Bro I normally like youre work but you're pulling at strings on this one pun intended but this is a pointless video I mean take john mayor my parents were school teachers mom loved music she supported me she was murdered about 3 months before I hot my first real instrument my dad hates music and the finer stuff and never gave a toss about me or my music untill I was allmost 30 and at Christmas he broke down balling saying he was so sorry for not just being unsupervised but for outright being a obsticale in the way my freshmen year I was accepted to g.i.t/ m.i.t I had the money to cover all tuition and books but not a penny left towards a cheese burger or a place to live and was meet with reasons to either get the f out or start paying his bills life it is what it is no bitterness just a living example of unsupervised unsuportive back ground so really I live it and this perticular video is hog wash ans sheep shit
@@tommydeamon7657 I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, and also about what went on between you and your dad. I'm glad he came around - though it is a shame it had to be so late in life. I cannot imagine what you went through - Yes, life definitely has not been easy for me I'll tell you that, and a lot of what I was trying to get across in this video especially at the end is that if you're put at a disadvantage, there are ways that you can overcome it. That's what I wanted the video to culminate in. But, I'm not defending the video - it's just another one of my many videos I've done. But man it sure pissed off a lot of people lol. I just wish more people got the point of it. Nevertheless - I appreciate your candidness and being honest, gets my full respect brother!
Don't disagree with what you saying but nepobaby a stretch for some of these. Having parents that ain't shitty and actually give a fuck, not saying that it ain't fortunate but nepobaby pushing it.
Damn good comment! Just got to remember that this platform has a few of its own rules. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a title is worth a million. Thanks for your comment man!
If your parents are connected in the industry and you can afford to work on your craft without distraction or having to work a normal job and struggle with balancing between making living and honing on your passion, like a normal person, you're a nepo-baby.
@@UseTheSupeRsonic Nah. "Nepo baby" has a strict definition - namely, getting your position through nepotism. Not through having a stable family. If simply having money for instruments and not needing to have a day job was enough, every retired blues lawyer would be a star.
Yes these people all had an advantage but at least they did something with it and put in the time to make the most out of that advantage. Plenty of people have that advantage and are too lazy to excel. Even with resources it still takes thousands of hours of practice. Obviously I respect the people even more who came from nothing and became truly great despite the odds stacked against them as that is an inspiring story for people of all income levels.
Having parents that support you is very important, kudos to those parents that support their kids dreams, my parents dis nothing but stomp out my dreams, I loved anything with strings but I was ridiculed for trying to learn to play, told I'd never learn, it put an unseen wedge between my family and I that is still there to this day.......
It definitely is - we all love a good rags to riches story. And of course players covered in here didn't necessarily come from material wealth - that wasn't the entire point. It was more that a lot of the most celebrated musicians were given some good opportunities in the beginning - and of course they ran with them and made them work. The real takeaway is at the end of the video, for people who may not have had those opportunities there is still a way.
It's not the same anymore. The world's time for guitar heros is gone. Great guitar players are everywhere but the heros times are gone. It's a different changing world.
It’s easy to look at the rich successful ones and say “yes they made it because of the mom n dads money” but there’s plenty of people in Nashville, Austin, NYC, etc that are not successful despite all the money they’ve parents pour into them. Ultimately they has to be an audience for someone in order to be successful, money can play a big part but not the only part.
All good points. The biggest hangup for a lot of people is the work thing. Some of them are literally living paycheck to paycheck, not a hope and hell of breaking past that.
Anybody can be a famous celebrity if they know the right people and are at the right place at the right time. But when it comes to skill on a musical instrument. It's all about how much work and practice he put into it.
Definitely not taking away the work that they put into their instruments. To get good like that takes a whole hell of a lot of work. And there are a lot of virtuosos out there that will never hear of because they didn't get the other piece of the pie - the promotion - putting them out there. That's the thing a lot of people miss. All a celebrity is ... is a regular person with a publicist.
@@guitarmeetsscience Reminds me of all the studio musicians in Nashville who will never get a record contract, because they don't come from the right family.
Really ? How did you figure that out? Are you a famous person? The world thanks you for your wisdom because nobody but you understood the video description and the contents of said video. (Sarcasm)
Most people who grew up in poverty, abuse, or trauma/addiction have neither resources nor opportunity to be able to even get started developing their talent.
Thank you so much for covering this. I grew up poor, played guitar for 17 years now, but luckily i play as a hobby so don't need professional recording equipment, connections etc. Got a lot of respect for people who genuinely come from nothing and take career risks to pursue their passion professionally. So often successful people, inc. guitarists talk about how it's all just hard work and practise. Sure, it is partly that, but financial security from parents, access to resources, free time, less stress, less pressure, all contribute. It's often a perfect storm of these things. I wish more people would acknowledge this, so young aspiring guitarists watching yt don't think you have to have a wall of 5k Jackson custom shop guitars, a home studio and an expensive camera and mic setup to be a great musician.
My goodness what a freaking fantastic comment! Nailed it right on the head. A lot of people coming in here are leveling the charge that I'm saying the parents handed them everything on a silver platter. But a lot of them really it just came down to the fact that they were provided enough to not have to live paycheck to paycheck somewhere. And often that's all it takes. The wall of Jackson's haha yep! I swear, some of the walls that people are putting up are baffling too. I was just hoping to teach some of the viewers maybe a different way of looking at things, but man - totally unexpected with a lot of these folks coming in. Unbelievable.
In the case of John Mayer i wouldn’t exactly call having two teachers as parents as being financially secure. I agree with your whole premise here though. Even having the emotional support of family can make a huge difference.
You are absolutely right - and anymore we tend to associate teachers with low income sadly enough. But with him his parents were just really big on ushering him into that school which really made a big difference in his life. And you're right, even down to just emotional support often is enough to push somebody over the top. Also sadly, there are a lot of people out there that just don't have any of that - some of them even complete virtuosos who, if given a chance, would have massive fan bases.
But the title suggest his talent is over rated? Because his parents were supportive teachers? And they helped him? And people that have time and family money to work of their art. Don't actually have much talent. They are the product of Nepotism. Pretty sure that is not even what Nepotism means. What on earth....I guess it's my fault for clicking on this.
Not sure how it is in the US, but in my country, teachers have very stable careers and are public employees. Even though they don't make what engineers and doctors make, they still make more than working class people and have access to a bunch of benefits for the rest of their lives, that helps in stability when/if a couple of teachers decide to have kids.
It's an important topic to talk about - not just in the context of music, but life and societal structures in general. Especially in times where people are constantly being put on this guilt trip with the narrative that overachievers in society simply "worked hard", "wanted it enough", "believed in themselves" and were "grinding and hustling" while apparently everyone else is a lazy bastard who's waiting for handouts. For anyone interested in a more academic view on these things - look into Pierre Bourdieu and his "[(habitus)(capital)] + field = practice" formula.
Wow those are extemely broad statements. Sounds more like you have a chip on your shoulder to me. What “people” are you referring to? I mean let’s call this for what it really is instead of spreading rhetoric. You can find academic research to back up just about any argument these days…doesn’t always make it applicable to extremely large chunks of largely populated countries, or entire races, religions, political persuasions, or whatever you’re referring to. Just because you may not agree with someone or even a group of people, doesn’t automatically make them idiots or even foolish. Different people have different life experiences and therefore may prioritize or value some issues more than you do. Who do you mean when you say “everyone”?
Having supportive parents is a huge part of this equation. But that support does not have to come in the form of massive amounts of money. I have a few friends who became very, very famous just having parents who didn't demand that they dump their dreams in favor of a "respectable job." I think it's also worth mentioning that when you're young getting affirmation from your parents is the first spark in the journey.
Damn - you nailed it! That was the exact point I was trying to make in the video almost to the t. But, titles and thumbnails are sadly just as important according to UA-cam so we've got to play the game. But you got it man. It really just comes down to support - and unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who don't get that support - not necessarily monetary but just having people that believe in them sometimes is all it takes. Thanks for your comment, I really do appreciate that!
@@guitarmeetssciencemoney has to be part of the equation for that support, a family that doesn’t have money can’t expect them to eat air while they practice all day.
Born in poor family. Was raised without a father. Was scrapping the barrel then, am scrapping the barrel now. Life of an artist sucks, if you weren't raised in wealthy family. You would not believe which jobs I had after design college which I did not finish... Imagine a graphic designer working at the concrete factory, making literal bricks.
Upper-middle class kids grow up with a confidence that poor kids like myself just could never match. I saw it myself. The kids that never struggled or lay at night sick to nearly vomiting with anxiety about how their parents were going to pay the bills just have a thing where they glide through life. I had friends like that and everything just came natural to them. Everything I achieved in life was a pitched battle against the loser mindset I grew up in.
Still...99.99% of all guitarists will never make a dime for playing. Because the key word is Play. I'm like almost everyone else, it's just a moderately expensive hobby that's a lot of fun.
I saw tim Henson on the thumbnail. He's talented but music gets old. From what I understand. He practiced like hell. Then he made his own merch and sold it. And he's on his own musicly. No major record lable. Him and his band. Did all this through hard work. Idk if he was in a wealthy family or not but he's self made aside from that. Like him or not (I kinda don't) that's admirable.
When I found out about this sort of privilege I low-key hated my life. It only dawned on me in recent years, that I could have been way further If I have had the support I needed. All I ever wanted to do was being a professional musician. But I could never afford all the fancy instruments, tools or lessons. Had to work and go to school for "a real job". And the resistance of my family and those whom I needed support from the most wouldn't or couldn't give it. I'm basically fully self-taught and I managed to be part of some amazing projects, bands or music schools as a teacher and I can proudly say that despite all the resistance, setbacks or struggles, I aquired some pretty good skills and had fuckin amazing times with my musician friends. It's a demanding journey but I'm still nourishing my dreams. I encourage everyone to do the same! And maybe, some day, some of us will be rewarded. :)
Thanks for sharing that - I can relate 100%. Same thing no support, and financial insecurity until the end of time. But, that's true, all we can do is just keep on trucking. Keep on rocking man!
@@guitarmeetsscience You make a great point about the need to network for poorer, less connected musicians. That is key and I wish I'd better realized this during my younger years struggling in bands. I had too much of the loser mindset that so many poorer musicians can't shake off.
That's another reason why Jimi Hendrix will never be replaced in my mind not only as the greatest creative talent but also the guitarist that had the most impact. Shove your privilege !
Well what I've learned is there is usually a reason behind someone becoming successful and famous. Everybody wants to portray the idea that I was homeless and broke and started with nothing and especially before the internet came about because you really couldn't look into it and just do anything but take them for their word. And I'm sure there's just as many that did start out that way but I guarantee you most of them did not
Cracks me up when John Mayer tries to ape Hendrix's stage rap "Hope you don't mind if I play my guitar".A few years back when we played the Cavern in Liverpool I visited John Lennon's house which was definitely an upper class Tudor style 2 story home while the rest of the Beatles were raised in government housing.It's funny how these white guys like to portray themselves as a "Working Class Hero".Btw I met Stuart Copeland drummer of the Police who was definitely born with a silver spoon in his mouth as his dad was head of the C.I.A. in the Middle East.
Lars Ulrich and David Lee Roth came from wealth. The whole "We had $10 in our pocket" story gets recycled over and over, and it's been old for decades.
Nailed it! But I think that's part of the story that people kind of want to get washed up in and I cannot blame them. People tend to disassociate their idols from even the wealth of those idols. They sort of envision them as the gritty broke dude getting up on stage and rocking out in a rebellious fashion or whatever. A lot of people also don't want to come to terms with the fact that so many of these people were given opportunities early in life, and they were smart enough to take advantage of those opportunities and as a result they flourished. It is definitely an interesting study.... And you 100% put across the point that I was also trying to put across in the video. Thanks for that!
I mean you can't take anything away from slash or Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac but I guess I look at it differently as far as you can have all the talent in the world but if you don't look half ass cool you are more than likely not going to make it. There is a reason that a lot of bands that become big became that way and not necessarily because they were as good or as technical as some of the people on this list.
I agree, even being tall gives you some advantage which I am to a degree. What really matters is how much you are willing to sacrifice to get what you want, many musician have had to sell their soul to get where they want and many are destroyed, be careful what you wish for.
And on the flip side, Jon Schaffer, ICED EARTH, ran away from home as a teenager, from Indiana to Florida. Worked day labor jobs, only knew how to play power chord riffs on guitar, couldn't solo, but hired lead guitar player for ICED EARTH. Wrote all the songs, formed ICED EARTH, played gigs around Tampa, with the likes of DEICIDE, OBITUARY, NASTY SAVAGE, MORBID ANGEL. Got signed to Century Media Records, toured the world, put out many albums. Now, unconventional way to start a music career, but works for me. And then he threw that all away😢
@@guitarmeetsscience However Tom was an design engineer by trade working full time for a big tech company in the 70s and making music part time before deciding to take time off to work on Boston
That is a good example but Tom actually is levels above anyone mentioned in the video in terms of accomplishment. He's a true genius and spent many patient years moonlighting from a day job at Polaroid (spending most of his earnings in the process) developing the groundbreaking sound of Boston's debut, even inventing equipment to achieve that sound.
Honestly as a natural ear learner, this is important. I didn't know how hard people had to work to learn guitar. I started playing melodies from videogames with no tabs. But with no training or guidance I've totally peaked at three string sweeps and two scales i like. My memory is good with songs i know but i have no discipline.
It sounds like either way you got a great start on playing. Look at SRV - he also only used two scales to cover everything. As Bruce Lee said - I fear not the opponent who has practiced 10,000 kicks, but I definitely fear the opponent who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
By definition, a Nepobaby is someone who has only gotten famous due to being related to someone famous. Education and family wealth means nothing if their parents arent famous musicians themselves. All that indicates is that they're bloody lucky!
U can’t be poor to do any form of art, resources and access to the best tools is key for success, it’s well known “art” only matters when u have all primary needs covered, or be lucky and find someone to spot u, this phenomenon can be tracked for a long time back
The whole part about Slash was only partly accurate…they make it seem like he started networking into his role in one of the biggest rock bands in history from birth. The guy was homeless for the first 5 years of GNR at least. Yes, you can say that he definitely grew up in proximity to people in the business, but make no mistake, he had to work his ass off. He tried out for big bands at the time, Poison being one, that weren’t willing to hire him, even with all his “connections”. The rock scene in LA at the time was primarily made of white men, and here he was, a half black male with a different look that I imagine a lot of bands didn’t care to take a chance on when it came to achieving success. He met Bowie when he was really young, and didn’t see or talk to him again until he was much, much older. Same thing with David Geffen. He had been on Geffen’s record label for years before Geffen realized that Slash was Saul Hudson, whom he had met when he was a child. Yes, Slash was born into a family of people that worked in the business - his mother did costumes for some performers and his Dad designed maybe a handful or album covers years before - but he definitely worked for what he achieved. It was no cake walk, especially in the beginning.
I love this comment. You nailed it on the head, of course a lot of people are misunderstanding where I'm coming from due to the title. But hey - titles sometimes are where the UA-cam magic happens. Slash is the real deal. The thing about him that I covered in the video basically comes down to the fact that he was smart. He had a sense that it was going to take more than just becoming a great player to break through. His material goods he got was wisdom - and he came screaming onto the scene full of wisdom. Don't let the title fool you, I am on the same page.
Slash was never homeless. He joined Hollywood Rose at 19 in 1985 and they were pretty successful locally. Not ultra rich but certainly had enough for a place to stay and rent rehearsal space. Two years later Appetite came out.
Slash didn't just "happen" to meet David Bowie when he was young. His mom was a costume designer for him. Possibly unrelated but she also appeared in ads for Dewar's in the 60's so she knew some people so that sets up some of that sweet sweet privilege for Slash. I don't disagree Slash being half black may have prevented him from joining various hair bands in the 80's but it was very temporary as it didn't bar him from playing in Guns 'n Roses. Bottom line is if he didn't have parents who had connections, he wouldn't be Slash the famous rock star; rather, he'd be Saul Hudson, the homeless junkie alcoholic living in Skid Row.
@@ahoneymanOkay, well, I guess he was lying in his autobiography then. I assume you have some actual proof of this? Besides his book, there’s a bunch of people that were in his inner circle and multiple documentaries that say otherwise.
One thing for sure, regardless of how much influence their families have, or how they were (spoon-fed), with all that (Spoon-feeding), they also as talented individuals put in practice, hard work, but most of all "the belief" in themselves, which really payed off. Very very gifted individuals indeed.❤
Mum said "You were born with nothing, we're not rich! When we (mum and dad) die, we're not leaving you anything! You have to make everything for yourself!".
Yeah, my mother proactively discouraged my musical pursuits, probably because she gave up painting and violin when she married young .She made it abundantly clear that she thought that it would never make enough money.
That is a shame to hear that -I've covered a lot of these guitar players and when it came down to it the one common denominator is that they had support in some way shape or form. And that support can go so damn far!
I'm sorry guys! I should have explained why, instead of just what she said! She was telling us that whatever we wanted to do or be!... We had to work for, no doors would be opened for us because of our parents contacts, because there were no contacts! 30 years later, I still play in a rock band and teach guitar...had a song on national radio, and a video clip on Rage (Aussie music show) and have a mild obsession/problem with buying guitars and equipment, and my brother performs locally as a solo artist and member of a well established band! He's the local rock hero. Long story short, we were from a hard working family without a musical bone in our bodies! No one wanted or thought we would risk everything to chase our dreams!....until they got feedback from people that saw us play! I could talk at length about rich kids, or favoritism! But,...gritting your teeth, taking the losses, never giving up, being single minded about your goals and absolutely being up for the challenge!.... Maketh the man! (or woman!) People say "You must be a very musical family!?" Mum says "No, ...we don't know where they got that ftom!" I know.
Well I grew up poor and had to get a job period. I played professionally for 25 years self taught of course. I'm not knocking these great musicians but I'm a bit jealous because I just wonder how much better I may have been with stability. Maybe it's for the best because I was already crazy as hell so I'd probably be long dead by now.😄✌️ Great video!
Right on. We could be dead like Cobain, Wieland, Cornell, or Staley. I think back on my 20's - 40's, and I have absolutely no idea what I was thinking.
Thank you so much man - and I can relate on so many levels with what you said. Lol and like you, I guess it kept me out of trouble too. Rock on fellow working player 🤘🤘
Adam Ant came from poverty. Grew up in a two room flat. Father a cabbie and mother working in textile industry. Then his parents divorced and mother supported him as a cleaner. But his teacher was the one to put him towards creative pursuits.
The best players were poor and are poor to this day, not even recognized by the world. Play your music for you and no one else. In this world no one really cares unless you become famous then everyone loves you right ? That's why I say play for you, and for the love of the music and nothing else.
So rich people or people with a decent family dont deserve what they've worked for? Having an inferiority complex or any trauma related to money and family etc, and being resentful about it, does not give you the credit to disrespect or disregard others achievements. If these succesfull people were to lie and say that they came from nothing, then its wrong and a lie, and i would understand you. But if they didnt say anything about it, why do they even have to live up to this poor to rich narrative that you (and many people) are imposing?
People love to pull that inferiority complex or jealousy card.... 10 years ago when you would call somebody jealous they would go off the hook. Now it doesn't really have any weight. If you watched the video then you would probably know what I was actually saying in it.
I remember listening to a guy on Tim Farris' podcast that was going to go to The Berklee College Of Music, and a couple months before he went, he met a guy who used to teach there. This man told him that he already knew a lot of things that he might learn there, and asked him leading questions about music. He answered what he could and was given assignments in other areas to complete before they met up again in a few days. When he went to Berklee he skipped all the stuff he already knew, and was finished with the entire course in a short amount of time. This saved him time and money.
All of these ppl in the list are very talented! Capable of making a crowd by themselves, crowd that pays for their way of living! Nepotism is something more specific and blood related!
They are all definitely talented! The study here really is centered on the fact that one common thread between all of them was that they never had to go paycheck to paycheck, except for Slash. But he had gained so much wisdom from his early years and really put it to good use. Similarly on the other end of the spectrum, Wolfgang really came into his own despite being under the shadow of his dad. But all the players I covered had some interesting levels of support that freed them up to really be able to develop themselves.
I toured around with this kid in my early 20's who grew up in a very wealthy household. He was a very good guitar player and singer, and was pretty good looking. His mother knew people in the music industry and connected him with a few legendary producers and industry big wigs in LA. He had every opportunity to become a big star, and it looked like he was about to cash in at any moment. It just never happened. There's something that everyone still needs to make it big, regardless of socio-economic upbringing. Money and class are not a sure ticket to success or stardom, and while I find the video interesting, it's unfair to these artists to simply say "they had it easy".
Well the ones on this list definitely did not have it easy in one way shape or form. Even Wolfgang who they like to say pretty much had the golden ticket. To this day he still has to fight for his reputation. I'm not saying they had the easy way, I am saying that with a little leg up like not having to work two or three jobs to make ends meet it makes it a little bit easier to both hone your craft as well as make the right connections. Still does it mean it's easy by any stretch. But I don't know I think if I were given the choice between working multiple jobs to make ends meet or not having to do that so much I would think that choice b would potentially give me at least a very slight edge in terms of getting ahead musically if that's what my goal was.
I'm glad you mentioned the downside to someone like Wolfgang Van Halen's journey, having to live under the shadow of a famous father. There are some other challenges I'd ask people to consider. Many of these musicians were not allowed to have typical and healthy childhoods. There are many more individuals that could have been on this list except for the fact that their privilege was actually a hindrance. Having access to money means you can buy awesome equipment, it also means you have access to a lot of drugs and other temptations. Combine that with parents who are apt to be neglectful being wrapped up in their own fame, their own success, their own substance abuse problems, who are there to guide the young person in a healthy and constructive direction.
You bring a really fresh perspective to it with your comment. Thank you for that - You're absolutely right. A lot of people want to be famous and don't realize just how trapping it can be. And those with famous parents are also caught in those same exact trappings. And then of course there's the living under the shadow part which presents its own challenges. In Wolfgang's case, he really wants to be his own.
1. Allan Holdsworth's dad and granddad were both musicians (his dad was actually a working jazz pianist at one point), his grandad gave him his first music lessons and he was already playing the working men's club circuits in the north east of England by the time he was in his late teens and early twenties. He never had a 9-5 his entire life, because he was already a working musician playing well-paid covers gigs at the beginning of his adult life. 2. Yungblud's dad is a well-known (and somewhat infamous!) vintage guitar dealer in the UK. He grew up being surrounded by guitars due to the family business.
The biggest problem we have now is it’s become so expensive to be poor, therefore we get few truly poor artists breaking in at all. Combine this with few gatekeepers in the industry who are fans (with many new artists following alternative routes that keep them marginal) but in every way, even marginal artists (such as 100 gecs as one example) continue to exist in a marginalised way. There are many examples especially in England of bands starting with home made guitars, Pete Townsend being one example, and in America, almost every blues musician from Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters. I don’t think we should tear down nepo babies, what we should be doing, though is demanding poor artists get support like we used to (in music and wider art endeavours)
Excellent points! The title suggests that I'm taking away from the artists that are actually being covered. No it is just an attention getter - and yes I am shameless about attention getting because well I'm stuck on UA-cam... Where ADHD is cultivated... what can I say. You definitely make a good point especially about the fact that artists on the bottom are really having a rough go of it. I really just wanted to highlight the fact that some of those things like not having to work during your formative years, when it is key to grow both musically and in terms of connections, with the right people who have the skills it creates the perfect storm. It still doesn't guarantee success, but it certainly goes a long way compared to those who are hampered with a lot of other trappings of life that otherwise have all the fortitude and skills to truly become something, but just don't have the time or the resources to really fulfill that. Of course a lot of commenters coming in think that it is just natural to just have parents that will let people do their thing and flourish when in reality it's a bit more rare than people think. Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it
If we talk about greatness then its all luck, honestly, but who really cares? Only when I left my scorching desire to become the best of the best (which honestly was just a complex, desire to be loved and appreciated) I became truly happy with my instrument and unbound with my playing. If you love playing guitar and listening to music, just do it. Not everyone has to be a superstar, you can just be you
When you have a true love for music, resources and expensive instruments are not a barrier. A genuine musician will choose music over glitz and riches because the music is the treasure.
Always wondered when Wolfgang Van Halen's name comes up what the hell did Eddie Van Halen do with all his money when he died because Wolfgang should be a gazillionaire by now.
Wolfgang really should be way more well off than he is. But - some bad deals were made. I covered Van Halen in depth over a series of four videos, and there was a lot of financial mismanagement if you want to call it mismanagement going on. Out of that whole group Michael and Sammy are by far the richest of the bunch.
As if this is a problem with the music industry and not ALL industries, from celebrity status (musicians, actors, artists, writers), to politicians, to the service industry and retail (stocking shelves, answering phones, etc.) Also, the idea that everyone or even most have these advantages but are too lazy to be bothered to learn and practice their skills and talents is ridiculous. I'm not an outlier by ANY means, my experience is extremely common. I work a job with 'flexible hours' (not even the luxury of knowing my schedule will be 9 to 5) for close to minimum wage (can't afford the traditional education or even most of the supplies needed to teach myself) in order to support the whole family, all while doing most of the housework and a fair bit of yard work, leaving me with a few hours of sleep every night and maybe a couple of hours to decompress once in a while to make pushing past all that burnout a bit easier. I'll be able to take a break from constantly working when I die (and the rest of the family risks going homeless if they survive longer than me). Yet, I've been told I let my (imaginary) privilege go to waste out of laziness, which is so easy for others to say to excuse their own privileged roles. The false narrative is not that only some have these privileges, but that everyone or most have them and most are just too lazy to use them. That people aren't really held back by the lack of resources, but that they made their own bad decisions and they deserve to fail - the idea that poverty and struggle is merely a state of mind and not systemic economic and social pressures. Some people might be lazy, but that's hardly evidence that all but a tiny handful are lazy. (In other words, the video is spot on and all the people saying, but 'they worked so hard' and 'anyone can do this but they're just too lazy' in the comments just aren't getting it at all, as usual, generally out of being privileged themselves or out of being one of those 'temporarily embarrassed billionaires'). As for networking, one of the big hurdles there is getting anyone to pay attention to you at all and the few who might have no more advantage than you have. All too often, networking when starting at the bottom takes far more work and still only leads to 4 or 5 others listing to your work and you listening to theirs, and none of you ever breaking into more than those 4 or 5 fans, much less fans that have money to spend supporting you financially (which is to say that if they send you money to support you, it's probably money you sent them first - basically the same tiny sum passed around within that group). Not to mention all of the listed examples of how people can expand their social circles simply do not work in many rural areas, due to lack of venues and lack of anyone else to network with, which leaves you networking online using social media and getting gate-kept by the algorithm.
There are comments below criticizing the "nepo baby" headline. Yes, not all these people had rich moms or dads in the music biz specifically, but I think it's very useful for aspiring young musicians to understand how much financial freedom or solid family (even indulgent) backgrounds figured in the progress and eventual success of various music stars. The Beatles were a case in point: John and Paul both lost their mothers when they were young, so let's take into account that trauma, but Paul had music already in his household. There weren't many Liverpool kids who had a piano in their parlour. John was brought up by his auntie, a loving maternal figure in his life, and in their early years their first drummer Pete Best's mum Mona provided a performance space in her business, the Casbah Coffee Club, for some time, giving them the motivation and artistic goals to continue to write. It didn't stop them dropping Pete when it suited them, of course. They also travelled between Liverpool to Hamburg Germany in a van. Speaking personally as a working class kid form the UK, owning a van or even having access to one, was beyond the financial abilities of a young guy in the late 50s/early 60s. The Beatles were middle class, as were the Stones and just about every member of a band in the UK in that period, because electric guitars were just too expensive. Yes, their audience was working class, but during the week their choices were to work or starve. Pete Townshend's father, Cliff Townshend, was a professional alto saxophonist and his mother was a pro singer. Yes, he had a fragmented younger life, but always had a home, and this characterized many lives of musicians - not a cake walk but always with supportive family, and musical influence somewhere in the background. The Who were all middle class boys, and the list is endless, notable for how few people would actually qualify as destitute or even "working class" in UK terms.
Might be wrong about about this, but pretty sure Misha Mansoor and Brandon Ellis were well-off before becoming musicians. Misha talks about how his parents didn't buy him a Lamborghini... as if most musicians stumble into that eventually... He seems like more of a businessman now than a musician anyway but i'd be amazed if he didn't have a massive headstart. Brandon is in an extreme death metal band (Black Dahlia Murder), so i doubt is raking in cash from that, but even before tbdm he had like a dozen + super high end guitars, home studio, amazing amp collection etc. Not to take away anything from the amazing talent of both of these guys. And you don't choose what you're born into, you take advantage of opportunities. Also i am speculating, don't take what i say as gospel. I doubt most musicians with a headstart would acknowledge how much easier it is when you have financial security
You make a lot of great points!! I think a lot of people just have a hard time having a look behind the curtain and seeing the reality of it. Sure, some people truly got lucky - that is a real tiny few. This is a deviation from my regular content. Normally I cover guitar player biographies and I will say that the common thread between them is that they had some support coming up. Yet a lot of players I run into might have some varying degrees of support, and haven't leveraged it, while others just got stuck living paycheck to paycheck right out the gate and never had a chance. It's a harsh reality - but there are definitely ways around it. That's some of what I was trying to get across at the end of the video. Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it!
And that happens with bands also, the latest example is The Warning from Mexico. They had 100% full top gear since they were little girls. Full practice studio, amps, top instruments etc
Kind of reminds me of VOB as well. Of course they kind of had to deal with culture battles from where they're from in Indonesia, but in terms of getting their start very similar story. I'll have to look into that one thanks for that!
To be successful, you definitely still need to have skill. *BUT* having wealthy parents has always been a shortcut to success in the arts industry. That said, it's *WAY* more prevalent now. Look at Beyonce, Taylor Swift et all - having wealthy parents is what got them their big breaks and they never had to have regular jobs. Edited to add: Tim Henson is a wizard. If this was 200 years ago, he would have been burned at the stake.
Being technically gifted doesn't mean your music has any feeling to it. Pull all the faces you want during your long ass solos, but the grit is still missing.
I really don't think being from a middle class or even wealthy family made much difference in these or many other musicians rise to stardom. All of these individuals had amazing talent at a young age creating their best work before the age of 27. You can't learn what they have in school as most who go to Berkley and GIT graduate and are never heard from again. Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen certainly didn't come from wealth or even middle-class families and yet went on to fame and are still considered by many to have been the best players ever.
I been a Guitarist for 17 years now my Father supported my talent but my Mom not too much but they were divorced by the time I really took it serious my Father moved far away so I no longer had that support including financial support because my Mom didn't want a spend a dime on my talent. I still continued and became a pretty decent guitarist playing a sold out show and even about to join a label and iHeart radio was looking for me as well. But I had to work no one supported my talent young. But I am Still continuing with music with high hopes till this day 🎸
@@MasterBalderichProductions thanks for sharing that - similar boat here to be honest. A lot of people coming into the comment section apparently think that if people magically have talent in their fingers they're going to make it. It doesn't work that way - when people get held back by typical responsibilities, it has a big impact on whether or not they make it. Like I always say, a celebrity is a talented regular person but with a publicist. Keep on jamming!! 🤘🤘
Maybe it is the nurturing of talent that is routinely underrated. Imagine, if it was the default to support children, teens and adults, in their on-going development. Our collective wealth would be over-flowing. And the dormant talent, always there, but never developed would shine forth.
The thumbnail says "Never had to work, born into fame." Slash like many a musician, chose a path that would enable a career playing guitar which he loves to do. He wasn't guaranteed anything in fact he took big risks in choosing a music career like many of us who did the same though most of us did not achieve the desired win though I am blessed and happy in my musical endeavors'. With big risk comes big reward!
A lot of this is very repetitive. But once I learned that you can only make it by having rich parents or a well-connected relative, I gave up the dream. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
I don't know much about guitar, but from what I noticed...people like Tosin Abbasy and Tim Henson put a step forward in the virtuous/technical guitar world, before they appear in the scene there was nothing that sounds like them... somehow everyone shredded generically in one way. Think about how many people with equal resources have been existed through out the years. Adding to that, the fact that we are not living in rock legends era any more, so they will never be fully appreciated as older figures like Page or Blackmore even though to me musically speaking they have to compete with a much more difficult and hostile environment.
I know what you are saying and yes it must help having money and access to good equipment and tuition but at the end of the day lot's and lot's of players are afforded that luxury that do not make it, just those very few very gifted people manage to make it, Talent finds away.
It's absolutely true - if everybody we're giving those same opportunities there are only a few that are going to rise to the top. But here the playing field is a little lopsided. Only a small percentage really get the opportunities to flourish that way.
This video just makes me have more of an appreciation for those great blues musicians of the early 20th century who grew up in the jim crowe era of the deep south on plantations. Musicians like muddy waters , Bb king, howlin wolf, and BUDDY GUY! They didnt have anything but a cheap 2 dollar guitar and a dream and inspite of all the adversity they faced and disadvantages they were born into, they still had the fortitude and determination to make things happen ❤
While there are exceptions, nepobabies who are musicians don't generally tend to have much edge, greasiness, grit. The pain isn't apparent, and neither should it be. But that's part of the thing that make people like Hendrix or John Lennon who they are, without doubt in a completely different league.
I don't think that having caring parents, who actually do their jobs, is the same thing as being a nepobaby. Even if someone were a nepobaby, it doesn't mean that they would have any talent. Your premise is a real stretch. Plenty of talented people, who achieved success, had no family encouragement whatsoever, and money sure can't buy talent. TBH, you sound kind of jealous.
Absolutely good points. The title is really throwing people out of whack... If I sound jealous, honestly I'm just too damn old to be jealous of anything anymore. This is more of a study based on the fact that I've done so many biographies of guitar players that I thought it might be interesting to put together that thread of a support system that they had where they were able to really develop into the players that we've come to know and love. My biggest purpose if you will was actually at the very end of the video which nobody watched till apparently where I go into how the average person might be able to get a leg up as well.
I realized when going to art school , and then working within NYC's fine arts community, that the vast majority of those who became " professionals" or successful in all areas of the arts, - music, visual, film, acting, dance, - ALL came from wealthy backgrounds.The couple of individuals that I actually knew personally that went on to have actual careers were all from wealthy and sheltered backgrounds. It's funny to hear them misrepresent their "struggle" in interviews, - and slightly disgusting as well. The financial and family support usually make a critical difference.After all , Marilyn Manson and Taylor Swift both have careers courtesy of their parent's wealth and influence.TBF, the flip side is that you can generally hear and tell the difference, - unless, of course, part of the image is about privledge and entitlement. Like an old gang leader once asked ; " that's all great, but does it have heart?Do you have heart?" I know that the musicians that I follow commonly managed to break the mold, and become exceptions to the rule.
Some really excellent points there - and different arts have differing expectations on the support that is given. A majority of actors who even don't have to live pay check to paycheck still struggle, and then that realm it usually takes more true full blown nepotism to make anything happen. But then again acting doesn't really provide opportunities for people to come up with grassroots audiences, it's usually full on Discovery mode only.
Wolfie is sure talented but in an extremely competitive industry with a lots of unreal gifted musicians like this, he won’t get any mention if it weren’t for his last name.
Interesting video/topic- thanks for sharing - What about the legendary SRV? Pretty sure he came from a rather lower class background but didn't nothing but playing that thing from 8 years old so was basically already a monster at 16 or something like that ... But i don't know for sure ..
Thank you! SRV came from a pretty humble background. He really paid his dues before anybody had even heard of him. Interestingly, so did James hetfield and Kirk Hammett (Mustaine as well). Shawn Lane is another example of somebody who didn't have many resources coming up. But yeah, you can hear the blood sweat and tears in SRVs playing - lots of time grinding away, and that pain and aggression came out really nicely in his playing. That's really what makes him one of the best I think. I appreciate your comment!
i always wonder how far i could have gone if i had the right support. i grew up around playing music but it wasn't focused to develop my potential. then later i learned to play crowds but i was too old by then to be in a true rock band. i like the story of Angus Young's rise to fame. thats real rock and roll!
He really is - and I was pretty blown away by how good of a multi-instrumentalist he is. He had the opportunity, and he ran with it fully to his credit.
Wolfgang is a great technical artist. He hasn't got a tenth of his father's original or ability to write a few good riffs or even classic one. He said Dave Grohl was his biggest idol. Even someone at a carwash must have bigger dreams than to become like Grohl, musically.
Well, this is sort of an endorsement of punk. The first wave of punk were all working class often from troubled backgrounds, they had something to say if not musical sophistication.
Did you know johnny rotten girlfriend/wife was/is a billionaire heiress thus allowing him to maintain his high artistic standards without having to consider commercial ramifications.
Thanks for making this video. It goes beyond this premise of yours. It has to do with family connections as well. Especially if your dad was in intelligence.
Thank you! The title sent some mixed messages and created some cognitive dissonance in a lot of people lol, but you totally got the point. Yep, family connections plays a huge part if they are applicable. I chose the players that I did for this one because of the fact that they bring some serious skills to the table - they're not true "nepo" in the sense that everything was handed to them. Instead, they were given advantages and they actually ran with them. I would have to dig into the pop realm and have a whole list of those who just sing with Auto-Tune and have a team of dancers around them to really get the other side of the coin. The player is here actually made everything work for them, and they had the opportunity to actually put in the work - and I think that point is missed with a lot of people coming in. Thanks for getting it!
@@guitarmeetsscience Yeah, thanks again. A pretty brave act to try to enlighten a fanboy. They usually turn on you like a rabid dog. If you want a real example of family connections read the wiki page for Mother Love Bone. It'll make your senses tingle. They all went to a special super private highschool that looked like a mansion on a hill. Probably one of the music wings of M.I.
@@guitarmeetsscience And I don't have to explain to you that there's more to John Mayer than meets the eye. His bio could be a fake one as is the case with many of these. That line in the song about running through the halls of his highschool pretty much gives up the goods.
Definitely some good stuff there! I've actually had a lot of recommendations to check them out, they apparently are textbook when it comes to the topic.
Oh yeah - to John's credit, he's sort of an interesting one in that he never has taken himself too seriously. Others are far different in that department. He's one of the few that seems to truly be having a good time in all of this.
Cracks me up when John Mayer tries to ape Hendrix's stage rap "Hope you don't mind if I play my guitar".A few years back when we played the Cavern in Liverpool I visited John Lennon's house which was definitely an upper class Tudor style 2 story home while the rest of the Beatles were raised in government housing.It's funny how these white guys like to portray themselves as a working class heros.Btw I met Stuart Copeland drummer of the Police who was definitely born with a silver spoon in his mouth as his dad was head of the C.I.A. in the Middle East.He was raised with nannies & still plays that rich man's sport:polo.
we have to decide - do we listen the music for the performer or we listen the music for the art. Do you really care about his background , or you just want to listen to a great music.
OK, so technically not fully "nepo" babies, but the point is very well made. I do find in the age of social media that the drama is such a burnout (just think producer community infighting or whatever it is), sometimes it is best not to care about anything but the music, not caring about the artist's features, traits, background or circumstances. Music still CAN stand on its own as music. Even in a politically correct age, it is OK to just think about the music sometimes. Or all the time if someone chooses so.
The older you get the more you understand that being a successful musician takes A LOT of practice. So much that it wouldn’t allow you to have a regular job. That’s why most famoust artists are highly privileged. They had to be so in order to be that good.
if you look at slashs biography he didnt have an easy road with guns and roses ,in fact he avoided using his industry contacts, wanting to make it on his own
Lets think this video through without even watching it. A lot of people today, more than ever have an access to a good enough guitar to go through their learning stage, lets not kid ourselves. John Mayer or Steve Vai or anyone else are not that special in that regard. Their choices are. I did not make a choice to be a musician, even though I play guitar and have supportive parents. Plenty of us do. They bough us our guitars in the first place. Just think about how many millions of kids go to guitar lessons, but none of them become Kiko Loureiro...nepo babies my ass, these guys made a choice and pushed their talent to become what they are, most of us dont do that or we just arent that special and that might be a hard pill to swallow for some. Im happy if I see one person come and see me play, thats fine, I do this for fun, not as a job.
No one's knocking people before not being in it for becoming a full-blown pro. For every one of them that made it there are thousands who did not. And I'm talking about the ones who poured their blood sweat and tears into it. I think a lot of people come in here forgetting that there are a whole slew of virtuoso's out there that will never be heard. This video came from me having done biographies on guitar players for a long time and doing a little mini study on who actually had some form of support. What it came down to was that they had enough support that they did not have to be tied to a job that was far out of the realm of music for too long at least so that they were able to realize their potential. But yes - there are always exceptions to the rule and I never said there weren't anywhere in this video.
Err... im not sure these are examples of nepotism. Privilege, sure, but would examples more so be if their families are connected in the industries they have become famous in? Like Wil Smiths kids, etc.
You forgot the biggest nepotism baby of all - Taylor Swift. Daddy (a banker at the time) literally bought a 51 percent stake in the record label and had her signed 😅
Who know that being born into the right family with money, connections, etc would also be helpful in the music industry? ;-) Great video Jimmy! As an aside, definitely check out Matteo Mancuso live if you get a chance Jimmy. My wife and I had a blast seeing him this summer when he played in Hungary! His band was absolutely killer too.
You said it perfectly!! I actually meant to respond to this comment about Mateo, but yeah I definitely have dug on his playing for a good while. I really dig his phrasing style, lots of cool note jumps. Just an amazing player. Hope you're doing well, glad to see your picks are still getting out in the world. You make a great product!!!
There are lots of people who are given everything and throw it all away. I appreciate these people's talent either way, but yes, sure would have been nice to grow up with any type of money and support.
The thing with having time to hone your craft, it doesn't necessarily require rich or middle class parents. I never became a famous musician, but I started playing at 17 after dropping out of college and seeing as I couldn.t find a job in my shitty hometown I got on welfare at 18 and I was on it until i was 21 and i basically used my free time to learn to play properly. I don't regret it at all. In fact while i didn't put myself on welfare for this, once I realised I had started music a bit later than i should have and needed to make up for lost years, i figure d fuck it, if the government is gonna pay my food and rent, I'm gonna use this time to become a stage ready musician and I did. In a sense it was kind of a scolarship to the self-taught music school. Rich kids would have been sent to Berklee, I played along records and tapes and bought and learned tab books. You gotta do what you gotta do, this world isn't tailored for artists.
all the money and connections don't mean shit if you don't have natural talent and good work ethic. Timing is everything but who you know wont matter one bit if you are an average artist.
I think replace Gilmour with Misha Mansour and it’ll make more sense. Gilmour says it in the Pompeii interviews : before getting into the band he was totally broke. And his involvement was quite slow at first. The other 3 members of Pink Floyd said they all come from Dukes and Duchesses, except Gilmour..
I attended Berklee for two semesters too, before my piano teacher convinced me that, no, it was not the 'Harvard' of music. There were some great faculty members (Jaco Pastorius was supposed to teach the year I got there, but died instead) and some unique programs - particularly around music production, synthesis, and soundtrack majors, but it was really more of a trade school. My parents co-signed on two loans and I got a couple of Pell grants, but I was paying off that debt until I was 40 years old. Worth it? Not... exactly. I made some good connections and learned some valuable stuff, especially around modern harmony, but I ended up regretting not choosing N. Texas State, my other choice. I think Austin was probably a better scene for me than Boston at that time (mid-80s.) Boston was an angry, racist, deeply uncomfortable place for a liberal kid from California. Whatever. Anyone that manages to get into higher education at this point is relatively fortunate. On this video, I get the point, but IMO there are just as many (if not many more) examples of musicians and artists whose MISFORTUNE became the bedrock for their artistry. Perspectives matter in art, more than just training.
Yes they do - the rub is that a lot of other players do too. We're talking ones that are complete virtuosos even, but many of them you will never hear of because life just got too much in the way. This is somewhat of a balanced look at how these particular players were able to operate a little bit more freely due to their circumstances, and how that might affected into their success.
I can see how these guys had advantages and all, but like as a lower middle class raised kid, having bad equipment doesn’t make me better, I’m just as good on a Squier as I would be on a Gibson or smth, just growing up with rich parents doesn’t make you good, it just takes some of the risk away from going for it and trying to make it in music.
Exactly - it's not the gear so much. I mean in Tim Henson's case it actually made a big deal, because he really utilized technology to his advantage. But when you talk about the risk part - yes, if one was put in a position where they had to work in access of 40 hours a week living paycheck to paycheck, it is much harder to put together something meaningful. Those support systems can make or break an artist, and they don't have to be rich - they just have to be free enough to not have the day-to-day stresses bogging them down.
@@guitarmeetsscience for real, having the freedom to do the EVH thing and do 4-5 hours a day would be great to make it but I’m working 40-50 a week and watching UA-cam videos on lunch (like the vids btw, can I suggest doing a Jason Becker video?)
Oh yeah - I hear you. Cobbling things together for UA-cam between shifts is a royal pain in my hindside as well. Jason has been in the work for a good while, but he's harder to cover than meets the eye. I definitely want to do him justice. Absolutely great suggestion man! Thank you - I'm really glad you enjoy the stuff on this channel.
If you can kindly hit 'Like' and 'Subscribe' I appreciate it. It really helps this channel a lot! 🙏
Slash is talented
Bro I normally like youre work but you're pulling at strings on this one pun intended but this is a pointless video I mean take john mayor my parents were school teachers mom loved music she supported me she was murdered about 3 months before I hot my first real instrument my dad hates music and the finer stuff and never gave a toss about me or my music untill I was allmost 30 and at Christmas he broke down balling saying he was so sorry for not just being unsupervised but for outright being a obsticale in the way my freshmen year I was accepted to g.i.t/ m.i.t I had the money to cover all tuition and books but not a penny left towards a cheese burger or a place to live and was meet with reasons to either get the f out or start paying his bills life it is what it is no bitterness just a living example of unsupervised unsuportive back ground so really I live it and this perticular video is hog wash ans sheep shit
@@tommydeamon7657 I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, and also about what went on between you and your dad. I'm glad he came around - though it is a shame it had to be so late in life. I cannot imagine what you went through - Yes, life definitely has not been easy for me I'll tell you that, and a lot of what I was trying to get across in this video especially at the end is that if you're put at a disadvantage, there are ways that you can overcome it. That's what I wanted the video to culminate in. But, I'm not defending the video - it's just another one of my many videos I've done. But man it sure pissed off a lot of people lol. I just wish more people got the point of it. Nevertheless - I appreciate your candidness and being honest, gets my full respect brother!
Don't disagree with what you saying but nepobaby a stretch for some of these. Having parents that ain't shitty and actually give a fuck, not saying that it ain't fortunate but nepobaby pushing it.
There goes my hero...
Damn good comment! Just got to remember that this platform has a few of its own rules. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a title is worth a million. Thanks for your comment man!
If your parents are connected in the industry and you can afford to work on your craft without distraction or having to work a normal job and struggle with balancing between making living and honing on your passion, like a normal person, you're a nepo-baby.
Exactly!
@@UseTheSupeRsonic Nah. "Nepo baby" has a strict definition - namely, getting your position through nepotism. Not through having a stable family. If simply having money for instruments and not needing to have a day job was enough, every retired blues lawyer would be a star.
Sorry, if Mayer is Exhibit A there's no need to go any further. Coming from a stable, supportive family is not nepotism.
The video said it supported him financially at Berkeley and beyond. Yeah that's for the rich.
Yes these people all had an advantage but at least they did something with it and put in the time to make the most out of that advantage. Plenty of people have that advantage and are too lazy to excel. Even with resources it still takes thousands of hours of practice. Obviously I respect the people even more who came from nothing and became truly great despite the odds stacked against them as that is an inspiring story for people of all income levels.
Having parents that support you is very important, kudos to those parents that support their kids dreams, my parents dis nothing but stomp out my dreams, I loved anything with strings but I was ridiculed for trying to learn to play, told I'd never learn, it put an unseen wedge between my family and I that is still there to this day.......
It definitely is - we all love a good rags to riches story. And of course players covered in here didn't necessarily come from material wealth - that wasn't the entire point. It was more that a lot of the most celebrated musicians were given some good opportunities in the beginning - and of course they ran with them and made them work. The real takeaway is at the end of the video, for people who may not have had those opportunities there is still a way.
They had no room for excuses.
That's like exactly what is said on the video
It's not the same anymore. The world's time for guitar heros is gone. Great guitar players are everywhere but the heros times are gone. It's a different changing world.
It’s easy to look at the rich successful ones and say “yes they made it because of the mom n dads money” but there’s plenty of people in Nashville, Austin, NYC, etc that are not successful despite all the money they’ve parents pour into them. Ultimately they has to be an audience for someone in order to be successful, money can play a big part but not the only part.
All good points. The biggest hangup for a lot of people is the work thing. Some of them are literally living paycheck to paycheck, not a hope and hell of breaking past that.
Anybody can be a famous celebrity if they know the right people and are at the right place at the right time. But when it comes to skill on a musical instrument. It's all about how much work and practice he put into it.
Definitely not taking away the work that they put into their instruments. To get good like that takes a whole hell of a lot of work. And there are a lot of virtuosos out there that will never hear of because they didn't get the other piece of the pie - the promotion - putting them out there. That's the thing a lot of people miss. All a celebrity is ... is a regular person with a publicist.
@@guitarmeetsscience Reminds me of all the studio musicians in Nashville who will never get a record contract, because they don't come from the right family.
Really ? How did you figure that out? Are you a famous person? The world thanks you for your wisdom because nobody but you understood the video description and the contents of said video. (Sarcasm)
@flamingmanure you sound a bit privileged in saying that
@@MentaIPatient Hauck Tua. I rest my case
Most people who grew up in poverty, abuse, or trauma/addiction have neither resources nor opportunity to be able to even get started developing their talent.
It definitely puts them at a huge disadvantage. Of course those very few who are able to break past that and up making some damn good music.
That’s why Dave Mustain is amazing
And James and Kirk too
I wonder how many black blues players had much in the way of resources, what they often had is resourcefulness.
Thank you so much for covering this. I grew up poor, played guitar for 17 years now, but luckily i play as a hobby so don't need professional recording equipment, connections etc. Got a lot of respect for people who genuinely come from nothing and take career risks to pursue their passion professionally. So often successful people, inc. guitarists talk about how it's all just hard work and practise. Sure, it is partly that, but financial security from parents, access to resources, free time, less stress, less pressure, all contribute. It's often a perfect storm of these things. I wish more people would acknowledge this, so young aspiring guitarists watching yt don't think you have to have a wall of 5k Jackson custom shop guitars, a home studio and an expensive camera and mic setup to be a great musician.
My goodness what a freaking fantastic comment! Nailed it right on the head. A lot of people coming in here are leveling the charge that I'm saying the parents handed them everything on a silver platter. But a lot of them really it just came down to the fact that they were provided enough to not have to live paycheck to paycheck somewhere. And often that's all it takes. The wall of Jackson's haha yep! I swear, some of the walls that people are putting up are baffling too. I was just hoping to teach some of the viewers maybe a different way of looking at things, but man - totally unexpected with a lot of these folks coming in. Unbelievable.
@@guitarmeetsscience They've been brainwashed into thinking success is only about hard work.
In the case of John Mayer i wouldn’t exactly call having two teachers as parents as being financially secure. I agree with your whole premise here though. Even having the emotional support of family can make a huge difference.
You are absolutely right - and anymore we tend to associate teachers with low income sadly enough. But with him his parents were just really big on ushering him into that school which really made a big difference in his life. And you're right, even down to just emotional support often is enough to push somebody over the top. Also sadly, there are a lot of people out there that just don't have any of that - some of them even complete virtuosos who, if given a chance, would have massive fan bases.
But the title suggest his talent is over rated? Because his parents were supportive teachers? And they helped him?
And people that have time and family money to work of their art. Don't actually have much talent. They are the product of Nepotism. Pretty sure that is not even what Nepotism means.
What on earth....I guess it's my fault for clicking on this.
His Dad was a principal, not a teacher and they make significantly more.
Not sure how it is in the US, but in my country, teachers have very stable careers and are public employees. Even though they don't make what engineers and doctors make, they still make more than working class people and have access to a bunch of benefits for the rest of their lives, that helps in stability when/if a couple of teachers decide to have kids.
It's an important topic to talk about - not just in the context of music, but life and societal structures in general. Especially in times where people are constantly being put on this guilt trip with the narrative that overachievers in society simply "worked hard", "wanted it enough", "believed in themselves" and were "grinding and hustling" while apparently everyone else is a lazy bastard who's waiting for handouts. For anyone interested in a more academic view on these things - look into Pierre Bourdieu and his "[(habitus)(capital)] + field = practice" formula.
Nailed it thank you!
Wow those are extemely broad statements. Sounds more like you have a chip on your shoulder to me. What “people” are you referring to? I mean let’s call this for what it really is instead of spreading rhetoric. You can find academic research to back up just about any argument these days…doesn’t always make it applicable to extremely large chunks of largely populated countries, or entire races, religions, political persuasions, or whatever you’re referring to. Just because you may not agree with someone or even a group of people, doesn’t automatically make them idiots or even foolish. Different people have different life experiences and therefore may prioritize or value some issues more than you do. Who do you mean when you say “everyone”?
I wish I could like your comment a hundred times.
Yup… it’s a “you need connections” kind of world we live in
Having supportive parents is a huge part of this equation. But that support does not have to come in the form of massive amounts of money. I have a few friends who became very, very famous just having parents who didn't demand that they dump their dreams in favor of a "respectable job." I think it's also worth mentioning that when you're young getting affirmation from your parents is the first spark in the journey.
Damn - you nailed it! That was the exact point I was trying to make in the video almost to the t. But, titles and thumbnails are sadly just as important according to UA-cam so we've got to play the game. But you got it man. It really just comes down to support - and unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who don't get that support - not necessarily monetary but just having people that believe in them sometimes is all it takes. Thanks for your comment, I really do appreciate that!
@@guitarmeetssciencemoney has to be part of the equation for that support, a family that doesn’t have money can’t expect them to eat air while they practice all day.
Born in poor family. Was raised without a father. Was scrapping the barrel then, am scrapping the barrel now. Life of an artist sucks, if you weren't raised in wealthy family. You would not believe which jobs I had after design college which I did not finish... Imagine a graphic designer working at the concrete factory, making literal bricks.
Upper-middle class kids grow up with a confidence that poor kids like myself just could never match.
I saw it myself. The kids that never struggled or lay at night sick to nearly vomiting with anxiety about how their parents were going to pay the bills just have a thing where they glide through life.
I had friends like that and everything just came natural to them. Everything I achieved in life was a pitched battle against the loser mindset I grew up in.
It's a totally different game..... Just the relative lack of stress alone makes a HUGE difference. Thanks for sharing that man!! 🙏
Tell it, brutha. Same here.
Same!
Still...99.99% of all guitarists will never make a dime for playing. Because the key word is Play. I'm like almost everyone else, it's just a moderately expensive hobby that's a lot of fun.
Definitely the truth right there
I saw tim Henson on the thumbnail. He's talented but music gets old. From what I understand. He practiced like hell. Then he made his own merch and sold it. And he's on his own musicly. No major record lable. Him and his band. Did all this through hard work. Idk if he was in a wealthy family or not but he's self made aside from that. Like him or not (I kinda don't) that's admirable.
When I found out about this sort of privilege I low-key hated my life. It only dawned on me in recent years, that I could have been way further If I have had the support I needed. All I ever wanted to do was being a professional musician. But I could never afford all the fancy instruments, tools or lessons. Had to work and go to school for "a real job". And the resistance of my family and those whom I needed support from the most wouldn't or couldn't give it.
I'm basically fully self-taught and I managed to be part of some amazing projects, bands or music schools as a teacher and I can proudly say that despite all the resistance, setbacks or struggles, I aquired some pretty good skills and had fuckin amazing times with my musician friends. It's a demanding journey but I'm still nourishing my dreams. I encourage everyone to do the same!
And maybe, some day, some of us will be rewarded. :)
Thanks for sharing that - I can relate 100%. Same thing no support, and financial insecurity until the end of time. But, that's true, all we can do is just keep on trucking. Keep on rocking man!
@@guitarmeetsscience You make a great point about the need to network for poorer, less connected musicians. That is key and I wish I'd better realized this during my younger years struggling in bands. I had too much of the loser mindset that so many poorer musicians can't shake off.
That's another reason why Jimi Hendrix will never be replaced in my mind not only as the greatest creative talent but also the guitarist that had the most impact.
Shove your privilege !
Imagine if I didn't have to hang seamless gutters, deliver papers...I could go on and on.
I hear you 100%!
Well what I've learned is there is usually a reason behind someone becoming successful and famous. Everybody wants to portray the idea that I was homeless and broke and started with nothing and especially before the internet came about because you really couldn't look into it and just do anything but take them for their word. And I'm sure there's just as many that did start out that way but I guarantee you most of them did not
Cracks me up when John Mayer tries to ape Hendrix's stage rap "Hope you don't mind if I play my guitar".A few years back when we played the Cavern in Liverpool I visited John Lennon's house which was definitely an upper class Tudor style 2 story home while the rest of the Beatles were raised in government housing.It's funny how these white guys like to portray themselves as a "Working Class Hero".Btw I met Stuart Copeland drummer of the Police who was definitely born with a silver spoon in his mouth as his dad was head of the C.I.A. in the Middle East.
Lars Ulrich and David Lee Roth came from wealth. The whole "We had $10 in our pocket" story gets recycled over and over, and it's been old for decades.
Nailed it! But I think that's part of the story that people kind of want to get washed up in and I cannot blame them. People tend to disassociate their idols from even the wealth of those idols. They sort of envision them as the gritty broke dude getting up on stage and rocking out in a rebellious fashion or whatever. A lot of people also don't want to come to terms with the fact that so many of these people were given opportunities early in life, and they were smart enough to take advantage of those opportunities and as a result they flourished. It is definitely an interesting study.... And you 100% put across the point that I was also trying to put across in the video. Thanks for that!
I mean you can't take anything away from slash or Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac but I guess I look at it differently as far as you can have all the talent in the world but if you don't look half ass cool you are more than likely not going to make it. There is a reason that a lot of bands that become big became that way and not necessarily because they were as good or as technical as some of the people on this list.
I agree, even being tall gives you some advantage which I am to a degree. What really matters is how much you are willing to sacrifice to get what you want, many musician have had to sell their soul to get where they want and many are destroyed, be careful what you wish for.
And on the flip side, Jon Schaffer, ICED EARTH, ran away from home as a teenager, from Indiana to Florida. Worked day labor jobs, only knew how to play power chord riffs on guitar, couldn't solo, but hired lead guitar player for ICED EARTH. Wrote all the songs, formed ICED EARTH, played gigs around Tampa, with the likes of DEICIDE, OBITUARY, NASTY SAVAGE, MORBID ANGEL. Got signed to Century Media Records, toured the world, put out many albums. Now, unconventional way to start a music career, but works for me. And then he threw that all away😢
Indeed
I love heavy music also and there are some great heavy bands from Florida!
How did he throw that away?
@@GBCR he stormed the capitol
Something wicked 😊
Tom Scholz from Boston - his dad was a builder of luxury houses and ....... a millionaire
Another fantastic example right there!
@@guitarmeetsscience However Tom was an design engineer by trade working full time for a big tech company in the 70s and making music part time before deciding to take time off to work on Boston
That is a good example but Tom actually is levels above anyone mentioned in the video in terms of accomplishment. He's a true genius and spent many patient years moonlighting from a day job at Polaroid (spending most of his earnings in the process) developing the groundbreaking sound of Boston's debut, even inventing equipment to achieve that sound.
Honestly as a natural ear learner, this is important. I didn't know how hard people had to work to learn guitar. I started playing melodies from videogames with no tabs. But with no training or guidance I've totally peaked at three string sweeps and two scales i like. My memory is good with songs i know but i have no discipline.
You are similar to me. Have you been diagnosed for autism, you might have a touch
@@Ottophil it's pretty easy to take for granted what comes easy for you. It's called being lazy as f@#$ 😎
@jrlikesmetalmost of us are
It sounds like either way you got a great start on playing. Look at SRV - he also only used two scales to cover everything. As Bruce Lee said - I fear not the opponent who has practiced 10,000 kicks, but I definitely fear the opponent who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.
@@guitarmeetsscience thank you. it made me laugh because in my head I changed "kick" with "lick."
By definition, a Nepobaby is someone who has only gotten famous due to being related to someone famous. Education and family wealth means nothing if their parents arent famous musicians themselves. All that indicates is that they're bloody lucky!
U can’t be poor to do any form of art, resources and access to the best tools is key for success, it’s well known “art” only matters when u have all primary needs covered, or be lucky and find someone to spot u, this phenomenon can be tracked for a long time back
The whole part about Slash was only partly accurate…they make it seem like he started networking into his role in one of the biggest rock bands in history from birth. The guy was homeless for the first 5 years of GNR at least. Yes, you can say that he definitely grew up in proximity to people in the business, but make no mistake, he had to work his ass off. He tried out for big bands at the time, Poison being one, that weren’t willing to hire him, even with all his “connections”. The rock scene in LA at the time was primarily made of white men, and here he was, a half black male with a different look that I imagine a lot of bands didn’t care to take a chance on when it came to achieving success. He met Bowie when he was really young, and didn’t see or talk to him again until he was much, much older. Same thing with David Geffen. He had been on Geffen’s record label for years before Geffen realized that Slash was Saul Hudson, whom he had met when he was a child. Yes, Slash was born into a family of people that worked in the business - his mother did costumes for some performers and his Dad designed maybe a handful or album covers years before - but he definitely worked for what he achieved. It was no cake walk, especially in the beginning.
I love this comment. You nailed it on the head, of course a lot of people are misunderstanding where I'm coming from due to the title. But hey - titles sometimes are where the UA-cam magic happens. Slash is the real deal. The thing about him that I covered in the video basically comes down to the fact that he was smart. He had a sense that it was going to take more than just becoming a great player to break through. His material goods he got was wisdom - and he came screaming onto the scene full of wisdom. Don't let the title fool you, I am on the same page.
Slash was never homeless. He joined Hollywood Rose at 19 in 1985 and they were pretty successful locally. Not ultra rich but certainly had enough for a place to stay and rent rehearsal space. Two years later Appetite came out.
Slash was living with his grandmother and mother until Appetite came out. I think Axl was staying with him too
Slash didn't just "happen" to meet David Bowie when he was young. His mom was a costume designer for him. Possibly unrelated but she also appeared in ads for Dewar's in the 60's so she knew some people so that sets up some of that sweet sweet privilege for Slash. I don't disagree Slash being half black may have prevented him from joining various hair bands in the 80's but it was very temporary as it didn't bar him from playing in Guns 'n Roses. Bottom line is if he didn't have parents who had connections, he wouldn't be Slash the famous rock star; rather, he'd be Saul Hudson, the homeless junkie alcoholic living in Skid Row.
@@ahoneymanOkay, well, I guess he was lying in his autobiography then. I assume you have some actual proof of this? Besides his book, there’s a bunch of people that were in his inner circle and multiple documentaries that say otherwise.
One thing for sure, regardless of how much influence their families have, or how they were (spoon-fed), with all that (Spoon-feeding), they also as talented individuals put in practice, hard work, but most of all "the belief" in themselves, which really payed off. Very very gifted individuals indeed.❤
Mum said "You were born with nothing, we're not rich! When we (mum and dad) die, we're not leaving you anything! You have to make everything for yourself!".
Yeah, my mother proactively discouraged my musical pursuits, probably because she gave up painting and violin when she married young .She made it abundantly clear that she thought that it would never make enough money.
It is a damn shame that some parents can be that way. I can only imagine - but man that really sucks!
That is a shame to hear that -I've covered a lot of these guitar players and when it came down to it the one common denominator is that they had support in some way shape or form. And that support can go so damn far!
I'm sorry guys! I should have explained why, instead of just what she said! She was telling us that whatever we wanted to do or be!... We had to work for, no doors would be opened for us because of our parents contacts, because there were no contacts!
30 years later, I still play in a rock band and teach guitar...had a song on national radio, and a video clip on Rage (Aussie music show) and have a mild obsession/problem with buying guitars and equipment, and my brother performs locally as a solo artist and member of a well established band! He's the local rock hero.
Long story short, we were from a hard working family without a musical bone in our bodies! No one wanted or thought we would risk everything to chase our dreams!....until they got feedback from people that saw us play! I could talk at length about rich kids, or favoritism!
But,...gritting your teeth, taking the losses, never giving up, being single minded about your goals and absolutely being up for the challenge!....
Maketh the man! (or woman!)
People say "You must be a very musical family!?"
Mum says "No, ...we don't know where they got that ftom!"
I know.
Well I grew up poor and had to get a job period. I played professionally for 25 years self taught of course.
I'm not knocking these great musicians but I'm a bit jealous because I just wonder how much better I may have been with stability. Maybe it's for the best because I was already crazy as hell so I'd probably be long dead by now.😄✌️ Great video!
Right on.
We could be dead like Cobain, Wieland, Cornell, or Staley.
I think back on my 20's - 40's, and I have absolutely no idea what I was thinking.
Thank you so much man - and I can relate on so many levels with what you said. Lol and like you, I guess it kept me out of trouble too. Rock on fellow working player 🤘🤘
Lmao how the hell did we ever survive 🤣
To jest materiał, na który wszyscy czekaliśmy! Dzięki.
🤘🤘 thank you!
Adam Ant came from poverty. Grew up in a two room flat. Father a cabbie and mother working in textile industry. Then his parents divorced and mother supported him as a cleaner. But his teacher was the one to put him towards creative pursuits.
Good observation right there - Yes, Adam Ant. Very cool story
The best players were poor and are poor to this day, not even recognized by the world.
Play your music for you and no one else.
In this world no one really cares unless you become famous then everyone loves you right ?
That's why I say play for you, and for the love of the music and nothing else.
Best comment yet 👍
You are supposed to play for others because no one loves their own music.
Any song a musician loves, someone else wrote...
So rich people or people with a decent family dont deserve what they've worked for?
Having an inferiority complex or any trauma related to money and family etc, and being resentful about it, does not give you the credit to disrespect or disregard others achievements.
If these succesfull people were to lie and say that they came from nothing, then its wrong and a lie, and i would understand you. But if they didnt say anything about it, why do they even have to live up to this poor to rich narrative that you (and many people) are imposing?
People love to pull that inferiority complex or jealousy card.... 10 years ago when you would call somebody jealous they would go off the hook. Now it doesn't really have any weight. If you watched the video then you would probably know what I was actually saying in it.
it's like this in all the arts. can you rent out a gallery in nyc for your opening? do you have to have a job?
Jobs are definitely helpful in a lot of cases
I remember listening to a guy on Tim Farris' podcast that was going to go to The Berklee College Of Music, and a couple months before he went, he met a guy who used to teach there. This man told him that he already knew a lot of things that he might learn there, and asked him leading questions about music. He answered what he could and was given assignments in other areas to complete before they met up again in a few days.
When he went to Berklee he skipped all the stuff he already knew, and was finished with the entire course in a short amount of time. This saved him time and money.
That's a pretty darn cool story!
All of these ppl in the list are very talented! Capable of making a crowd by themselves, crowd that pays for their way of living! Nepotism is something more specific and blood related!
They are all definitely talented! The study here really is centered on the fact that one common thread between all of them was that they never had to go paycheck to paycheck, except for Slash. But he had gained so much wisdom from his early years and really put it to good use. Similarly on the other end of the spectrum, Wolfgang really came into his own despite being under the shadow of his dad. But all the players I covered had some interesting levels of support that freed them up to really be able to develop themselves.
I toured around with this kid in my early 20's who grew up in a very wealthy household. He was a very good guitar player and singer, and was pretty good looking. His mother knew people in the music industry and connected him with a few legendary producers and industry big wigs in LA. He had every opportunity to become a big star, and it looked like he was about to cash in at any moment. It just never happened. There's something that everyone still needs to make it big, regardless of socio-economic upbringing. Money and class are not a sure ticket to success or stardom, and while I find the video interesting, it's unfair to these artists to simply say "they had it easy".
Well the ones on this list definitely did not have it easy in one way shape or form. Even Wolfgang who they like to say pretty much had the golden ticket. To this day he still has to fight for his reputation. I'm not saying they had the easy way, I am saying that with a little leg up like not having to work two or three jobs to make ends meet it makes it a little bit easier to both hone your craft as well as make the right connections. Still does it mean it's easy by any stretch. But I don't know I think if I were given the choice between working multiple jobs to make ends meet or not having to do that so much I would think that choice b would potentially give me at least a very slight edge in terms of getting ahead musically if that's what my goal was.
I'm glad you mentioned the downside to someone like Wolfgang Van Halen's journey, having to live under the shadow of a famous father. There are some other challenges I'd ask people to consider. Many of these musicians were not allowed to have typical and healthy childhoods. There are many more individuals that could have been on this list except for the fact that their privilege was actually a hindrance. Having access to money means you can buy awesome equipment, it also means you have access to a lot of drugs and other temptations. Combine that with parents who are apt to be neglectful being wrapped up in their own fame, their own success, their own substance abuse problems, who are there to guide the young person in a healthy and constructive direction.
You bring a really fresh perspective to it with your comment. Thank you for that - You're absolutely right. A lot of people want to be famous and don't realize just how trapping it can be. And those with famous parents are also caught in those same exact trappings. And then of course there's the living under the shadow part which presents its own challenges. In Wolfgang's case, he really wants to be his own.
1. Allan Holdsworth's dad and granddad were both musicians (his dad was actually a working jazz pianist at one point), his grandad gave him his first music lessons and he was already playing the working men's club circuits in the north east of England by the time he was in his late teens and early twenties. He never had a 9-5 his entire life, because he was already a working musician playing well-paid covers gigs at the beginning of his adult life.
2. Yungblud's dad is a well-known (and somewhat infamous!) vintage guitar dealer in the UK. He grew up being surrounded by guitars due to the family business.
The biggest problem we have now is it’s become so expensive to be poor, therefore we get few truly poor artists breaking in at all. Combine this with few gatekeepers in the industry who are fans (with many new artists following alternative routes that keep them marginal) but in every way, even marginal artists (such as 100 gecs as one example) continue to exist in a marginalised way. There are many examples especially in England of bands starting with home made guitars, Pete Townsend being one example, and in America, almost every blues musician from Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters. I don’t think we should tear down nepo babies, what we should be doing, though is demanding poor artists get support like we used to (in music and wider art endeavours)
Excellent points! The title suggests that I'm taking away from the artists that are actually being covered. No it is just an attention getter - and yes I am shameless about attention getting because well I'm stuck on UA-cam... Where ADHD is cultivated... what can I say. You definitely make a good point especially about the fact that artists on the bottom are really having a rough go of it. I really just wanted to highlight the fact that some of those things like not having to work during your formative years, when it is key to grow both musically and in terms of connections, with the right people who have the skills it creates the perfect storm. It still doesn't guarantee success, but it certainly goes a long way compared to those who are hampered with a lot of other trappings of life that otherwise have all the fortitude and skills to truly become something, but just don't have the time or the resources to really fulfill that. Of course a lot of commenters coming in think that it is just natural to just have parents that will let people do their thing and flourish when in reality it's a bit more rare than people think. Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it
If we talk about greatness then its all luck, honestly, but who really cares? Only when I left my scorching desire to become the best of the best (which honestly was just a complex, desire to be loved and appreciated) I became truly happy with my instrument and unbound with my playing. If you love playing guitar and listening to music, just do it. Not everyone has to be a superstar, you can just be you
When you have a true love for music, resources and expensive instruments are not a barrier. A genuine musician will choose music over glitz and riches because the music is the treasure.
Always wondered when Wolfgang Van Halen's name comes up what the hell did Eddie Van Halen do with all his money when he died because Wolfgang should be a gazillionaire by now.
Wolfgang really should be way more well off than he is. But - some bad deals were made. I covered Van Halen in depth over a series of four videos, and there was a lot of financial mismanagement if you want to call it mismanagement going on. Out of that whole group Michael and Sammy are by far the richest of the bunch.
As if this is a problem with the music industry and not ALL industries, from celebrity status (musicians, actors, artists, writers), to politicians, to the service industry and retail (stocking shelves, answering phones, etc.)
Also, the idea that everyone or even most have these advantages but are too lazy to be bothered to learn and practice their skills and talents is ridiculous. I'm not an outlier by ANY means, my experience is extremely common. I work a job with 'flexible hours' (not even the luxury of knowing my schedule will be 9 to 5) for close to minimum wage (can't afford the traditional education or even most of the supplies needed to teach myself) in order to support the whole family, all while doing most of the housework and a fair bit of yard work, leaving me with a few hours of sleep every night and maybe a couple of hours to decompress once in a while to make pushing past all that burnout a bit easier. I'll be able to take a break from constantly working when I die (and the rest of the family risks going homeless if they survive longer than me). Yet, I've been told I let my (imaginary) privilege go to waste out of laziness, which is so easy for others to say to excuse their own privileged roles.
The false narrative is not that only some have these privileges, but that everyone or most have them and most are just too lazy to use them. That people aren't really held back by the lack of resources, but that they made their own bad decisions and they deserve to fail - the idea that poverty and struggle is merely a state of mind and not systemic economic and social pressures. Some people might be lazy, but that's hardly evidence that all but a tiny handful are lazy.
(In other words, the video is spot on and all the people saying, but 'they worked so hard' and 'anyone can do this but they're just too lazy' in the comments just aren't getting it at all, as usual, generally out of being privileged themselves or out of being one of those 'temporarily embarrassed billionaires').
As for networking, one of the big hurdles there is getting anyone to pay attention to you at all and the few who might have no more advantage than you have. All too often, networking when starting at the bottom takes far more work and still only leads to 4 or 5 others listing to your work and you listening to theirs, and none of you ever breaking into more than those 4 or 5 fans, much less fans that have money to spend supporting you financially (which is to say that if they send you money to support you, it's probably money you sent them first - basically the same tiny sum passed around within that group). Not to mention all of the listed examples of how people can expand their social circles simply do not work in many rural areas, due to lack of venues and lack of anyone else to network with, which leaves you networking online using social media and getting gate-kept by the algorithm.
You nailed it right there. Those are some definitely real-world struggles that make it very difficult for people to break through.
There are comments below criticizing the "nepo baby" headline. Yes, not all these people had rich moms or dads in the music biz specifically, but I think it's very useful for aspiring young musicians to understand how much financial freedom or solid family (even indulgent) backgrounds figured in the progress and eventual success of various music stars.
The Beatles were a case in point: John and Paul both lost their mothers when they were young, so let's take into account that trauma, but Paul had music already in his household. There weren't many Liverpool kids who had a piano in their parlour. John was brought up by his auntie, a loving maternal figure in his life, and in their early years their first drummer Pete Best's mum Mona provided a performance space in her business, the Casbah Coffee Club, for some time, giving them the motivation and artistic goals to continue to write. It didn't stop them dropping Pete when it suited them, of course. They also travelled between Liverpool to Hamburg Germany in a van. Speaking personally as a working class kid form the UK, owning a van or even having access to one, was beyond the financial abilities of a young guy in the late 50s/early 60s. The Beatles were middle class, as were the Stones and just about every member of a band in the UK in that period, because electric guitars were just too expensive. Yes, their audience was working class, but during the week their choices were to work or starve.
Pete Townshend's father, Cliff Townshend, was a professional alto saxophonist and his mother was a pro singer. Yes, he had a fragmented younger life, but always had a home, and this characterized many lives of musicians - not a cake walk but always with supportive family, and musical influence somewhere in the background. The Who were all middle class boys, and the list is endless, notable for how few people would actually qualify as destitute or even "working class" in UK terms.
Might be wrong about about this, but pretty sure Misha Mansoor and Brandon Ellis were well-off before becoming musicians. Misha talks about how his parents didn't buy him a Lamborghini... as if most musicians stumble into that eventually... He seems like more of a businessman now than a musician anyway but i'd be amazed if he didn't have a massive headstart. Brandon is in an extreme death metal band (Black Dahlia Murder), so i doubt is raking in cash from that, but even before tbdm he had like a dozen + super high end guitars, home studio, amazing amp collection etc. Not to take away anything from the amazing talent of both of these guys. And you don't choose what you're born into, you take advantage of opportunities. Also i am speculating, don't take what i say as gospel. I doubt most musicians with a headstart would acknowledge how much easier it is when you have financial security
You make a lot of great points!! I think a lot of people just have a hard time having a look behind the curtain and seeing the reality of it. Sure, some people truly got lucky - that is a real tiny few. This is a deviation from my regular content. Normally I cover guitar player biographies and I will say that the common thread between them is that they had some support coming up. Yet a lot of players I run into might have some varying degrees of support, and haven't leveraged it, while others just got stuck living paycheck to paycheck right out the gate and never had a chance. It's a harsh reality - but there are definitely ways around it. That's some of what I was trying to get across at the end of the video. Thanks for your comment I really appreciate it!
And that happens with bands also, the latest example is The Warning from Mexico. They had 100% full top gear since they were little girls. Full practice studio, amps, top instruments etc
Kind of reminds me of VOB as well. Of course they kind of had to deal with culture battles from where they're from in Indonesia, but in terms of getting their start very similar story. I'll have to look into that one thanks for that!
Everyone is a rags to riches story if you ignore the silver spoon.
That is a great statement right there!
So I guess the maxim holds true: It's not what ya know, it's who ya know...
Exactly!
To be successful, you definitely still need to have skill. *BUT* having wealthy parents has always been a shortcut to success in the arts industry. That said, it's *WAY* more prevalent now. Look at Beyonce, Taylor Swift et all - having wealthy parents is what got them their big breaks and they never had to have regular jobs.
Edited to add: Tim Henson is a wizard. If this was 200 years ago, he would have been burned at the stake.
You nailed it on all fronts! As far as Tim goes - yep definitely a badass player!
12:30 What in the name of RICHIE BLACKMORE?
?
Being technically gifted doesn't mean your music has any feeling to it. Pull all the faces you want during your long ass solos, but the grit is still missing.
I really don't think being from a middle class or even wealthy family made much difference in these or many other musicians rise to stardom. All of these individuals had amazing talent at a young age creating their best work before the age of 27. You can't learn what they have in school as most who go to Berkley and GIT graduate and are never heard from again. Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen certainly didn't come from wealth or even middle-class families and yet went on to fame and are still considered by many to have been the best players ever.
I been a Guitarist for 17 years now my Father supported my talent but my Mom not too much but they were divorced by the time I really took it serious my Father moved far away so I no longer had that support including financial support because my Mom didn't want a spend a dime on my talent. I still continued and became a pretty decent guitarist playing a sold out show and even about to join a label and iHeart radio was looking for me as well. But I had to work no one supported my talent young. But I am Still continuing with music with high hopes till this day 🎸
@@MasterBalderichProductions thanks for sharing that - similar boat here to be honest. A lot of people coming into the comment section apparently think that if people magically have talent in their fingers they're going to make it. It doesn't work that way - when people get held back by typical responsibilities, it has a big impact on whether or not they make it. Like I always say, a celebrity is a talented regular person but with a publicist. Keep on jamming!! 🤘🤘
Maybe it is the nurturing of talent that is routinely underrated.
Imagine, if it was the default to support children, teens and adults, in their on-going development.
Our collective wealth would be over-flowing.
And the dormant talent, always there, but never developed would shine forth.
The thumbnail says "Never had to work, born into fame." Slash like many a musician, chose a path that would enable a career playing guitar which he loves to do. He wasn't guaranteed anything in fact he took big risks in choosing a music career like many of us who did the same though most of us did not achieve the desired win though I am blessed and happy in my musical endeavors'. With big risk comes big reward!
A lot of this is very repetitive. But once I learned that you can only make it by having rich parents or a well-connected relative, I gave up the dream. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Taylor Swift is a guitar player that's a nepobaby
Definitely - Great example!
shes the biggest nepo ever. Her daddy bought her records to make it look like she sold thousands
@@radidov5333I thought he bought a record label so she could get signed
I don't know much about guitar, but from what I noticed...people like Tosin Abbasy and Tim Henson put a step forward in the virtuous/technical guitar world, before they appear in the scene there was nothing that sounds like them... somehow everyone shredded generically in one way. Think about how many people with equal resources have been existed through out the years. Adding to that, the fact that we are not living in rock legends era any more, so they will never be fully appreciated as older figures like Page or Blackmore even though to me musically speaking they have to compete with a much more difficult and hostile environment.
I know what you are saying and yes it must help having money and access to good equipment and tuition but at the end of the day lot's and lot's of players are afforded that luxury that do not make it, just those very few very gifted people manage to make it, Talent finds away.
It's absolutely true - if everybody we're giving those same opportunities there are only a few that are going to rise to the top. But here the playing field is a little lopsided. Only a small percentage really get the opportunities to flourish that way.
This video just makes me have more of an appreciation for those great blues musicians of the early 20th century who grew up in the jim crowe era of the deep south on plantations. Musicians like muddy waters , Bb king, howlin wolf, and BUDDY GUY! They didnt have anything but a cheap 2 dollar guitar and a dream and inspite of all the adversity they faced and disadvantages they were born into, they still had the fortitude and determination to make things happen ❤
Hell yeah - those guys lived the blues, and it came oozing out in their music. You're talking the real deal right there!
And then posh Led Zeppelin stole their songs. haha.
While there are exceptions, nepobabies who are musicians don't generally tend to have much edge, greasiness, grit. The pain isn't apparent, and neither should it be. But that's part of the thing that make people like Hendrix or John Lennon who they are, without doubt in a completely different league.
Basically, I don't care how musicians got where they are. I only care about their music. I either like it or not.
I don't think that having caring parents, who actually do their jobs, is the same thing as being a nepobaby. Even if someone were a nepobaby, it doesn't mean that they would have any talent. Your premise is a real stretch. Plenty of talented people, who achieved success, had no family encouragement whatsoever, and money sure can't buy talent. TBH, you sound kind of jealous.
Absolutely good points. The title is really throwing people out of whack... If I sound jealous, honestly I'm just too damn old to be jealous of anything anymore. This is more of a study based on the fact that I've done so many biographies of guitar players that I thought it might be interesting to put together that thread of a support system that they had where they were able to really develop into the players that we've come to know and love. My biggest purpose if you will was actually at the very end of the video which nobody watched till apparently where I go into how the average person might be able to get a leg up as well.
I never liked Gilmour as a person and Mayer as a musician. Wright or at least Mason seemed actually nice.
I realized when going to art school , and then working within NYC's fine arts community, that the vast majority of those who became " professionals" or successful in all areas of the arts, - music, visual, film, acting, dance, - ALL came from wealthy backgrounds.The couple of individuals that I actually knew personally that went on to have actual careers were all from wealthy and sheltered backgrounds.
It's funny to hear them misrepresent their "struggle" in interviews, - and slightly disgusting as well.
The financial and family support usually make a critical difference.After all , Marilyn Manson and Taylor Swift both have careers courtesy of their parent's wealth and influence.TBF, the flip side is that you can generally hear and tell the difference, - unless, of course, part of the image is about privledge and entitlement.
Like an old gang leader once asked ; " that's all great, but does it have heart?Do you have heart?"
I know that the musicians that I follow commonly managed to break the mold, and become exceptions to the rule.
Some really excellent points there - and different arts have differing expectations on the support that is given. A majority of actors who even don't have to live pay check to paycheck still struggle, and then that realm it usually takes more true full blown nepotism to make anything happen. But then again acting doesn't really provide opportunities for people to come up with grassroots audiences, it's usually full on Discovery mode only.
Wolfie is sure talented but in an extremely competitive industry with a lots of unreal gifted musicians like this, he won’t get any mention if it weren’t for his last name.
Interesting video/topic- thanks for sharing -
What about the legendary SRV?
Pretty sure he came from a rather lower class background but didn't nothing but playing that thing from 8 years old so was basically already a monster at 16 or something like that ...
But i don't know for sure ..
Thank you! SRV came from a pretty humble background. He really paid his dues before anybody had even heard of him. Interestingly, so did James hetfield and Kirk Hammett (Mustaine as well). Shawn Lane is another example of somebody who didn't have many resources coming up. But yeah, you can hear the blood sweat and tears in SRVs playing - lots of time grinding away, and that pain and aggression came out really nicely in his playing. That's really what makes him one of the best I think. I appreciate your comment!
i always wonder how far i could have gone if i had the right support. i grew up around playing music but it wasn't focused to develop my potential. then later i learned to play crowds but i was too old by then to be in a true rock band.
i like the story of Angus Young's rise to fame. thats real rock and roll!
Yep, there's a lot of us in that same boat. Can definitely relate for sure. Angus definitely came up very rock and roll, and Metallica too
Money can't buy talent
Nope but it can definitely buy time to practice and make connections
@@guitarmeetsscience next do guitar greats with poor parents...
@@guitarmeetsscience no el talento pero si el tiempo para desarrollarlo. Think about it gringo
@@guitarmeetsscience Not to mention good equipment and studio time for good quality demos.
Wolf can shred, not really into his music, but that kid put some time in for sure, and hes a class act
He really is - and I was pretty blown away by how good of a multi-instrumentalist he is. He had the opportunity, and he ran with it fully to his credit.
Wolfgang is a great technical artist. He hasn't got a tenth of his father's original or ability to write a few good riffs or even classic one. He said Dave Grohl was his biggest idol. Even someone at a carwash must have bigger dreams than to become like Grohl, musically.
Well, this is sort of an endorsement of punk. The first wave of punk were all working class often from troubled backgrounds, they had something to say if not musical sophistication.
Did you know johnny rotten girlfriend/wife was/is a billionaire heiress thus allowing him to maintain his high artistic standards without having to consider commercial ramifications.
@@rockdanger Did not know that. However, I doubt she married him before he became rock's bete terrible.
Excellent point - and the music reflects that, with its raw and gritty vibe.
Very interesting!
Apparently Trivium were all rich kids, too.
Yup... Very well off
One of those "progressive" technical bands that had less talent than Winger and Poison.
Thanks for making this video. It goes beyond this premise of yours. It has to do with family connections as well. Especially if your dad was in intelligence.
Thank you! The title sent some mixed messages and created some cognitive dissonance in a lot of people lol, but you totally got the point. Yep, family connections plays a huge part if they are applicable. I chose the players that I did for this one because of the fact that they bring some serious skills to the table - they're not true "nepo" in the sense that everything was handed to them. Instead, they were given advantages and they actually ran with them. I would have to dig into the pop realm and have a whole list of those who just sing with Auto-Tune and have a team of dancers around them to really get the other side of the coin. The player is here actually made everything work for them, and they had the opportunity to actually put in the work - and I think that point is missed with a lot of people coming in. Thanks for getting it!
@@guitarmeetsscience Yeah, thanks again. A pretty brave act to try to enlighten a fanboy. They usually turn on you like a rabid dog. If you want a real example of family connections read the wiki page for Mother Love Bone. It'll make your senses tingle. They all went to a special super private highschool that looked like a mansion on a hill. Probably one of the music wings of M.I.
@@guitarmeetsscience And I don't have to explain to you that there's more to John Mayer than meets the eye. His bio could be a fake one as is the case with many of these. That line in the song about running through the halls of his highschool pretty much gives up the goods.
Definitely some good stuff there! I've actually had a lot of recommendations to check them out, they apparently are textbook when it comes to the topic.
Oh yeah - to John's credit, he's sort of an interesting one in that he never has taken himself too seriously. Others are far different in that department. He's one of the few that seems to truly be having a good time in all of this.
Cracks me up when John Mayer tries to ape Hendrix's stage rap "Hope you don't mind if I play my guitar".A few years back when we played the Cavern in Liverpool I visited John Lennon's house which was definitely an upper class Tudor style 2 story home while the rest of the Beatles were raised in government housing.It's funny how these white guys like to portray themselves as a working class heros.Btw I met Stuart Copeland drummer of the Police who was definitely born with a silver spoon in his mouth as his dad was head of the C.I.A. in the Middle East.He was raised with nannies & still plays that rich man's sport:polo.
Much more to the Copeland CIA connection than meets the eye.
@@rockdanger The agency got them gigs in 3rd world countries.
But he got his wings clipped when he meet Sting
Damn those are some pretty crazy stories too!
we have to decide - do we listen the music for the performer or we listen the music for the art. Do you really care about his background , or you just want to listen to a great music.
Hendrix had nothing growing up yet is THE GOAT.
"Music sweet music drops from my fingers, fenders".
There are always exceptions
OK, so technically not fully "nepo" babies, but the point is very well made.
I do find in the age of social media that the drama is such a burnout (just think producer community infighting or whatever it is), sometimes it is best not to care about anything but the music, not caring about the artist's features, traits, background or circumstances. Music still CAN stand on its own as music. Even in a politically correct age, it is OK to just think about the music sometimes. Or all the time if someone chooses so.
The older you get the more you understand that being a successful musician takes A LOT of practice. So much that it wouldn’t allow you to have a regular job. That’s why most famoust artists are highly privileged. They had to be so in order to be that good.
Perfectly said!
Who would have thought that having a supportive family would be beneficial to one's success.
if you look at slashs biography he didnt have an easy road with guns and roses ,in fact he avoided using his industry contacts, wanting to make it on his own
He definitely didn't - my point with him was that the knowledge that he gained he put to very good use.
Lets think this video through without even watching it. A lot of people today, more than ever have an access to a good enough guitar to go through their learning stage, lets not kid ourselves. John Mayer or Steve Vai or anyone else are not that special in that regard. Their choices are. I did not make a choice to be a musician, even though I play guitar and have supportive parents. Plenty of us do. They bough us our guitars in the first place.
Just think about how many millions of kids go to guitar lessons, but none of them become Kiko Loureiro...nepo babies my ass, these guys made a choice and pushed their talent to become what they are, most of us dont do that or we just arent that special and that might be a hard pill to swallow for some. Im happy if I see one person come and see me play, thats fine, I do this for fun, not as a job.
No one's knocking people before not being in it for becoming a full-blown pro. For every one of them that made it there are thousands who did not. And I'm talking about the ones who poured their blood sweat and tears into it. I think a lot of people come in here forgetting that there are a whole slew of virtuoso's out there that will never be heard. This video came from me having done biographies on guitar players for a long time and doing a little mini study on who actually had some form of support. What it came down to was that they had enough support that they did not have to be tied to a job that was far out of the realm of music for too long at least so that they were able to realize their potential. But yes - there are always exceptions to the rule and I never said there weren't anywhere in this video.
Err... im not sure these are examples of nepotism. Privilege, sure, but would examples more so be if their families are connected in the industries they have become famous in? Like Wil Smiths kids, etc.
This video should start and end with Wolfgang Van Halen.
You forgot the biggest nepotism baby of all - Taylor Swift. Daddy (a banker at the time) literally bought a 51 percent stake in the record label and had her signed 😅
Who know that being born into the right family with money, connections, etc would also be helpful in the music industry? ;-) Great video Jimmy!
As an aside, definitely check out Matteo Mancuso live if you get a chance Jimmy. My wife and I had a blast seeing him this summer when he played in Hungary! His band was absolutely killer too.
You said it perfectly!! I actually meant to respond to this comment about Mateo, but yeah I definitely have dug on his playing for a good while. I really dig his phrasing style, lots of cool note jumps. Just an amazing player. Hope you're doing well, glad to see your picks are still getting out in the world. You make a great product!!!
@@guitarmeetsscience Thanks so much Jimmy, means a lot to me!
There are lots of people who are given everything and throw it all away. I appreciate these people's talent either way, but yes, sure would have been nice to grow up with any type of money and support.
You actually perfectly nailed the point I was trying to make. Sadly not a lot of people get it, but you definitely did. Thank you!
The thing with having time to hone your craft, it doesn't necessarily require rich or middle class parents. I never became a famous musician, but I started playing at 17 after dropping out of college and seeing as I couldn.t find a job in my shitty hometown I got on welfare at 18 and I was on it until i was 21 and i basically used my free time to learn to play properly. I don't regret it at all. In fact while i didn't put myself on welfare for this, once I realised I had started music a bit later than i should have and needed to make up for lost years, i figure d fuck it, if the government is gonna pay my food and rent, I'm gonna use this time to become a stage ready musician and I did. In a sense it was kind of a scolarship to the self-taught music school. Rich kids would have been sent to Berklee, I played along records and tapes and bought and learned tab books. You gotta do what you gotta do, this world isn't tailored for artists.
I grew up middle class with my parents.Support for my guitar playing.But I squandered at chasing girls and doing drugs. Let that be a cautionary tale.
All these people had / have talent, hard work and creativity. Nepotism implies you get the job even without talent or hard work.
Enjoyed that 😊
Thank you Tamson! This one definitely a ruffled a lot of feathers 🤣
Some people have a further distance to travel in order to get there.
@@JJvienneau well said!
all the money and connections don't mean shit if you don't have natural talent and good work ethic. Timing is everything but who you know wont matter one bit if you are an average artist.
Exactly - they go hand in hand!
I think replace Gilmour with Misha Mansour and it’ll make more sense.
Gilmour says it in the Pompeii interviews : before getting into the band he was totally broke. And his involvement was quite slow at first. The other 3 members of Pink Floyd said they all come from Dukes and Duchesses, except Gilmour..
About Mateo... Playing on a stage from a young age make people call you to other gigs because you look like a nice anomaly
I attended Berklee for two semesters too, before my piano teacher convinced me that, no, it was not the 'Harvard' of music. There were some great faculty members (Jaco Pastorius was supposed to teach the year I got there, but died instead) and some unique programs - particularly around music production, synthesis, and soundtrack majors, but it was really more of a trade school. My parents co-signed on two loans and I got a couple of Pell grants, but I was paying off that debt until I was 40 years old. Worth it? Not... exactly. I made some good connections and learned some valuable stuff, especially around modern harmony, but I ended up regretting not choosing N. Texas State, my other choice. I think Austin was probably a better scene for me than Boston at that time (mid-80s.) Boston was an angry, racist, deeply uncomfortable place for a liberal kid from California. Whatever. Anyone that manages to get into higher education at this point is relatively fortunate. On this video, I get the point, but IMO there are just as many (if not many more) examples of musicians and artists whose MISFORTUNE became the bedrock for their artistry. Perspectives matter in art, more than just training.
I think it’s far to say all these players have a natural ability for the instrument.
Yes they do - the rub is that a lot of other players do too. We're talking ones that are complete virtuosos even, but many of them you will never hear of because life just got too much in the way. This is somewhat of a balanced look at how these particular players were able to operate a little bit more freely due to their circumstances, and how that might affected into their success.
Another great video 😊
Thanks Damon!
I can see how these guys had advantages and all, but like as a lower middle class raised kid, having bad equipment doesn’t make me better, I’m just as good on a Squier as I would be on a Gibson or smth, just growing up with rich parents doesn’t make you good, it just takes some of the risk away from going for it and trying to make it in music.
Exactly - it's not the gear so much. I mean in Tim Henson's case it actually made a big deal, because he really utilized technology to his advantage. But when you talk about the risk part - yes, if one was put in a position where they had to work in access of 40 hours a week living paycheck to paycheck, it is much harder to put together something meaningful. Those support systems can make or break an artist, and they don't have to be rich - they just have to be free enough to not have the day-to-day stresses bogging them down.
@@guitarmeetsscience for real, having the freedom to do the EVH thing and do 4-5 hours a day would be great to make it but I’m working 40-50 a week and watching UA-cam videos on lunch (like the vids btw, can I suggest doing a Jason Becker video?)
Oh yeah - I hear you. Cobbling things together for UA-cam between shifts is a royal pain in my hindside as well. Jason has been in the work for a good while, but he's harder to cover than meets the eye. I definitely want to do him justice. Absolutely great suggestion man! Thank you - I'm really glad you enjoy the stuff on this channel.
In a perfect world everyone would have these advantages readily available so the more it happens the better
Well said - and I think a lot of angry fans are operating as if it is that perfect world when it truly is not.
@@guitarmeetsscience yessir