Bluewine

We're keeping our fingers crossed and they're in our prayers they arrive to their new home safely. Blue

I've been the bass player in this band for the past 8 years. I knew about this, as a matter of fact I knew it was coming 4 years ago. Blue

I think this will always happen when members of a band have lives outside of bands, music , gigging and don't depend on band incone to survive. Blue

I found this on line this morning. I hope I'm a part of the transition. "Greetings everyone! As many of you know, and some may not, Maple Road is going through one heck of a transition right now. Randy is officially retired and on his way to Florida as we speak, so there is a rather large pair of blues singin’, guitar slingin’ and harmonica playin’ shoes to fill. But have no fear, we have some exciting things in the works and Maple Road will begin the next chapter of it’s musical book very soon! There will be a slight lull in live performances for a short time, but stay tuned for all upcoming gigs! www.mapleroadbluesband.com will be getting an overhaul as well, so keep an eye out for that! A HUGE thank you to Randy for his commitment and talent for nearly 13 years, and to all of YOU for supporting live music! Don’t go too far, this transition won’t take long....!" Blue

Nice pics and a nice huge crowd. Blue

Agreed, I think there was more money to go around back in the 60s & 70s when you had to buy music. Blue

Being able to make a living ( owning a home, a car, support a family and save money) from playing in a rock band is like winning the lottery. Out of all the guys I grew up playing music with only two made it. Al Anderson guitar Bob Marley and The Wailers. Al left for London with a one way ticket right after High School 1972. Chuck Burgi , drums Billy Joel . Chuck also left for London after High School and landed ajob with Brand X. Both are in their late 60s and currently on tour. Blue

I can go with that. Personality traits can prevent some from gigging. Blue

I can go with that. Personality traits can prevent some from gigging. Blue

I think all points you mentioned make my point. There are life circumstances and personality traits that prevent one from gigging. Like being an introvert and uncomfortable playing in public. That's understandable. However, to me that means life circumstance prevents one ftom gigging. It doesn't necessarily me one hates gigging. Blue

Excellent commentary as usual. Thanks Dave Blue

Never, I might wear a CBGBs or Blondie, Stones AC/DC. or KISS t shirt but I never wear my bands T Shirt anywhere. Blue

I don't think anyone hates gigging. I think there are some people who's life circumstances prevents them from gigging and I think ther are things that people don't like that are simply a part of being in a any band. And we all have to play gigs that are not great. I contend most dont do their homework and join the wrong band. My band is in business so yes, if theres business politics come into play. I'm good at playing politics. Blue

That definitely works Pete. I might even branch out into giving lessons. Pete, I had a great summer, lots of fun gigs. Extra cash from gigging paid all my bills this summer and I didn't touch my pension. That's a big deal for me Blue

Money & Fun Blue

I've been in the same band for the past 8 years. No intentions on leaving. Playing with good people is the most important part of being in a band for me. I have that and it's not easy to find. I'll take best people over best musicians any day of the week. Blue

Agreed, Most publically advertised opportunities are a waste of time. Blue

Hi Pete, I definitely get it. I want to stay as far as I can away from four hour bar gigs at this point. This summer I was spoiled by 1-2 hour gigs, higher profile gigs, bigger crowds and better pay . Blue

Hi Pete, I definitely get it. I want to stay as far as I can away from four hour bar gigs at this point. This summer I was spoiled by 1-2 hour gigs, higher profile gigs, bigger crowds and better pay . Blue

The music biz has changed so much since my day. Is there still such a thing as " the next big thing"? If there Is I would say there was more of an opportunity to become "the next big thing" back in my day. Blue

Funny how life works . I started playing in rock bands at age 12 in 1966. I've always been enthusiastic about playing but none of the really cool stuff happened for me until I was in my 60s. I don't mean fame and fortune. I mean being in the right band for me, consistent gigs, good gigs and making enough money to pay my bills. ( mortage, utilities, cell, WiFi, food and maintaining a vehicle ) Everything happens in a certain order for a reason. Blue

Nice assessment! If you change your mind you can crash at my place. I'm only 20 minutes north of Milwaukee. Blue

I have a feeling this is a few older guys that like The Eagles and want to hang out. The whole tribute market at the local level escapes me. Seems like you can only play special events or a 1 hour feature in a festival setting. You can't play a 4 hour bar gig. Blue

Call me an old grandpa , but how reliable are most 18 year olds. When I was 18 I'd skip out on a rehearsal if I had an opportunity with a lady. At 66 I wouldn't know what an opportunity with a lady was if it slapped me in the face. Maybe kids are different now. 18-30? Wouldn't a 30 year old be ancient to an 18 year old? I think it was 1972 when I was 18. Blue

Yes, I've heard of both bands. However, I can't name one song either band is known for. Blue