These are the stories I love hearing from Tim! He’s an amazing storyteller!🙏🏻 This is the history of how the music industry and how it worked. Love this!
Haha! That's the pot calling the kettle black, Rick. Both Tim and you are wonderful resources for me, and it's amazing to me that you both are people I rely on. Music is so important in building community, and helping make the human connections so vital for peace in our troubled world. Rock, jazz, metal, classical, country on, dudes!
Tim I was a guitar player in a band called Jace, it was jace smith from the Risk Springfield gang, we were doing demos with a producer named Drick Nakamoto. They did the demos without me behind my back and they had you play guitar, I was hurt and pissed until I heard what you played it was amazing. I realized I needed to get better so I practiced like crazy and become a much better player. Only bummer was I had to play your parts live, I pulled off the best I could. You are one the greats. Thanks for making me a better player.
There's a time in life to chase your dreams and generate as much income as you can. But, for me, that time also taught me that money isn't everything and you can't get time back. Retired now, I have realized, if you are frugal and smart with your money, you'll be just fine. I have great joy in spending time with my wife, being on my own schedule - I can stay up as late as I want and get up whenever I want. Eating better, taking better care of myself - just having time to think. And, of course, it's not all about ME! Tim, I know you must treasure where you are now. And you've got your toys of creativity and love of music and guitar. Finding peace and satisfaction with simple things is a wonderful place to be!
@tonychavez1733 Yes sir! A few guitars and some gear is not that expensive as long as you don't need to try every new music gadget that comes out; keeping in mind that most of the new gadgets are just new versions of the old gadgets...makes it easier to save $$$ !!!
@@dbob3405 , I did the same thing about two years ago - and for 25 years we've been in the country on five acres - and surrounded by many more. We just came up on 35 years together - doesn't seem possible. Helps that we each have a study on opposite sides of the house - as we both need our space, LOL. Love the peace and quiet, no more rat-race commuting, or dealing with idiot corporate types (I still occasionally have bad dreams about).
Non just a world class guitar players' player and an incredibly smart and humble gentleman, Tim's also a master story teller, I could listen to him telling sessions' stories all day! Thanks for posting!
So true. And as a huge fan of his guitar work for the artists I enjoy, I'm also thankful for the volume of his output. You can never have too much great guitar!
With respect, I don’t think Tim is being a good role model here. There are times when pushing through can be a good thing, but trying to push through true burnout leads to chronic illness and mental health problems. Hustle culture is great for short term gains, but it’s an indicator of an unhealthy society that so many people feel they need to sacrifice their health for success.
@@vincedegennaro3534It's not bragging either. Many of us like to hear these stories, some of us seem to have a low esteem which makes it harder to accept that some are more successful than others.
@@vincedegennaro3534 I am pretty sure he was very humble at sessions. When a musician with a gig thinks he is the artist, he quickly becomes a musician without a gig.
Holy cow I had no idea just how prolific a session player you are, what a career! I LOVE when people like you sit down and reflect on all of your experiences, so cool.
Before I found Tim’s channel I had no idea how many of my favorite, melodic parts were him all these years. It all made sense because his playing - no matter how different the artist he played for - always grabbed me and stuck in my head. Runaway, iris, change… all very different songs for very different artists. So many great parts.
The truth from someone who lived it, about what it really takes to succeed in the music business, and why so many crash and burn from the pressure. Love your music, and constant smile when you are playing, it shows that you truly were /are the man for the job. Thanks for sharing and just keep doing what you do, we all appreciate you🎸🎸
Great video! I have a mobile welding business where I show up and repair tractors, dozers, farm equipment etc. I get burnt out sometimes, but I get burned daily. 😂
I used to work 3 jobs (that were not playing guitar) and still lived in my parents’ basement because I couldn’t afford rent. One time I got into my car and couldn’t remember how to start it because I was so tired. Making a living and being around amazing people doing amazing things helps keep you going, believe me.
I suppose there was a bit of fear, too, with working all the time. If you didn't take the gig, then the next guy will, and that may mean the 'next guy' gets the next gigs, too.
It's why, in sports broadcasting, we were forced to organize and unionize. Employers, seeing we were freelancers, and competing for work, knew they could risk our safety, pay us less, ask us to carpool to remote gigs, ask us to share hotel rooms after 12 hour days, and, when we dared to speak up, accuse us of being "Mafia", and robbing them of their precious profits. Unions are not perfect, but, man, it beats the alternative.
I can kinda relate Tim. I work in creative as an animator, and did about 10 years straight with no vacations. What I found is that even if I do take a vacation the work doesn't just go away to another person, I have to do when I get back to my studio, which ends up making for 16 hour days to catch up. Causes burn-out really badly. I've started taking time away though as I get older. I don't want to die at my desk. LOL
I worked as an engineer in Nashville in the '80's. The one thing you learn when working in the 10-2-6 paradigm is that you get sounds quickly. That served me well over the years and leaves many in dismay that I don't spend hours eq'ing toms, etc...
There's a good Gadd story when he got flown over to the UK do a 10cc record. After about 10m he went into the control room to see why they were taking so long to get drum sounds - this was when taking a week wasn't unheard of...
I love when you talk about your discography, because as someone who doesn't know about it, it's fun to hear that you played on so many songs and albums that I liked.
Tim, you’re such an amazing player and a real human being for sharing your experiences with such candor. You’ve risen to the top because of your skills and your character.
The best thing about your videos, to me at least, is the pure joy playing guitar still brings you. Makes me smile just as big as you are when I watch! 🤘😁
Love the channel, Tim, and the positivity is infectious, even with more serious topics. Although I work in finance, rather than the arts (although I’m open if anyone has a need for a middle-aged, mediocre weekend guitar player), I can confirm that “succeeding” in a career means trading 40 hour weeks for 80 hour weeks. It means seeing your kids less than you’d hoped, taking calls at all times of the night/vacations. It means staying stone sober while your friends are having a good time, because you might get called into a high-stakes meeting any minute. Looking forward to joining you in the post-burnout phase of life, whenever that time may be
You're amazing and inspirational. You've chosen the side of no matter how talented you are because you're one of the best, you'll work as hard as you have to. It's just amazing and you really set an example for all musicians out there. Thank you!
Great stories Tim, sure looks like you've "paid your dues" and am now able to control your work (rather than the other way around). Keep up the inspiration for us mid-60's followers!
This is why I wouldn't do that. I admire people who dedicate themselves to a career, but I realize, that I am not one of them. It takes that dedication to be great. Tim is great.
100 hour weeks. Did that for a decade with helicopters. Rescue. Your adrenaline is shot -and you have to go do it again, and again in often dangerous situations. You’re not in the air all that time (FAA rules) but you are always with the helicopter. Really developed a good work ethic now that I have my own company. We’re always booked out but I don’t like working more than 6 days a week as I’ve been at it 4 decades. Love your channel Tim !
what an amazing life/career you have had im jelaous, i know there have been bad times, hard work, late nights, missed family times as well but beats working on an oil rig
I am in awe of talented lead guitarists ... I play rhythm behind my singing ...just a weekend warrior ...like millions of others...Always love these stories ;;;so TYVM !!
Great stories. As a Marine Trumpet player, I had the same situation where the styles of music would change gig to gig, and many times a single gig would require everything from Classical to Bebop and everything in between. I loved every minute of it. Being able to switch styles at the drop of a hat is a fantastic skill.
Hi Tim, The stories, your life as a session player, those cut short vacations and here you are still going strong! Hard to wrap my head around certain days where you were in constant motion going from gig to gig! The Nashville session block time slots certainly saved many careers. You need your rest to perform your best. Your work ethic was insane!!!! As you put it, living on the edge of burnout at times. Motivation by other artists keeps you out of the burnout zone.
Great stories Tim I never realized what kind of sacrifices studio musicians have to make especially when it comes to family. You have plenty of great memories and experiences in the people you got to work with. The list of people you have worked with is amazing. Thank you.
Tim, this video comes at a moment where I am experiencing burnout in a job that is "supposedly" the apex of my industry and career. Thank you for sharing this story...it's easy to talk about powering through but another thing to do it. You got me through today...and learning guitar gets me through every day. Peace, brother....freelance is eat what you kill; saying "no" equals not getting paid and the fear of the work drying up...a true "snake eats its tail" scenario. Illuminating video for anyone who's lived it...great choice.
Great stories about how hard you have to work to be in top of your game, but also inspiring as you have played on so many records! The “Runaway” solo video was also amazing! I had no idea you played that solo, and it is one of my all time favorite solos, and of course I tried to learn it as a kid and stole all the cool things from it that I could :)
Still, I had no idea you played on Ignition-John Waite. Love that lp, still because of you, and maybe Neil, little bit. Thank you for your overboard service to the music we love, man. Still discovering more. Love you, man.
Paul Leim lived up the street from me in a small East Texas town. I remember the band director would let him play amazing drum solos at pep rallies. He has always been an impressive drummer.
My brother was a tech for Lukather and Landau in the 80s and 90 s and has many pucker stories where it's just boom boom boom moving 24/7....Much respect for your body of work.
As a professional musician, I agree 100% with everything Tim said. In hindsight, there are many times where we play in a "league above" ours, but probably only one-offs. Kind of like Tim's 80's career. Then suddenly, after grinding for many years in that situation, when you're faced with the same challange of a higher league, you're more likely to stay there, luck and human connection permits, because you were actually nursing that higher level through so many years of practicing and over-achieving in the "lower leagues", so you already fit right in. You never know what comes next, so always give your best and keep learning, and use all the mishaps to avoid them in the future. Believe me, they will happen again and you can be prepared. Usually when that happens, it's a permanent upgrade. Godbless.
A few months ago i heard the song underneath your clothes for the first time in years and i realized how good the guitar parts are in that song. Of course its you who plays on that!
I can't say enough about your tone. It's one of the most pleasant sounds in the universe. It really draws you in to the music. I know there's a lot that goes into your tone from your right hand technique to the way you fret the instrument and your choice of melody and the meticulous approach to the gear that you play through. You exist in that beautiful spot just at the point of breakup where the subtlety of your playing shines so much. The fact that you run through all of that gear and still manage to sound transparent is mind boggling.
Such great stories. What you drove yourself to do during those years is likely what has built yourself into the person/musician/husband/father that you are today. I think it's important that everyone decides upfront what they are willing and capable of doing and sacrificing before they are asked to do it. Because if you're just trying to figure it out on the run, especially as a couple or family, it can lead to major issues down the road. And let's not forget how important the wives/partners are in this context. Big shout out to all the "better halves" out there that are dealing with the fallout of those long hours in order to build a stable and comfortable future for the family. It takes, as it is written, "... a village."
Great video Tim, very heartfelt, honest and faithful to your art ... you seem more relaxed these days...very nice to see you in the zone on this one...
Tim personifies getting after it which is how you become successful and well off financially. If you want a secure 9-5 with regular vacations then go work at the DMV. Also, wonderful playing. Tim is soooo good.
So inspiring and enlightening Tim. One of the best vids I've seen of yours yet! As Rick said, you are such a great story teller and so articulate too. Thanks for doing what you do Tim! Ps, great tone and playing on this Tim!!
Tim - there are a lot of amazing guitar players, but only amazing people get the studio gigs. And only the best of the best can make a career out of it. It's refreshing to see your humility and appreciation for where you are and have been.
Great that you're sharing this! It just doesn't make any sense to give your life to someone else. You need to live your own life if you want to be happy. It's not really complicated, it's simple.
Tim, I'm not a guitar player, but I love the music you've been involved with. You're an inspiration and a blue print for how to do it right. Not without costs. Your wife must be amazing. Kudos to you, sir.
Very cool stories Tim. I'm always impressed with your seemingly even keel personality. I got to meet you once back when Sweetwater still did Gear Fest. You are a true talent and I appreciate your candor and humility.
Thanks for these insights into your life, Tim. I can sort of relate. My life in Information Technology software implementation was much like what you describe. I was on-call 24x7 and vacations were frowned upon. The most encouraging word I got from my boss was, "I am afraid I am going to come here one day and find you dead at your key board." In parallel to what you said, I quit that gig and joined a team of inspired, creative people who worked the long hours in the middle of the night but gave me the energy to persevere and enjoy what I was doing. So, to those who are living miserable lives working long hours to no clear purpose, find a new gig with inspired and creative people, if at all possible. It took me nine months to find the right team, but I had saved up for such an event and found an inspiring book, What Color is Your Parachute? which helped me immensely.
As I have told so many others, there is no substitute for experience,. none,.. YOU ARE ON THE TOP , YOU HAVE EARNED IT,. THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT VIDEOS,. TIM...
I've had the pleasure & privilege of meeting with you on a few occasion. I always loved hearing your experiences from over the years while we've chatted. Thanks for sharing.
So sorry to say this but I didn´t know you before this video... but WOOOOOWWWWW what a career sir. Following your channel and your work from today on. Greetings from Mexico City.
Tim, great video. Very informative. The world of session work is fascinating to me, and this really shines a light on the amount of hard work that is involved.
Hi Tim. I always love your content and enjoy every moment. I have just signed up to the 30 free videos, and must say, even that i have been playing guitar for almost 50 Years, i found some great licks in your free content. Thanks mate. Keep up the great work. Br. Michael.
Every time I watch Tim play, his relaxed, fluid technique reminds me to stop over-playing my guitars, and let them sing out like they're created to do. Not every song needs a Pete Townshend windmill. Thanks Tim.
You have such an endless amount of talent! Even old half ass musicians like myself know how hard it is to create across different genres!!!! This was an AMAZING video! Thank you Tim!
These are the stories I love hearing from Tim! He’s an amazing storyteller!🙏🏻 This is the history of how the music industry and how it worked. Love this!
Thanks for introducing him to us Rick!
Haha! That's the pot calling the kettle black, Rick.
Both Tim and you are wonderful resources for me, and it's amazing to me that you both are people I rely on. Music is so important in building community, and helping make the human connections so vital for peace in our troubled world.
Rock, jazz, metal, classical, country on, dudes!
@@SteveHamiltonMusic No shit, right?
He's a fantastic source of positive energy. I owe you for bringing him to my attention, along with many other towering figures from behind the scenes.
This is also the history of anyone building a reputation in nearly industry! I’m in dental and I can totally relate! Great video🙌🏼
Tim I was a guitar player in a band called Jace, it was jace smith from the Risk Springfield gang, we were doing demos with a producer named Drick Nakamoto. They did the demos without me behind my back and they had you play guitar, I was hurt and pissed until I heard what you played it was amazing. I realized I needed to get better so I practiced like crazy and become a much better player. Only bummer was I had to play your parts live, I pulled off the best I could. You are one the greats. Thanks for making me a better player.
There's a time in life to chase your dreams and generate as much income as you can. But, for me, that time also taught me that money isn't everything and you can't get time back. Retired now, I have realized, if you are frugal and smart with your money, you'll be just fine. I have great joy in spending time with my wife, being on my own schedule - I can stay up as late as I want and get up whenever I want. Eating better, taking better care of myself - just having time to think. And, of course, it's not all about ME! Tim, I know you must treasure where you are now. And you've got your toys of creativity and love of music and guitar. Finding peace and satisfaction with simple things is a wonderful place to be!
The cheaper your pleasures the richer you are
@tonychavez1733
Yes sir!
A few guitars and some gear is not that expensive as long as you don't need to try every new music gadget that comes out; keeping in mind that most of the new gadgets are just new versions of the old gadgets...makes it easier to save $$$ !!!
Time is our most precious resource…
Time spent with family is time well spent
God Bless
Chasing money has never worked well for me. But I always want to make enough never to have roommates who do drugs and steal my things.
@@dbob3405 , I did the same thing about two years ago - and for 25 years we've been in the country on five acres - and surrounded by many more. We just came up on 35 years together - doesn't seem possible. Helps that we each have a study on opposite sides of the house - as we both need our space, LOL. Love the peace and quiet, no more rat-race commuting, or dealing with idiot corporate types (I still occasionally have bad dreams about).
Non just a world class guitar players' player and an incredibly smart and humble gentleman, Tim's also a master story teller, I could listen to him telling sessions' stories all day! Thanks for posting!
Tim is a role model for hard work, modesty, and deserved success. Really respect him for his impressive work ethic. Great video!
So true. And as a huge fan of his guitar work for the artists I enjoy, I'm also thankful for the volume of his output. You can never have too much great guitar!
With respect, I don’t think Tim is being a good role model here. There are times when pushing through can be a good thing, but trying to push through true burnout leads to chronic illness and mental health problems. Hustle culture is great for short term gains, but it’s an indicator of an unhealthy society that so many people feel they need to sacrifice their health for success.
modesty? he doesn't shut up about all the famous people he met
@@vincedegennaro3534It's not bragging either. Many of us like to hear these stories, some of us seem to have a low esteem which makes it harder to accept that some are more successful than others.
@@vincedegennaro3534 I am pretty sure he was very humble at sessions. When a musician with a gig thinks he is the artist, he quickly becomes a musician without a gig.
Tim is my kind of storyteller. Clear, concise, and engaging to listen to.
Agree 100%. He’s a great guy. Really genuine.
Holy cow I had no idea just how prolific a session player you are, what a career! I LOVE when people like you sit down and reflect on all of your experiences, so cool.
Before I found Tim’s channel I had no idea how many of my favorite, melodic parts were him all these years. It all made sense because his playing - no matter how different the artist he played for - always grabbed me and stuck in my head. Runaway, iris, change… all very different songs for very different artists. So many great parts.
The truth from someone who lived it, about what it really takes to succeed in the music business, and why so many crash and burn from the pressure. Love your music, and constant smile when you are playing, it shows that you truly were /are the man for the job. Thanks for sharing and just keep doing what you do, we all appreciate you🎸🎸
Tim, that strat is absolutely beautiful...as is your playing 😊
70th anniversary ultra Strat . 👍
Around the 9mins mark there's a thanks for it..
Great video! I have a mobile welding business where I show up and repair tractors, dozers, farm equipment etc. I get burnt out sometimes, but I get burned daily. 😂
This has quickly become one of my favorite music channels. You and Mr Beato rule. Thank you sir.
Shakira is the second prettiest thing in the video. That Strat is BEAUTIFUL.
@FredCarpenter-pb6bd The ultra has noiseless pickups
The New 70th Anniversary Amethyst HSS Ultra!! On back order for months for us mere mortals!!! ;-) I have one on order!!! Love the stories!!
@@telecaster643 Congrats! Hope you love it!
Your solos are always so good, so album worthy, it blows my mind someone is so consistently good.
I used to work 3 jobs (that were not playing guitar) and still lived in my parents’ basement because I couldn’t afford rent. One time I got into my car and couldn’t remember how to start it because I was so tired.
Making a living and being around amazing people doing amazing things helps keep you going, believe me.
I suppose there was a bit of fear, too, with working all the time. If you didn't take the gig, then the next guy will, and that may mean the 'next guy' gets the next gigs, too.
Absolutely yes… That is the main driver behind taking absolutely every job and every session, thanks for the comment :-)
It's why, in sports broadcasting, we were forced to organize and unionize. Employers, seeing we were freelancers, and competing for work, knew they could risk our safety, pay us less, ask us to carpool to remote gigs, ask us to share hotel rooms after 12 hour days, and, when we dared to speak up, accuse us of being "Mafia", and robbing them of their precious profits.
Unions are not perfect, but, man, it beats the alternative.
@@timpierceguitar Hi Tim, I am curious, you have said you're not a top sight-reader, so that skill was not necessary most of the time? Thanks.
I feel this and did this in Vegas until I did in fact burn out.. back now, though!
@@NickBurbeyGuitar Glad you're back at it! 👍🏻
Beautiful tone and playing Tim!
Hey, thanks so much I appreciate it
Timmons is a Texas Treasure
An understanding wife is probably the most important part to being successful musician
A successful anything I think…. Lawyer, banker, doctor, whatever.
It helps that she was the bass player before we married
Yep.
aka many ex wives
It’s a huge part of
The older I get, the more I learn that my favorite guitar parts were played by either you or Luke…
I can kinda relate Tim. I work in creative as an animator, and did about 10 years straight with no vacations. What I found is that even if I do take a vacation the work doesn't just go away to another person, I have to do when I get back to my studio, which ends up making for 16 hour days to catch up. Causes burn-out really badly. I've started taking time away though as I get older. I don't want to die at my desk. LOL
So true Tim you’re such a down to earth soul and I appreciate very much
So true Tim you’re such a down to earth soul and I appreciate very much
I fully relate.I am the only one capable of certain jobs, which means work piles up when I'm not there.
@FredCarpenter-pb6bdAren’t you supposed to be in bed when you go for an ambien?
With all respect 🙏, you spent a lifetime dying at your desk.
I worked as an engineer in Nashville in the '80's. The one thing you learn when working in the 10-2-6 paradigm is that you get sounds quickly. That served me well over the years and leaves many in dismay that I don't spend hours eq'ing toms, etc...
There's a good Gadd story when he got flown over to the UK do a 10cc record. After about 10m he went into the control room to see why they were taking so long to get drum sounds - this was when taking a week wasn't unheard of...
@@poorlybuffalo555That slapdash approach is no good in the U.K. we prefer to get it right.
@@claymor8241 pros should know how to get it right quickly and not wank the day away making micro tweaks.
Thanks again for all of the contributions you've given us. We've enjoyed them and always will.
I love when you talk about your discography, because as someone who doesn't know about it, it's fun to hear that you played on so many songs and albums that I liked.
History! I love history. It's just what it is. Nothing else like it. Thank you
You were always such a pleasure to work with in the 80s/90s while I was at Goodnight L.A. Keith loved you and was always amazed by your talent.
Hey, thanks very much. I really do miss Keith...
Tim, you’re such an amazing player and a real human being for sharing your experiences with such candor. You’ve risen to the top because of your skills and your character.
The best thing about your videos, to me at least, is the pure joy playing guitar still brings you. Makes me smile just as big as you are when I watch! 🤘😁
Love the channel, Tim, and the positivity is infectious, even with more serious topics. Although I work in finance, rather than the arts (although I’m open if anyone has a need for a middle-aged, mediocre weekend guitar player), I can confirm that “succeeding” in a career means trading 40 hour weeks for 80 hour weeks. It means seeing your kids less than you’d hoped, taking calls at all times of the night/vacations. It means staying stone sober while your friends are having a good time, because you might get called into a high-stakes meeting any minute. Looking forward to joining you in the post-burnout phase of life, whenever that time may be
Toy Matinee was your finest effort. Really love that album from start to finish.
You're amazing and inspirational. You've chosen the side of no matter how talented you are because you're one of the best, you'll work as hard as you have to. It's just amazing and you really set an example for all musicians out there. Thank you!
Great stories Tim, sure looks like you've "paid your dues" and am now able to control your work (rather than the other way around). Keep up the inspiration for us mid-60's followers!
This is why I wouldn't do that. I admire people who dedicate themselves to a career, but I realize, that I am not one of them. It takes that dedication to be great. Tim is great.
Tim. thank you for sharing this incredible personal story. No words, what an insane amount of work!
100 hour weeks. Did that for a decade with helicopters. Rescue. Your adrenaline is shot -and you have to go do it again, and again in often dangerous situations. You’re not in the air all that time (FAA rules) but you are always with the helicopter. Really developed a good work ethic now that I have my own company. We’re always booked out but I don’t like working more than 6 days a week as I’ve been at it 4 decades. Love your channel Tim !
I love that you play in between the stories -- I like a musical interlude between stories. Really ties it together.
Love this kind of content, Tim! You have so many great stories!
Great stories Tim! Thanks for sharing them with us!
Such a wonderful and truly enlightening video Tim, amazing... thank you, Pete
Love these session stories!
The Shakira story! Thanks for this Tim. I’ll add this link in our talk video.
Thanks Keith, I really enjoyed our video...
what an amazing life/career you have had im jelaous, i know there have been bad times, hard work, late nights, missed family times as well but beats working on an oil rig
Much respect @TimPierce I’m very thankful to be apart of your masterclass…really enjoying it!!
I am in awe of talented lead guitarists ... I play rhythm behind my singing ...just a weekend warrior ...like millions of others...Always love these stories ;;;so TYVM !!
Tim, now you're just showing off.
Really though, lots of dedication, hard work and your music is everywhere. Fulfilling life.
Loved that Crowded House record Tim !
You are just SO awesome and So pleasant. Of the millions on UA-cam, I am so grateful I stumbled upon your channel. You're a good human. Thank you.
Great stories. As a Marine Trumpet player, I had the same situation where the styles of music would change gig to gig, and many times a single gig would require everything from Classical to Bebop and everything in between. I loved every minute of it. Being able to switch styles at the drop of a hat is a fantastic skill.
Hi Tim, The stories, your life as a session player, those cut short vacations and here you are still going strong! Hard to wrap my head around certain days where you were in constant motion going from gig to gig! The Nashville session block time slots certainly saved many careers. You need your rest to perform your best. Your work ethic was insane!!!! As you put it, living on the edge of burnout at times. Motivation by other artists keeps you out of the burnout zone.
Very interesting Tim. Thank you for all the stories.😊
Glad you enjoyed it
Great stories Tim I never realized what kind of sacrifices studio musicians have to make especially when it comes to family. You have plenty of great memories and experiences in the people you got to work with. The list of people you have worked with is amazing. Thank you.
You're a legend, Tim.
Tim, this video comes at a moment where I am experiencing burnout in a job that is "supposedly" the apex of my industry and career. Thank you for sharing this story...it's easy to talk about powering through but another thing to do it. You got me through today...and learning guitar gets me through every day. Peace, brother....freelance is eat what you kill; saying "no" equals not getting paid and the fear of the work drying up...a true "snake eats its tail" scenario. Illuminating video for anyone who's lived it...great choice.
Great stories about how hard you have to work to be in top of your game, but also inspiring as you have played on so many records! The “Runaway” solo video was also amazing! I had no idea you played that solo, and it is one of my all time favorite solos, and of course I tried to learn it as a kid and stole all the cool things from it that I could :)
Still, I had no idea you played on Ignition-John Waite. Love that lp, still because of you, and maybe Neil, little bit. Thank you for your overboard service to the music we love, man. Still discovering more. Love you, man.
Paul Leim lived up the street from me in a small East Texas town. I remember the band director would let him play amazing drum solos at pep rallies. He has always been an impressive drummer.
My brother was a tech for Lukather and Landau in the 80s and 90 s and has many pucker stories where it's just boom boom boom moving 24/7....Much respect for your body of work.
12.24..the mentality behind the energy that made his career possible..what an amazing person, not just an amazing guitarist..
Rest and recuperation is the answer. Getting chillout n downtime. What I've always called "work/reward"
As a professional musician, I agree 100% with everything Tim said.
In hindsight, there are many times where we play in a "league above" ours, but probably only one-offs.
Kind of like Tim's 80's career.
Then suddenly, after grinding for many years in that situation, when you're faced with the same challange of a higher league, you're more likely to stay there, luck and human connection permits, because you were actually nursing that higher level through so many years of practicing and over-achieving in the "lower leagues", so you already fit right in.
You never know what comes next, so always give your best and keep learning, and use all the mishaps to avoid them in the future.
Believe me, they will happen again and you can be prepared. Usually when that happens, it's a permanent upgrade.
Godbless.
The first sentence of the video - talking about burnout - is some real wisdom. Thanks Tim!
A few months ago i heard the song underneath your clothes for the first time in years and i realized how good the guitar parts are in that song. Of course its you who plays on that!
I can't say enough about your tone. It's one of the most pleasant sounds in the universe. It really draws you in to the music.
I know there's a lot that goes into your tone from your right hand technique to the way you fret the instrument and your choice of melody and the meticulous approach to the gear that you play through.
You exist in that beautiful spot just at the point of breakup where the subtlety of your playing shines so much.
The fact that you run through all of that gear and still manage to sound transparent is mind boggling.
I love this stories, it's hard to imagine a music industry that was so vibrant and productive as this was at the time. Absolute legends!
more than anything Tim is a true professional through and through
Such great stories. What you drove yourself to do during those years is likely what has built yourself into the person/musician/husband/father that you are today. I think it's important that everyone decides upfront what they are willing and capable of doing and sacrificing before they are asked to do it. Because if you're just trying to figure it out on the run, especially as a couple or family, it can lead to major issues down the road. And let's not forget how important the wives/partners are in this context. Big shout out to all the "better halves" out there that are dealing with the fallout of those long hours in order to build a stable and comfortable future for the family. It takes, as it is written, "... a village."
Great video Tim, very heartfelt, honest and faithful to your art ... you seem more relaxed these days...very nice to see you in the zone on this one...
What a blessed life Tim! Plenty of challenges..but the MUSIC❤
Tim personifies getting after it which is how you become successful and well off financially. If you want a secure 9-5 with regular vacations then go work at the DMV.
Also, wonderful playing. Tim is soooo good.
Love the stories Tim thanks. There is a big difference between quality of life and standard of living and it is a tough balance sometimes.
So inspiring and enlightening Tim. One of the best vids I've seen of yours yet! As Rick said, you are such a great story teller and so articulate too. Thanks for doing what you do Tim! Ps, great tone and playing on this Tim!!
Tim - there are a lot of amazing guitar players, but only amazing people get the studio gigs. And only the best of the best can make a career out of it. It's refreshing to see your humility and appreciation for where you are and have been.
Great that you're sharing this! It just doesn't make any sense to give your life to someone else. You need to live your own life if you want to be happy. It's not really complicated, it's simple.
Tim, I'm not a guitar player, but I love the music you've been involved with. You're an inspiration and a blue print for how to do it right. Not without costs. Your wife must be amazing. Kudos to you, sir.
Thanks for sharing, it's always interesting to hear the back stories! The hard work is what makes anything worth anything.
Very cool stories Tim. I'm always impressed with your seemingly even keel personality. I got to meet you once back when Sweetwater still did Gear Fest. You are a true talent and I appreciate your candor and humility.
Thanks for these insights into your life, Tim. I can sort of relate. My life in Information Technology software implementation was much like what you describe. I was on-call 24x7 and vacations were frowned upon. The most encouraging word I got from my boss was, "I am afraid I am going to come here one day and find you dead at your key board." In parallel to what you said, I quit that gig and joined a team of inspired, creative people who worked the long hours in the middle of the night but gave me the energy to persevere and enjoy what I was doing. So, to those who are living miserable lives working long hours to no clear purpose, find a new gig with inspired and creative people, if at all possible. It took me nine months to find the right team, but I had saved up for such an event and found an inspiring book, What Color is Your Parachute? which helped me immensely.
Thanks for the tip on the Alanis Morrissette cover!
Great Content Tim! 😎
As I have told so many others, there is no substitute for experience,. none,.. YOU ARE ON THE TOP , YOU HAVE EARNED IT,. THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT VIDEOS,. TIM...
I’m glad you could sustain a career in session work.
I couldn’t take the life
I still play music but the business was not for me.
Great stories.
I've had the pleasure & privilege of meeting with you on a few occasion. I always loved hearing your experiences from over the years while we've chatted. Thanks for sharing.
So sorry to say this but I didn´t know you before this video... but WOOOOOWWWWW what a career sir. Following your channel and your work from today on. Greetings from Mexico City.
Tim, you are truly incredible. Thanks for all the music and sharing with us.
YOUR STORIES ARE THE VERY BEST ENTERTAINMENT TIM, THANK YOU.
Your Channel is really complete and feeding me good, and man this guitar touch you have, your licks are awesome. Thanks Tim!
This is wonderful👏🏻 Sometimes in life, it’s not what you know, but who you rub shoulders with.
🎼🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Your stories are always interesting. You have a very soothing voice. Perfect for audio books.
Tim, great video. Very informative. The world of session work is fascinating to me, and this really shines a light on the amount of hard work that is involved.
Total respect Mr. Pierce on so many levels! I love your stories and your playing is legendary!
What an amazing story....
What an amazing life experience! Thanks for sharing Tim!
I love musician stories…Spinal Tap wasn’t just manufactured….it was related !! Keep ‘em coming, Tim !!
Hi Tim. I always love your content and enjoy every moment. I have just signed up to the 30 free videos, and must say, even that i have been playing guitar for almost 50 Years, i found some great licks in your free content. Thanks mate. Keep up the great work. Br. Michael.
Every time I watch Tim play, his relaxed, fluid technique reminds me to stop over-playing my guitars, and let them sing out like they're created to do. Not every song needs a Pete Townshend windmill.
Thanks Tim.
I remember some of those long days at Rob's! I would love to read your memoir if you ever publish one.
Great video Tim! Great content that flows. Interesting stories related to the topic. Amazing lore. Definitely getting better at making vids!
Thanks for sharing. Your stories are awesome. I wish you had videos of that old stuff to share as well.
You have such an endless amount of talent!
Even old half ass musicians like myself know how hard it is to create across different genres!!!!
This was an AMAZING video! Thank you Tim!
Amazing stories Tim... thank you for sharing... and thanks for the free lessons too!!
Tim,
Really enjoyed the format of this video. Great storytelling interspersed between short clips of playing! ❤
Amazing musician and wonderful storyteller. Tim is a legend.
Thanks for this. I have experienced severe burnout some years ago. It's really bad. Love your very tasteful playing.