New JJ Interview

[Journey/Survivor]

Marc solo? Man, not heard of him doing it. Would love to hear it! How about a drum and guitar duel? You know the guitar and drums that did EOTT ?

Lets not forget the most successful Survivor was after Marc was brought in. Tks to FS.

When I saw Survivor in the 80's I think Marc did them. Then again everyone did solos in the 80's

Yeah, I think Marc played a drum solo when I saw them in 1987?

[Journey/Survivor]

When ever I go to a Survivor or Journey show one of my favorite things about the shows is the solos.

Now, I'll say this, I too get pissed off at how few songs Survivor play at an average show! IMO they should be playing no less than 12 songs per show when they headline.

As I've said, I'm a guitarist, and Frankie is one of my absolute favorite guitarists. I love his solos. And I think that it's insane for anyone to complain about him playing a 5 minute solo in each show.

Chris Groves keyboard solo is great. Does anyone know his background? The last time I saw Survivor FS did a short solo that was great. It was bluesy. I'd love to see him do Caught In The Game once again

I don't know a great deal about Chris musical background. But I know that at one time he had been in a band with Survivor's one time drummer Kyle Woodring.

[Journey/Survivor]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

[Journey/Survivor]

I read some earlier posts about FS's playing...well let me say this...I have stood on stage and sung with Lukather ( the greatest single guitarist to play a note in the last 25 years), and watched him shred his ass off...and I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the best....FS is one of the top ten as rhythm players go....amazing time, feel....I believe Ron Nevison stated that was the reason why Frankie was used as a ghost player on Heart stuff....he mults himself better than almost any rhythm guitar player in the world....solo's, well those are opinion so I will stay away from that (I love his 2 to 3 minute solos) but as a rhythm player he is absolutely amazing...and only a NON player would say anything otherwise....all the cat's I know, and they are some of the best (the 80's guitar world hahahah) respect the Hell out of his playing....

He truly is a gifted player....IMHO of course....

JV

JV,

It's not just your opinion that Frankie is a great guitarist.

IMO Frankie is the best Rock guitarist when it comes to rhythm and riff playing. Mick Jones from Foreigner is also up there in those departments, but he's not even close to Frankie on solos.

I love Lukather's playing too. You may not agree with me on this....but I give a very small edge to Neal schon though. But Neal and Steve are so damn similar in so many ways. Their both mind blowingly talented. Neal and Frankie are my two favorites, but then extremely close behind are guys like Lukather, Dan Huff and Josh Ramos.

Here's something for you to ask Frankie about if it's not too much trouble.

There are two different versions of the Heart song "Nothing At all," there's the version that's on the American release of the album, but there was a different version on the European release, and the guitar solo is different on it. Can you ask Frankie if he played two different solos for that song, or if he only played on one version and the other is not him?

[MarcelJordan]

I read some earlier posts about FS's playing...well let me say this...I have stood on stage and sung with Lukather ( the greatest single guitarist to play a note in the last 25 years), and watched him shred his ass off...and I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the best....FS is one of the top ten as rhythm players go....amazing time, feel....I believe Ron Nevison stated that was the reason why Frankie was used as a ghost player on Heart stuff....he mults himself better than almost any rhythm guitar player in the world....solo's, well those are opinion so I will stay away from that (I love his 2 to 3 minute solos) but as a rhythm player he is absolutely amazing...and only a NON player would say anything otherwise....all the cat's I know, and they are some of the best (the 80's guitar world hahahah) respect the Hell out of his playing....

He truly is a gifted player....IMHO of course....

JV

JV,

It's not just your opinion that Frankie is a great guitarist.

IMO Frankie is the best Rock guitarist when it comes to rhythm and riff playing. Mick Jones from Foreigner is also up there in those departments, but he's not even close to Frankie on solos.

I love Lukather's playing too. You may not agree with me on this....but I give a very small edge to Neal schon though. But Neal and Steve are so damn similar in so many ways. Their both mind blowingly talented. Neal and Frankie are my two favorites, but then extremely close behind are guys like Lukather, Dan Huff and Josh Ramos.

Here's something for you to ask Frankie about if it's not too much trouble.

There are two different versions of the Heart song "Nothing At all," there's the version that's on the American release of the album, but there was a different version on the European release, and the guitar solo is different on it. Can you ask Frankie if he played two different solos for that song, or if he only played on one version and the other is not him?

Great question. I have BOTH versions (alright maybe others do as well....but Im proud to have them!). I'll go out on a limb and say the Euro is Frankie and the American version is not. Besides, Nothing at all without Frankie is lacking a little bit of the fizz. IMO course.

[Red13JoePa]

Joe Vana, were you asked to/would you sing for Survivor?

I've got this question in my mind now you being a rock singer from ChiTown and all.

[Journey/Survivor]

Great question. I have BOTH versions (alright maybe others do as well....but Im proud to have them!). I'll go out on a limb and say the Euro is Frankie and the American version is not. Besides, Nothing at all without Frankie is lacking a little bit of the fizz. IMO course.

Interestingly, when I listen to the American version of the solo, it sounds to me like Frankie might be playing part of the solo but not the whole solo? When I have listened to the European version it sounds to me like it might be Frankie playing the whole solo?

His solos on "Nobody Home" are classic Frankie Sullivan for tone and feel.

[Journey/Survivor]

Joe Vana, were you asked to/would you sing for Survivor?

I've got this question in my mind now you being a rock singer from ChiTown and all.

Yeah, I've wondered if he was ever considered?


JV,

Here's another question that you might be able to answer?
I'm a huge Baseball fan, and I used to collect Baseball cards, I have a 1959 card of a Chicago Cub named Frank sullivan, is there any chance that that is Frankies Father or some other relative of his?

I've always wondered with the Baseball player having played for the Chicago Cubs, also on Survivor's first album it names Frankie as "Frank Sullivan III" on the song writing credits.

[axecrew]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

[Journey/Survivor]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

No, no, I understood that. I was just saying that I too have watched concerts from the side of the stage. Not only did I get to see Jimi's band from the side of the stage, but at one of the shows they were playing with Kansas, so after Jimi finished playing we watched Kansas from the side of the stage. And on another occasion he was sharing the bill with Loverboy and CCR-revisited, so again we were watching them from the side of the stage. It was kind of cool, Paul Dean started playing a solo, so Mike Reno walks over to talk to Jimi, and it was Jimi, Mike and myself standing there talking. Some friends of mine who were in the crowd look up and see us there on the side of the stage and start laughing and taking pictures because they thought it was funny that it was two singing legends and me standing there.

[Joe Vana]

Joe Vana, were you asked to/would you sing for Survivor?

I've got this question in my mind now you being a rock singer from ChiTown and all.

Hey Red...

If FORMALLY asked I would consider it....but....there would be alot to consider on my end.....Girlfriend, a son to raise, business to attend to....but Frankie and I get along great, we really do...I totally understand where he is coming from, and he is a great friend...and needless to say I know the material...

But last time I checked Robin has the gig, and I truly like Robin's voice....

JV

[Joe Vana]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

Ahhhhh Axecrew....I wondered If I knew you....were you at my place the night before the show???? I think you were....JV

[Journey/Survivor]

Joe Vana,

Do you have any idea about the question I asked about the Chicago Cub Frank Sullivan?

[Joe Vana]

Joe Vana,

Do you have any idea about the question I asked about the Chicago Cub Frank Sullivan?

Not Frankies Dad....Sullivan is a pretty popular name here in Irish Rich Chicago....JV

[ForceInfinity]

I complain about FS's guitar skills, I climb Half Dome, and Mt Whitney, and Longs Peak. That would qualify me as insane. Guilty as charged....

*Surrenders self to an eternity of punishment for his insane ways*

I hope you didn't think that I was directing my "insane" comment at you personally? I wasn't. I don't have anything against you!

I just think that it's silly for ANYONE to complain about Sullivan playing a 5 minute solo in concert. IMO any guitarist worth a damn should be playing a live solo at every show. I understand that there are people who didn't like it when he was playing 15 to 20 minute solos. But I think it's kind of cheating [/b]SOME fans when a great guitarist doesn't play a live solo for at least a few minutes.

Bah, I dont take anything on these boards personally. Too many other more important things in life than getting stressed over this. Maybe I should've put more indicators that I was being semi-tongue in cheek about the insane part (my friends *do* think i'm insane for the Half Dome and Longs Peak climbs that I've done). But I digress.

I just remember that during the "When I see you in Everyone" song, that he did that long solo, but the problem is, and at least this is my perspective from the Reno show was that it just sorta dragged, or the solo seemed to have nowhere to go. I've heard longer guitar driven pieces before, and usually there's something of a song or progression to it that was easy to follow (not sure if I'm making complete sense), but in the case of the WISYIE solo that FS does, it just seems like the solo goes nowhere, and his way of spicing things up is when he steps off the stage and walks amongst the crowd (actually passed within 5 feet of me...was kinda of surprised how short he was).

I like a righteous axe shredding, just FS's play doesn't do it for me, and the axe shredding comes across as far too reptitious for me.

[Slander]

Too many other more important things in life than getting stressed over this. Maybe I should've put more indicators that I was being semi-tongue in cheek about the insane part (my friends *do* think i'm insane for the Half Dome and Longs Peak climbs that I've done). But I digress.

I just remember that during the "When I see you in Everyone" song, that he did that long solo, but the problem is, and at least this is my perspective from the Reno show was that it just sorta dragged

Hey Force,

I agree with you about the more important things in life comment. Amen. I thought the criticism of FS solo was petty by Jamison and others. I believe that if the people on this board weren't so negative about FS his guitar solo wouldn't even be an issue. Hell they have even criticized FS for his hair. I think it gets downright rediculous. I recently saw Survivor and they did not play I SEE YOU IN EVERYONE. Was this a current show you are talking about? By the way congrats on your climbs! You only live once.

[Journey/Survivor]

Joe Vana,

Do you have any idea about the question I asked about the Chicago Cub Frank Sullivan?

Not Frankies Dad....Sullivan is a pretty popular name here in Irish Rich Chicago....JV

Yeah, I know that Sullivan is a very common name. I know that Frankie was born around 1955, and the Chicago Cubs player named Frank Sullivan would have been about the right age to have been Frankie's father, plus the Frank Sullivan III credits on the Survivor record, just wondered if there was any possibility that the Cubs player could have been his father. I didn't figure that it was though, because I would have figured that Frankie would have mentioned it in an interview or on the Survivor website at some time.

[Slander]

Joe Vana,

Do you have any idea about the question I asked about the Chicago Cub Frank Sullivan?

Not Frankies Dad....Sullivan is a pretty popular name here in Irish Rich Chicago....JV

Yeah, I know that Sullivan is a very common name. I know that Frankie was born around 1955, and the Chicago Cubs player named Frank Sullivan would have been about the right age to have been Frankie's father, plus the Frank Sullivan III credits on the Survivor record, just wondered if there was any possibility that the Cubs player could have been his father. I didn't figure that it was though, because I would have figured that Frankie would have mentioned it in an interview or on the Survivor website at some time.

Hey Journey,

I don't think its Frankies dad. I talked to Frankie briefly about sports once and he never mentioned it. If I'm not mistaken FS is a Packers fan. I could be wrong. I think Grove is a Steelers fan. I hope I get this right. Anyway I'm sure Frankie would have told me his dad was a major league pitcher had the topic come up.

[Journey/Survivor]

Joe Vana,

Do you have any idea about the question I asked about the Chicago Cub Frank Sullivan?

Not Frankies Dad....Sullivan is a pretty popular name here in Irish Rich Chicago....JV

Yeah, I know that Sullivan is a very common name. I know that Frankie was born around 1955, and the Chicago Cubs player named Frank Sullivan would have been about the right age to have been Frankie's father, plus the Frank Sullivan III credits on the Survivor record, just wondered if there was any possibility that the Cubs player could have been his father. I didn't figure that it was though, because I would have figured that Frankie would have mentioned it in an interview or on the Survivor website at some time.

Hey Journey,

I don't think its Frankies dad. I talked to Frankie briefly about sports once and he never mentioned it. If I'm not mistaken FS is a Packers fan. I could be wrong. I think Grove is a Steelers fan. I hope I get this right. Anyway I'm sure Frankie would have told me his dad was a major league pitcher had the topic come up.

Right. JV already answered the question for me. Like I said, I didn't think he was. I know your right about Grove, he is a Steelers fan.

[axecrew]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

Ahhhhh Axecrew....I wondered If I knew you....were you at my place the night before the show???? I think you were....JV

We may never know

[Joe Vana]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

Ahhhhh Axecrew....I wondered If I knew you....were you at my place the night before the show???? I think you were....JV

We may never know

I already do......you were with Michael St. Allen.......

[ForceInfinity]

Hey Slander-

To answer your question, the performance I saw was at this outdoor concert in front of the Harrahs casino in downtown Reno, and I'm going to maybe be wrong on the year, but I *think* it was 2005 (could easily be 2004, it was one of those two years I think). Hope that helps!

PS: If this helps pin down the year, I could swear I heard JJ mention something that FS maybe had a broken finger or something and was playing through it (which if I heard that right would qualify him as the Brett Favre of axe shredders).

[axecrew]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

Ahhhhh Axecrew....I wondered If I knew you....were you at my place the night before the show???? I think you were....JV

We may never know

I already do......you were with Michael St. Allen.......

Sorry, Joe not familiar with anyone by that name.

[Slander]

Sorry, Joe not familiar with anyone by that name.

Hey Axe,

I was just wondering how you got started helping bands? What do you enjoy most about it?

[Joe Vana]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

I am just pointing what Frankie told the crowd during August 2006. That it was "horrible" alone on stage. "They left me to it all alone". Do you have the recording of the show? If so, check it out.

Marcel,

I've been on stage for that solo and I don't remember it being 20 minutes long. Once again the over the top hyperbole on the board cuts to the credibility of the accuser. In this case being JJ. My understanding for the solo was so that JJ could rest his voice or himself. Or am I wrong here?

How is it that you've been on stage for that solo???? I thought you were just a fan/journalist????? I didn't know that bands let ordinary fans on stage with them.

Jimi and his band had let me watch a couple of their shows from the side of the stage. Generally, you need to either be in the press, security or have other business with bands, or at least get in good with the band to be allowed to do so. But no, they don't let just anyone get on stage. Of course Jimi is as great with his fans as you'll ever see!

Ummmm....either I didn't turn my sarcasm up high enough or your detector is broken....I know how it works.....I used to roadie for a national band here in the states and in fact worked Andrew's gig in October. Plus should Eden's Curse hit the road...I will likely be the only American outside of Michael, who is with the band.

Ahhhhh Axecrew....I wondered If I knew you....were you at my place the night before the show???? I think you were....JV

We may never know

I already do......you were with Michael St. Allen.......

Sorry, Joe not familiar with anyone by that name.

Really?? that's Michael Eden's alter ego.....or past alter ego....

[axecrew]

I'll try to answer you both at 1 time.....
Joe.....Didn't really know that,I was introduced to him by a mutual friend who knew of my work with bands.

Slander....I got started over 20 years ago at the local level. I started with a local band that were local legends so to speak and it went from there. When I first started it was more grunt type stuff....loading in and out....then 1 of the guys that worked for the band taught me about lighting and how to set up a show that way. From there the guitarist taught me how to change strings and tune guitars and I just went from there...stayed with them until it wasn't fun anymore and moved up.
As to what I enjoy/enjoyed about it....I can honestly say that I enjoyed the comraderie and the knowing that you were an important part even though it's behind the scenes.
But I'd have to say that the fans were and are what always made it fun.....I met a ton of incredible people ,some of which are still a part of my life today. One of the "perks" was or is that I was able to meet some of my "Heros" ,musicians that I admired and respected, I was able to see them in a "human light" instead of what Fans see them as. Believe me it was worth the price of admission, so to speak ,to see these people when they weren't "on". Funny stories and memories to last a lifetime.
Hope that answered you to some degree.

[Slander]

I'll try to answer you both at 1 time.....
Joe.....Didn't really know that,I was introduced to him by a mutual friend who knew of my work with bands.

Slander....I got started over 20 years ago at the local level. I started with a local band that were local legends so to speak and it went from there. When I first started it was more grunt type stuff....loading in and out....then 1 of the guys that worked for the band taught me about lighting and how to set up a show that way. From there the guitarist taught me how to change strings and tune guitars and I just went from there...stayed with them until it wasn't fun anymore and moved up.
As to what I enjoy/enjoyed about it....I can honestly say that I enjoyed the comraderie and the knowing that you were an important part even though it's behind the scenes.
But I'd have to say that the fans were and are what always made it fun.....I met a ton of incredible people ,some of which are still a part of my life today. One of the "perks" was or is that I was able to meet some of my "Heros" ,musicians that I admired and respected, I was able to see them in a "human light" instead of what Fans see them as. Believe me it was worth the price of admission, so to speak ,to see these people when they weren't "on". Funny stories and memories to last a lifetime.
Hope that answered you to some degree.

Hey axe,

I appreciate you sharing. It's people like yourself that help make the music possible. It's got to be a thrill to put a huge effort into putting on a show and then pulling it off!

[RockInDetroit]

So much for the discussion about JJ's interview. This trend was killed.

[Slander]

So much for the discussion about JJ's interview. This trend was killed.

Rock what more could we talk about? Both sides had stated their case. I have some other bones of contention but does it really do us any good to talk about the JJ interview anymore? I tought it was beneath him. I read some recent comments from FS and he really didn't throw JJ under the bus. Everyone is entitled to say things and make mistakes. I'm going to chalk this interview of JJ's up as a mulligan. I hope he focuses all of his energies on his new solo project and gets rid of the negative vibe.

[axecrew]

I'll try to answer you both at 1 time.....
Joe.....Didn't really know that,I was introduced to him by a mutual friend who knew of my work with bands.

Slander....I got started over 20 years ago at the local level. I started with a local band that were local legends so to speak and it went from there. When I first started it was more grunt type stuff....loading in and out....then 1 of the guys that worked for the band taught me about lighting and how to set up a show that way. From there the guitarist taught me how to change strings and tune guitars and I just went from there...stayed with them until it wasn't fun anymore and moved up.
As to what I enjoy/enjoyed about it....I can honestly say that I enjoyed the comraderie and the knowing that you were an important part even though it's behind the scenes.
But I'd have to say that the fans were and are what always made it fun.....I met a ton of incredible people ,some of which are still a part of my life today. One of the "perks" was or is that I was able to meet some of my "Heros" ,musicians that I admired and respected, I was able to see them in a "human light" instead of what Fans see them as. Believe me it was worth the price of admission, so to speak ,to see these people when they weren't "on". Funny stories and memories to last a lifetime.
Hope that answered you to some degree.

Hey axe,

I appreciate you sharing. It's people like yourself that help make the music possible. It's got to be a thrill to put a huge effort into putting on a show and then pulling it off!

Thanks glad you liked the post.....truthfully I don't really look at it as a huge thrill,more like just doing your job. But having said that Yeah there is some self satisfaction when a show goes off perfect and you know you had a part it that.
But the best part is the fact that the band knows you help make it happen and make sure the fans are aware of it also.
Like I said...I've met a ton of cool people all over,some of which I still stay in touch with to this day. It was always cool to go somewhere and see a familiar face or faces!!!! And know that your "down" time would be spent in the company of friends.