Dear Dave, I've mentioned in other comments that I'm easily old enough to be your dad (maybe your grandfather) but I have developed a great deal of respect for you since I stumbled on your UA-cam channel (was looking for vids about 1964 strats). After watching this video I have a great deal more. I worked in the field of mental health for close to 32 years, working as a therapeutic programmer on the wards of psychiatric hospitals. I've also experienced depression. You are an extremely admirable young man (to say nothing of extremely talented) to share your story with such honesty and caring for the plight of others who may be suffering the same emotional turmoil that you did. Even though you recognize it as simply a symptom of depression, please never doubt your worth. You are an incredible individual and an astounding musician. One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching your videos is seeing the actual joy that you experience while playing guitar. It's visible on your face. It's visible in your entire presence. It is always a pleasure when I get a notification that you've posted another video. Please don't stop. I'm sure there are a great many people world wide that you don't know who love you. Best of luck and bless you. John
Hey jltrem; took the words right out of my mouth. Reading your response to Dave, sounded a lot like what i would want to tell him, and everyone else here who has been afraid of their "minds" sometimes. Nobody knows what it is really like, unless they have been there. Nice to see a lot of people here who can identify with what he went through. High school can be a curse for a lot of kids. I sincerely hope all of you reading this will find the courage to respect yourself and work on becoming everything you can be. And it is work. One step, one day at a time. As for you Dave, you bring a lot of good effort and intentions to your videos. Give yourself the credit you deserve. I have told you this before, i wish i could play guitar like you. But i mostly appreciate your honesty with your past, and i not only feel for you, i have been there too. You are, we are not alone. Thanks for being real and thank you for sharing something that many of us fear, and feel we should not be feeling. Best regards from the west coast of Canada.
Funny how things change isn't. All those years ago nobody seemed to care and now, 18,000+ people from all across the world, think you're awesome and love you for who you are. Touching and upsetting story Dave. Very brave of you to put yourself out there to help others. You sir, are an inspiration.
It's kind of funny how some of the kids in school that people think are weird or bully turn out to be some most creative and interesting of the whole bunch.
It seems these people were nasty because they were also bullied by parents or friends and it was their nasty way to not feel their anxiety. Maybe some of them were so disturbed, so they're dead now, like in my case. There was one person who bullied me couple of times in school, and afterwards he had very miserable life and died from a mental disease. So his violent moments were like the last attempts to help himself, the last sparks before hopelessness. Thank you for sharing, Dave, you are very nice person.
Guitar is clearly not the only thing you're good at, you're clearly a good empathiser, one of the hardest and most important things to become good at in anyone's life. You needn't feel worthless about anything, I think you've cracked what's important in life from the sounds of it and I think you should be able to draw endless confidence from owning your experiences, plus you've taught me so much awesome guitar! 👍
My god, that must have been horrendous to go through at school. I never suffered from bullying other than the occasional usual petty playground stuff, although I was provoked into a fight by one kid over some nonsense or other, which was brought to a halt by the train pulling into the station! Later on the way home he tried again, surrounded by his grinning and leering mates. I agreed to meet him, alone, that evening at a cricket pitch in his village. When I got there I found dozens of kids in a huge circle all there to cheer him on. I resigned myself to a hammering and just got on with it, even though I was absolutely bricking it inside. To my surprise, he turned out to be pretty feeble (we were both skinny kids of 14) and I easily get the better of him. I had him in a headlock when his older brother intervened and broke it up and sent us on our separate ways. I'm not brave and I'm not a fighter, but he left me alone after that. I always used to use humour and piss-taking against the bullies, which seemed to work most of the time (not always, I was given a thumping in the street by a drunken squaddie once for being a bit too lippy. I was only a kid and his girlfriend dragged him off, luckily). Another time I saw a bullied kid at school turn on his tormentor after weeks of hassle and punch him in the face, three times, really fast, bang bang bang. Again he was left alone afterwards with no comeback. I'm not condoning violence, but that was such a lesson. Bullies are weak. Anyhow, I'm glad you came through your ordeal, and your guitar skill and 81k subscribers are testament to your character. You've also escaped from Brexitania just in time I see, you lucky man! I'd not heard of you before the Andertons vid but you've gained another admirer. Best wishes. PS: If you ever need a place to rest up on the way between France and Blighty, we're on a farm not far from Folkestone. Drop us a line. Kit
Dave man you are such a humble fella. I got bullied in school and my escape was to play my guitar. Still to this day, playing guitar is my escape from life and it’s problems. Hope you’re well!
I've been battling bipolar depression and anxiety since middle school, I was always made fun of for Being fat and weird. Even up threw high school I was called ugly kid. No one would ever talking to me, and I was to afraid of speaking to others. Most days I would just tuck my headphones under my hair and escape with my music. the only thing that kept me going was music. I have been playing drums for about 12-14 years and well that help me make friends finally. I found other people just like me and it was the first I felt happiness. And after 9 years those 5 friends are still my best friends today and we are still making music.
I relate to this completely in every way.I was in the same situation as a young teenager.Unfortunately both the school and parents did nothing.Infact the teachers were responsible for a lot if the humiliation i suffered.Until bass guitar came into my life at 14/15 there was nothing and things did get very dark.People seem to miss the fact that bullying etc ruins lives.Some of us will have the effects from it for ever.All because i was an introverted child who just wanted to keep myself to myself.I'm the same in not wanting to medicate for anxiety.You can get past it and take control of it because i did.Thanks for sharing Dave.❤❤❤❤
I went through all of that bullying crap during the entirety of my time in public school. It sucked. Looking back on it all, the thing that always stuck out with me was this: I always tried to be nice to people when I was a little kid. But, people saw that as a weakness and I was always picked on as a result. It made me very cynical and more than a little hateful as that era went on. One of the happiest days of my life was when I graduated high school and I knew that I would never see these people again. Music (particularly Thrash and Death Metal) was the only thing that kept me from absolutely losing it. It took me a long time after my teens where I could actually talk to people.
Thank you for telling your story. I'm sure it is a big support for all the people who are suffering from mental problems and/or are traumatized. I work for 20 years now in the mental health sector and am still astonished about what people are capable of doing to one another. On the other hand I see people with an amazing resilience, fighting, struggling to overcome their demons. I wish for you the future will be brighter than the past. You're an inspiration to many of us.
Nice to get another video, Dave. You really need to get some shirts made. I would definitely rock a Dave Simpson shirt. Maybe you'll use that money generated from it to finally release the "Untitled" songs. Hope you're well, sir.
This is a remarkable post. Thank goodness you made it here and to get to this point where your playing brings so much joy. A hundred thousand followers cheering you on. All power to you Dave. (I particularly enjoy your Andertons films with Cici-here's to many many more).
Wow dave that was both inspirational and extremely gutsy to talk about your own experiences so openly. I'm sure that there are people out there in a bad place, who will take great comfort from your story and your insight. If i wore a hat, I'd take it off to you my friend.
Dave, we are here for you. I'm sure others will agree, you are one Heck of a guy. Your videos and fantastic music, give so much pleasure, to countless people around the world. We need more Dave Simpsons in the world, then the world would be a much better place.
you're actually a really funny person, unintentionally even, your mannerisms and quick sayings have had me laughing numerous times. You're a good person and your videos are so real, they've opened my eyes to a few things. I'm glad I found this channel, haha I'm glad you're here in this world dave.
Speaking to my heart. I was a geek at best made to “man up” and play football while at the same time being taught classical piano. Overweight and bullied but was told to be a man. It had to be my fault. Music was my refuge, but I had to get a real job. Now in my 60s and have MS I can get back into music and you have been a great inspiration. You know and can fill in the blanks. Thank you. For being honest.
Loved this Dave. Now the issues are recognised and ACKNOWLEDGED. Maybe in years gone by ordinary folk didn't know what it's all about. So impressed that you are using your charisma and guitar talent to assist people who need help with mental health issues. It goes to show how you finding your vocation, interest and talent for all things guitars gave you comfort and contributed to achieving your huge. ❤potential.
Awesome Dave!! This needs to be talked about more than it is, it is out in the open now but still not understood well by the average person. I have had mental health issues my whole entire life, I am 49yo as of 2023, and you can work to make them better and not as crippling or disruptive to your life. A good term is 'Mental Hygine', where you take care of your mental health so you don't get sick. Take care Dave! PS you are right, verbal abuse is just as bad as physical abuse. I suffered both as a child, and I much rather have the physical abuse than verbal, any day of the week.
I just came across this after seeing your excellent guitar videos. Well done for making this and thanks for sharing your experiences in such a brave, insightful and articulate way. Just one thing - music is not the only thing you are good at - you are a natural coach and communicator - and this video proves it. Anyone who sees this will get great value from it. Thanks again Dave
Hey Dave, I stumbled on your channel a few years ago and you are an inspiration for so many. Your talent and musicianship is superb. My experience with bullies, most are p*ssy, you fight fire with fire and crush them. Discipline comes from many forms, learning to defend yourself, boxing, or mma or lifting weights, music, you should look at training your body, as well to deal with your anxiety. Training your body is far reaching benefit with dealing with daily anxiety which comes in many forms, stress, financial issues, relationships, bullying. Thank you for sharing your experience and your beautiful music!
Hi mate I subscribed after watching so many of your videos over the last 3 days, but only just found this. I know I said previously your brain wiring reminded me of me and my ADHD (and anxiety). I hope you didnt feel that was a slur or some sort of outer world view of how everyone must view you. I see everything that makes me, as being who I am and as ive got older Im no longer ashamed so that comment was purely a comment from a comrade not one of the wolves. Had moments like you describe through the first 2-3 years of secondry school and then I discovered rock n roll, and then metal and got in a band with my mates and over time became who I am. To anyone who has moments like you describe all I'll say is that if you can make it through them you WILL be stronger. Its like climbing a mountain. If you can focus on the next step knowing you will be a little bit higher And stronger for each one you fight through, then just take it one at a time with no expectation of when you will stop, one day you look back and realise you are sooo much closer to the sun, your so much higher than you could have imagined getting, youve achieved so much more than at your weakest point and most importantly you are stronger than you could ever have imagined and all this came from inside you... This was your doing, you survived and became stronger than anyone who was kicking you at the bottom of that mountain so F**k them because they didnt win! Love to all who struggle! Tom ❤️
I also never knew what Anxiety was. I thought I was going to die or go crazy every single day from age 16 to 27. Alcoholism nearly killed me. When I was diagnosed with Anxiety, PTSD and OCD it all made sense. All the symptoms of death and insanity were instantly less dangerous and more manageable.
Well said Dave, this perspective helps 'everyone' understand the issues at hand, something that sadly many of us only come to appreciate later in life. Best wishes.
Dave, very moving and courageous. Thank you so much! Sending you respect and love. I found you through your Peter Green videos! I love your playing and now I know why it feels so real, there's no time or space for BS at all.
I was never the person who got bullied in school cause I was bigger then everyone else, so I cant imagine what you went through but I do remember alot times I stood up for people getting bullied and that made me get in trouble but I just didn't care, alot of teachers thought I was the idiot. I wish you had someone in school who stood up for you dave! I'm glad you are feeling better today though those scars will propably never heal but it's good that you are talking about it and letting us in! us, your followers, we will always have your back cause we love you, you are bringing us so much joy with your videos!
You are very brave, thank you for speaking up about what happened to you. Anxiety issues from severe bullying is life ruining. (Sadly I've gone through the same as you, it's something I fight every single day...) Especially the anxiety and social phobias I've developed. You are brave, thank you.
Ive dealt with bullying, depression and anxiety too. Consequently I turned to guitar as well. I'm with you, I dont understand why people do this to each other.
You turned out to be a very big reference for me. I have mentally ill parents (mom is antisocial and dad is bipolar) and i feel like i will one day be ill too. Thanks for this video, always nice to see that you can turn out like a good person and do great stuff even if you have a mental health issue.
Dave,I have struggled with these issues for 35 yrs on and off.I wouldnt say Im cured,I just learned to value my unique nature and deal with it. I escaped into my music and get agitated when seperated from my instruments for any length of time.Thank you for your story,and highlighting awareness week.
This is the first time I've seen this video. It is absolutely disgraceful that the adults, who had a duty of care to the children at that school, treated you that way. Take it from me, you are not worthless and you do matter, to thousands of people, including me.
An extremely honest and candid account of your early life. School life can be brutal for so many and you're not alone. You've forged your own path in life and have a global following in the hundreds of thousands. What have these bullies achieved in that time? You are the better man, and NEVER forget that.
I stumbled onto your videos today and felt an immediate connection. I'm 60 years old and I still have some of the insecurities that came from being bullied in school. 3rd grade to 12th. I loved music at age three. I never got into football or other sports like we were expected to do in the USA in the '60's. I was the nerdy kid with glasses who only liked guitars.I was always told starting around the age of six, that rock'n'roll would never pay the bills. I was scared to death to even think about trying to make a living at it. But the guitar kept me sane. when people found out I could play, they accepted me more. Some of the bullies even took to me when they found out I was "in the band". All my problems were, as you said, "my fault for letting it happen". But I hold no grudges or animosity for those who didn't see what was actually happening, even though four of those people were my family who I lived with every day. It was easier for them to ignore it and "know" that it would all pass in time. Most of it did pass, some of it lingers today. Life went on and I have a wife of 35 years, a beautiful daughter, a wonderful business and lots of guitars. Life is good. Parents: don't let your children grow up to be jackasses. Teach good music, love and tolerance.
There is one thing that I don't want to miss in my life and I find some comfort in it. All that me and people like me that have gone through in our lifes has made us who we are. Most of us look deeper than others, we are more empathetic than most others. I don't want to miss this in my life. Never. I've met many people with mental issues and they are dear to me, so lovely people. In fact most of the people I would call friends have mental issues. I'm sorry if my English is not good enough to express my feelings correct. But I hope you get the point.
Great Video Dave, i had the same things at school that you went thru. i was 14 when i lost most of my hair so you can imagine the looks and stuff the kids in my school would say to me at school. but even before the hair fell out i was already being picked on when i turned 13. my first name is Greg and my last name is Judy so you can imagine how the other kids would run with that one. i stopped going to school for 2 weeks after it got so bad and when i couldn't stay at home forever it was back to the same thing all over. the only thing that saved me was music and my family, when i was 16 i got my first Guitar and i didn't know how to play at all but in time through a friend i'd met he showed me a few things he knew and off i went all be a slow growth in my playing and i'm 53 now and it's what i live for even more since my mom passed away on May 8th this year.. i do have to still take something for my racing Heart at night to help me sleep but good for you that you are not taking anything for it. everyone is different but i feel the same as you about who you trust and who you want to be with. Peter Green is one of my Favorite players and after reading about his mental state that he went through i felt a connection with him. his playing was always sweet to the ears.. really enjoyed this and other things you have done on your channel. keep up the good work and keep rocking!! take care Greg.
Thanks for your story Dave, I just want you to know how happy your video's make me, I've watched them every day since I discovered your channel. The moment I wake up I just start my day with a Dave Simpson video, you're a great guitar player and even a greater person. Thank you Dave :)
I too have suffered from mental illness (depression) since I was 19 (22 years)now and I know there is a stigma surrounding it, especially in men. Thankyou for highlighting it, very brave video to make. Music helped me with it, a lot of artists in many fields famous and not famous suffer from the same. I think those that are creative often suffer more. This is what feeds their creativity.
My wife suffers from anxiety and she often goes down the black hole into depression and i try my best to help her through when this happens, the trouble is we as partners/parents/siblings are not trained to deal with mental health issues and will often say the wrong things, or miss the signs, we will often get angry, although we do not mean to, simply because we don't , and never will, understand what that other person is feeling or going through and get frustrated by our own inadequacies in dealing with the situations that arise from living with a sufferer. My wife's anxiety and depression improved ten-fold when she decided to seek the help of a professional but the counselling wasn't just for her , i was asked to attend a couple of sessions also so as i could learn to recognise the early signs of an attack (if that's the right word) and deal with it much better than i was and i believe this has benefited both of us. I know your video is looking at depression from a sufferers side of things but think its also important to say that there is also help out there for those living with someone who suffers from anxiety and depression.
I can certainly empathize. I've suffered from a form of agoraphobia for many years that's triggered mostly by crowds (a problem for a music lover like myself who would dearly love to attend concerts without having panic attacks) and things like being on busy motorways. The resulting anxiety that comes with it can be crushing and sometimes humiliating. I've been in situations where, for example, I'll be driving home from the market less than ten miles away and have to frequently pull over several times just to catch my breath and gather myself a little. It gets so bad at times that I have to get my wife on speakerphone to talk me through it while I drive or else I'd never make it home. So I know firsthand how terribly difficult this can make your life when it comes to your job, relationship, etc. when you're convinced that something awful is going to happen every time you're outside interacting with the world and how hard it is to find people who can relate or even just sympathize. This video is clear evidence that you're a much stronger person than you think you are, and I thank you for it. You're an inspiration. Love ya, Dave.
Dave. My heart goes out to you, and others. I was bullied terribly too. I'm well aware, of the damage it can do. It ruined my life. It made me very ill, and depressed,. So much I locked myself in my bedroom, for four years. Bullied at school, and bullied when I got home..I was a sensitive and lonely child. Every day was hell and an endless nightmare. I was blamed for everything. You are well-loved by so many of your followers. I think it took a lot of guts to tell us this. However, the memories and pain may be. You have done so well for yourself. Probably more than you think. Sadly bullying, still goes on, in school and work too. You turned into a beautiful caring person. Who gives so much pleasure to so many of us. And that's probably the reason. We can't help who we are. Why should wsoe change? I felt rubbish and worthless. So glad you found the guitar as I did. I had no one. However, After many many years. I found something that helped me, get rid of my memories, called NLP, and it works. It has erased so much dirt from my past. I have wasted my life, and that is something that is hard to deal with. ith. I'm now a published author and poet. Poetry has helped me, as well as the guitar, express my feelings. I now have seven books out there. and a world-renowned poet. And damn proud of myself, like you should be. It's been my way, of getting them back in a way. I wonder what my bullies are doing now?. N LP will help. Neuro-linguistic programming. Hope you can find a Good therapist near you. My best wishes, to you and your lovely family. Take care mate.
sorry all that bad shit happened to you in the past Dave. But for what it's worth you don't get 18k subs by luck, you get them by being a kick ass guitar player and being a decent cool dude and all of here can see that in you. You don't to hang on to all that negative shit anymore dude, you came out the other side and are a stronger better person. much love man :)
Hi Dave watched your vids for a while , watched this today deep in anxiety shit then watched the one with John Fruscanti holding your disc. First smile today ..Thanks. xx I find this stuff so hard to talk about after 50 + years of mental health issues.Thanks xx
Time for me to say: thank you very much!!! It's hard for me to write english, espesciially about something beside everyday things. There are a lot of People with a similar history then your's all over the world, and it's wonderfull to have music and art as a healer. Thank you, Dave. Thank you for your music, your words, your videos ... your living! If you came to Austria one day, you will have a place to be! Maybe England will left the eu, but you allways will be a member of the international union of feeling musicians" :)))
Dave Thank you for sharing,,i too went through alot of losts year mental health issues even in my adults years i just felt like i didnt belong and wondered what my purpose was ,,,Thank God i finally got ahold of it with coping skills and support from others and listening to brave ppl as yourself sharing letting me know and still know im not alone ,,THANK YOU for putting yourself out here for us all that have and still struggle at times wth mental health problems,,,,,ive said it b4 we need More Dave Simpsons in the world,,,would be a better place for real... we would have Honest ppl living amongst us shredding guitar like a boss,,,
You're the man Dave. I'm so lucky to have you as one of my best friends and can't wait to see you next week. I know how hard it must have been to film this let alone upload it and share with the world. I can literally imagine you in your kitchen talking through whether you should upload it or not with Jo and the turmoil in your head! I hope the good and wonderful people of the tube know you're just as quirky and awesome in person as you are in your videos. Absolute genius musician and amazing person to be around. The positive steps you've made in your life since I've known you and the situations I've seen you have to deal with show me how strong you are and that eventually you will get past it. I've said it lots of times but I'm so glad we met. You're the best!
Not surprised high school was hellish, many go through that. I keep hoping at sometime those problems get solved so only anxiety would be changing strings on a locking trem system.
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that so many peoples lives are wrecked because of other people thinking they're having "banter" but sometimes it can really hurt. You're a strong dude Dave!
Hey man, I first found your videos on accident. From the first video I knew I liked you. Your guitar playing and upbeat attitude grabbed me and made me continue to search for more. After this video I respect you even more, for your honesty and bravery and strength. You nailed it man. How it feels to suffer from the type of depression and anxiety that I suffer from. The statement suffer loudly really made me smile my man. It's no joke the type of feelings you are talking about. I have been a guitar player for many years and it is a great outlet for my anxiety. You have inspired me as a player and as a person suffering with anxieties and depression and questions of self worth. To know someone else literally feels or has felt the way I feel truly helps. Thank you man, for all you do.
Thank you for sharing what must have been very difficult to go through, you’ve probably helped a lot of people with this and I’m glad you carried on to become your true self that is appreciated by many
My sister deals with anxiety and depression and she's been through some VERY rough years but has been doing much better recently. She had some of the same thoughts as you of being a burden and not caring about living. :( I can't imagine how hard it is to cope with mental health issues. Thank you for being so brave and telling your story.
Thank you so very much indeed for watching and I'm very happy to hear your sister is doing much better. Thats great to hear. :) Theres a lot of us out here going through it and we all need to help each other and share our experiences so its taken more seriously. :) Thank you very much again. :)
Dave everything you touch upon on this video happened to me. school was a nightmare i was terrified so much that i didnt attend one single day in my final year. attempted suicide at 15 years old. look at you now with a succesful youtube career and one the sickest guitar players ive ever heard. i picked up a guitar when I was 17 and instantly fell in love with it. Shredding isnt my style at all. im a punk/grunge bar chord full distortion type of guy. Nirvana/green day/weezer/pistols etc is my jam. i particularly love kurt cobains lazy organised chaos care free style.
Shed a tear watching this I had a bad time in school guitar was the only thing made me want to never give up and am glad to be out of school now my guitar playing saved my life Could sit and watch Dave all night he is the only guitar player on youtube id be patient to watch hes funny, hes a lovely guy, he can breakdown licks and riffs like a boss and most of all an inspiring unreal guitar player love watching Dave thank you for making me feel better
You are a natural composer like a CHOPIN of today my friend. I am sure I could do similar if I could play guitar. I guess I just need to start somewhere.... Thanks for your personal story. Love you man..... Eduardo
You're the best guitar teacher in youtube in my opinion. I relate to your story so much and it spoke to me. Your Hendrix and Frusicante lessons are really helping me get closer to sounding how I want to sound on guitar and I can't thank you enough. I can't wait for the next one (: keep shredding my friend
Yeah school bullies are a funny thing. Sometimes it takes another bully to give them an arse kicking, other times it's just standing up to them - even if you get your arse handed to you. Sometimes, it's not even the person bullying but mutual friends who want to see you have a fight with them, so they egg both parties on. But bullies exist even outside of school. It could be your boss, co-workers, family, a person at the supermarket. They're everywhere and at the end of the day you need to find a way to deal with it. Schools only a small snippet of your life and when it's over, that's when you go out into the world and find yourself. Hopefully you learn from it, you meet your real friends and forge your career and enjoy your downtime hobbies - whatever that may be. Don't let your past define who you'll be in the future. Never let anybody live rent free in your head either. And Dave, if you're playing sad music just play it in a major key. Nobody can be depressed when they're playing a major scale! Chin up mate.
I'm having the same problems at school sometimes on a smaller scale, I'm called a freak as people know that I wish I was dead and I just hate everything about school. Thanks for sharing your story it's nice to know people can overcome it.
I went through similar stuff, but School doesn't last for ever, and the big world outside is generally a much more forgiving place. The world needs us 'freaks', we keep it interesting, Look for the hints of sunshine in all that dark, and grab hold of it and chase it, you'll get there, I did. All best wishes, Robbo.
The best thing about looking back at my life now, after all the hell other people put me through, is knowing I succeeded in being myself, and I haven't got a prouder achievement. There are so many of us that go through the likes of this, and with a voice we are no longer the few. Push hard for what is right and you can always take pride in yourself :)
Thanks to all of you, it's nice to hear others story's and to know that there are a lot of genuinely nice people that have been through the same thing :)
You can indeed overcome it. It takes time to figure it but its worth sticking around and fighting it and as for the people who call you a freak. Forget them. Let them think what they want. Be happy with who you are and who you want to be. Kurt Cobain once said "I'd rather be hated for who i am than loved for who i'm not". This is so true. Be yourself and forget anyone who doesn't like that. Thank you for watching and if you ever need to talk let me know. :)
I hope one day you can make it to the States. I would love to see you gig in Cali. You continue to be an inspiration to me. I have stopped crying about the gear i don't have and have focused on making what I have sound the best. I learned that from you. nobody else can take a piece of crap guitar and make it sing like you. "The Wonderful People of the Tube" love you. keep rocking.
You're a good man, an honest person and a truly brave human being. Also, you are a great musician and communicator. I bet not many of the small-minded bastards you went to school with has touched one person's life in a positive way, let alone the sixty thousand you have. I suffered from anxiety issues at school, but I was lucky that I found the guitar earlier than you did and had the support of a couple of people who are still my good friends to this day (forty years later). If I'd had to go through what you went through as isolated as you were, I doubt very much if I'd have come out the other side. There are an awful lot of people who are very thankful that you did, Dave. My daughter is having some issues at school, and this wonderful video will help me to get a handle on what she might be going through. Your UA-cam chanel is unique: yesterday you taught me how to play like Kossoff, today you're teaching me something even more important. Thank you.
Hey Dave, very inspiring and emotionally video. I have not experienced bullying like that so I cannot speak for it, but I have experienced the "left-out" feeling if that makes sense. The feeling of not fitting in anywhere. I have been struggling with depression for over 5 years, the problem is I do not know why. I am currently in a queue to see a "shrink". But due to the massive immigration in Sweden and all the stuff that's happened to the immigrants in the war I have been told that I have to wait in queue for 6-10 months before I can even get a meeting. Some days are alright, some days I have this feeling putting me down and I cannot concentrate on anything at all whole day, some days I cannot even go to the grocery store to buy food because I am in a state where I cannot meet people. I do not know at all what's wrong with me and my mental state but I hoping to find out soon. I have music though, so my plan is to fight this all with music as long as I need to and I can find out what is wrong. Very inspirational video Dave, thank you for talking about this subject so openly. EDIT: I am not in any way trying to blame anything on the immigration in Sweden, I am just simply explaining the situation.
Dave, this was a very important and great video. You deserve a lot of respect for having done that. I had problems in my youth too. And I was lucky and happy to get a good wife, who saved my over that. I know that playing guitar can have healing power. Well my guitar playing is not so good as yours, but I know it can take me to other places. Rock on and stay as you are, you are a good person. Dont let idiots make you feel bad.
i swear that tone at the start of the video sounds compressed and noice but i dont think dave ever uses a compressor so how does he do it?! ARGHHHHHHHHHH also dave ur proper strong for getting through the shit and then sharing ur stories with us u are a bloody good guy
Also I would like to say that after all the grief I got at school things did get better. I'm now married and happy and play the guitar, badly , but I love it..
Dude! Ran across this video and felt strongly motivated to share my story too. That's gonna be a one! I feel u with that thing about having a way to vent. Omg dude, I don't know where I'll be if not for music! My childhood was horribly weird and wrong. I was raised in a very dysfunctional, sort of wicked family. Lies were the only thing I heard. I basically found myself between two people who were extremely angry on each other yet never let this show up. That was so fucked up it left me questioning my own reality for years... until recently, when I woke up to these facts and slowly get my shit together after years of quarrels, fights, lies, deceptions, stalking, bringing a little child to weird situations, like people (family, uncles, aunts) drinking heavily and running around with a hatchet telling they are up to kill someone, or dragging passed out people out of mountain creeks with my mom when aged i dunno, 14? sth like that... at the same time, my mom played the perfect one in front of everyone, while at home... dude I literally had her beat up my father, when he was after a party, dizzy, and come up to me to say that we're gonna tell him it's all been just a dream. That has left me really uncertain and weird to say - prone to anxiety, depression, schizo-alike situations (that's what happens when u mess with somebody's mind so much). I recently have woken up to that and believe me dude. What a relief! yet, it's hard to understand and act, while still being somehow connected and merged into that family dynamic. The play goes on there. My mom being the deceptive, controllin manipulative narcissist she is, my father playing it cool while he's actually out of emotional contact with himself. I've been in shit like that since birth, and believe me, bullying, having problems catching up to peers, relationships with emotionally unstable, crazy woman... all came along with that starting set. As I am writing this I am coming to a conclusion, that it really seems like a miracle to be alive. And music. Man. Music. I remember just hiding away, in my room and composing. All the time. I was making songs, tunes, writing lyrics. Obsessed about it. This has been a part of my life since I was 16. And I never left my guitar or bass, or recently my poetry ever since. I did have a short break - didnt go on too well for me. There's something about all the damaged souls out there that is so beautiful. As you say - no point in fighting, cause it doesn't go anywhere. At first - its a weakness. But when you start healing yourself, realise all that. God, what a blessing that is. That humbleness. That open, beautiful heart that sees the light in everyone. And that realisation that actually - no matter what anyone has done - you can always just walk away and turn all the struggle in so beautiful things. It always amazes me, how people that went through the hardest are actually the strongest and wise out there. Not in an egoic sense - no. This is a deep, heartfelt wisdom. I and I, rastafari! ;) Since I found out what dynamics I lived in everything started to change... many obstacles on this path. Mystical experiences too. It's amazing, under what kind of veil you can live for ages. Music kept me up through out the whole time. I wouldn't have been here if not for that. That kept me connected. Believing in myself and others. Help regulate my emotions. Man, what a magical thing! No longer in touch with people I used to live with. Just kindly, quietely understanding the amount of suffering they are in and the fact that I cannot help anyhow, as the thing is as deep as it is. Had to leave people behind, cause they wouldn't like to do anything about the situation they are in. Couldn't realise. Maybe they weren't so lucky to find out, that they actually can go out of this. I don't know, just feel deeply sorry about my parents, my family, yet cannot go back there as it is pure hell and a net of lies and manipulation. Today I got help of my friends, music to make, stories to tell and a deep conviction, that life is something that is purposeful, beautiful and full of love... only takes one to believe it and live it! Thank you for your story. I feel really sorry for you. What you went through sounds horrible as hell. Yet, you wouldn't be here now. As I am having a darker moment, relapses happen :) and I couldn't connect to you otherwise. Your work, your playing (your feeling is best ever dude - love your playing), your videos. All of this contributes. Helps. And I pay respect to that. Just bought a peavey pa 200 due to the beauty of your playing ;). Thank you, for being there dude. Made my evening. Much love and gratitude. Hi5 for being a real warrior of god's, life's, whatever one calls it, love. Bless ya!
Dave Simpson! 😎I commend you, sir! 🙌✌️❤️. You are an awesome human being, and I can relate. I'm 63 yrs old and lived with those crazy feelings. I am now learning guitar, although it's slow going, it takes me to another place where I can forget about everything. Thank you for being you, my friend 🧡. Brian Hoffmaster, from Pennsylvania. ✌️❤️ I'm working on Peter Greens Owell now. Thank you ,I'm getting close to having the first part down.😎👍
I have AD/HD and playing guitar is one of the only things I can dedicate all of my focus to without my meds. Love the vids and thanks for the inspiration
I have gone through the same thing, I dropped out at grade 11, I turned bodybuilder and was left alone, but it followed me through by whole work career, I just quit my last job because of harassment, bullying from fellow worker in there 50,s and 60,s Soon after I quit I had open heart surgery
I understand. I'm sorry you went through that. Your the best guitar player Dave, man. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy you shared this and I hope that everyday is a great one.
I'm so glad you're still here, Dave. Absolutely love your videos, they inspire me so much as a guitar player. And now I also have a great deal of respect and appreciation for your candour about your struggle with depression and anxiety since I've also battled the Black Dog from a very young age. Huge fan over here, all the way in South Africa.
very brave of you to tell this story dave, even though i dont know you personally, you are one of the greatest and nicest people i have ever met (well not met but u get what i mean haha) i really find you and your story very inspiring, and just remember that if u hadn't gone through this all, you probably wouldnt have been the guitar god u are at this moment haha:)) thank u so much for being so open about everything
I feel you so much man. I experienced a little bit of bullying at school but most of my bullying was from my mum and family. Emotional and psychological. Man I was one scared kid. I too have been been to the pits of hell, damn right man. It's massive. My best friend commited suicide a few years ago at 18, his story is very much like yours. I was lucky-in high school I found Metallica and led Zeppelin etc etc and I used to spend all my money buying 2nd hand CDs from cashies. That was my escape. I'd always have trouble meeting people, I would change primary schools every 6 months or so, so I was always by myself. Then 2nd year high school I met some friends, one of introduced me to the guitar. I loved it so much. Somehow I got one but because at home was a very strange and scary place to be I was always too scared to practice because I knew my mother would be listening...but I managed to learn quite a few Metallica and Slayer intros and some bits and pieces but never managed to progress any further really, because even today at 32 I'm still so paranoid about people listening to me play or practice it just kinda freaks me out. I've had a bunch of great guitars over the years but only practice them without an amp. I'm not complaining at all it's just a thing. Though I think about guitars all the time. What really helped me in the end to escape from my world of hell after a bunch of psychologists one of them recommend meditation. That really forced me to face things head on and look it in the face. And it taught me how to acknowledge and just observe what I'm feeling rather than go into panic mode. Very very hard to begin with. I reached a point a couple years ago when it was certain death. Then I gave it one more shot and decided to go on a pilgrimage somewhat, I spent 9 months alone traveling Australia on my motorcycle. That really helped. I've learnt so bloody much about myself and about the world. Found Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Though haven't trained for nearly a year... Anyway meditation and learning about my issues and my mother's issues...I'm a new person. I no longer eat meat or drink cows milk - doing that is serious bad karma. Anyway so glad I found you channel man just recently, you've inspired me to get a guitar again, and today I'm getting one!!!! Thanks man.
Bullying is a terrible start to life - I suffered it as well. Every day, relentless bullying by the school hard-nuts. I was a nervous wreck. I actually met one of my bully's a few years ago, and I had grown a lot bigger and stronger than him. He just ignored me! They are just cowards really, they just pick on the weakest kids. I wish I knew then, what I know now.
Dear Dave, I've mentioned in other comments that I'm easily old enough to be your dad (maybe your grandfather) but I have developed a great deal of respect for you since I stumbled on your UA-cam channel (was looking for vids about 1964 strats). After watching this video I have a great deal more. I worked in the field of mental health for close to 32 years, working as a therapeutic programmer on the wards of psychiatric hospitals. I've also experienced depression. You are an extremely admirable young man (to say nothing of extremely talented) to share your story with such honesty and caring for the plight of others who may be suffering the same emotional turmoil that you did. Even though you recognize it as simply a symptom of depression, please never doubt your worth. You are an incredible individual and an astounding musician. One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching your videos is seeing the actual joy that you experience while playing guitar. It's visible on your face. It's visible in your entire presence. It is always a pleasure when I get a notification that you've posted another video. Please don't stop. I'm sure there are a great many people world wide that you don't know who love you. Best of luck and bless you.
John
jltrem i
Thank you very much indeed. :)
jltrem well said John. 👍
Thank you, Simon.
Hey jltrem; took the words right out of my mouth. Reading your response to Dave, sounded a lot like what i would want to tell him, and everyone else here who has been afraid of their "minds" sometimes. Nobody knows what it is really like, unless they have been there. Nice to see a lot of people here who can identify with what he went through. High school can be a curse for a lot of kids. I sincerely hope all of you reading this will find the courage to respect yourself and work on becoming everything you can be. And it is work. One step, one day at a time. As for you Dave, you bring a lot of good effort and intentions to your videos. Give yourself the credit you deserve. I have told you this before, i wish i could play guitar like you. But i mostly appreciate your honesty with your past, and i not only feel for you, i have been there too. You are, we are not alone. Thanks for being real and thank you for sharing something that many of us fear, and feel we should not be feeling. Best regards from the west coast of Canada.
And then you went on to change The World in a positive manner, in so many ways.
I do my best. :) Thank you very much indeed. :)
School is a horrific environment for a lot of people. Hated it personally and couldn't wait to leave.
Yes, a mandatory indoctrination facility and animal farm. Public education institutions are completely unnatural.
Funny how things change isn't. All those years ago nobody seemed to care and now, 18,000+ people from all across the world, think you're awesome and love you for who you are. Touching and upsetting story Dave. Very brave of you to put yourself out there to help others. You sir, are an inspiration.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
It's kind of funny how some of the kids in school that people think are weird or bully turn out to be some most creative and interesting of the whole bunch.
I can't understand how people would be so nasty to you, you are a great person. Yet again I'm inspired by your videos. Thank you.
Yeah though I have the feeling a lot of those who did such things had an unfriendly visit from karma. Myself I'd rather hang out with Dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Thank you. :)
It seems these people were nasty because they were also bullied by parents or friends and it was their nasty way to not feel their anxiety. Maybe some of them were so disturbed, so they're dead now, like in my case. There was one person who bullied me couple of times in school, and afterwards he had very miserable life and died from a mental disease. So his violent moments were like the last attempts to help himself, the last sparks before hopelessness.
Thank you for sharing, Dave, you are very nice person.
Guitar is clearly not the only thing you're good at, you're clearly a good empathiser, one of the hardest and most important things to become good at in anyone's life. You needn't feel worthless about anything, I think you've cracked what's important in life from the sounds of it and I think you should be able to draw endless confidence from owning your experiences, plus you've taught me so much awesome guitar! 👍
Thank you very very much indeed. :)
My god, that must have been horrendous to go through at school. I never suffered from bullying other than the occasional usual petty playground stuff, although I was provoked into a fight by one kid over some nonsense or other, which was brought to a halt by the train pulling into the station! Later on the way home he tried again, surrounded by his grinning and leering mates. I agreed to meet him, alone, that evening at a cricket pitch in his village. When I got there I found dozens of kids in a huge circle all there to cheer him on. I resigned myself to a hammering and just got on with it, even though I was absolutely bricking it inside. To my surprise, he turned out to be pretty feeble (we were both skinny kids of 14) and I easily get the better of him. I had him in a headlock when his older brother intervened and broke it up and sent us on our separate ways. I'm not brave and I'm not a fighter, but he left me alone after that. I always used to use humour and piss-taking against the bullies, which seemed to work most of the time (not always, I was given a thumping in the street by a drunken squaddie once for being a bit too lippy. I was only a kid and his girlfriend dragged him off, luckily). Another time I saw a bullied kid at school turn on his tormentor after weeks of hassle and punch him in the face, three times, really fast, bang bang bang. Again he was left alone afterwards with no comeback. I'm not condoning violence, but that was such a lesson. Bullies are weak. Anyhow, I'm glad you came through your ordeal, and your guitar skill and 81k subscribers are testament to your character. You've also escaped from Brexitania just in time I see, you lucky man! I'd not heard of you before the Andertons vid but you've gained another admirer. Best wishes. PS: If you ever need a place to rest up on the way between France and Blighty, we're on a farm not far from Folkestone. Drop us a line. Kit
Dave, for what is worth, we are all your friends here... Now, in here, you are safe. Greetings from Argentina 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷
Thank you very much indeed. That means the world to me. :)
Amen brother!!!! Dios bendiga Argentina! - craig
Dave man you are such a humble fella. I got bullied in school and my escape was to play my guitar. Still to this day, playing guitar is my escape from life and it’s problems.
Hope you’re well!
I've been battling bipolar depression and anxiety since middle school, I was always made fun of for Being fat and weird. Even up threw high school I was called ugly kid. No one would ever talking to me, and I was to afraid of speaking to others. Most days I would just tuck my headphones under my hair and escape with my music. the only thing that kept me going was music. I have been playing drums for about 12-14 years and well that help me make friends finally. I found other people just like me and it was the first I felt happiness. And after 9 years those 5 friends are still my best friends today and we are still making music.
That brilliant and thank you so much for sharing your story. :)
I relate to this completely in every way.I was in the same situation as a young teenager.Unfortunately both the school and parents did nothing.Infact the teachers were responsible for a lot if the humiliation i suffered.Until bass guitar came into my life at 14/15 there was nothing and things did get very dark.People seem to miss the fact that bullying etc ruins lives.Some of us will have the effects from it for ever.All because i was an introverted child who just wanted to keep myself to myself.I'm the same in not wanting to medicate for anxiety.You can get past it and take control of it because i did.Thanks for sharing Dave.❤❤❤❤
I went through all of that bullying crap during the entirety of my time in public school. It sucked. Looking back on it all, the thing that always stuck out with me was this: I always tried to be nice to people when I was a little kid. But, people saw that as a weakness and I was always picked on as a result. It made me very cynical and more than a little hateful as that era went on. One of the happiest days of my life was when I graduated high school and I knew that I would never see these people again. Music (particularly Thrash and Death Metal) was the only thing that kept me from absolutely losing it. It took me a long time after my teens where I could actually talk to people.
I know exactly what you mean. I was so happy the day i finished school as well. Thank you very very much for sharing. :)
Thank you for telling your story. I'm sure it is a big support for all the people who are suffering from mental problems and/or are traumatized. I work for 20 years now in the mental health sector and am still astonished about what people are capable of doing to one another. On the other hand I see people with an amazing resilience, fighting, struggling to overcome their demons. I wish for you the future will be brighter than the past. You're an inspiration to many of us.
Nice to get another video, Dave. You really need to get some shirts made. I would definitely rock a Dave Simpson shirt. Maybe you'll use that money generated from it to finally release the "Untitled" songs. Hope you're well, sir.
Thank you very much indeed and i have been thinking about it. Its all down to money though. Fingers crossed soon. :)
This is a remarkable post. Thank goodness you made it here and to get to this point where your playing brings so much joy. A hundred thousand followers cheering you on. All power to you Dave. (I particularly enjoy your Andertons films with Cici-here's to many many more).
Wow dave that was both inspirational and extremely gutsy to talk about your own experiences so openly. I'm sure that there are people out there in a bad place, who will take great comfort from your story and your insight. If i wore a hat, I'd take it off to you my friend.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave, we are here for you. I'm sure others will agree, you are one Heck of a guy. Your videos and fantastic music, give so much pleasure, to countless people around the world. We need more Dave Simpsons in the world, then the world would be a much better place.
you're actually a really funny person, unintentionally even, your mannerisms and quick sayings have had me laughing numerous times. You're a good person and your videos are so real, they've opened my eyes to a few things. I'm glad I found this channel, haha I'm glad you're here in this world dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Agreed
It's remarkable how similar my story is to yours
Guitar certainly saved me - and your guitar playing continues to inspire me. Thank you Dave
Speaking to my heart. I was a geek at best made to “man up” and play football while at the same time being taught classical piano. Overweight and bullied but was told to be a man. It had to be my fault. Music was my refuge, but I had to get a real job. Now in my 60s and have MS I can get back into music and you have been a great inspiration. You know and can fill in the blanks. Thank you. For being honest.
Loved this Dave. Now the issues are recognised and ACKNOWLEDGED. Maybe in years gone by ordinary folk didn't know what it's all about.
So impressed that you are using your charisma and guitar talent to assist people who need help with mental health issues. It goes to show how you finding your vocation, interest and talent for all things guitars gave you comfort and contributed to achieving your huge. ❤potential.
You're a great man, Dave. Glad to be a long time subscriber.
Thank you very much indeed and thanks you for being a subscriber. :)
Awesome Dave!! This needs to be talked about more than it is, it is out in the open now but still not understood well by the average person. I have had mental health issues my whole entire life, I am 49yo as of 2023, and you can work to make them better and not as crippling or disruptive to your life. A good term is 'Mental Hygine', where you take care of your mental health so you don't get sick. Take care Dave! PS you are right, verbal abuse is just as bad as physical abuse. I suffered both as a child, and I much rather have the physical abuse than verbal, any day of the week.
Cheers, Dave - thanks for sharing so openly :)
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I just came across this after seeing your excellent guitar videos. Well done for making this and thanks for sharing your experiences in such a brave, insightful and articulate way. Just one thing - music is not the only thing you are good at - you are a natural coach and communicator - and this video proves it. Anyone who sees this will get great value from it. Thanks again Dave
We all need to talk about depression and anxiety more, it was very brave of you to bare your soul, Dave.
We do indeed. It helps so much to talk about it and not hide it. :) Thank you very much indeed. :)
Hey Dave, I stumbled on your channel a few years ago and you are an inspiration for so many. Your talent and musicianship is superb. My experience with bullies, most are p*ssy, you fight fire with fire and crush them. Discipline comes from many forms, learning to defend yourself, boxing, or mma or lifting weights, music, you should look at training your body, as well to deal with your anxiety. Training your body is far reaching benefit with dealing with daily anxiety which comes in many forms, stress, financial issues, relationships, bullying. Thank you for sharing your experience and your beautiful music!
You are an inspiration, Dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Hi mate I subscribed after watching so many of your videos over the last 3 days, but only just found this. I know I said previously your brain wiring reminded me of me and my ADHD (and anxiety). I hope you didnt feel that was a slur or some sort of outer world view of how everyone must view you.
I see everything that makes me, as being who I am and as ive got older Im no longer ashamed so that comment was purely a comment from a comrade not one of the wolves.
Had moments like you describe through the first 2-3 years of secondry school and then I discovered rock n roll, and then metal and got in a band with my mates and over time became who I am.
To anyone who has moments like you describe all I'll say is that if you can make it through them you WILL be stronger. Its like climbing a mountain. If you can focus on the next step knowing you will be a little bit higher And stronger for each one you fight through, then just take it one at a time with no expectation of when you will stop, one day you look back and realise you are sooo much closer to the sun, your so much higher than you could have imagined getting, youve achieved so much more than at your weakest point and most importantly you are stronger than you could ever have imagined and all this came from inside you...
This was your doing, you survived and became stronger than anyone who was kicking you at the bottom of that mountain so F**k them because they didnt win!
Love to all who struggle!
Tom ❤️
I also never knew what Anxiety was. I thought I was going to die or go crazy every single day from age 16 to 27. Alcoholism nearly killed me. When I was diagnosed with Anxiety, PTSD and OCD it all made sense. All the symptoms of death and insanity were instantly less dangerous and more manageable.
Thank you for sharing. :)
Well said Dave, this perspective helps 'everyone' understand the issues at hand, something that sadly many of us only come to appreciate later in life. Best wishes.
This was both brave and honest. You should be very proud of what you have achieved and who you have become.
you are inspiring.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave, very moving and courageous. Thank you so much! Sending you respect and love.
I found you through your Peter Green videos! I love your playing and now I know why it feels so real, there's no time or space for BS at all.
I was never the person who got bullied in school cause I was bigger then everyone else, so I cant imagine what you went through but I do remember alot times I stood up for people getting bullied and that made me get in trouble but I just didn't care, alot of teachers thought I was the idiot. I wish you had someone in school who stood up for you dave!
I'm glad you are feeling better today though those scars will propably never heal but it's good that you are talking about it and letting us in! us, your followers, we will always have your back cause we love you, you are bringing us so much joy with your videos!
You are very brave, thank you for speaking up about what happened to you. Anxiety issues from severe bullying is life ruining.
(Sadly I've gone through the same as you, it's something I fight every single day...) Especially the anxiety and social phobias I've developed.
You are brave, thank you.
Ive dealt with bullying, depression and anxiety too. Consequently I turned to guitar as well. I'm with you, I dont understand why people do this to each other.
Me neither but thank you very much for sharing. :)
You turned out to be a very big reference for me. I have mentally ill parents (mom is antisocial and dad is bipolar) and i feel like i will one day be ill too. Thanks for this video, always nice to see that you can turn out like a good person and do great stuff even if you have a mental health issue.
Thank you very much indeed for watching and my best to you and your Mum 7 Dad. :)
Dave,I have struggled with these issues for 35 yrs on and off.I wouldnt say Im cured,I just learned to value my unique nature and deal with it. I escaped into my music and get agitated when seperated from my instruments for any length of time.Thank you for your story,and highlighting awareness week.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing. :)
That's very emotional. It feels like you are a good soul, I hope you know that now that you are amazing and very inspiring. God bless you brother
This is the first time I've seen this video. It is absolutely disgraceful that the adults, who had a duty of care to the children at that school, treated you that way.
Take it from me, you are not worthless and you do matter, to thousands of people, including me.
An extremely honest and candid account of your early life. School life can be brutal for so many and you're not alone. You've forged your own path in life and have a global following in the hundreds of thousands. What have these bullies achieved in that time? You are the better man, and NEVER forget that.
You're a gem Dave. The great thing about being a rocker is we're all one big family. Never forget that. You're a brave and brilliant man, be proud!
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I hear you Dave. My guitar helped me save my life three times
I stumbled onto your videos today and felt an immediate connection. I'm 60 years old and I still have some of the insecurities that came from being bullied in school. 3rd grade to 12th. I loved music at age three. I never got into football or other sports like we were expected to do in the USA in the '60's. I was the nerdy kid with glasses who only liked guitars.I was always told starting around the age of six, that rock'n'roll would never pay the bills. I was scared to death to even think about trying to make a living at it. But the guitar kept me sane. when people found out I could play, they accepted me more. Some of the bullies even took to me when they found out I was "in the band". All my problems were, as you said, "my fault for letting it happen". But I hold no grudges or animosity for those who didn't see what was actually happening, even though four of those people were my family who I lived with every day. It was easier for them to ignore it and "know" that it would all pass in time. Most of it did pass, some of it lingers today. Life went on and I have a wife of 35 years, a beautiful daughter, a wonderful business and lots of guitars. Life is good. Parents: don't let your children grow up to be jackasses. Teach good music, love and tolerance.
Thank you for sharing and thank you for watching. :)
There is one thing that I don't want to miss in my life and I find some comfort in it. All that me and people like me that have gone through in our lifes has made us who we are. Most of us look deeper than others, we are more empathetic than most others. I don't want to miss this in my life. Never. I've met many people with mental issues and they are dear to me, so lovely people. In fact most of the people I would call friends have mental issues. I'm sorry if my English is not good enough to express my feelings correct. But I hope you get the point.
Great Video Dave, i had the same things at school that you went thru. i was 14 when i lost most of my hair so you can imagine the looks and stuff the kids in my school would say to me at school. but even before the hair fell out i was already being picked on when i turned 13. my first name is Greg and my last name is Judy so you can imagine how the other kids would run with that one. i stopped going to school for 2 weeks after it got so bad and when i couldn't stay at home forever it was back to the same thing all over. the only thing that saved me was music and my family, when i was 16 i got my first Guitar and i didn't know how to play at all but in time through a friend i'd met he showed me a few things he knew and off i went all be a slow growth in my playing and i'm 53 now and it's what i live for even more since my mom passed away on May 8th this year.. i do have to still take something for my racing Heart at night to help me sleep but good for you that you are not taking anything for it. everyone is different but i feel the same as you about who you trust and who you want to be with. Peter Green is one of my Favorite players and after reading about his mental state that he went through i felt a connection with him. his playing was always sweet to the ears.. really enjoyed this and other things you have done on your channel. keep up the good work and keep rocking!! take care Greg.
Thank you very much indeed for sharing your story and thank you so very much for watching. You take care to. :)
Thanks for your story Dave, I just want you to know how happy your video's make me, I've watched them every day since I discovered your channel. The moment I wake up I just start my day with a Dave Simpson video, you're a great guitar player and even a greater person. Thank you Dave :)
Thank you. :)
I too have suffered from mental illness (depression) since I was 19 (22 years)now and I know there is a stigma surrounding it, especially in men. Thankyou for highlighting it, very brave video to make. Music helped me with it, a lot of artists in many fields famous and not famous suffer from the same. I think those that are creative often suffer more. This is what feeds their creativity.
Thank you very much indeed for watching. :)
My wife suffers from anxiety and she often goes down the black hole into depression and i try my best to help her through when this happens, the trouble is we as partners/parents/siblings are not trained to deal with mental health issues and will often say the wrong things, or miss the signs, we will often get angry, although we do not mean to, simply because we don't , and never will, understand what that other person is feeling or going through and get frustrated by our own inadequacies in dealing with the situations that arise from living with a sufferer. My wife's anxiety and depression improved ten-fold when she decided to seek the help of a professional but the counselling wasn't just for her , i was asked to attend a couple of sessions also so as i could learn to recognise the early signs of an attack (if that's the right word) and deal with it much better than i was and i believe this has benefited both of us. I know your video is looking at depression from a sufferers side of things but think its also important to say that there is also help out there for those living with someone who suffers from anxiety and depression.
I can certainly empathize. I've suffered from a form of agoraphobia for many years that's triggered mostly by crowds (a problem for a music lover like myself who would dearly love to attend concerts without having panic attacks) and things like being on busy motorways. The resulting anxiety that comes with it can be crushing and sometimes humiliating. I've been in situations where, for example, I'll be driving home from the market less than ten miles away and have to frequently pull over several times just to catch my breath and gather myself a little. It gets so bad at times that I have to get my wife on speakerphone to talk me through it while I drive or else I'd never make it home. So I know firsthand how terribly difficult this can make your life when it comes to your job, relationship, etc. when you're convinced that something awful is going to happen every time you're outside interacting with the world and how hard it is to find people who can relate or even just sympathize.
This video is clear evidence that you're a much stronger person than you think you are, and I thank you for it. You're an inspiration. Love ya, Dave.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing. :)
Dave. My heart goes out to you, and others. I was bullied terribly too. I'm well aware, of the damage it can do. It ruined my life. It made me very ill, and depressed,. So much I locked myself in my bedroom, for four years. Bullied at school, and bullied when I got home..I was a sensitive and lonely child. Every day was hell and an endless nightmare. I was blamed for everything. You are well-loved by so many of your followers. I think it took a lot of guts to tell us this. However, the memories and pain may be. You have done so well for yourself. Probably more than you think. Sadly bullying, still goes on, in school and work too. You turned into a beautiful caring person. Who gives so much pleasure to so many of us. And that's probably the reason. We can't help who we are. Why should wsoe change? I felt rubbish and worthless. So glad you found the guitar as I did. I had no one. However, After many many years. I found something that helped me, get rid of my memories, called NLP, and it works. It has erased so much dirt from my past. I have wasted my life, and that is something that is hard to deal with.
ith. I'm now a published author and poet. Poetry has helped me, as well as the guitar, express my feelings. I now have seven books out there. and a world-renowned poet. And damn proud of myself, like you should be. It's been my way, of getting them back in a way. I wonder what my bullies are doing now?. N LP will help. Neuro-linguistic programming. Hope you can find a Good therapist near you. My best wishes, to you and your lovely family. Take care mate.
sorry all that bad shit happened to you in the past Dave.
But for what it's worth you don't get 18k subs by luck, you get them by being a kick ass guitar player and being a decent cool dude and all of here can see that in you. You don't to hang on to all that negative shit anymore dude, you came out the other side and are a stronger better person. much love man :)
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Hi Dave watched your vids for a while , watched this today deep in anxiety shit then watched the one with John Fruscanti holding your disc. First smile today ..Thanks. xx I find this stuff so hard to talk about after 50 + years of mental health issues.Thanks xx
Time for me to say: thank you very much!!! It's hard for me to write english, espesciially about something beside everyday things. There are a lot of People with a similar history then your's all over the world, and it's wonderfull to have music and art as a healer. Thank you, Dave. Thank you for your music, your words, your videos ... your living! If you came to Austria one day, you will have a place to be! Maybe England will left the eu, but you allways will be a member of the international union of feeling musicians" :)))
Thank you very much indeed. That means the world to me. :)
Dave Thank you for sharing,,i too went through alot of losts year mental health issues even in my adults years i just felt like i didnt belong and wondered what my purpose was ,,,Thank God i finally got ahold of it with coping skills and support from others and listening to brave ppl as yourself sharing letting me know and still know im not alone ,,THANK YOU for putting yourself out here for us all that have and still struggle at times wth mental health problems,,,,,ive said it b4 we need More Dave Simpsons in the world,,,would be a better place for real... we would have Honest ppl living amongst us shredding guitar like a boss,,,
You're the man Dave. I'm so lucky to have you as one of my best friends and can't wait to see you next week. I know how hard it must have been to film this let alone upload it and share with the world. I can literally imagine you in your kitchen talking through whether you should upload it or not with Jo and the turmoil in your head! I hope the good and wonderful people of the tube know you're just as quirky and awesome in person as you are in your videos. Absolute genius musician and amazing person to be around. The positive steps you've made in your life since I've known you and the situations I've seen you have to deal with show me how strong you are and that eventually you will get past it. I've said it lots of times but I'm so glad we met. You're the best!
Thank you very much indeed. That means a lot to me Mr John Joe. I'm happy we met and are playing music together. :)
I know this had to be extraordinarily tough, but thank you so much for sharing. I'm sure you have touched some people.
Great vid, it takes a lot of balls to put this out there. Keep well my friend. Btw, your steering wheel is the wrong side of your car.😜
Thank you very much indeed and it is indeed. :)
Thanks for talking about this subject Dave.
Not surprised high school was hellish, many go through that. I keep hoping at sometime those problems get solved so only anxiety would be changing strings on a locking trem system.
What a kind genuine person you are dave the world needs people like you just keep doing you your amazing 👍
Thank you for acknowledging the fact that so many peoples lives are wrecked because of other people thinking they're having "banter" but sometimes it can really hurt. You're a strong dude Dave!
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave this even happens to us as adults. Thanks so very much.
Hey man, I first found your videos on accident. From the first video I knew I liked you. Your guitar playing and upbeat attitude grabbed me and made me continue to search for more. After this video I respect you even more, for your honesty and bravery and strength. You nailed it man. How it feels to suffer from the type of depression and anxiety that I suffer from. The statement suffer loudly really made me smile my man. It's no joke the type of feelings you are talking about. I have been a guitar player for many years and it is a great outlet for my anxiety. You have inspired me as a player and as a person suffering with anxieties and depression and questions of self worth. To know someone else literally feels or has felt the way I feel truly helps. Thank you man, for all you do.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Thank you for sharing what must have been very difficult to go through, you’ve probably helped a lot of people with this and I’m glad you carried on to become your true self that is appreciated by many
My sister deals with anxiety and depression and she's been through some VERY rough years but has been doing much better recently. She had some of the same thoughts as you of being a burden and not caring about living. :(
I can't imagine how hard it is to cope with mental health issues. Thank you for being so brave and telling your story.
Thank you so very much indeed for watching and I'm very happy to hear your sister is doing much better. Thats great to hear. :)
Theres a lot of us out here going through it and we all need to help each other and share our experiences so its taken more seriously. :)
Thank you very much again. :)
Dave everything you touch upon on this video happened to me. school was a nightmare i was terrified so much that i didnt attend one single day in my final year. attempted suicide at 15 years old. look at you now with a succesful youtube career and one the sickest guitar players ive ever heard. i picked up a guitar when I was 17 and instantly fell in love with it. Shredding isnt my style at all. im a punk/grunge bar chord full distortion type of guy. Nirvana/green day/weezer/pistols etc is my jam. i particularly love kurt cobains lazy organised chaos care free style.
This is very close to my heart Dave, as I'm currently in Year 10 I can really relate to what you're saying. Thank you Dave.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Shed a tear watching this I had a bad time in school guitar was the only thing made me want to never give up and am glad to be out of school now my guitar playing saved my life Could sit and watch Dave all night he is the only guitar player on youtube id be patient to watch hes funny, hes a lovely guy, he can breakdown licks and riffs like a boss and most of all an inspiring unreal guitar player love watching Dave thank you for making me feel better
i would love to see a video about when you got into RHCP and John Frusciante and how it made you feel and how it changed ur life. cheers
I'll see what i can do. :)
You are a natural composer like a CHOPIN of today my friend. I am sure I could do similar if I could play guitar. I guess I just need to start somewhere.... Thanks for your personal story. Love you man..... Eduardo
You're the best guitar teacher in youtube in my opinion. I relate to your story so much and it spoke to me. Your Hendrix and Frusicante lessons are really helping me get closer to sounding how I want to sound on guitar and I can't thank you enough. I can't wait for the next one (: keep shredding my friend
Thank you very much indeed and i'm so happy my videos help you. :)
I know I’m 3 years late , but you are very brave my friend. Thanks for sharing this with all of us.
Great video, Dave. You are without a doubt someone that puts a smile on my face weekly. I truly hope you're happy now. All the best, Dave.
He puts a smile on my face too
Thank you very much indeed. That means so much to me to hear that. :)
Abba
Yeah school bullies are a funny thing. Sometimes it takes another bully to give them an arse kicking, other times it's just standing up to them - even if you get your arse handed to you. Sometimes, it's not even the person bullying but mutual friends who want to see you have a fight with them, so they egg both parties on. But bullies exist even outside of school. It could be your boss, co-workers, family, a person at the supermarket. They're everywhere and at the end of the day you need to find a way to deal with it.
Schools only a small snippet of your life and when it's over, that's when you go out into the world and find yourself. Hopefully you learn from it, you meet your real friends and forge your career and enjoy your downtime hobbies - whatever that may be.
Don't let your past define who you'll be in the future.
Never let anybody live rent free in your head either.
And Dave, if you're playing sad music just play it in a major key. Nobody can be depressed when they're playing a major scale!
Chin up mate.
I'm having the same problems at school sometimes on a smaller scale, I'm called a freak as people know that I wish I was dead and I just hate everything about school. Thanks for sharing your story it's nice to know people can overcome it.
I went through similar stuff, but School doesn't last for ever, and the big world outside is generally a much more forgiving place. The world needs us 'freaks', we keep it interesting, Look for the hints of sunshine in all that dark, and grab hold of it and chase it, you'll get there, I did. All best wishes, Robbo.
The best thing about looking back at my life now, after all the hell other people put me through, is knowing I succeeded in being myself, and I haven't got a prouder achievement. There are so many of us that go through the likes of this, and with a voice we are no longer the few. Push hard for what is right and you can always take pride in yourself :)
Thanks to all of you, it's nice to hear others story's and to know that there are a lot of genuinely nice people that have been through the same thing :)
no one with the SRV number one strat as an avatar is a freak!
You can indeed overcome it. It takes time to figure it but its worth sticking around and fighting it and as for the people who call you a freak. Forget them. Let them think what they want. Be happy with who you are and who you want to be. Kurt Cobain once said
"I'd rather be hated for who i am than loved for who i'm not".
This is so true. Be yourself and forget anyone who doesn't like that.
Thank you for watching and if you ever need to talk let me know. :)
Thanks for sharing Dave, I really appreciate you doing this and your videos give me so much joy. You are a great person, we got to keep overcomig
I hope one day you can make it to the States. I would love to see you gig in Cali. You continue to be an inspiration to me. I have stopped crying about the gear i don't have and have focused on making what I have sound the best. I learned that from you. nobody else can take a piece of crap guitar and make it sing like you. "The Wonderful People of the Tube" love you. keep rocking.
Thank you very much indeed and i hope to make it over to you one day. :)
You're a good man, an honest person and a truly brave human being. Also, you are a great musician and communicator. I bet not many of the small-minded bastards you went to school with has touched one person's life in a positive way, let alone the sixty thousand you have. I suffered from anxiety issues at school, but I was lucky that I found the guitar earlier than you did and had the support of a couple of people who are still my good friends to this day (forty years later). If I'd had to go through what you went through as isolated as you were, I doubt very much if I'd have come out the other side. There are an awful lot of people who are very thankful that you did, Dave. My daughter is having some issues at school, and this wonderful video will help me to get a handle on what she might be going through. Your UA-cam chanel is unique: yesterday you taught me how to play like Kossoff, today you're teaching me something even more important. Thank you.
Hey Dave, very inspiring and emotionally video. I have not experienced bullying like that so I cannot speak for it, but I have experienced the "left-out" feeling if that makes sense. The feeling of not fitting in anywhere. I have been struggling with depression for over 5 years, the problem is I do not know why. I am currently in a queue to see a "shrink". But due to the massive immigration in Sweden and all the stuff that's happened to the immigrants in the war I have been told that I have to wait in queue for 6-10 months before I can even get a meeting.
Some days are alright, some days I have this feeling putting me down and I cannot concentrate on anything at all whole day, some days I cannot even go to the grocery store to buy food because I am in a state where I cannot meet people. I do not know at all what's wrong with me and my mental state but I hoping to find out soon. I have music though, so my plan is to fight this all with music as long as I need to and I can find out what is wrong. Very inspirational video Dave, thank you for talking about this subject so openly.
EDIT: I am not in any way trying to blame anything on the immigration in Sweden, I am just simply explaining the situation.
Thank you very much indeed and thank you for sharing. I know you'll find out what it is and things will get better. :)
Respect for opening up on the subject and respect for having the courage carry on.
Dave, this was a very important and great video. You deserve a lot of respect for having done that. I had problems in my youth too. And I was lucky and happy to get a good wife, who saved my over that. I know that playing guitar can have healing power. Well my guitar playing is not so good as yours, but I know it can take me to other places. Rock on and stay as you are, you are a good person. Dont let idiots make you feel bad.
Thank you very much indeed and i'm sure your a great player :)
i swear that tone at the start of the video sounds compressed and noice but i dont think dave ever uses a compressor so how does he do it?! ARGHHHHHHHHHH
also dave ur proper strong for getting through the shit and then sharing ur stories with us u are a bloody good guy
Also I would like to say that after all the grief I got at school things did get better. I'm now married and happy and play the guitar, badly , but I love it..
Dude! Ran across this video and felt strongly motivated to share my story too. That's gonna be a one! I feel u with that thing about having a way to vent. Omg dude, I don't know where I'll be if not for music!
My childhood was horribly weird and wrong. I was raised in a very dysfunctional, sort of wicked family. Lies were the only thing I heard. I basically found myself between two people who were extremely angry on each other yet never let this show up. That was so fucked up it left me questioning my own reality for years... until recently, when I woke up to these facts and slowly get my shit together after years of quarrels, fights, lies, deceptions, stalking, bringing a little child to weird situations, like people (family, uncles, aunts) drinking heavily and running around with a hatchet telling they are up to kill someone, or dragging passed out people out of mountain creeks with my mom when aged i dunno, 14? sth like that... at the same time, my mom played the perfect one in front of everyone, while at home... dude I literally had her beat up my father, when he was after a party, dizzy, and come up to me to say that we're gonna tell him it's all been just a dream. That has left me really uncertain and weird to say - prone to anxiety, depression, schizo-alike situations (that's what happens when u mess with somebody's mind so much). I recently have woken up to that and believe me dude. What a relief! yet, it's hard to understand and act, while still being somehow connected and merged into that family dynamic. The play goes on there. My mom being the deceptive, controllin manipulative narcissist she is, my father playing it cool while he's actually out of emotional contact with himself. I've been in shit like that since birth, and believe me, bullying, having problems catching up to peers, relationships with emotionally unstable, crazy woman... all came along with that starting set. As I am writing this I am coming to a conclusion, that it really seems like a miracle to be alive. And music. Man. Music.
I remember just hiding away, in my room and composing. All the time. I was making songs, tunes, writing lyrics. Obsessed about it. This has been a part of my life since I was 16. And I never left my guitar or bass, or recently my poetry ever since. I did have a short break - didnt go on too well for me.
There's something about all the damaged souls out there that is so beautiful. As you say - no point in fighting, cause it doesn't go anywhere. At first - its a weakness. But when you start healing yourself, realise all that. God, what a blessing that is. That humbleness. That open, beautiful heart that sees the light in everyone. And that realisation that actually - no matter what anyone has done - you can always just walk away and turn all the struggle in so beautiful things. It always amazes me, how people that went through the hardest are actually the strongest and wise out there. Not in an egoic sense - no. This is a deep, heartfelt wisdom. I and I, rastafari! ;)
Since I found out what dynamics I lived in everything started to change... many obstacles on this path. Mystical experiences too. It's amazing, under what kind of veil you can live for ages. Music kept me up through out the whole time. I wouldn't have been here if not for that. That kept me connected. Believing in myself and others. Help regulate my emotions. Man, what a magical thing!
No longer in touch with people I used to live with. Just kindly, quietely understanding the amount of suffering they are in and the fact that I cannot help anyhow, as the thing is as deep as it is. Had to leave people behind, cause they wouldn't like to do anything about the situation they are in. Couldn't realise. Maybe they weren't so lucky to find out, that they actually can go out of this. I don't know, just feel deeply sorry about my parents, my family, yet cannot go back there as it is pure hell and a net of lies and manipulation.
Today I got help of my friends, music to make, stories to tell and a deep conviction, that life is something that is purposeful, beautiful and full of love... only takes one to believe it and live it!
Thank you for your story. I feel really sorry for you. What you went through sounds horrible as hell. Yet, you wouldn't be here now. As I am having a darker moment, relapses happen :) and I couldn't connect to you otherwise. Your work, your playing (your feeling is best ever dude - love your playing), your videos. All of this contributes. Helps. And I pay respect to that. Just bought a peavey pa 200 due to the beauty of your playing ;). Thank you, for being there dude. Made my evening. Much love and gratitude. Hi5 for being a real warrior of god's, life's, whatever one calls it, love. Bless ya!
Huge respect for doing this video. Glad i found your channel, you inspire me.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Dave Simpson! 😎I commend you, sir! 🙌✌️❤️. You are an awesome human being, and I can relate. I'm 63 yrs old and lived with those crazy feelings. I am now learning guitar, although it's slow going, it takes me to another place where I can forget about everything. Thank you for being you, my friend 🧡.
Brian Hoffmaster, from Pennsylvania. ✌️❤️
I'm working on Peter Greens Owell now. Thank you ,I'm getting close to having the first part down.😎👍
I have AD/HD and playing guitar is one of the only things I can dedicate all of my focus to without my meds. Love the vids and thanks for the inspiration
Thank you very much indeed and thank for sharing. :)
I have gone through the same thing, I dropped out at grade 11, I turned bodybuilder and was left alone, but it followed me through by whole work career, I just quit my last job because of harassment, bullying from fellow worker in there 50,s and 60,s
Soon after I quit I had open heart surgery
I am now 58 years old and my Stratocaster gets me through every day.
great video, top bloke.
Thank you very much indeed. : )
I understand. I'm sorry you went through that. Your the best guitar player Dave, man. Thank you for sharing. I am so happy you shared this and I hope that everyday is a great one.
relate to this a lot, music is my escape from everything. good on you dude
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I'm so glad you're still here, Dave. Absolutely love your videos, they inspire me so much as a guitar player. And now I also have a great deal of respect and appreciation for your candour about your struggle with depression and anxiety since I've also battled the Black Dog from a very young age. Huge fan over here, all the way in South Africa.
so ballsy Dave... thank you!
Thank you. : )
Love you man you've taught me so much with the guitar so grateful you're here!!!!
very brave of you to tell this story dave, even though i dont know you personally, you are one of the greatest and nicest people i have ever met (well not met but u get what i mean haha) i really find you and your story very inspiring, and just remember that if u hadn't gone through this all, you probably wouldnt have been the guitar god u are at this moment haha:)) thank u so much for being so open about everything
Thank you very much indeed. :)
I feel you so much man. I experienced a little bit of bullying at school but most of my bullying was from my mum and family. Emotional and psychological. Man I was one scared kid. I too have been been to the pits of hell, damn right man. It's massive. My best friend commited suicide a few years ago at 18, his story is very much like yours. I was lucky-in high school I found Metallica and led Zeppelin etc etc and I used to spend all my money buying 2nd hand CDs from cashies. That was my escape. I'd always have trouble meeting people, I would change primary schools every 6 months or so, so I was always by myself. Then 2nd year high school I met some friends, one of introduced me to the guitar. I loved it so much. Somehow I got one but because at home was a very strange and scary place to be I was always too scared to practice because I knew my mother would be listening...but I managed to learn quite a few Metallica and Slayer intros and some bits and pieces but never managed to progress any further really, because even today at 32 I'm still so paranoid about people listening to me play or practice it just kinda freaks me out. I've had a bunch of great guitars over the years but only practice them without an amp. I'm not complaining at all it's just a thing. Though I think about guitars all the time. What really helped me in the end to escape from my world of hell after a bunch of psychologists one of them recommend meditation. That really forced me to face things head on and look it in the face. And it taught me how to acknowledge and just observe what I'm feeling rather than go into panic mode. Very very hard to begin with. I reached a point a couple years ago when it was certain death. Then I gave it one more shot and decided to go on a pilgrimage somewhat, I spent 9 months alone traveling Australia on my motorcycle. That really helped. I've learnt so bloody much about myself and about the world. Found Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Though haven't trained for nearly a year... Anyway meditation and learning about my issues and my mother's issues...I'm a new person. I no longer eat meat or drink cows milk - doing that is serious bad karma. Anyway so glad I found you channel man just recently, you've inspired me to get a guitar again, and today I'm getting one!!!! Thanks man.
:)
Dave, you're a legend. Muchos respect for you. I'd be honoured to bring my recording rig over to yours and capture your untitleds.
Thank you very much indeed. :)
Bullying is a terrible start to life - I suffered it as well. Every day, relentless bullying by the school hard-nuts. I was a nervous wreck. I actually met one of my bully's a few years ago, and I had grown a lot bigger and stronger than him. He just ignored me! They are just cowards really, they just pick on the weakest kids. I wish I knew then, what I know now.