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In this clip on FB today, Ringo took the words right out of my mouth.  To save you the watch, he was asked by Dan Rather how he managed to stay grounded, being one of the most famous people in the world.  Ringo’s response was that they saw Elvis when they first started, and Elvis had no one.  On the other hand, they had the band at all times, and together would keep each other in line.  If one started acting like a big shot, another just needed to give them that look.  Growing up in Silvis/East Moline was like that.

In essence, this is one of the empty pockets of my life in music.  I grew up in a blue-collar town playing in bands, and had a lot of friends from the same social status who could give each other ‘that look’.  When I got to LA, I continued as a sideman for different artists.  Tried to get a few LA friends to join me in getting a record deal, but they wanted to be paid.  Since there was no money to pay them, it was time to get busy and make it happen on my own, solo.

My gear in a 500 SF single apartment in 1985- A Yamaha acoustic guitar, 1982 Fender Strat, 1968 Fender Bass, Roland TR-707 drum machine, Panasonic boom box and a stereo with cassette deck.

I’d record the electric guitar, drum machine and live vocal to the boom box.  Then take that cassette, slip it in the stereo deck, put a new one in the boom box and record bass and harmony, and/or acoustic gtr.  This is essentially how I was signed to Warner Bros.  There were other more professional tapes too of course, but the song that earned the contract was Walls That Bend, done precisely as above.

After signing, it became painfully aware this was a lonely job.  Decisions for photos, videos, you and a director/photographer.  What’s on the rider?  You decide.  What to wear?  Ask your girlfriend.  Flight to Dallas?  Alone.  Backstage?  Alone.  Meeting with record company where their ideas really don’t match your own?  Be diplomatic, it’s one against 10.  Great review?  Read it to your mom.  Bad review?  Crumble alone.

Today I can look at the past with little to no emotion.  I became a manager for 25 years, so it’s easy to look at my career with a different hat and healthy distance… but it’s plain to see I was never hungry for fame because frankly, it was a lonely gig.  I was born and raised a band guy.

Today I enjoy making records, end of story.  I’m loathe to go to a show.  I find older men walking around with bellies hanging over Les Paul’s unbearable.  If they start doing that 70’s dance-walk thing i’m liable to slit my wrist.  I think the rock & roll culture is antiquated and kind of sad, but much prefer pop artists, young artists, or if they are older, have modified their act with grace and a sound that matches their age.  I just never got in the business to see a bunch of grumpy old men.  McCartney, Clapton, Sting and a few others managed to do it right.  Very few though.  And they were superstars.  Much easier to be forgiven with solid hit songs that were a soundtrack to millions of lives.

Anyway, not to belabor the point but pop music is best right outta the oven.  And for sanity when you’re young, best to be in a band!  In the words of the great Ringo Starr, peace & love ❤️