You're too kind, thank you! A few ups and downs for sure. Some really juicy stuff that I had to leave out for personal reasons. It'll be in the book, lol.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitarMuch like yourself i wanted to be a drummer but after hearing my dad tell my mother , in between laughing , "did you hear that honey ? He wants drums . . . . in the house ! ! " Which means it never happened ! Lol ! I didn't start playing guitar till i was 21 , better late than never. Now at 59 i play guitar , bass , hand percussion and some keyboard. Mostly get together with friends for loose jams & couldn't be happier. No pressure , no hauling gear in the house at 3am. Just good times & good music with good friends and shouldn't that be whats its all about in the first place ? Cheers !
Kelly, wonderful story...I to quit guitar for 25 years. With my wife's diagnosis of cancer in 2011, she said I should start playing...She is cancer free now for 13 years and I am still rockin my 62 Strat copy..
PS... I saw the Beatles and Stones on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964 and got a guitar shortly after. I was poor and couldn't afford lessons. If UA-cam was around then...Maybe 🤔...I would have been on The Ed Sullivan Show! 😅😂...Just Kidding! Das 😎 all! 👍 Thank you for what you do!
Awesome.... It's amazing how music can heal a person. My oldest son was a truly gifted musician. If it had strings, he could play it, and play it well. He was something to see.. Well I lost him a few years back, and it bout killed me. At 56 years old i decided to pick up the guitar as a way to stay connected to him... Well it worked. I'm 60 now, and I know I'll never really be any kind of a guitar player, but it really keeps me connected to my boy.... Music heals wounded souls. Your channel has helped me along the way.
I loved watching this video on your guitar journey. I started learning to play guitar and bass in the 80s..EVH, Cliff Burton, Rush and R.E.M., Prince were my heroes (still are); finished college, got a job, and got married--forgot all about my rock dreams..until my ex wife suggested I help my 9 yr old daughter with her poetry by helping her to learn to play guitar. So I bought a guitar, found UA-cam and have fallen back in love with the guitar and all the bands I grew up listening to..
You started out by calling it the story of how you didn't make it. Maybe you didn't become a rock god, but in my book you still made it. You have raised a great kid, and you seem to have a great attitude about life, two great achievements. I appreciate you putting yourself out there. I've learned a lot from your channel, and it inspired me to start practicing again. Also, I'd love to know more about the physics thing. I know that that isn't the point of this channel, but as someone who left behind the dream of being a professional composer to become a software developer, it's interesting.
Exact same thing happened to me. Started in 77 at 18. Cranked it for awhile in college, laid off for decades then my daughter got me back playing again because she wanted to play and now I’ve figured all the things out that I didn’t back when I plateaued. Now I’m playing in blues jam and ensembles in NYC. Having an absolute blast. Still playing the ‘77 strat I bought back then. It’s a beast and sounds tremendous. It wasn’t as easy as it is now to figure stuff out.
Kelly, what a journey. I too wanted to be a rocker in the 80’s singing, but finding the right people was always difficult. Either drugs or ego’s got in the way. You are in no way a failure, look at the joy you bring to others at being able to teach and bring music into so many others life. That my friend is success! I’ve got so many talented friends like yourself that have up along the way and a few that are still sticking it out. I’ll never forget when my band teacher told me , “ you don’t want to be on the road. Your band is like family but after about 6 months your all enemies, learn to write songs and sell them and paid off royalties. Wish I wouldve followed his advice. As for now I’m living in the Philippines banging away at getting better on the guitar and singing again. Your videos help me so much and I greatly appreciate all your effort you put into them. As for your daughter, I’m sure she can jam lots of different songs with ya. Thank for everything that you have given us all Kelly, the love of music✌️
I'm not even a father yet but watching your daughter playing Little Wing brought me to tears imagining an unborn child of mine doing the same thing. That must be very, very cool, to say the least. And that's what playing guitar MUST be all about: the playing. If you get anything out of it beyond pure joy and satisfaction, congrats. But playing an instrument is a means to its own end, imho. Thanks for sharing your story, my man! It's as inspiring as they come.
Wow! I wish I had your drive! I grew up in a terrible environment that effected by commitment to...🤔 life...and guitar. So congratulations for gaining as much ground as you did! 👍❤️😎🎸
The relatable aspect of your story rings true with tens of thousands of us guitarists just like me. We all have our own rendition of this backstory. Some broader some narrower. Point is we feel you deep in our souls. It’s like the saying about acting; for every light on broadway there are a thousand broken hearts. Peace brother. Thanks for this vid.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. I was a drummer for 35 years, played in many blues & rock bands at the amateur level. Just 3 years ago I took up guitar at the age of 55 and put away my drums. It's UA-camrs like you that have inspired me and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming one day an accomplished player, good enough to play live gigs. I am not there yet, but remained highly motivated to get there - Thank you again. Btw because of your content I can now play the rhythm and solo parts of song 'Alone' by Heart.
Hey Jay! Thanks for that, it's much appreciated. Have to say that it's awfully nice, to not only be playing again, but to be helping and inspiring others. A real highlight of having this channel.
Awesome! I want to learn "These Dreams" by Heart. KDA has so many songs to choose from! I'm still waiting and hoping he teaches, "I'd Love To Change The World" by Ten Years After (solo)... one of these days.
Just maybe Kelly, if you would have stayed with that band a habit may have found you that you might not have come back from. Having a family is where life has meaning. I've been an intermediate guitarist most my life. In my late teens/early twenties I found myself well, being a popular little fella with the ladies. My tall football playing friends looked up to me (all 5'5" of me). I was a power lineman, unattached and took a job traveling the country, Germany and many islands of the Caribbean. Meanwhile my pals back home being Philadelphia were getting married and starting families. When I'd stop home, they'd pull me away and ask for some stories. I felt pretty cool. Now that I'm approaching the age of senior discounts that hedonistic lifestyle is gone. My pals have growing families and I have a shrinking tool. What took me my life to realize non of that meaningless evening's mean a Damn thing. Nothing. I wish I wasn't so full of myself and thought no woman really deserves me longer than a weekend and married and had a family. What once meant almost everything to me means nothing. I wasted my life Kelly. You ( besides mastering the guitar) more importantly have a daughter who will love you forever and you her I'm sure. The worm has turned. I am alone and jealous of my buddies who did the right thing. Married great women and have great kids. Just wanted to share that.
What a great story! Life has its way of throwing curve balls when you least expect it. It's how you respond that builds the character and sends unexpected blessings too. I said this on another video, but, I really mean it - You were born with a natural gift for teaching guitar. Yes, you put in the work to get good enough to play circles around people & teach, but it's your presentation that puts it over! BTW, I'm an Ontario dude but my dad's from Little Bras d'Or. East Coast people are the best type of people.
The famous verse - and song - "It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n roll" ... thanks for sharing this. You're the real deal; a rockin' rolla
Wow. Just watched. Sounds like youve had a bit of a rough road. Seems like its all right now (in fact its a gas). You got a lovely daughter and a smile on your face. Keep rollin down the road my man. And thanks for the videos!!!
Many thanks to your daughter. We would otherwise not have seen your appreciated videos. Would have liked to see some pictures of you from the 80ies. Greetings from Germany.
Wowwwwww!!!!! What a story......so real, so exciting. Rocking out on stage every night, now that's what I call living the dream! No need for regrets... you've got memories no one else could imagine. I know.....I was there too! Loved every minute, until the end, and I think about those good times every day!
Great recap and story Kelley. I’ve learned and lot of guitar from you this past year. Our stories are very similar. Age 52 now, began playing bass at age 11, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I wanted to be the best rock bass player in the city. My practice schedule was 7pm to 4am almost daily. I became that bass player, Racer X, Billy Sheehan fast. One of the early bands coined me as Johnny X, my first major metal band was Autumn Lord, recordings by Canadian Producer Eric Grief. Many disappoints and bands… all were incredible experiences and tons of fun. Metal died, the 90s came, moved to Portland, OR. I quit playing for about 6 years, then made a whole other run at it at age 31 in this new city. Corporate job, family and still playing bass locally. Learning guitar well is my new passion and your channel has inspired me. Thank you! I wish we could jam together with a killer drummer.
Greetings from Gloucester, England. What an amazing and interesting story, I too started in the eighties but in my mid twenties. Never got very far and lost interest, until 6-7 years ago when I bought my brother’s Ibanez guitar from him, it started me wanting to play again but alas I was diagnosed with cancer last year and I have struggled to want to play again. I found your channel and you have reignited my desire to play again, your videos are brilliant and my kind of music (I’m an old rocker now at 66) keep up the great work Kelly, you are an inspiration.
Beautiful. Years back during difficulty a friend stuck a guitar in my hand & said that’ll help you manage. I raised the 3 kids alone. He was right but I was never any good…. Until… I found your channel 15 years later. Suddenly I’m playing D Gilmour half decent & loving it. You’re one of the best tutors on here.
I'm a little late in watching this one obviously but wanted to thank you anyway for sharing your story. It's a great one! I'd say you accomplished far more than most musically and,man, you're a bad azz guitar player! I'd love to have your skills but you are really helping me get better at age 57 so...thank you!!
Great story. I had detected the accent in one of your other videos and you confirmed your Nova Scotian roots in this video. That explains your affable personality, and is probably one of the reasons you went from 8k subscribers to well over your stated goal of 10k - 65.4k as of the date I found this video on October 26, 2024. To paraphrase John Lennon, life is what happens while we're busy making other plans. We never know what the bigger picture is, and maybe everything you went through was to get to this point of having a successful UA-cam channel that impacts the lives of others. Keep it going!
What an incredible life story and journey you shared with us Kelly so for that thank you. I had the pleasure of watching your playing progress during the early years as you practiced in your Van Halen wall covered room. To this very day I have the dismembered remains of the Circus Magazines you cut up to decorate your room and I was the owner of that black Sears Les Paul copy for a number of years. I think I bought it from you for $15 or $20 bucks and that included the small crack in the neck..!!.lol. You inspired me and made me want to play guitar back then but on a different level.I was and still am very happy to play as a hobby in the confines of my basement until I'm told to turn it down so for that inspiration I thank you again. During those early years you opened my ears up to some amazing music,I can remember leaving your place with a stack of vinyl under my arm of bands I never heard of such as Alice Cooper,Supertramp,Judas Priest and so on. Once again I thank you for the education in classic rock you gave me. I was recently looking for a tutorial for Stranglehold when I found you on here,you filled in a lot of the blanks with this video because I wasn't sure whatever became of my friend Kelly. In my opinion you have definetly "made it" because you continue to inspire people,me included. I look forward to catching up with all these videos you have posted and learning a thing or 2 along the way. Cheers Kelly
Thank you so much for doing these solos, the lessons, the recording discussions, the life story...it's all really interesting, it helps me to feel like I know you a little bit, and I'm really glad I stumbled upon your journey...it's been fascinating.
I love watching you as much for your ability to communicate as your excellent guitar abilities. Your intelligence and ability to keep it down to earth makes you a must watch!
Thanks cliff! Was rough at first but I'm getting better I think. Have heard my whole life how I have a voice for radio but never really gave it a shot. This is a good avenue to work on that, get comfortable speaking in front of a mic and camera.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar "Voice for radio ..." NO HE DIDN'T !?!?! Face for radio more like ... pfffffffffffffffffffffffffff ... "Must not "bomb" my boys channel .." "Must not "bomb" my boys channel .." "Must not "bomb" my boys channel .."
Great story. Lot of us getting back to guitar after 30 intervening years of school, work, wives, kids, and now, if we're lucky, time to get back to what we love in a serious way, not a hobby way. Thx.
I just listened to your story. Thank you for the back story. Although your journey took you a different way, I am happy that your path crossed mine. You are teaching another older guy songs I thought I would never be able to attempt. Thank you for sharing your musical talent, you are truly a musician! Also thank you for allowing us to get to know a little more about our UA-cam friend!
I can relate to your story, I have a story too, as I was close to getting a couple record deals in the 90s. I only got a couple chances and it never came around again
So happy I found your channel👍 Your story explains why I was immediately pulled into your videos 😎 Humble, down to earth, great guy and a huge inspiration to so many musicians. I tip my hat to you Sir ad Thank You! 🙏
Great story and video. Thanks for sharing. I also quit for about 30 years…house fire destroyed my gear and I didn’t have the heart or the money to start again till about 5 years ago. Love the tutorials.
Life is a pretty weird journey sometimes... maybe it didn't work out the way you thought it would when you were a kid, but you're making a positive impact on a lot of lives. Keep up the good works and the positive attitude, the world needs more people like you.
Thanks for sharing your story. You definitely gave it good shot. I've read many other stories of big name guitarists who holed up for a couple of years to really hone their craft. When people see famous guitarists they kind of say well it was always going to be him. Not so. You have to be at the right place at the right time and everything has to line up. Many times it could of been you or anyone else.
Hey Kelly, Such an interesting and well told life story. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been so impressed with how damn good and effortless your playing appears. Now, we better understand why. Far from effortless, you’ve put in the work and it shows. We’re all glad you’re playing once again and now sharing your talent online. Your playing is very inspiring and your tutorials breakdown leads like no other. Thank you and keep the content coming! Mike
Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺 You are a good story teller Kelly. I liked the part about your daughter/father relationship. I have an excellent relationship too with my adult daughter which I really value. YT listeners will be pleased that you have discovered that solace will not be found at the bottom of a bottle. You seem to be in a good space now. Please keep sharing your excellent skills. Your solo analysis of Neil Young songs are sublime. Thanks mate. I have been playing guitar continuously for over 50 years, in a handful of bands and acoustic duos, but get continued pleasure despite being no better than a upper intermediate player. “Pitch low and you will succeed” is my motto. 😂😂
What a great story! Thanks for sharing. Love watching your videos. I learn more from your videos that inspire my own guitar playing than watching any of the other "guitar instructor" videos here on UA-cam.
Sounds like our stories are EXTREMELY similar! Haha! We started guitar around the same time and also nearly 'made it'. The thing that destroyed my one chance of getting signed was the bass player of my band having his head filled with nonsense from his girlfriend and one of his close friends. He formed another band and our band fell apart - even though we had steady gigs lined up. They destroyed the band because the bass player's friend wanted to be the front-man and I was. So, he broke up the band. 2 years later, 2 record companies came looking for us. Such is life.
Lots of similiar stories out there. If we made it big, our stories would interest thousands. We don't, our stories interest nobody. I've got my small soapbox here so I thought I'd put mine down.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar Well, look at it this way: our stories interest EACH OTHER! And sometimes, that's a heck of a lot more valuable from a personal standpoint. I had the popularity, played to tens of thousands (at least) in total over the 30+ years I was doing it. But, I always liked the inner workings of it all. The road stories interest me. The crazy things that happened around bands. That was always cool because it was comforting. What was happening around us wasn't unique or out of the ordinary in the music world!
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar I have to say, I was extremely pleased to you post this. Truly. Love the channel and you did a very good job explaining. I walked around nervous. Hahahaha
Music is for the soul from the soul,,, where it takes you is is by luck and chance. You are a rock star in my book and I have learned so much from you. Thank You!!
Beautiful, man! So glad you rediscovered your true love. My life has been pretty much the opposite - I didn't.play guitar until my wife bought me a Guild dreadnaught for my 55th birthday. I'm so happy to play songs I've loved since I was a kid. And thanks to you I'm gonna learn a lot more! Starting with your amazing Cortez the Killer. Thank you so much!
Awesome man, good luck with Cortez. Never too late to start something and become passionate about it. Dreams of Fame and fortune unfortunately were my driving influence as a kid. Now it's just passion, what it should be.
Thank you for sharing your story . I have dabbled with guitar since I was 13 . I am now almost 69 ( next month ). I started out with aspirations of making it big . I had no support and no funds to get the proper equipment until my career as an auto tech making money at home helped . I purchased a 86 Charvel which I believe was either a model 2 or 3 that was slightly modded. I also purchased a Fender CBS 75 and a Boss BEM 5. Started getting good and went through a divorce that put my playing aside for 10 yrs. Now as an "old" man with arthritis in my hands from my career I have the time to play but lack in speed to play some of my favorite metal songs. I now have 6 guitars and have 3 different tunings that I use and your lessons are the best and give me hope ! Thanks for all you do and your daughter will never forget what she learned through you. God Bless and Rock on !!
Dude what a story! We have a lot in common as I put it down for thirty years and picked it back up when I retired at the young age of 55. Built a business and had a fantastic career to help the eight, yes eight kids I raised get off to adult life pursuing their dreams. All the while enjoyed listening to music and would catch myself playing air guitar with my left hand anytime I listened to music, picturing an imaginary fretboard and guessing where it was being played! Fast forward I am 61 years old and I have a home studio, nice guitar 'n' gear collection. play drums jamming with an old bandmate from the 70's who's almost 70 himself now every couple weeks and have been writing my own stuff for the past three years. It is a hobby for me though I missed it all the while but never felt bitter about it ... just had to look at any one of my six daughters and knew it was the right path that served others in a way that couldn't be equalled by any young mans dreams of being a professional musician. Great story you shared and endured ... I for one think that you sent yourself down the right path. You play wonderfully and look like you're enjoying yourself, and who the hell would have thought you could make some extra cash sitting at home in front of a camera playing or talking guitar back in the 70's and 80's?!! Have fun and embrace the short time we have left with those you love, doing the things you love ... that's all that matters! Big plus here is now we get to teach our grandkids how papa can still rip rock n roll riffs like no tomorrow and pass it on!! Cheers and be well KDA!
Great story Kelly, I remember the scene in Toronto in the early to mid eighties as bass player. The Gasworks was an awesome club - but had a very small stage. Interesting that a woman took you away from your quest and your daughter brought you back - interesting how the universe works. On the other hand you could have made it and everything that came along with that and today find yourself like many who did broke and living day to day. Now you have your own audience who want to learn from you, If your have monetized your channel, as your subs grow you will one day make some serious money teaching others how to play and learn their favourite songs. One thing I would like to know is what gear you are using on each of the songs including effects? Something that I have yet to see with other teachers on UA-cam. I'm highly confident that would help your followers with getting the sound you are with the effects you are using. Really enjoy your work and look forward to being a subscriber. Blackstar 40w with the two eights is a great little amp for any guitar player - my how technology has evolved. Not much need for an Ampeg SVT 300 with an eight ten cab that weighed more than a fridge or a Hiwatt or Marshall 100 watt with a four twelve cab. Note: Bach's big break came when he was the singer in a band that happened to be playing at a wedding that Jon Bon Jovi's parents were at. He talk to him and introduced him to snake and the rest is history as we know it.
Your daughter plays awesome! That's so cool! Man, I wish one of my kids was a musician! Well, there's always my grandkids! I have 2 - so, there's 2 chances! Congrats on your sobriety!!
Thanks man! Yeah she's an awesome kid and I love her dearly. Wish she hasn't lost the drive she once had for the guitar. Hopefully she picks it back up.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar - You never know. I took up guitar out of misery, loneliness, and wanting to show people I was more than the chubby kid/teen they saw. As she progresses through life, she might take it back up. But, for me, and probably a lot of other players, the guitar became a companion and a lifelong friend. If the guitar becomes that to her, then she'll be back at it!
Wow Kelly. My music story is remarkably similar to yours. Had serious chops in the 70's and 80's. Was in a pretty good original band in the early 80s. The singer and bassist of my band were cherry picked by another local outfit that looked to have the potential to "make it" when I was 21. I fell into building another band. This original music band was opening for the "ZRock" radio bands coming through town...reasonable level of success and potential I thought. But my band had a revolving door with bassists, that and other "issues". The cherry picking band eventually took this singer too. I finally quit the music scene to study mechanical engineering full-time at the age of 27. I'd play only once a week, self practice, for the next nine years. Couldn't play more often because whenever I'd touch the guitar two, three or four hours would dissolve and I didn't have time for that. A friend from the 80s scene finally lured me back into a performing lineup, nine years later, after I had an engineering career under way. That band lasted about three years. Coincidentally named "Alter Ego", much like "Walter Ego"lol! I took a couple more years long breaks from performing, in between them got into a couple other bands along the way. 16 years ago I also started posting videos on youtube of my playing, just to direct folks to that wanted to hear me play...old friends mostly. Now looking back at age 60, I've had a good life, didn't achieve all that I desired in every space, but certainly achieved a lot and had many great experiences. I still play guitar every day, and still have people asking me to jump into bands, one of which was a Sabbath/Ozzy tribute, which I had to turn down. That offer made me feel very, very happy with what I've achieved.
My man, i started playing guitar 2 years ago at age 19, im at the point where bottles are more interesting to me and i havent achieved 5% of your guitar prowess. You have an interesting life story, no matter how sad and unlucky in terms of chances, at least take soalce in that. I hope you will get at least some interest now from the UA-cam communiy because you deserve it, you are an interesting, sympathetic person that can explain whats necessarry for success or not because you have lived that live. There arent a lot of people that can give their own experiences which is an aweome attribute! Your tutorials helped me to learn a lot of new stuff, so i hope you will keep at it, and there is no reason to compare yourself to the guys "who made it". You are an awesome player/teacher in your own right. Take proud in that!
Well I'm 17 and just started under an year ago, so I hope I can learn enough to start a career of sorts. I'm playing riffs and licks here and there but it's hard starting at this age(even though I'm not really old), compared to starting at something like 12-14. I'm entirely self tought, never played any other instruments and never been to musical school. But I think I got the hang of it.
Wat a tale to tell you could right a song about it please keep playing loved your Cortez am practicing that now and my favourite as I am a huge fan of the late great Frank Zappa is watermelon in Easter hay Greetings fae Scotland
Kelly, Thank you for telling your story! Very inspiring! In reality, you are still living your dream! You play guitar! I really appreciate your tutorials! I started learning 18 months ago at near age 60! It has been a dream of mine to play since about 1983. Please keep sharing your skills with us that want to play because we LOVE ROCK! It’s been my “drug of choice” since age 10! Thank you!!
Kelly - thanks for sharing your really engaging, blunt and heartfelt journey. I think your story is more typical of the journeys all of us who aspired to "music industry stardom" experience.The ones who achieve that are probably 1% (if that many) of those who do try. I had a somewhat similar experience with my band (The Maroons) in NYC in the late 1970's-early 1980's. It took me a long time to not see it (not getting a record deal, etc.) as anything but a failure. In your case - just seeing what you and your daughter have shared, and how SHE inspired YOU, tells me you are a resounding success. And you are an awesome guitar player and have GREAT taste! The way I look at it (I'll be 70 in October), If we had gotten a deal and gone on tour for years, I'd be even DEAFER than I am now! So that's a plus! But again, this is a great video, such a human story, very riveting, and so touching - you are awesome! And look - you've got 60K subscribers! Bravo to you!
Hi Kelly! Hope you and family are well! Your tutorial on Machine Gun popped up so I thought I’d take a look. I was impressed with the tones you were getting but not so much on part two. Your life was very interesting! I think you made a mistake by locking yourself up for three years to learn how to be a much better guitarist. However, I think that kind of dedication is good for any human being and especially for studying at college. I’m about twenty years older than you, divorced and have four grown up kids and grandkids and three great grandkids. I was in Vietnam a long time ago. I left Vietnam and got discharged in 1970. It was at the very end when I got interested in Hendrix. During my time in the army, Motown was a huge influence. I had heard of Hendrix while still in the army in the late 60s. Red House was a huge influence from his greatest hits 8 track cassette. The tone from that song destroyed everything else that I liked. When I got home, my next youngest brother introduced me to the Band of Gypsies album. Again, I was blown away. The other songs were and are excellent. When I was about 13-14 my parents got me Stella acoustic from Sears. I could only play it with open tuning and bar chords. I never learned anything about music until after I got married and started going to church. I joined the choir and even started playing instruments. At first s C harmonica. Then, I got a real Fender strat that looked like hell. The ball was gone on the headstock and someone had taken out the tremolo bridge and put in a tunematic style but it played nice and sounded great! But I was mostly playing barre chords and still didn’t know anything until I took lessons for a while in the 80s. Along the way I got interested in piano and organ like the B3 with Leslie at church. Flutes became a nice side interest as well. Tambourines and bongos are included. Singing using harmony is a huge interest. But whether it’s harmonica, flutes keyboards or guitar, tone is extremely important to me. I really think you made the right choice by helping your daughter learn how to play. I hope you weren’t too tough on her. I see that you’re at about 23000 subscribers! Congratulations!! By the way, I’ve never been interested in metal or shredding. Really turns me off. I’ve gotta hear something melodic. I’ve got to hear a solid rhythm and beat. I have found that James Brown’s Funky Good time has a lot in common with Hendrix’s Rainy Day, Dream away in terms of the rhythm. Machine Gun only uses one chord. No one, four and five chords in that song! I don’t really care for the words but he makes them fit. I think a lot of players use science to figure out how to play a song. I don’t think Hendrix did that. I think most of his songs were dark. I think Clapton was really beginning to think he was God until Hendrix showed up. I think the entertainment industry sucks really bad. Sorry to bother you!
Beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing so honestly. I'm so glad you are so much successful. Your passion paid off. Actually, I think it was a good luck or blessing that you did not continue with the band in Toronto. Sometimes life is harsh but at the end the harshness turns to a positive direction.
I am glad to have found this video. Kelly is lucky to have stepped away from the rock guitar-playing music scene. The performing and recording business was brutal, and full of significant obstacles, even for someone as talented as he was, and still is. For most bands, any gross profits were ultimately divided among the band members and possibly a manager or agent. That alone almost guarantees poverty wages for them all. But there are other equally significant factors. The music industry heavily rewards the composer. So if a band member is not an official writer of music or lyrics, and most band members are not, any potential long term income declines rapidly. The industry also rewards singers, even bad ones. Any band member who is not a featured singer, and is not a composer, will ultimately earn less. Now, on to the "recording contract". The downfall of almost everyone. The recording label, and associated businesses, were rewarded far more reliably than the band members. Everything is "after expenses". And there were a lot of expenses. Not to mention the outright fraudulent listing of recording industry people as co-songwriters, and other practices. Was live performing better? Getting paid by the owner of a bar or club was never guaranteed. There were plenty of excuses, such as "I have to wait until the accountant does the receipts" or "Attendance was much less than we expected". Chuck Berry was well-known for never going on-stage until he had been paid first. There was a good reason for that. And notice that Chuck never had any "band members". He hired them only when he need them. The music business has changed significantly since Napster. There are new ways that non-musicians make money off the efforts of musicians. Kelly is very fortunate to have gotten away from the business.
Awesome story! Thank you for sharing it! I started playing a few months ago. i am 25 years old. I know i will probably never play in a band. But i love every minute of playing. This is such a great instrument! for me it is a journey to see how good i can become :)
Your big 4 influences are spot on identical to mine. I picked up guitar at 10 because of EVH, then became obsessed with Randy. Rush took over when I was about 14, and since about 16 or 17 Iron Maiden has been my favorite. It’s been long enough now and I have enough band shirts to say Iron Maiden is my all time favorite lol. Not to mention my Adrian Smith signature Jackson
Man, that is a story of hope, dreams, tradgety & then full circle! So glad for you finding your luv for guitar again! I know your story hits home with Alotta people, including myself. I’ve had my foot in the proverbial “door”, two times, just to have it shot down by some unforeseen tradgety! My story is much like yours, only I feel like I can’t stop trying; because now, after all these years it’s the Only thing I know how to do! Too late to go back to school, or become a plumber, etc. It’s pretty scary because my drummer/best friend died & I can’t find anybody that comes close to being able to play like he could! But thank you for your great story, I know I’m not the only guitarist who has felt the way I do at this moment! Play on Kelly, you help alotta people, probly more than you know! Peace!
Hell of a story man. Thanks for sharing. Its amazing to me to hear true stories of folks the same age as me and their journey. I play guitar as a hobby "LMFAO !". Been playing for many many year's off and on. But that's another story. Love your channel. Take care and God bless !
I went to high school with Kelly, played with him in "Sly Foxx" for a while ... for reasons beyond my understanding, we don't really keep in touch ... if there's some issue, I'd like to explain or at least have a convo. about it but o.k... I kinda teared up watching his daughter playing and it's just great to see him happy and into the guitar again ... I also, am inspired by music again, not so much with the drums at present but with playing guitar and singing ... I think it's about connecting with that beauty ..? I've heard it said that music is divine ... nothing in my life has been as inspiring or moving ... not a bad place to be back to? Also the part about being "sober for 4 years" was maybe JUST what I needed to hear. Thanks for posting this bud. You know I luv ya.
I'm really bad at keeping in touch with people. I've got a few social anxiety issues that I've dealt with most of my life, so maybe that's the root of it.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar That's my boy. Good buddy, sorry if I came off like a bit of a "He - B*tch ..." like I said, just miss all you guys ... time for me to add some scintillating content to this Ytube channel I reckon ...
Awesome story and I’m a big fan of your work… I went through roughly almost the same situation as you did. And I still play just to keep learning. Thanks for sharing your story and work.
what a great life story, kelly. i knew a number of kids who chased music dreams and ultimately quit that pursuit in their late 20s like you did. the only one i knew who really made it was steve morse who always practiced like a maniac like you did and was of genius level intelligence. you're obviously pretty smart yourself if physics is another of your passions. i think you're successful at life and you're a damn good guitar player as well. i believe i would have chosen my wife over the band like you did, even if it seemed at the time that you were watching your dream float away. and... great that you bonded with your daughter, taught her how to play guitar (quite well, i might add) and that she sparked your interest into making a guitar comeback.
Hey Kelly, my story is the same as yours... but different. Im 67 years old, and when i was a kid, all i wanted was to be a rock n roll star. Every Christmas and birthday I would ask for a guitar or drums, but my parents didnt like hippies or the music they represented, so i got into guitar at about age 22. I took some lessons along the way, but missed out on the big picture. I played rhythm, and learned a lot of songs, but never did anything with it. 30 years ago i moved to where I now live. The guitar shop owner where I lived had moved, and a brand new guitar I'd bought was way out of intonation. I didn't know how to fix it... so I sold it CHEAP! When I came here, I didn't pick up a guitar for over 10 years, then I found out he'd opened a shop here. Meanwhile, I bought an ipod, and downloaded 4,000+ songs. Everytime I heard a song I liked, I wanted to learn it! YOU ARE THE BEST ONLINE TEACHER, BAR NONE, and there are many good ones! I will never put my guitars down again! I regret stopping when I did!!! Thanks, Rock On🤘
Hey man, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. Absolutely love that I've re-discovered the guitar after all these years. Totally addicted these days and playing the best guitar of my life at 59 yrs old.
Kelly , I was "just" made aware of your You tube Channel , last night by one of my Best Buddies Chris Chisholm . I told him how much a lot of us guys from South Bar enjoyed watching you play at the Various Clubs around Sydney in the Early 80's . This Video was so real .....I mean....." Right from the Heart" . Your personal story was told to me by Chris ( at least parts of it ) which brought me to this Video to see for myself . So interesting to hear you mention some of the Old Guard of Guitar Players from that era in Sydney . I am so glad that you returned to what you love to do . When you said you turned to Study Physics that surprised me , my memory is not the best since I just turned 60 lol but weren't you pretty good on the Blades as a Youngster too ? Anyway , I see lots of Video's on there that I will be checking out and as an Old Rush Guy from way back , I think I will start with .....Working Man . Take Care ...........Brent .
Brent Duff! Hey man, really good to hear from you. Still remember you as being a massive Max Webster fan back in the day. Certainly hope you're well, and I appreciate the kind words.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar Seen Max Webster and Rush Double Bill at the Brand New C200 in Sydney in 1987 ........couldn't get enough of them back in the day ......Good Memory you have Kelly . Take Care and rest assured I Subscribed and I am gonna be checking out all your Videos .
Great story, man! I was amused to see that you learned Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love in the same position I did. Imagine my surprise years later when I found out it was playing in the open chord position. As guitarists, we often make things more complicated than they need to be. That said, I still kinda think it’s more fun to play it up the neck!
enjoyed your story, hate it when ‘ anyone’ feels like they failed, but now many many people are enjoying and learning from your talent, your daughter is my opinion has inherited your musical talent, anyway music is so much fun and having fun enjoying playing in my opinion is what it’s really about… jam on my fellow musicians… peace
I hear you say thanks to the viewers for keeping you going..... but thank you a lot for doing your lessons especially them with Pink Floyd/David Gilmour have helped me alot and really nice to see that you do different live versions too 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 👍💪👍💪👍
That's an incredibly well told story. I've seen movies that are far less compelling.
You're too kind, thank you! A few ups and downs for sure. Some really juicy stuff that I had to leave out for personal reasons. It'll be in the book, lol.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitarMuch like yourself i wanted to be a drummer but after hearing my dad tell my mother , in between laughing , "did you hear that honey ? He wants drums . . . . in the house ! ! " Which means it never happened ! Lol ! I didn't start playing guitar till i was 21 , better late than never. Now at 59 i play guitar , bass , hand percussion and some keyboard. Mostly get together with friends for loose jams & couldn't be happier. No pressure , no hauling gear in the house at 3am. Just good times & good music with good friends and shouldn't that be whats its all about in the first place ? Cheers !
@@rogerdaly6326 Yes sir. You got it perfectly. That's what it's all about. Enjoy!!
Women = Dream Killers! Beautiful ending with your Daughter bringing ya back. God Bless Brother
🤨Women = Dream Killers, Lmao too funny!😆😁
Im a simple bloke, i see kelly dean allen's life story pop up, i click
i must be a simple bloke
Kelly, wonderful story...I to quit guitar for 25 years. With my wife's diagnosis of cancer in 2011, she said I should start playing...She is cancer free now for 13 years and I am still rockin my 62 Strat copy..
Happy for you! This is what a win-win looks like - wishing continued good health and lots of guitar.
Music is indeed powerful ✊🏼
PS... I saw the Beatles and Stones on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964 and got a guitar shortly after. I was poor and couldn't afford lessons. If UA-cam was around then...Maybe 🤔...I would have been on The Ed Sullivan Show! 😅😂...Just Kidding! Das 😎 all! 👍
Thank you for what you do!
Awesome.... It's amazing how music can heal a person. My oldest son was a truly gifted musician. If it had strings, he could play it, and play it well. He was something to see.. Well I lost him a few years back, and it bout killed me. At 56 years old i decided to pick up the guitar as a way to stay connected to him... Well it worked. I'm 60 now, and I know I'll never really be any kind of a guitar player, but it really keeps me connected to my boy.... Music heals wounded souls. Your channel has helped me along the way.
I loved watching this video on your guitar journey. I started learning to play guitar and bass in the 80s..EVH, Cliff Burton, Rush and R.E.M., Prince were my heroes (still are); finished college, got a job, and got married--forgot all about my rock dreams..until my ex wife suggested I help my 9 yr old daughter with her poetry by helping her to learn to play guitar. So I bought a guitar, found UA-cam and have fallen back in love with the guitar and all the bands I grew up listening to..
You started out by calling it the story of how you didn't make it. Maybe you didn't become a rock god, but in my book you still made it. You have raised a great kid, and you seem to have a great attitude about life, two great achievements. I appreciate you putting yourself out there. I've learned a lot from your channel, and it inspired me to start practicing again.
Also, I'd love to know more about the physics thing. I know that that isn't the point of this channel, but as someone who left behind the dream of being a professional composer to become a software developer, it's interesting.
Exact same thing happened to me. Started in 77 at 18. Cranked it for awhile in college, laid off for decades then my daughter got me back playing again because she wanted to play and now I’ve figured all the things out that I didn’t back when I plateaued. Now I’m playing in blues jam and ensembles in NYC. Having an absolute blast. Still playing the ‘77 strat I bought back then. It’s a beast and sounds tremendous. It wasn’t as easy as it is now to figure stuff out.
Kelly, what a journey. I too wanted to be a rocker in the 80’s singing, but finding the right people was always difficult. Either drugs or ego’s got in the way. You are in no way a failure, look at the joy you bring to others at being able to teach and bring music into so many others life. That my friend is success! I’ve got so many talented friends like yourself that have up along the way and a few that are still sticking it out. I’ll never forget when my band teacher told me , “ you don’t want to be on the road. Your band is like family but after about 6 months your all enemies, learn to write songs and sell them and paid off royalties. Wish I wouldve followed his advice. As for now I’m living in the Philippines banging away at getting better on the guitar and singing again. Your videos help me so much and I greatly appreciate all your effort you put into them. As for your daughter, I’m sure she can jam lots of different songs with ya. Thank for everything that you have given us all Kelly, the love of music✌️
I'm not even a father yet but watching your daughter playing Little Wing brought me to tears imagining an unborn child of mine doing the same thing. That must be very, very cool, to say the least. And that's what playing guitar MUST be all about: the playing. If you get anything out of it beyond pure joy and satisfaction, congrats. But playing an instrument is a means to its own end, imho. Thanks for sharing your story, my man! It's as inspiring as they come.
Wow! I wish I had your drive! I grew up in a terrible environment that effected by commitment to...🤔 life...and guitar. So congratulations for gaining as much ground as you did!
👍❤️😎🎸
The relatable aspect of your story rings true with tens of thousands of us guitarists just like me. We all have our own rendition of this backstory. Some broader some narrower.
Point is we feel you deep in our souls.
It’s like the saying about acting; for every light on broadway there are a thousand broken hearts.
Peace brother. Thanks for this vid.
Incredible "like " account. My high school sweetheart said ' it's either your guitar or me"?
No regret.... still jamming 45 years later.
What a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing it. I was a drummer for 35 years, played in many blues & rock bands at the amateur level. Just 3 years ago I took up guitar at the age of 55 and put away my drums. It's UA-camrs like you that have inspired me and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming one day an accomplished player, good enough to play live gigs. I am not there yet, but remained highly motivated to get there - Thank you again. Btw because of your content I can now play the rhythm and solo parts of song 'Alone' by Heart.
Hey Jay! Thanks for that, it's much appreciated. Have to say that it's awfully nice, to not only be playing again, but to be helping and inspiring others. A real highlight of having this channel.
Awesome! I want to learn "These Dreams" by Heart. KDA has so many songs to choose from! I'm still waiting and hoping he teaches, "I'd Love To Change The World" by Ten Years After (solo)... one of these days.
Just maybe Kelly, if you would have stayed with that band a habit may have found you that you might not have come back from. Having a family is where life has meaning.
I've been an intermediate guitarist most my life. In my late teens/early twenties I found myself well, being a popular little fella with the ladies. My tall football playing friends looked up to me (all 5'5" of me). I was a power lineman, unattached and took a job traveling the country, Germany and many islands of the Caribbean. Meanwhile my pals back home being Philadelphia were getting married and starting families. When I'd stop home, they'd pull me away and ask for some stories. I felt pretty cool. Now that I'm approaching the age of senior discounts that hedonistic lifestyle is gone. My pals have growing families and I have a shrinking tool. What took me my life to realize non of that meaningless evening's mean a Damn thing. Nothing. I wish I wasn't so full of myself and thought no woman really deserves me longer than a weekend and married and had a family. What once meant almost everything to me means nothing. I wasted my life Kelly. You ( besides mastering the guitar) more importantly have a daughter who will love you forever and you her I'm sure. The worm has turned. I am alone and jealous of my buddies who did the right thing. Married great women and have great kids. Just wanted to share that.
Man what an awesome story. You're an inspiration, and certainly a rock star to me!
Oh stop! Haha. Thanks very much Mute!
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar No man, you are !!
You're the man. Well told. Special channel.
Thanks Thomas! Nice of you to say.
What a great story! Life has its way of throwing curve balls when you least expect it. It's how you respond that builds the character and sends unexpected blessings too. I said this on another video, but, I really mean it - You were born with a natural gift for teaching guitar. Yes, you put in the work to get good enough to play circles around people & teach, but it's your presentation that puts it over! BTW, I'm an Ontario dude but my dad's from Little Bras d'Or. East Coast people are the best type of people.
My dad's from there ... Point Auconi road ..? Lick A Chick beyatch ... who dis is? We have the same last name.
The famous verse - and song - "It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n roll" ... thanks for sharing this. You're the real deal; a rockin' rolla
Wow. Just watched. Sounds like youve had a bit of a rough road. Seems like its all right now (in fact its a gas). You got a lovely daughter and a smile on your face. Keep rollin down the road my man. And thanks for the videos!!!
Thanks for watching John. Appreciate the kind words.
Awesome story. You seem happy where you are now, and that's all that matters. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers Dave, and thanks for watching!
Many thanks to your daughter. We would otherwise not have seen your appreciated videos. Would have liked to see some pictures of you from the 80ies. Greetings from Germany.
Good God man. This makes me feel so much better. I am Not alone.
Haha, more of us than there are of them Robert. A hell of a lot more.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar so true brother.
As someone with a degree in educational research, I have to say your storytelling is fantastic.
Awesome story Kelly. I'm a fellow Caper who is trying to improve at guitar in my retirement. Content like yours is a great help. Thank you.
Wowwwwww!!!!! What a story......so real, so exciting. Rocking out on stage every night, now that's what I call living the dream! No need for regrets... you've got memories no one else could imagine. I know.....I was there too! Loved every minute, until the end, and I think about those good times every day!
Great recap and story Kelley. I’ve learned and lot of guitar from you this past year.
Our stories are very similar. Age 52 now, began playing bass at age 11, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I wanted to be the best rock bass player in the city. My practice schedule was 7pm to 4am almost daily. I became that bass player, Racer X, Billy Sheehan fast. One of the early bands coined me as Johnny X, my first major metal band was Autumn Lord, recordings by Canadian Producer Eric Grief. Many disappoints and bands… all were incredible experiences and tons of fun. Metal died, the 90s came, moved to Portland, OR. I quit playing for about 6 years, then made a whole other run at it at age 31 in this new city.
Corporate job, family and still playing bass locally.
Learning guitar well is my new passion and your channel has inspired me.
Thank you! I wish we could jam together with a killer drummer.
Great story bud !!
I've tinkered with guitar for 40 yrs
but never more than in the last 10yrs.
Main thing is to stay motivated and I haven't stopped!!
Greetings from Gloucester, England. What an amazing and interesting story, I too started in the eighties but in my mid twenties. Never got very far and lost interest, until 6-7 years ago when I bought my brother’s Ibanez guitar from him, it started me wanting to play again but alas I was diagnosed with cancer last year and I have struggled to want to play again. I found your channel and you have reignited my desire to play again, your videos are brilliant and my kind of music (I’m an old rocker now at 66) keep up the great work Kelly, you are an inspiration.
Beautiful. Years back during difficulty a friend stuck a guitar in my hand & said that’ll help you manage. I raised the 3 kids alone. He was right but I was never any good…. Until… I found your channel 15 years later. Suddenly I’m playing D Gilmour half decent & loving it. You’re one of the best tutors on here.
I'm a little late in watching this one obviously but wanted to thank you anyway for sharing your story. It's a great one! I'd say you accomplished far more than most musically and,man, you're a bad azz guitar player! I'd love to have your skills but you are really helping me get better at age 57 so...thank you!!
Great story. I had detected the accent in one of your other videos and you confirmed your Nova Scotian roots in this video. That explains your affable personality, and is probably one of the reasons you went from 8k subscribers to well over your stated goal of 10k - 65.4k as of the date I found this video on October 26, 2024. To paraphrase John Lennon, life is what happens while we're busy making other plans. We never know what the bigger picture is, and maybe everything you went through was to get to this point of having a successful UA-cam channel that impacts the lives of others. Keep it going!
What an incredible life story and journey you shared with us Kelly so for that thank you. I had the pleasure of watching your playing progress during the early years as you practiced in your Van Halen wall covered room. To this very day I have the dismembered remains of the Circus Magazines you cut up to decorate your room and I was the owner of that black Sears Les Paul copy for a number of years. I think I bought it from you for $15 or $20 bucks and that included the small crack in the neck..!!.lol.
You inspired me and made me want to play guitar back then but on a different level.I was and still am very happy to play as a hobby in the confines of my basement until I'm told to turn it down so for that inspiration I thank you again. During those early years you opened my ears up to some amazing music,I can remember leaving your place with a stack of vinyl under my arm of bands I never heard of such as Alice Cooper,Supertramp,Judas Priest and so on. Once again I thank you for the education in classic rock you gave me.
I was recently looking for a tutorial for Stranglehold when I found you on here,you filled in a lot of the blanks with this video because I wasn't sure whatever became of my friend Kelly. In my opinion you have definetly "made it" because you continue to inspire people,me included. I look forward to catching up with all these videos you have posted and learning a thing or 2 along the way. Cheers Kelly
Thank you so much for doing these solos, the lessons, the recording discussions, the life story...it's all really interesting, it helps me to feel like I know you a little bit, and I'm really glad I stumbled upon your journey...it's been fascinating.
I love watching you as much for your ability to communicate as your excellent guitar abilities. Your intelligence and ability to keep it down to earth makes you a must watch!
Thanks cliff! Was rough at first but I'm getting better I think. Have heard my whole life how I have a voice for radio but never really gave it a shot. This is a good avenue to work on that, get comfortable speaking in front of a mic and camera.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar you're a natural, enjoy it!
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar "Voice for radio ..." NO HE DIDN'T !?!?! Face for radio more like ... pfffffffffffffffffffffffffff ... "Must not "bomb" my boys channel .." "Must not "bomb" my boys channel .." "Must not "bomb" my boys channel .."
Great story. Lot of us getting back to guitar after 30 intervening years of school, work, wives, kids, and now, if we're lucky, time to get back to what we love in a serious way, not a hobby way. Thx.
Love this! And your channel. You are so kind to put this out here for us to consume.
I just listened to your story. Thank you for the back story. Although your journey took you a different way, I am happy that your path crossed mine. You are teaching another older guy songs I thought I would never be able to attempt. Thank you for sharing your musical talent, you are truly a musician! Also thank you for allowing us to get to know a little more about our UA-cam friend!
Cheers Scott, and thanks for the kind sentiment. Appreciate it very much.
Great story!
I remember Vantage! I remember my older friend Jimmy Mills(RIP) had “ The Vantage”….. it was a big deal to us at that time.
I can relate to your story, I have a story too, as I was close to getting a couple record deals in the 90s. I only got a couple chances and it never came around again
So happy I found your channel👍 Your story explains why I was immediately pulled into your videos 😎 Humble, down to earth, great guy and a huge inspiration to so many musicians. I tip my hat to you Sir ad Thank You! 🙏
Great story and video. Thanks for sharing. I also quit for about 30 years…house fire destroyed my gear and I didn’t have the heart or the money to start again till about 5 years ago. Love the tutorials.
Life is a pretty weird journey sometimes... maybe it didn't work out the way you thought it would when you were a kid, but you're making a positive impact on a lot of lives. Keep up the good works and the positive attitude, the world needs more people like you.
Thanks for sharing your story. You definitely gave it good shot. I've read many other stories of big name guitarists who holed up for a couple of years to really hone their craft.
When people see famous guitarists they kind of say well it was always going to be him. Not so. You have to be at the right place at the right time and everything has to line up. Many times it could of been you or anyone else.
I’m happy you took to playing guitar again. I thoroughly enjoy your teaching style and musical taste. Thank you
Great story and well told ! Love it. Life sure can throw some curves ! Thanks for sharing man. Really enjoyed it. You are one cool cat !!
Hey Kelly, Such an interesting and well told life story. Thank you for sharing. I’ve been so impressed with how damn good and effortless your playing appears. Now, we better understand why. Far from effortless, you’ve put in the work and it shows. We’re all glad you’re playing once again and now sharing your talent online. Your playing is very inspiring and your tutorials breakdown leads like no other. Thank you and keep the content coming! Mike
damn dude you got closer than most of us. glad you got back on it. your dedication to the list is super fucking inspiring.
Thanks Brandon! I'm loving this UA-cam business. Keeps me busy. Be kind of lost without it.
Great story! Things always work out for a reason. I put my guitar down for many years too. I enjoy playing again too! Thanks for sharing!
Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺 You are a good story teller Kelly. I liked the part about your daughter/father relationship. I have an excellent relationship too with my adult daughter which I really value. YT listeners will be pleased that you have discovered that solace will not be found at the bottom of a bottle. You seem to be in a good space now. Please keep sharing your excellent skills. Your solo analysis of Neil Young songs are sublime. Thanks mate.
I have been playing guitar continuously for over 50 years, in a handful of bands and acoustic duos, but get continued pleasure despite being no better than a upper intermediate player. “Pitch low and you will succeed” is my motto. 😂😂
What a great story! Thanks for sharing. Love watching your videos. I learn more from your videos that inspire my own guitar playing than watching any of the other "guitar instructor" videos here on UA-cam.
Sounds like our stories are EXTREMELY similar! Haha! We started guitar around the same time and also nearly 'made it'. The thing that destroyed my one chance of getting signed was the bass player of my band having his head filled with nonsense from his girlfriend and one of his close friends. He formed another band and our band fell apart - even though we had steady gigs lined up. They destroyed the band because the bass player's friend wanted to be the front-man and I was. So, he broke up the band. 2 years later, 2 record companies came looking for us. Such is life.
I just had a Dejevu.hahahahaha. You Him and I I bet could put one killer album together. We can be called the Almosts. Hahahahahah
@@robertclarkguitar Haha! I'm sure of it! Our album could be called 'So Close. But, Yet So Far' !
Lots of similiar stories out there. If we made it big, our stories would interest thousands. We don't, our stories interest nobody. I've got my small soapbox here so I thought I'd put mine down.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar Well, look at it this way: our stories interest EACH OTHER! And sometimes, that's a heck of a lot more valuable from a personal standpoint. I had the popularity, played to tens of thousands (at least) in total over the 30+ years I was doing it. But, I always liked the inner workings of it all. The road stories interest me. The crazy things that happened around bands. That was always cool because it was comforting. What was happening around us wasn't unique or out of the ordinary in the music world!
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar I have to say, I was extremely pleased to you post this. Truly. Love the channel and you did a very good job explaining. I walked around nervous. Hahahaha
Thank you for sharing your story...🤘🎸🤘
Music is for the soul from the soul,,, where it takes you is is by luck and chance. You are a rock star in my book and I have learned so much from you. Thank You!!
Beautiful, man! So glad you rediscovered your true love. My life has been pretty much the opposite - I didn't.play guitar until my wife bought me a Guild dreadnaught for my 55th birthday. I'm so happy to play songs I've loved since I was a kid. And thanks to you I'm gonna learn a lot more! Starting with your amazing Cortez the Killer. Thank you so much!
Awesome man, good luck with Cortez. Never too late to start something and become passionate about it. Dreams of Fame and fortune unfortunately were my driving influence as a kid. Now it's just passion, what it should be.
Thank you for sharing your story . I have dabbled with guitar since I was 13 . I am now almost 69 ( next month ). I started out with aspirations of making it big . I had no support and no funds to get the proper equipment until my career as an auto tech making money at home helped . I purchased a 86 Charvel which I believe was either a model 2 or 3 that was slightly modded. I also purchased a Fender CBS 75 and a Boss BEM 5. Started getting good and went through a divorce that put my playing aside for 10 yrs. Now as an "old" man with arthritis in my hands from my career I have the time to play but lack in speed to play some of my favorite metal songs. I now have 6 guitars and have 3 different tunings that I use and your lessons are the best and give me hope ! Thanks for all you do and your daughter will never forget what she learned through you. God Bless and Rock on !!
I really enjoyed that Kelly! Fascinating story extremely well told. You rock my friend!
Thanks man. Sadly my biggest claim to fame however is that I replaced Alice Coopers guitar player. Wish it was me, haha.
Dude what a story! We have a lot in common as I put it down for thirty years and picked it back up when I retired at the young age of 55. Built a business and had a fantastic career to help the eight, yes eight kids I raised get off to adult life pursuing their dreams. All the while enjoyed listening to music and would catch myself playing air guitar with my left hand anytime I listened to music, picturing an imaginary fretboard and guessing where it was being played! Fast forward I am 61 years old and I have a home studio, nice guitar 'n' gear collection. play drums jamming with an old bandmate from the 70's who's almost 70 himself now every couple weeks and have been writing my own stuff for the past three years. It is a hobby for me though I missed it all the while but never felt bitter about it ... just had to look at any one of my six daughters and knew it was the right path that served others in a way that couldn't be equalled by any young mans dreams of being a professional musician. Great story you shared and endured ... I for one think that you sent yourself down the right path. You play wonderfully and look like you're enjoying yourself, and who the hell would have thought you could make some extra cash sitting at home in front of a camera playing or talking guitar back in the 70's and 80's?!! Have fun and embrace the short time we have left with those you love, doing the things you love ... that's all that matters! Big plus here is now we get to teach our grandkids how papa can still rip rock n roll riffs like no tomorrow and pass it on!!
Cheers and be well KDA!
Great story Kelly, I remember the scene in Toronto in the early to mid eighties as bass player. The Gasworks was an awesome club - but had a very small stage. Interesting that a woman took you away from your quest and your daughter brought you back - interesting how the universe works. On the other hand you could have made it and everything that came along with that and today find yourself like many who did broke and living day to day. Now you have your own audience who want to learn from you, If your have monetized your channel, as your subs grow you will one day make some serious money teaching others how to play and learn their favourite songs. One thing I would like to know is what gear you are using on each of the songs including effects? Something that I have yet to see with other teachers on UA-cam. I'm highly confident that would help your followers with getting the sound you are with the effects you are using. Really enjoy your work and look forward to being a subscriber. Blackstar 40w with the two eights is a great little amp for any guitar player - my how technology has evolved. Not much need for an Ampeg SVT 300 with an eight ten cab that weighed more than a fridge or a Hiwatt or Marshall 100 watt with a four twelve cab. Note: Bach's big break came when he was the singer in a band that happened to be playing at a wedding that Jon Bon Jovi's parents were at. He talk to him and introduced him to snake and the rest is history as we know it.
Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Your daughter plays awesome! That's so cool! Man, I wish one of my kids was a musician! Well, there's always my grandkids! I have 2 - so, there's 2 chances! Congrats on your sobriety!!
Thanks man! Yeah she's an awesome kid and I love her dearly. Wish she hasn't lost the drive she once had for the guitar. Hopefully she picks it back up.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar - You never know. I took up guitar out of misery, loneliness, and wanting to show people I was more than the chubby kid/teen they saw. As she progresses through life, she might take it back up. But, for me, and probably a lot of other players, the guitar became a companion and a lifelong friend. If the guitar becomes that to her, then she'll be back at it!
Wow Kelly. My music story is remarkably similar to yours.
Had serious chops in the 70's and 80's. Was in a pretty good original band in the early 80s. The singer and bassist of my band were cherry picked by another local outfit that looked to have the potential to "make it" when I was 21. I fell into building another band. This original music band was opening for the "ZRock" radio bands coming through town...reasonable level of success and potential I thought. But my band had a revolving door with bassists, that and other "issues". The cherry picking band eventually took this singer too.
I finally quit the music scene to study mechanical engineering full-time at the age of 27. I'd play only once a week, self practice, for the next nine years. Couldn't play more often because whenever I'd touch the guitar two, three or four hours would dissolve and I didn't have time for that.
A friend from the 80s scene finally lured me back into a performing lineup, nine years later, after I had an engineering career under way. That band lasted about three years. Coincidentally named "Alter Ego", much like "Walter Ego"lol!
I took a couple more years long breaks from performing, in between them got into a couple other bands along the way.
16 years ago I also started posting videos on youtube of my playing, just to direct folks to that wanted to hear me play...old friends mostly.
Now looking back at age 60, I've had a good life, didn't achieve all that I desired in every space, but certainly achieved a lot and had many great experiences.
I still play guitar every day, and still have people asking me to jump into bands, one of which was a Sabbath/Ozzy tribute, which I had to turn down. That offer made me feel very, very happy with what I've achieved.
So awesome to hear you open up about your guitar journey Kelly! Keep that fire burning 🔥 besides...your in Canada...you have to 😜
Thank you sir.
My man, i started playing guitar 2 years ago at age 19, im at the point where bottles are more interesting to me and i havent achieved 5% of your guitar prowess. You have an interesting life story, no matter how sad and unlucky in terms of chances, at least take soalce in that. I hope you will get at least some interest now from the UA-cam communiy because you deserve it, you are an interesting, sympathetic person that can explain whats necessarry for success or not because you have lived that live. There arent a lot of people that can give their own experiences which is an aweome attribute! Your tutorials helped me to learn a lot of new stuff, so i hope you will keep at it, and there is no reason to compare yourself to the guys "who made it". You are an awesome player/teacher in your own right. Take proud in that!
Well I'm 17 and just started under an year ago, so I hope I can learn enough to start a career of sorts. I'm playing riffs and licks here and there but it's hard starting at this age(even though I'm not really old), compared to starting at something like 12-14. I'm entirely self tought, never played any other instruments and never been to musical school. But I think I got the hang of it.
Wat a tale to tell you could right a song about it please keep playing loved your Cortez am practicing that now and my favourite as I am a huge fan of the late great Frank Zappa is watermelon in Easter hay Greetings fae Scotland
You inspire me! I will never reach your level of playing...but it's fun as he'll to try🙂
Kelly, Thank you for telling your story! Very inspiring! In reality, you are still living your dream! You play guitar! I really appreciate your tutorials! I started learning 18 months ago at near age 60! It has been a dream of mine to play since about 1983. Please keep sharing your skills with us that want to play because we LOVE ROCK! It’s been my “drug of choice” since age 10! Thank you!!
Lovely story very interesting. And I hope your daughter gets back to playing guitar again. God bless.
Kelly - thanks for sharing your really engaging, blunt and heartfelt journey. I think your story is more typical of the journeys all of us who aspired to "music industry stardom" experience.The ones who achieve that are probably 1% (if that many) of those who do try. I had a somewhat similar experience with my band (The Maroons) in NYC in the late 1970's-early 1980's. It took me a long time to not see it (not getting a record deal, etc.) as anything but a failure. In your case - just seeing what you and your daughter have shared, and how SHE inspired YOU, tells me you are a resounding success. And you are an awesome guitar player and have GREAT taste! The way I look at it (I'll be 70 in October), If we had gotten a deal and gone on tour for years, I'd be even DEAFER than I am now! So that's a plus! But again, this is a great video, such a human story, very riveting, and so touching - you are awesome! And look - you've got 60K subscribers! Bravo to you!
I’m honored to now be one of your followers. Please teach me more!
Thanks Joe!
Hi Kelly! Hope you and family are well! Your tutorial on Machine Gun popped up so I thought I’d take a look. I was impressed with the tones you were getting but not so much on part two. Your life was very interesting! I think you made a mistake by locking yourself up for three years to learn how to be a much better guitarist. However, I think that kind of dedication is good for any human being and especially for studying at college. I’m about twenty years older than you, divorced and have four grown up kids and grandkids and three great grandkids. I was in Vietnam a long time ago. I left Vietnam and got discharged in 1970. It was at the very end when I got interested in Hendrix. During my time in the army, Motown was a huge influence. I had heard of Hendrix while still in the army in the late 60s. Red House was a huge influence from his greatest hits 8 track cassette. The tone from that song destroyed everything else that I liked. When I got home, my next youngest brother introduced me to the Band of Gypsies album. Again, I was blown away. The other songs were and are excellent. When I was about 13-14 my parents got me Stella acoustic from Sears. I could only play it with open tuning and bar chords. I never learned anything about music until after I got married and started going to church. I joined the choir and even started playing instruments. At first s C harmonica. Then, I got a real Fender strat that looked like hell. The ball was gone on the headstock and someone had taken out the tremolo bridge and put in a tunematic style but it played nice and sounded great! But I was mostly playing barre chords and still didn’t know anything until I took lessons for a while in the 80s. Along the way I got interested in piano and organ like the B3 with Leslie at church. Flutes became a nice side interest as well. Tambourines and bongos are included. Singing using harmony is a huge interest. But whether it’s harmonica, flutes keyboards or guitar, tone is extremely important to me. I really think you made the right choice by helping your daughter learn how to play. I hope you weren’t too tough on her. I see that you’re at about 23000 subscribers! Congratulations!! By the way, I’ve never been interested in metal or shredding. Really turns me off. I’ve gotta hear something melodic. I’ve got to hear a solid rhythm and beat. I have found that James Brown’s Funky Good time has a lot in common with Hendrix’s Rainy Day, Dream away in terms of the rhythm. Machine Gun only uses one chord. No one, four and five chords in that song! I don’t really care for the words but he makes them fit. I think a lot of players use science to figure out how to play a song. I don’t think Hendrix did that. I think most of his songs were dark. I think Clapton was really beginning to think he was God until Hendrix showed up. I think the entertainment industry sucks really bad. Sorry to bother you!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VIDEO..
IT IS REALLY GREAT TO SEE/HEAR YOUR BACK STORY..
I LOVE ❤️ THIS VIDEO...
Really enjoyed the video, thanks mate 👍🤘
Thanks for that. Loved it 👍
Love your channel. Amazing story. You have made it by the way. I am sure u will have more fans in the universe now than you ever thought possible.
Well done!!🎉🎉🎉🎉 Awesome🎉🎉🎉🎉 Keep on Rockin' 🎸🎸🎸🎸❤❤😁
Beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing so honestly. I'm so glad you are so much successful. Your passion paid off. Actually, I think it was a good luck or blessing that you did not continue with the band in Toronto. Sometimes life is harsh but at the end the harshness turns to a positive direction.
I am glad to have found this video. Kelly is lucky to have stepped away from the rock guitar-playing music scene. The performing and recording business was brutal, and full of significant obstacles, even for someone as talented as he was, and still is. For most bands, any gross profits were ultimately divided among the band members and possibly a manager or agent. That alone almost guarantees poverty wages for them all. But there are other equally significant factors. The music industry heavily rewards the composer. So if a band member is not an official writer of music or lyrics, and most band members are not, any potential long term income declines rapidly. The industry also rewards singers, even bad ones. Any band member who is not a featured singer, and is not a composer, will ultimately earn less. Now, on to the "recording contract". The downfall of almost everyone. The recording label, and associated businesses, were rewarded far more reliably than the band members. Everything is "after expenses". And there were a lot of expenses. Not to mention the outright fraudulent listing of recording industry people as co-songwriters, and other practices. Was live performing better? Getting paid by the owner of a bar or club was never guaranteed. There were plenty of excuses, such as "I have to wait until the accountant does the receipts" or "Attendance was much less than we expected". Chuck Berry was well-known for never going on-stage until he had been paid first. There was a good reason for that. And notice that Chuck never had any "band members". He hired them only when he need them. The music business has changed significantly since Napster. There are new ways that non-musicians make money off the efforts of musicians. Kelly is very fortunate to have gotten away from the business.
I just hope you keep uploading stuff after you're done with the list. Your channel is amazingly inspiring and fun to watch. Thanks!
Oh, I've got all kind of ideas, don't worry. I'm not going away any time soon. Good hobby for an old bedroom player. Keeps me busy and out of trouble.
Awesome story! Thank you for sharing it! I started playing a few months ago. i am 25 years old. I know i will probably never play in a band. But i love every minute of playing. This is such a great instrument! for me it is a journey to see how good i can become :)
Your big 4 influences are spot on identical to mine. I picked up guitar at 10 because of EVH, then became obsessed with Randy. Rush took over when I was about 14, and since about 16 or 17 Iron Maiden has been my favorite. It’s been long enough now and I have enough band shirts to say Iron Maiden is my all time favorite lol. Not to mention my Adrian Smith signature Jackson
Man, that is a story of hope, dreams, tradgety & then full circle! So glad for you finding your luv for guitar again! I know your story hits home with Alotta people, including myself. I’ve had my foot in the proverbial “door”, two times, just to have it shot down by some unforeseen tradgety! My story is much like yours, only I feel like I can’t stop trying; because now, after all these years it’s the Only thing I know how to do! Too late to go back to school, or become a plumber, etc. It’s pretty scary because my drummer/best friend died & I can’t find anybody that comes close to being able to play like he could! But thank you for your great story, I know I’m not the only guitarist who has felt the way I do at this moment! Play on Kelly, you help alotta people, probly more than you know! Peace!
A great story .. well told. Your a good person with quite the past.
Absolutely loved your story.
Hell of a story man. Thanks for sharing. Its amazing to me to hear true stories of folks the same age as me and their journey. I play guitar as a hobby "LMFAO !". Been playing for many many year's off and on. But that's another story. Love your channel. Take care and God bless !
I went to high school with Kelly, played with him in "Sly Foxx" for a while ... for reasons beyond my understanding, we don't really keep in touch ... if there's some issue, I'd like to explain or at least have a convo. about it but o.k... I kinda teared up watching his daughter playing and it's just great to see him happy and into the guitar again ... I also, am inspired by music again, not so much with the drums at present but with playing guitar and singing ... I think it's about connecting with that beauty ..? I've heard it said that music is divine ... nothing in my life has been as inspiring or moving ... not a bad place to be back to? Also the part about being "sober for 4 years" was maybe JUST what I needed to hear. Thanks for posting this bud. You know I luv ya.
Shit! Who is this? I'm curious!
I'm really bad at keeping in touch with people. I've got a few social anxiety issues that I've dealt with most of my life, so maybe that's the root of it.
Todd (Joe)! Hey man! Just figured out who this is. Good to hear from you mate! How's things?
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar That's my boy. Good buddy, sorry if I came off like a bit of a "He - B*tch ..." like I said, just miss all you guys ... time for me to add some scintillating content to this Ytube channel I reckon ...
Congratulations on your sobriety and on your success Kelly!
Awesome story and I’m a big fan of your work… I went through roughly almost the same situation as you did. And I still play just to keep learning. Thanks for sharing your story and work.
Great story. Your videos have helped rekindle my interest in guitar so, thank you.
what a great life story, kelly. i knew a number of kids who chased music dreams and ultimately quit that pursuit in their late 20s like you did. the only one i knew who really made it was steve morse who always practiced like a maniac like you did and was of genius level intelligence. you're obviously pretty smart yourself if physics is another of your passions. i think you're successful at life and you're a damn good guitar player as well. i believe i would have chosen my wife over the band like you did, even if it seemed at the time that you were watching your dream float away. and... great that you bonded with your daughter, taught her how to play guitar (quite well, i might add) and that she sparked your interest into making a guitar comeback.
Hey Kelly, my story is the same as yours... but different. Im 67 years old, and when i was a kid, all i wanted was to be a rock n roll star. Every Christmas and birthday I would ask for a guitar or drums, but my parents didnt like hippies or the music they represented, so i got into guitar at about age 22. I took some lessons along the way, but missed out on the big picture. I played rhythm, and learned a lot of songs, but never did anything with it. 30 years ago i moved to where I now live. The guitar shop owner where I lived had moved, and a brand new guitar I'd bought was way out of intonation. I didn't know how to fix it... so I sold it CHEAP! When I came here, I didn't pick up a guitar for over 10 years, then I found out he'd opened a shop here.
Meanwhile, I bought an ipod, and downloaded 4,000+ songs. Everytime I heard a song I liked, I wanted to learn it!
YOU ARE THE BEST ONLINE TEACHER, BAR NONE, and there are many good ones!
I will never put my guitars down again! I regret stopping when I did!!! Thanks, Rock On🤘
Hey man, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. Absolutely love that I've re-discovered the guitar after all these years. Totally addicted these days and playing the best guitar of my life at 59 yrs old.
Kelly , I was "just" made aware of your You tube Channel , last night by one of my Best Buddies Chris Chisholm . I told him how much a lot of us guys from South Bar enjoyed watching you play at the Various Clubs around Sydney in the Early 80's . This Video was so real .....I mean....." Right from the Heart" . Your personal story was told to me by Chris ( at least parts of it ) which brought me to this Video to see for myself . So interesting to hear you mention some of the Old Guard of Guitar Players from that era in Sydney . I am so glad that you returned to what you love to do . When you said you turned to Study Physics that surprised me , my memory is not the best since I just turned 60 lol but weren't you pretty good on the Blades as a Youngster too ? Anyway , I see lots of Video's on there that I will be checking out and as an Old Rush Guy from way back , I think I will start with .....Working Man . Take Care ...........Brent .
Brent Duff! Hey man, really good to hear from you. Still remember you as being a massive Max Webster fan back in the day. Certainly hope you're well, and I appreciate the kind words.
@@KellyDeanAllenGuitar Seen Max Webster and Rush Double Bill at the Brand New C200 in Sydney in 1987 ........couldn't get enough of them back in the day ......Good Memory you have Kelly . Take Care and rest assured I Subscribed and I am gonna be checking out all your Videos .
Thanks for sharing, man!
Great story, man! I was amused to see that you learned Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love in the same position I did. Imagine my surprise years later when I found out it was playing in the open chord position. As guitarists, we often make things more complicated than they need to be. That said, I still kinda think it’s more fun to play it up the neck!
I learned it the same way!
Great to hear a bit more of your fascinating backstory. One of my favorite UA-camrs!
enjoyed your story, hate it when ‘ anyone’ feels like they failed, but now many many people are enjoying and learning from your talent, your daughter is my opinion has inherited your musical talent, anyway music is so much fun and having fun enjoying playing in my opinion is what it’s really about… jam on my fellow musicians… peace
I hear you say thanks to the viewers for keeping you going..... but thank you a lot for doing your lessons especially them with Pink Floyd/David Gilmour have helped me alot and really nice to see that you do different live versions too
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
👍💪👍💪👍
enjoyed that KD, and I found needle in the Groove video. So im in - keep up the good work