church was.lol Bethel woods opening for Brad paisely I was working for strike force event security now defunct. They had a meet and greet. I shook the man's hand and told him when he was going to blow up and make the big time. I often wonder if he remembers me . Because my gut feeling or whatever one wants to call it was right. He's deserving, he was kind sweet and humble.. I pray he's stayed that way. Bethel woods is the original site of woodstock it's a beautiful outdoor amphitheater similar to Saratoga performing arts center.. But different . Similarity is the setup of the stage and grounds and great sound.. Vibe is different though. Beautiful places.
I got out of the DJ industry in my late 30's now I run a successful business luckily in commerce but I had to really work at life I neglected doing music all the time for years. I feel much better now and do music for fun in my spare time. I love it more than ever because I work to find the time to practice, it's something that stays with you for life so it's always a gift.
I’ve commented on your channel a few times. This one really got to me everything you described is spot on correct I left the original team when I was 30. Maybe I stayed a little too long in that scene but put the guitar down for a year or two and then became a cover musician. I still play covers because I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow musicians, but when you talked about having a family and all of that, you’re right, you are wind up alone in a heartbeat and you won’t even know how you got there but really got me was when you said you have someone right now, but that could change at any time so could happen you don’t know how true that is. I met my wife and it was the happiest time of my life, but she got sick. Cancer got to her and now it’s just me. and my guitars, but there are no substitution for a good woman and family. Sad part is we couldn’t have kids or I’d have two or three of them running around wouldn’t be so bad so to all the young guys that read this little rant listen to Brad he’s absolutely 100% correct because life pass by that’s a guarantee
I quit touring and became a landscape contractor in South Bay Area and did really well enough to produce a bunch of art albums hiring killer players , creating and recording is the real juice , then i go back to my day gig and make killer dough
Well said! I appreciate stumbling on this. I have no doubt the love around us is the real success. Not money. Not fame. All of that is some bar we set and try to achieve, thinking along the way that we haven't 'made it' until this happens, or that.... It's all bullshit. I have two kids and have played music my whole life and for me the music isn't a choice, I have to do it. It's a blessing and a curse quite honestly, but I do not have the option to put it down. Ever. Though I agree with you, friends, family, relationships, and flat out love is what really defines success when it all comes down. Thanks for the inspiration brother!
ill never be that good and i here where you're coming from, im pushing 70 & watch all my heros an have seen them all battle addiction heartbreak and death . its about as bad as a rodeo.. i dont know if they want to hear my words but i have said on many platforms remember where you came from and stay grounded stay away from the drugs i'm a fan and love all of you. music musicians songs and stories where would we be now thank you
Well spoken brother. I hope your message reaches everyone in need of redirection and overall encouragement in time to matter. It helped me in multiple ways, not all musical either. This is a universal message for people working hard with blinders on while chasing an ever moving goal of being successful. Meanwhile, real life happens, as valuable time passes during the chase, whether you notice or not. Peace.
If someone is an artist they cannot pretend to live as a tradesman or a tax lawyer. They cannot live for their car or their real estate, and they cannot have an identity that revolves around bragging about "hours" and debt, taking solace in bragging about how hard they've made life for themselves. A creator must create, not merely work and consume.
Like many others, I had the dream. Until I realized I was at an age where it was better to put my efforts into helping others get there. That age happened around 34. At 47 I look at what the music industry is and feel it was still the right choice. I still love music. But I'd rather just play than worry about what it becomes. Like Henry rollins said. We're just here for a while and we get to do things and make stuff. Then we're gone. Just make things, even if it's music that others appreciate once yer not here any more. Dosent matter how many appreciate or like it. If it helps or even changes things for one person. Then you already accomplished what most never will. Because sometimes, sometimes it just not about you
So many bands out there, it’s difficult to hear them all, or even know they exist, but I’d heard of Colt Ford from some years ago even while living in Canada. It seems one of the keys to a healthy existence is being in acceptance of your life experience, even if you’re not happy, you can change perspective, and also change the current actions to hopefully be happy or at least to have some gratitude. Many of us are very fortunate to have a day or two in the sun, but to be able to enjoy the sunset is really where it’s at. Blessings to you and family Brad.
When I was in my late 20s I took an Uber with my guitar and the driver told me something I'll never forget, he saw the guitar and said:"still chasing it eh? Remember that music is a young man's game, don't stay too long"
I worked a lot of pipeline jobs and one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is to never expect that things are going to be good and you’ll never be disappointed, sometimes on a Saturday the boss would say in the morning “going to be a short day guys”. Then you’re still stringing pipe 13 hours later. If you’re not ready for that it can cause guys to drag up mid shift.
I turned 50 this year; muliti-instrumentalist, been composing my own songs since 1990. There was a period when i had aspirations of making it in the music business, and while i had plenty of material i never really had a "band" -- the process of finding like-minded, serious individuals to play with always felt too difficult and discouraged me immensely, and i always saw the music biz as a horrible environment. Talent doesn't evaporate, but desire to achieve does. There are exceptions - but ambition seems to be largely a young persons sport. For a long while now, i've been quite content just composing my own songs in Logic Pro, always learning new things and applying them to my songs, posting them here on YT. I don't promote myself, i don't really seek an "audience" or fans. Simply creating my own stuff and putting it out there with no expectations is enough to keep my soul happy.
I was 10 years late to a party I was never invited to. Anyone identify with that? The party ended years ago but I haven't left...yep, standing in an empty room with the empty beer bottles still on the floor when everyone else went home long ago. Anyway, I still write, and even though I probably should quit, I still feel like I have ideas, so until that stops, I won't.
Brother once again you’re correct! The DARK SIDE of HOLLYWIERD/SUNSET STRIP IS REALITY! Only we musicians that lived in it that LUCKILY COME OUT ALIVE can relate….
I was lucky to make a very good living doing session work in LA for a decade before I simply burned out. Went to law school and became an entertainment lawyer, made my money representing well known artists and retired young to get back to playing again without money concerns and went out on tour with The Miracles for a few years. Never stopped playing but did it for myself. I married a 20 year old Thai beauty when I was 49 and we are still happy together 16 years later. We just had our first child together in June and I’m loving it living at the beach in Thailand. I get to play a lot here. I totally agree that having a family is so important. Having a child so late in life is actually amazing! I’ve got so much more time and resources now than when I raised my first daughter who is now a physician and has given me 2 great grandkids.
"It's all relative," said one of the Womack brothers of band Sons of the Desert. The year was around 1998-1999. I had been working as an armed guard at the Indian casino just outside Colusa, California. Martina McBride would be the first ever concert at the casino/bingo hall. If I remember correctly, Sons of the Desert was a last-minute addition as the opening act. Following the concert, a young woman who worked in the offices upstairs approached me. I believe she had been the hostess for the band since they'd arrived. She asked me if I lived in the nearby tiny-town of Williams and if I knew the location of Granzella's Inn + Delicatessen. I told her that I had grown up with some of their grandkids. She told me that members of Sons of the Desert wanted to stick around and play blackjack with Martina McBride's husband/manager. They would need a ride from the casino to Williams (about 14 miles away) after blackjack. While they played 21, I stood in for the pit boss during his late dinner break. It wasn't uncommon for Harvey, the pit boss, to flip me a "quarter" (a $25 chip) during good tip nights at the blackjack pit. While standing in, I quickly noticed that Martina McBride's husband/manager(?) was playing two hands at a time, with black $100 chips. Two (or maybe three) members of Sons of the Desert were each playing $25 chips. Later, we talked about the betting difference on the drive to Granzella's Inn. I mentioned that I would have been playing "nickels" ($5 chips). "It's all relative," laughed one of the band members. Note: If you type "Lee Ann Womack, I Hope You Dance, Tonight Show" into UA-cam search, you can see Sons of the Desert singing guest vocals with Lee Ann (about two-thirds of the way through the video). Great song, gorgeous voices.
It is inspiring to hear the comments from musicians over 60 who are creating… writing… producing music for nothing other than the joy and therapy that excercise brings. There’s nothing like hearing that new song in your head and getting it recorded and coming out of the speakers for all to hear. It’s a beautiful thing. I would like to hear all of your music. I would like to have a community of older talented musicians who share their stuff on a soundcloud or something. New here and enjoyed the episode and the comments.
The problem for musicians is when you're too successful to stop, but not big enough to make a good living. In this phase, you want to keep going because you believe so much in success. For me, as a musician in the sleaze/hair metal scene, the realization came when grunge took over the whole scene and it was clear that I wouldn't be able to make it big with "my" music any time soon. Unfortunately, my marriage fell apart when I stopped focusing on music and started concentrating on a completely different career. You can say I was a different person from that moment on.
Hey Brad. Really enjoying your channel. Thanks for sharing your experience in the music business. Its a real breath of fresh air and as a gigging guitar player for 40 plus years it rings true to me. Keep it up brother and stay healthy.
When you concluded with "it doesn't really matter," I had a vision of Bill Murry screaming the same words.The movie Stripes, the motivational speech he gave before the very memorable graduation ceremony. Great movie! Great vid Brad. That shit hits home man Edit: Shit! It was actually the motivational speech he gave in "Meatballs." The night before battling the "good camp" from across the lake. Love Bill Murry!
I've been playing music since I heard Abbey Road. Played out in bands from 21 to 41 ------------- original & cover. While that is all gone now, I still play guitar 3 days a week ------------------ a few hours at a time. It's what gets me by --- and keeps my mind occupied away from TV & Facebook. My hats off to you Badbrad --------- your wisdom & experience in this avenue needs to be heard. I'm long gone from the music scene ------------ but not music. Good luck to all.
Great video, thanks! I spent two decades trying my best to find success in the music biz. Had big dreams, but it didn't happen. Life is humbling to say the least. My life looks like a big failure, but I had many great moments along the way, and moments are what life is truly made of. It's difficult to see and accept this silver lining because as humans we're slaves to a linear and material existence. We become obsessed with time and money and our big goals, dreams, etc., and we forget about the joy and victories in the present.
Great video. Love your channel.I’m 59 and started writing and performing live as a solo artist when I was 26. At first it was fun and I was gigging quite a bit. I think I sucked to some degree yet Had a small following. People liked what I was doing. But it got to be boring. Yet I still kept at it. My playing/singing improved by leaps and bounds but audiences seemed happier when I sucked. Lol No one seemed to notice that I had improved. I can pull off a James Taylor song note for note now but no one seems to care. It was discouraging. Covid came. My gigs stopped and I stopped gigging. Now I just play at home or on UA-cam. And that’s fine.
I'm very happy as a dad, and as you said it's the toughest gig around. I enjoy creating my music yet I don't want to get to deep for my family's sake. Great video.
I was saved from a 20 plus year heroin addiction.and taught to LOVE my life and everything and everyone around me.even if I don't particulary actually like the person.i still care for them as human beings.but stay away from them.i stick w my small tiny circle of true friends.a couple I've had since the beginning.and a few were picked up along the way.only God can save this earth.people are just too stupid.myself included.
My Friend you are a Special Man :) Your the reason I do what I do. When you enter this business....It is the lonleyness endevour I have ever had. I have literally sacrificed EVERYTHING for the Drums and I actually got it.....But it doesn't fill that gap you feel. Being a Father, Thats a Title I would give Anything for.
Great video Brad. In my twenties I played guitar in some bands that showed some promise but didn’t get anywhere. Im 33 now and am having a hard time finding “the next thing”. It seems like no other job can compare to the adventure of playing music
Watching from Sweden 🇸🇪. Thanks. All I can say is that faith, hope and love remains. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life". If we surrender to him we will live forever. God bless all you striving musicians of which I am one. Surrender to him. He will give you heavenly music in you soul and eternal life in him. God bless America 🇺🇸.
I’m 74 and I have just finished a batch of songs out of the best work I’ve ever done. I can’t stop making music or art. But I have no expectations about making it in the music business!
You are an inspiration
Making your own art is the cool part! Keep going.
As long as you're not doing a green day and embarrassing yourself with shitty liberal takes and cringey rebellion like you're 15.
@@ishmael2586- Of course you had to bring politics into this didn’t you Homer? 😂
Many don't realize that God almighty is in control of music before it was corrupted.
In this life we are to serve and honor our heavenly father first
A broke musician has demons and a wealthy CEO has demons. One thing I've learned is that no one in this world really has it made. We all know we're gonna die, we all have aging parents, we all have fears and pain, but at least with music I can express myself and somewhat exorcise the bastards. ;) Great video. RIP Jani.
I have enjoyed your channel alot over the years. Thank you for dropping by and chiming in. Very wise words sir.
nobody gets out alive
That sounds good to say but ultimately is such a BS heavy cope...
Very true but the fact that We age aand eventually die is why We need to be successful in music, not for the money but the be known and are music to be heard. I dont want to be know as the guy who works in a supermarket, I want to be know for My art and My creations because We make art for others to experience and enjoy. If We just do music for are selfs never get successful and We are the only ones who ever see or hear are art then whats the point? You mihht as well of just kept that music in your head, no point bringing into the world.
I wanted to become a famous musician in my 20s but all I learned from that pursuit is that fame probably would have ruined my life and possibly killed me early on. Now I'm in my 40s and fame seems like a curse these days. If you have family and friends in your life that you love and they love you back, you're truly winning. Great wisdom!
You got it!
I don’t like people looking at me. If I was born famous I’d pay for anonymity!!!
Lots of older guys here writing and recording for the sheer joy of it. I'm with you! Life has beat me up in more ways than one but I can still make music, even if it's just for me. ❤
Man you know it!
Nothing is less appealing to a woman than a broke man chasing dreams that will never come true🎉
I played my whole life as a musician and have had dreams rise and fall many times. At points I was in a band signed to Capitol Records in LA, living on Sunset in the Hyatt...and at other points I was scrambling to keep from getting evicted due to poverty wages playing in bars for crap money. I persisted through hard times and flew through high times playing big venues as a hired gun. Then time took it's toll and I eventually ended up 72 and living alone. What I do have is some good friends who help me out. I am now disabled with mobility issues and battling emotions that can get dark.
I now regret placing music above other things and losing relationships.
I now strive to nurture positive relationships and be grateful for what I have.
Wishing a great Holiday season. I understand but it sounds like you have life figured out now. Best to you always!!
throwing money to stay at the stars hotel.
No regrets if you made it big though, so. . . no regrets for trying.
Eventually (I pray) you'll be drawn to the Most High Living God through Jesus Christ. I made fun of it for most of my life. I got humbled. I stayed at the party last man standing for longer than should be physically possible. The good thing about when He humbles you is He raises you back up. He is not a God of the weak, like I believed for so many years. He is the God of life and strength in the midst of this insane and changing world
@@DannyHendrix-bp8lqHail Satan!
Any circle of friends I had left me about 6 years ago. Family is gone. I work and go home… that’s it. At 61 at least I can write and record for my own therapy..
Music can be great therapy. You have us my friend and we value you here.
Thank you Brad! That’s why I watch your channel, you are genuine 🤓
I feel you man,I'm glad your still here and making music.and jamming.
Life happens in phases. It’s important to embrace each phase as they happen.
I'm 68 and when I find myself smiling it always revolves around music. Not dreaming about being a rock star, just enjoy the true joy of music.
bro this advice goes for anything in life. not just musicians wind up alone. I had children young and spent my twenties living the family life. but eventually when the kids are grown or life happens, you can wind up alone anyway. pursue your dreams; music, family, or otherwise. regret is real. just enjoy the ride.
I hear you!
The reality is, people who chase success have a hole they can’t fill but it drives them to achieve those perceived levels of success. But they always have the hole. People who are fulfilled rarely chase it because they are fulfilled, their success is their inner peace and happiness.
It’s why leadership should never be given to people who badly want it. They’ll always compromise others to maintain their own desires.
Is that necessarily true?
@@JasonMarshMusicthe peak of an artist is based on his most fuckd up days, when they get everything they want they lose that drive to make it, that's why 3rd and 4th records usually aren't as good as the first 2.
Tell that to The Beatles.
If I had invested half the energy and competence I invested into music into any normal career I would have a well situated life and a wife by now but here we are...
This video hits home. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless grind for recognition, whether it’s chasing 100K followers, landing a big break, or finally getting that “moment” we’ve been dreaming of. But as Tom Bukavac wisely points out, those milestones often don’t deliver the fulfillment we think they will. They’re fleeting, and the emptiness that sometimes follows can be sobering.
The reality of the music industry isn’t the highlight reel we see on social media-it’s long nights, countless sacrifices, and often, very little external validation. But maybe that’s the real test: finding joy and meaning in the process rather than the destination. Because in the end, no number of streams, gigs, or followers can fill the void if we lose sight of why we started making music in the first place.
Thanks for sharing this perspective-it’s a conversation more artists need to have.
It's so easy to get caught up in the grind but gotta remember what makes you happy.
Hey Brother Brad. I'm a lifer on guitar, and like you have played many large stages with many great musicians. I now find myself a grandfather who hasn't played a real show since before covid. It has been a VERY difficult "letting go" even though my singer wife and I do some small duet stuff.
Here's the PROFOUND lesson I finally learned in a nutshell: - Guitar playing is SOMETHING I DO...NOT WHO I AM. Peace & Love 💙
That’s a great way to put it. I can relate.
Great wisdom in your video. One important thing that needs to be mentioned is that the only way to make it BIG in music is to sell your soul to the devil. That means all the BIG ones have done exactly that. So we should never evny them, compare ourselves with them, etc. But keep playing, singing, writing, jamming, rocking regardless!
You are probably right there. I was never willing to do that.
@ You made the right choice for sure. I did too
Watched a 1000 videos on UA-cam, this may be one of the most real, helpful of them all! Great job, Brad! I've wasted alot of time in pursuit of the illusive "dream"!
@@rogerheisler2554 we are not alone. I mean...so many of us with common ups and downs. Best wishes to you and all!
Thanks Travis! Appreciate that and best wishes to you too!
Thank you! Glad it hit home.
@@badbrad You're so welcome!
I learned in my mid 20s that I really didn't like the road. That was a blessing.
It is tough.
I'm pretty sure most musicians don't. It's just a part of that path in life. The best ones can write good tunes about it!
You are so right!! I was just thinking the other day. If I had just worked a regular job, I would be in a completely different place. I had a promising career ahead of me as a baseball player. I picked guitar instead. Went to Berklee and traveled all over the place playing music. I'm glad I'm still playing and making money at 68, but it's not been easy. It is a crazy and hard way to make a living for sure.
It is tough brother.
I'm 55. Passed up chasing a music career for the stability of a regular job when I was young. 20 years as a lead pressman in the commercial printing industry. Got laid off during the 2008 economic crash. Lost everything, my marriage collapsed, almost killed myself. Ended up a truck driver. Had two different insurance companies fuck me over when I needed them. Now my kids are grown and I'm trying to have a music career as a singer songwriter which is going nowhere fast. But if I'm gonna fail, might as well fail doing what I love. There are literally no guarantees in life.
@@BCTTV_DTJyup
People say hindsight is 20 /20 … but they are absolutely wrong. That’s just denial of the nature of existence.
@@BCTTV_DTJTruck driver for 15 months. Got rear ended by another truck. Busked and gigged on weekends to not being able to play with turn shoulder and ruptured neck discs.
4.5 years later still battling g back.
Insurance refused so much delaying treatment.
In debt BIG TIme as I sit here with guitar in hand dusting off 30-40 originals from years past.
Take care of yourself , this life is damn difficult , yet overall worthwhile!
Take the word "music" and substitute it with "tech", "flying", "medicine", "engineering", and any other passion that humans pursue and you have hit the nail spot on with this video. It's everywhere man. That's life. Get to a point where you're happy with what you're doing and you will be truly happy. Or leave when it's time to leave. Been there, done that.
Right on brother! I get that said about a lot of my videos this channel is really about life….
Right on brother ! Give Ace a hug for me! Have a great weekend
Will do.
GREAT video! Everyone has their own interpretation of success. We may be listening and watching the artist from a distance thinking they are successful because they are playing music in front of large crowds, but they may be wondering why they aren't drawing the sales and concert attendance as a different artist. Some are driven to succeed, some are driven and dont succeed, some dont understand or know how to succeed. I did NOT make it in music, but I still play, raising my family, played sports until I was 41, kept my guitar player alive several times, who has Mental illness and depression......he has all the talent to succeed but doesn't have the Mental strength to live or even be around that lifestyle. His Dad was a famous musician and he wanted to follow in his dads footsteps, but had too many demons. Music is a tough lifestyle and will test you physically and mentally.
Prayers for ALL
Prayers for all!
Greetings from Detroit Brad! thanks for the inspiring video. I know a lead singer / guitar player who was in the one of Detroit's most popular rock bands in the 1980s. They even had a major record deal at one time. When their major label debut did not fare well, they disbanded in 1987. A few years after he became a software developer. He went on to develop a home security app that he eventually sold for millions. He and his wife now live a comfortable life in Arizona. He just started playing guitar again at the age of 65 after many years of focusing on his software business. The lesson we can all learn is we are all able to reinvent ourselves. There's always options. too many musicians have an all-or-nothing mindset .
This is a powerful lesson. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for such kind and heartfelt words. God bless you. ❤❤❤
That’s very kind of you, thanks!
Yeah man! I'm feeling that message! I was surfing bandcamp the other day at work, and it is kinda hard to find music that rocks or doesn't suck and mainly I find the reason why is that it usually sounds too much like the people are trying too hard to sound a certain way... but there are a load of cool bands out there and you find a good one and it is amazing! We are all doing this because of that feeling right? Let's make bandcamp and the whole of the internet and the world a place full of really good music so that we can all listen for free and don't have to pay for records anymore! It's a huge team effort to make loads of cool music.
Listening for free....is part of the problem. No money to record the real way ....in a studio.
I remember an interview one time where Ronnie James Dio also said that in the end it is about being a good person. Great advice and another great episode.
Very true
@@badbrad not sure if Vivian Campbell would agree there...
Yes. If you listen to fools, the mob rules.
I was fortunate enough to party with Dio, Vinny Appice and their British road manager (with members of my band and various exotic dancers/strippers) in our hotel room for over four hours after they came to a show we played at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI. Dio said basically the same thing - watch how you treat others on your way up because you will encounter them on the way down. He was a salt-of-the-earth person who knew exactly what he wanted.
I never heard of Campbell ever saying something negative about the greatest voice in metal. @@CROSSofIRON-uk
Man this video gave me chills . . . I know what you mean . . . My busy band days ended in a fog of divorce . . . I blocked out most of it in my mind.
Today I work dayshift as a metal fabricator and have a quiet home and somewhere to hang my hat.
I feel safe.
Today I look at my guitars sitting on stands and wonder what they would say if they could speak.
For the most part I am glad it's over and I feel safe in my later years now.
I am glad you have found serenity.
Life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone. Never realized how true those sung words were until my later years.
Man you know it.
Needed this at this moment in my life. Thank you.
I appreciate that.
This was great Brad. You have an amazing heart. I will be 58 January 14th, and after high school, my friend Bobby ( May he rest in peace) and myself were going to move to L.A. from here in Upstate NY. I was going to try and hook up with a band and Bobby wanted to quote on quote " Go for the better weather and babes". Bobby had kidney issues ever since he was a kid, which is what did him in 8 years ago. When his issues got worse, he couldn't leave his doctors here in NY. But he he still wanted me to go and pursue my dream. Bobby was my Brother from another mother, so I didn't go with out him and stayed back here in NY. I did end up in WA State in 1999 when I met a girl ( Broke up 10 years ago). They say God works in mysterious ways, and I have always believed in that. Because looking back, I know Bobby and I would have went down the wrong path and probably would have drank ourselves to death if we made it out to L.A. and partied big time. Because back then at 20 years old, we thought making in in the music Bizz was all partying, big houses and hot women all the time. I look back and say " Thank God we didn't go there. We would have died". Yes, very sad about the drummer of My Chemical Romance and Jani Lane. Happy Friday to you and family Brother. Again, great video and thank you for your awesome heart.
That’s a powerful story, and I’m glad you are still here! May your friend rest in peace.
@@badbrad Thank you Brother.
Thanks for the insightful thoughts man…the decreased opportunities to play live has really bummed me out for the last 10 years.
The live scene is definitely shifting. It's a tough business.
The ones I really feel for are the ones that never got a glimpse at the Apex. And are still locked in the struggle. They never know
that what they were striving for was not what they imagined it to be. I guess it is better to have walked away from it than to
have never known it. For what you think it is on the ground floor is not what it is upstairs. Not At All !!!!!!!!!!!! There is a certain
personality that not only can make it but can also tolerate it.
Very true
Well said
Exactly
Being a "musician" is one thing, being a musician that seeks "stardom" is quite another! Not many people really care about your music unless you are recognised by the industry!
I gave a CD of my singing to my cousin to listen to in his van and said to him "I hope you like it" and he replied "Don't worry if I don't like it I'll waz it outta window". I asked him a year later if he'd wazzed it outta window and he replied "No I haven't listened to it yet, its still knocking about van somewhere"! Etc.. etc..🤣
Omg. 😱
This is an incredibly important and positive message and one that really got to me. I’ve been struggling with addiction and depression for years and have only recently started to find my way through and became a father of a beautiful girl that brings so much light into my world. I have also been writing more than ever since I quit alcohol and drugs and have finished an album that I’m proud of. Though no one will really ever hear it, the music and my family has been my salvation. Thank you man.
Thank you for being a good dad and your testimony
Man, don't take thiis the wrong way, but you're better than many Sunday preachers. Keep on!
I thank you for what I consider a great compliment. Will do!
Don’t be buying no Gulfstream jets or Lambos hear ? 😉😬
I boozed hard during my time in nashville. Found out in my 30s that I’m hard on the spectrum and I was using it just to get through every gig. I hated the socializing and would drink my way through it. Made a lot of mistakes at that time too. Learned a lot though, and feel much better now that I’m getting back on the horse - but this time doing it my way with a clear head
Glad to hear you are getting back on track!
Such a true and heartfelt video Brad. I really admire your openness and bravery to just speak your mind freely. Reminds me of the time I was in LA at 20 years old. Alone, starving, sad and lonely. I thought - fuck making it, I’m going home to family that want me around, I’ll figure out what to do next as I go. I know now at 56 it was the right decision. 🎸🥁 And yes I’m still rocking and playing gigs.
It’s great to hear you’re still rocking!
72 yo here, and writing and producing the best songs I’ve done, things started to take shape for me when I retired from my day job when I was 66. Indie Alternative Pop/rock. I’m loving it!
You are an inspiration
59 and same. What instrument/influences?
@ thank you so much my friend.
@@juliadixon8465 guitars, acoustic, electric and bass, and piano. My influences are wide and varied. From Beach Boys to Dandy Warhols, REM, The Eels. @glennwlove
Another good walk and talk, brooooooooo! See u at the breakfast club this morning at 0800!
See ya there!
I'm 39 and I've been doing this for 25 years. Only played a few shows since covid, but we had one last week and it really bummed me out big time. I still can't shake it.
Like I said, I've been playing music for 25 years in bands. The current band ive been in for 12. We are a metal/hard rock band and I'm a vocalist. We're finally trying to get back out into the scene again. Unfortunately, a very good man died a few months ago who was tremendously loved by the local music scene. There was a benefit show for his memory and we were asked to be one of the bands. Of course we said yes without hesitation.
This would have been our first show at that venue in 5 years. The other few shows we have done between then and now, have been at random parties and other places. Life just got in the way. But play music is like riding a bike. All of the rehearsals leading up to the show got better and better. My voice felt strong and I felt good. The band was tight. We were ready to go.
Then the show comes. Almost everything about it was great. Turn out was awesome from the jump. The lineup up for the show was awesome. There was memorabilia of our buddy everywhere. people were celebrating his memory and everything was great.
I noticed something was wrong when we did our sound check. My presence just wasn't there. I don't know how to explain it. Had nothing to do with the sound or the engineer or anything like that. It was 100% me.
My voice was just shot. My energy was gone. It's like something just sucked the life out of me. No matter what tricks I would use, techniques, movements, etc.... absolutely nothing worked. I was shot by the second song, winded and could not project any power to my performance.
No matter how hard I tried - failure after failure. I couldn't even look at the crowd. The pics of me from the show depressed me pretty bad. I just saw emptiness in my eyes. no soul. Absolutely NOTHING was there. It scared the shit out of me. I felt it while playing the show and that lingering feeling hadn't left. I haven't opened up about it because of the nature of the show. It was about Drew, not the bands. So I didn't feel it was appropriate to even so much as talk about it on my personal Facebook.
Listen, doing this for 25 years you're definitely going to have some bad shows. This was something else. Not something I could just brush off. It was almost confirmation that my time is up. I'm not just going to give up because of that, but it was the first time I ever had doubts. Like I don't have it anymore.
Like I said, all of the rehearsals were great. I laughed and told myself it was like the opposite of what happened with Freddie Mercury during live aid or whatever. His voice was shit during rehearsal and was constantly worried while warming up because NOTHING worked, but then absolutely crushed the performance. My situation was the exact opposite.
But I know if I were to walk away, I'll just want it again.
I have had experiences like that. Done everything to prepare for a great show and then just put out a flat performance. Then other times be a complete wreck before a show and have the show of my life. Performing is an unpredictable thing.
@badbrad it sure is! It was definitely rough lol
@@Eyesofwrathvox What a great story though. You should write a book. You had me hooked for the next line the whole time.
Life is paradoxical. Sorry to hear that happened to you.
I've got a feeling you took a certain medication
@@boboayame2065 no? I didn't take anything.
Thanks for this mate. All these things are on my mind
Thank you! Hope it helps.
Wise words- Music alone offers us an infinite beautiful study-add business and all bets are off…
Perhaps so
I am 35 and a big aspect for me is that I feel like people don't understand my musicians way of life. Having a simple job, small appartment and spending my free time producing my music all by myself.
I have more career driven friends who probably judge me for living this life ...and then I have friends who have no ambitions and prefer having low qualification jobs but they drink a lot and stagnate in their mindsets.
I feel I dont really belong in either one of these groups🎉
You are wired different my friend.
I owed you a subscribe after this video. In 2001(ish) I was signed by Limp Bizkit on a developmental contract for something like 2 months. Pretty funny to me looking back, because I sucked at guitar at the time but was just happy to be in a band. I saw these changes you spoke of and came back to myself remembering why I picked up the guitar in the first place. Now I'm 42 and playing consistently in the US and Japan doing classical guitar sets in a variety of cafes and coffee shops and occasional music halls and couldn't be happier doing what I love. I got married, and my wife is so supportive. Music is a beautiful creative outlet, but I left the business model and success/fame model behind and feel so blessed to get to play music for anyone who cares to listen.
You're an inspiration.Thank you!
@@badbrad You are the inspiration! People like you remind us why music is a pillar of being alive. Yet, how we harness it, enjoy it, and express it healthfully in the current zeitgeist definitely warrants the wisdom you share.
What an uplifting post, music is magic, hard to stop chasing it once you've tried the elixir-thanks so much.
I'm glad you got something out of it.
Cool video bro! 😂 you caught me off guard !
Ha! I try!
thanks Brad, just found you and this message, something I've been wrestling with, thanks for the sage advice mate, rock & roll
Glad it's resonating with you.
Very well spoken there at the end Bad Brad I had to finish your video before putting on my headphones and getting into my world and I'm glad I did
Thank you for that.
Great message brother, thank you.
I’m glad you found it helpful.
I'm not a musician, just a music lover, but I appreciate your heartfelt & knowledgeable talks. Oh, and I admire how much exercise you're getting in on that walk! That's so good for you! 👍 I should be doing that, too.
Thank you!
Playing in a band was all that mattered to me, having an audience was the benefit of that but gelling with your band mates & pulling off any song was magical ! 🤙
I hear you there…
Always know when it's time to go.
Always .
Time and place for everything..
Now I watch ty for breakfast. Oatmeal and toast.
Thank you Jerry! Best to you bother.
Those are some real words right there. I played around Hollywood for decades (saw SHOCK many times), toured the US, recorded with Grammy winning producers, played huge shows and as HIGH as it got, it got much much lower. Every great thing that happened was rewarded with something absolutely horrible. Playing massive shows followed by the loss of friends to drugs and alcohol. The dream of the "next big show" or "next hit song" and no matter how big they are, you always want more. It's an insane thirst that can not be quenched. I had an amazing ride and we did way more than most and I'm glad I got out when I did with my health, but I almost didn't. I still guest on some songs here and there, but if I never stepped up to mic again, I would be fine with that. Thanks for sharing
Words very well spoken! 🙏
At age 53 I've certainly stayed at the party for a long time. So true about how much you give up in life to try and work towards our goal. I never got married or had kids nor have I had success in lasting a relationships for more than 5 years if it even reaches that long. But yet every time I think I should just leave before I waste much more of my life at this some seemingly big break comes along to make me change my mind. it's not an easy thing to get away from.
It is not easy to change.
Stephen Bruton told us; “better get right with it, this may be as good as it gets”. Yeah… truth.
Man you know!
Thanks for your video, im in the middle of life crisis , i know sometime i have to sacrifice my old dream to get the life i need.
I get it. Sometimes you have to go a different direction to get where you want to go.
I remember when noone knew who Eric church was.lol
Bethel woods opening for Brad paisely I was working for strike force event security now defunct.
They had a meet and greet.
I shook the man's hand and told him when he was going to blow up and make the big time.
I often wonder if he remembers me . Because my gut feeling or whatever one wants to call it was right.
He's deserving, he was kind sweet and humble.. I pray he's stayed that way.
Bethel woods is the original site of woodstock it's a beautiful outdoor amphitheater similar to Saratoga performing arts center..
But different . Similarity is the setup of the stage and grounds and great sound..
Vibe is different though. Beautiful places.
Said it before, finding my way back to my guitar has saved me. All that pain is now channeled. Love your outlook BB!!
It's great to hear you've found your way back to music!
I think a lot of people needed this video. Thanks for your bravery and transparency!
Thank you so much. I honestly didn't think this video would get many views. But I am thankful it has resonated with so many.
Probably your best video yet. Keep up the good work
Thanks, will do!
I got out of the DJ industry in my late 30's now I run a successful business luckily in commerce but I had to really work at life I neglected doing music all the time for years. I feel much better now and do music for fun in my spare time. I love it more than ever because I work to find the time to practice, it's something that stays with you for life so it's always a gift.
As a 20 year old musician/producer seeing this, this gives me hope and faith.
Not just as a musician but as a person. 🤘
I'm glad I could help.
Beautiful words - Wisdom!
Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I’ve commented on your channel a few times. This one really got to me everything you described is spot on correct I left the original team when I was 30. Maybe I stayed a little too long in that scene but put the guitar down for a year or two and then became a cover musician. I still play covers because I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow musicians, but when you talked about having a family and all of that, you’re right, you are wind up alone in a heartbeat and you won’t even know how you got there but really got me was when you said you have someone right now, but that could change at any time so could happen you don’t know how true that is. I met my wife and it was the happiest time of my life, but she got sick. Cancer got to her and now it’s just me. and my guitars, but there are no substitution for a good woman and family. Sad part is we couldn’t have kids or I’d have two or three of them running around wouldn’t be so bad so to all the young guys that read this little rant listen to Brad he’s absolutely 100% correct because life pass by that’s a guarantee
I’m sorry to hear you lost your wife, but I’m glad you’ve continued to make music. Best to you brother.
Thanks hope you and your family have a merry Christmas 🤘
I quit touring and became a landscape contractor in South Bay Area and did really well enough to produce a bunch of art albums hiring killer players , creating and recording is the real juice , then i go back to my day gig and make killer dough
Well said! I appreciate stumbling on this. I have no doubt the love around us is the real success. Not money. Not fame. All of that is some bar we set and try to achieve, thinking along the way that we haven't 'made it' until this happens, or that.... It's all bullshit. I have two kids and have played music my whole life and for me the music isn't a choice, I have to do it. It's a blessing and a curse quite honestly, but I do not have the option to put it down. Ever. Though I agree with you, friends, family, relationships, and flat out love is what really defines success when it all comes down. Thanks for the inspiration brother!
Thank you, it's good to know someone else out there gets it!
ill never be that good and i here where you're coming from, im pushing 70 & watch all my heros an have seen them all battle addiction heartbreak and death . its about as bad as a rodeo.. i dont know if they want to hear my words but i have said on many platforms remember where you came from and stay grounded stay away from the drugs i'm a fan and love all of you. music musicians songs and stories where would we be now thank you
Thank you!
Well spoken brother. I hope your message reaches everyone in need of redirection and overall encouragement in time to matter. It helped me in multiple ways, not all musical either. This is a universal message for people working hard with blinders on while chasing an ever moving goal of being successful. Meanwhile, real life happens, as valuable time passes during the chase, whether you notice or not. Peace.
I’m glad you found it helpful.
If someone is an artist they cannot pretend to live as a tradesman or a tax lawyer. They cannot live for their car or their real estate, and they cannot have an identity that revolves around bragging about "hours" and debt, taking solace in bragging about how hard they've made life for themselves.
A creator must create, not merely work and consume.
Yes!
Like many others, I had the dream. Until I realized I was at an age where it was better to put my efforts into helping others get there. That age happened around 34. At 47 I look at what the music industry is and feel it was still the right choice. I still love music. But I'd rather just play than worry about what it becomes. Like Henry rollins said. We're just here for a while and we get to do things and make stuff. Then we're gone. Just make things, even if it's music that others appreciate once yer not here any more. Dosent matter how many appreciate or like it. If it helps or even changes things for one person. Then you already accomplished what most never will.
Because sometimes, sometimes it just not about you
Very noble!
Thank you so much for this message. God bless you and your family.
Thank you!
Thank you for this. I definitely needed it. Best to you and your family.
Happy holidays!
So many bands out there, it’s difficult to hear them all, or even know they exist, but I’d heard of Colt Ford from some years ago even while living in Canada.
It seems one of the keys to a healthy existence is being in acceptance of your life experience, even if you’re not happy, you can change perspective, and also change the current actions to hopefully be happy or at least to have some gratitude.
Many of us are very fortunate to have a day or two in the sun, but to be able to enjoy the sunset is really where it’s at.
Blessings to you and family Brad.
Blessings to you as well.
When I was in my late 20s I took an Uber with my guitar and the driver told me something I'll never forget, he saw the guitar and said:"still chasing it eh? Remember that music is a young man's game, don't stay too long"
WOW
Balance. You wont regret seeking balance. Its true we get target fixation and forsake every thing around us that is important.IF we aren't careful.
So true
Absolutely on the mark thank you Brad you’re the best.
Thank you!
It doesn’t matter if you are with someone or alone. The Reaper will take you either way when it’s your time.
True...
I worked a lot of pipeline jobs and one of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is to never expect that things are going to be good and you’ll never be disappointed, sometimes on a Saturday the boss would say in the morning “going to be a short day guys”. Then you’re still stringing pipe 13 hours later. If you’re not ready for that it can cause guys to drag up mid shift.
You have to be ready for anything!
Incredibly valuable lesson and perspective. Many thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love this. Musician or not, life happens and it's not easy. Amazing things happen if you keep showing up and knowing you are loved.
Exactly.
I turned 50 this year; muliti-instrumentalist, been composing my own songs since 1990. There was a period when i had aspirations of making it in the music business, and while i had plenty of material i never really had a "band" -- the process of finding like-minded, serious individuals to play with always felt too difficult and discouraged me immensely, and i always saw the music biz as a horrible environment. Talent doesn't evaporate, but desire to achieve does. There are exceptions - but ambition seems to be largely a young persons sport. For a long while now, i've been quite content just composing my own songs in Logic Pro, always learning new things and applying them to my songs, posting them here on YT. I don't promote myself, i don't really seek an "audience" or fans. Simply creating my own stuff and putting it out there with no expectations is enough to keep my soul happy.
That’s awesome!
I was 10 years late to a party I was never invited to. Anyone identify with that? The party ended years ago but I haven't left...yep, standing in an empty room with the empty beer bottles still on the floor when everyone else went home long ago. Anyway, I still write, and even though I probably should quit, I still feel like I have ideas, so until that stops, I won't.
Your the man Brad.nailed it once again.
Thank you!!
Brother once again you’re correct! The DARK SIDE of HOLLYWIERD/SUNSET STRIP IS REALITY! Only we musicians that lived in it that LUCKILY COME OUT ALIVE can relate….
Man you know…
I was lucky to make a very good living doing session work in LA for a decade before I simply burned out. Went to law school and became an entertainment lawyer, made my money representing well known artists and retired young to get back to playing again without money concerns and went out on tour with The Miracles for a few years. Never stopped playing but did it for myself. I married a 20 year old Thai beauty when I was 49 and we are still happy together 16 years later. We just had our first child together in June and I’m loving it living at the beach in Thailand. I get to play a lot here. I totally agree that having a family is so important. Having a child so late in life is actually amazing! I’ve got so much more time and resources now than when I raised my first daughter who is now a physician and has given me 2 great grandkids.
Bill so great to hear from you again!!!! Glad you’re doing good.
"It's all relative," said one of the Womack brothers of band Sons of the Desert. The year was around 1998-1999. I had been working as an armed guard at the Indian casino just outside Colusa, California. Martina McBride would be the first ever concert at the casino/bingo hall. If I remember correctly, Sons of the Desert was a last-minute addition as the opening act. Following the concert, a young woman who worked in the offices upstairs approached me. I believe she had been the hostess for the band since they'd arrived. She asked me if I lived in the nearby tiny-town of Williams and if I knew the location of Granzella's Inn + Delicatessen. I told her that I had grown up with some of their grandkids. She told me that members of Sons of the Desert wanted to stick around and play blackjack with Martina McBride's husband/manager. They would need a ride from the casino to Williams (about 14 miles away) after blackjack. While they played 21, I stood in for the pit boss during his late dinner break. It wasn't uncommon for Harvey, the pit boss, to flip me a "quarter" (a $25 chip) during good tip nights at the blackjack pit. While standing in, I quickly noticed that Martina McBride's husband/manager(?) was playing two hands at a time, with black $100 chips. Two (or maybe three) members of Sons of the Desert were each playing $25 chips. Later, we talked about the betting difference on the drive to Granzella's Inn. I mentioned that I would have been playing "nickels" ($5 chips). "It's all relative," laughed one of the band members. Note: If you type "Lee Ann Womack, I Hope You Dance, Tonight Show" into UA-cam search, you can see Sons of the Desert singing guest vocals with Lee Ann (about two-thirds of the way through the video). Great song, gorgeous voices.
Great story!
It is inspiring to hear the comments from musicians over 60 who are creating… writing… producing music for nothing other than the joy and therapy that excercise brings. There’s nothing like hearing that new song in your head and getting it recorded and coming out of the speakers for all to hear. It’s a beautiful thing. I would like to hear all of your music. I would like to have a community of older talented musicians who share their stuff on a soundcloud or something. New here and enjoyed the episode and the comments.
Yes I am inspired every day by the comments. This is a great community.
The problem for musicians is when you're too successful to stop, but not big enough to make a good living. In this phase, you want to keep going because you believe so much in success. For me, as a musician in the sleaze/hair metal scene, the realization came when grunge took over the whole scene and it was clear that I wouldn't be able to make it big with "my" music any time soon. Unfortunately, my marriage fell apart when I stopped focusing on music and started concentrating on a completely different career. You can say I was a different person from that moment on.
This hits hard!
Hey Brad. Really enjoying your channel. Thanks for sharing your experience in the music business. Its a real breath of fresh air and as a gigging guitar player for 40 plus years it rings true to me. Keep it up brother and stay healthy.
Thank you!
When you concluded with "it doesn't really matter," I had a vision of Bill Murry screaming the same words.The movie Stripes, the motivational speech he gave before the very memorable graduation ceremony. Great movie! Great vid Brad. That shit hits home man
Edit: Shit! It was actually the motivational speech he gave in "Meatballs." The night before battling the "good camp" from across the lake. Love Bill Murry!
Both great movies!
Wise words. Thank you.
Appreciate you watching!
I've been playing music since I heard Abbey Road. Played out in bands from 21 to 41 ------------- original & cover. While that is all gone now, I still play guitar 3 days a week ------------------ a few hours at a time. It's what gets me by --- and keeps my mind occupied away from TV & Facebook. My hats off to you Badbrad --------- your wisdom & experience in this avenue needs to be heard. I'm long gone from the music scene ------------ but not music. Good luck to all.
You need more than friends, you need family as you say. This is a very important message, thank you Brother.
It's a powerful truth.
Man, did I need this today!
Thank you Universe.
Thank you!
Great video, thanks! I spent two decades trying my best to find success in the music biz. Had big dreams, but it didn't happen. Life is humbling to say the least. My life looks like a big failure, but I had many great moments along the way, and moments are what life is truly made of. It's difficult to see and accept this silver lining because as humans we're slaves to a linear and material existence. We become obsessed with time and money and our big goals, dreams, etc., and we forget about the joy and victories in the present.
That's the thing about music dreams.
You’re right Brad. I’m alone with a missed career in a nice home full of guitars and amps. But I’m rebuilding a simple happy life. Thanks.
Glad to hear you’re rebuilding.
Great chat!!! Spoken with experience
Thanks, it's something I've learned the hard way.
Great words! Thank you sir!
You got it.
Great video. Love your channel.I’m 59 and started writing and performing live as a solo artist when I was 26. At first it was fun and I was gigging quite a bit. I think I sucked to some degree yet Had a small following. People liked what I was doing. But it got to be boring. Yet I still kept at it. My playing/singing improved by leaps and bounds but audiences seemed happier when I sucked. Lol No one seemed to notice that I had improved. I can pull off a James Taylor song note for note now but no one seems to care. It was discouraging. Covid came. My gigs stopped and I stopped gigging. Now I just play at home or on UA-cam. And that’s fine.
I hear ya. It can be tough when you feel like you’re not getting the recognition you deserve.
I'm very happy as a dad, and as you said it's the toughest gig around. I enjoy creating my music yet I don't want to get to deep for my family's sake. Great video.
Family comes first, there’s always time to make music, but not always time to spend with your family.
We come here leaving. We take nothing with us when we die. Jesus Saves.
He does indeed.
He saved me from 30 years of weekend binge drinking 15 years ago
I was saved from a 20 plus year heroin addiction.and taught to LOVE my life and everything and everyone around me.even if I don't particulary actually like the person.i still care for them as human beings.but stay away from them.i stick w my small tiny circle of true friends.a couple I've had since the beginning.and a few were picked up along the way.only God can save this earth.people are just too stupid.myself included.
amen brothas
I respectfully disagree, we collect souls we connect with and I hope we take that everywhere? I don't know but I hope that's true
My Friend you are a Special Man :) Your the reason I do what I do. When you enter this business....It is the lonleyness endevour I have ever had. I have literally sacrificed EVERYTHING for the Drums and I actually got it.....But it doesn't fill that gap you feel. Being a Father, Thats a Title I would give Anything for.
You can make that happen.
I started in a Metal Band and turned into a music producer. Up and downs 😂 lots of money invested. Its honestly like a dog chasing his tail .
It can be.
That was inspirational man! Subscribed
Thank you!
Great video Brad. In my twenties I played guitar in some bands that showed some promise but didn’t get anywhere. Im 33 now and am having a hard time finding “the next thing”. It seems like no other job can compare to the adventure of playing music
I get that feeling.
Watching from Sweden 🇸🇪. Thanks. All I can say is that faith, hope and love remains. Jesus said "I am the resurrection and the life". If we surrender to him we will live forever. God bless all you striving musicians of which I am one. Surrender to him. He will give you heavenly music in you soul and eternal life in him. God bless America 🇺🇸.
God bless you my friend!
@badbrad Thanks