I WAS the drunk guitarist in the band. Practices were over when I lost my motor skills. So I got switched over to bass and that was a huge wake up call. I’ve been sober 8 years now and I’ve been back on guitar, feel way better, eating right, exercising etc.. It comes in all walks of life not just being a musician. If you take care of your body, it will take care of you.
Tim, thank you for bringing up this taboo topic. I have an identical, twin brother, we started performing in bars at the age of 14 (our parents chaperoned us, until we turned of age). We were committed, from the very beginning, to make music our career. We made a pact between the two of us, at 14, that we would never…. 1) drink alcohol 2) take it illegal drugs 3) smoke cigarettes 4) drink, coffee. We played every weekend, through junior high and high school. After high school, we immediately went on the road played the hotel circa for eight years. Came back home bought a night club. We owned that for 15 years, playing in it full-time. Sold that in 1998 and continue playing full-time (400+ shows a year). We celebrate 52 years this year of performing professionally. We are 66 years old and have NEVER broken that pack. Our wife’s drink. Our whole family drinks. We chose this way of life simply, because this is the best way to be in this business, and survive, and make a living.
I'm 70. The saddest part of this subject is all the musicians/friends that didn't make it to 60, or even 50. Drinking every day is a bad road to go down. Love your channel Tim.
Thanks for your honesty and candor. I had a drinking problem the second I turned 21. It started as fun, but got progressively worse over the next 15 years. I was drinking like 4 or 5 large bottles of vodka a week. I never missed work, but my marriage suffered. My wife is more patient than I deserve and stuck with me through some pretty dark days. Anyway, 5 years ago I just had to make a hard life decision and I gave it up for good. I don't drink at all now. Sometimes I miss the social aspect of drinking, but being sober has forced me to be cool and comfortable with myself when I'm in social situations. I can think clearly now, I lost like 50 lbs., and most importantly my marriage improved. To anyone considering sobriety, or even just cutting way back, I'll tell you that you are fine just being yourself. You are fine just staying home and doing a puzzle if that's what you feel like. You're fine going to a party and not drinking. Everyone else will be drunk so they'll be chatty enough for the two of you. If you're sober, you'll notice all the people that are too many drinks deep and be glad you're not one of them. Good luck!
Tim, really great advice. The story here is, Nashville doesn’t make music, it makes money. It’s a business. And Nashville music business folks invest in bands and musicians who treat their work as a career and not a hobby. I think that’s the essence of the message and the distinction you’ve made between how you treated your work as a younger person, and how you approach it as a man of 30. I enjoy every single video you put out and I think it’s probably the person as much as the content I enjoy hearing. Stay well!
In the 80’s I would sit in on rhythm guitar and vocals at a lot of local bars and honky Tonk’s in Memphis. I drank so much that bands finally quit calling. But it was their problem not mine. It took years not playing and drinking before I picked up my guitar. I now play at church at Celebrate Recovery meetings in the worship band. I am tickled that a bunch of young folks let an old geezer like me jam with them. I’m an old guy with a young heart. Thanks for this video
I really appreciate this video. I am one of the older guys you were talking about that you'd like to comment. I am currently 43 years old. I have been kicking around mostly playing in the midwest...pretty much gigging almost everyday and surely without more than a week off since I was 17. That is more than half my life. I have been in so many different types of scenes with so many different types of people and your message here is the same across the board. Man, I went a LONG time...a freakin lifetime in a constant state of drinking. Like you, it started out as just a little, just having fun...hell I would even practice drunk. Fast forward some years, I found myself drinking from wake up to bed. For the past 20 years, I have been gigging pretty much every.single.day! I could still play really well drunk...I always really felt fine playing. Eventually, I just started feeling sick and crappy hungover every day. My eyes constantly bloodshot, face bloated, terrible chronic cramping and my body just slowly dying. I NEVERRRRRR missed a gig. Ever. When I turned 40, I started getting sick and just puking at random. I would still do my gigs. Totally functioning...until one night I suffered through a full day of the most excruciating pain I could ever describe. I had to be hospitalized...I had gotten Pancreatitis from this and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Now....I had to miss gigs cuz I was in the hospital with tubes in me. I knew at that point, I was done. That was 3 years ago. I quit right there on the spot. I got out of the hospital and immediately put my 2 feet on the ground and started working my ass off to get my health back, restore my reputation as a reliable hardworking passionate musician...and most importantly to get my brain out of that fog. I feel like if I can do it, anyone can because I was having about 20+ shots per night at these bars on top of drinking a whole fifth at home before and after. I did so many things I regret, I have some foggy memories of beautiful times that I can't remember like I should. At this point, 3 years later...I am able to do what I want to do, feel 100% better, almost like that was a past life (I guess it was.) My brain and body came back. I can play better than ever, I am able to learn and retain more than ever and function on a highly organized, fully productive wavelength in every aspect of my life that I had lost complete control of. I am so thankful that I was able to stop...as I'm so thankful you have been able to scale back. It is important to note, some people that watch this may think that they can just scale it back....some can....some cannot. It is important to not get that mixed up. Everyone is different. For a lot of us that are/were functioning alcoholics, it is either ON or OFF! I could say so so much more about this and I am super thankful you made this video and I hope others appreciate it like I do and I hope it helps some people. You are doing great things w your channel. Wishing continued forward momentum in your career and passion. Keep sharing. :)
Realest shit ever, I realized when I was younger I had a eagerness to learn so much, that was my natural dopamine until I started smoking and drinking, man now it’s even hard to practice, I’m anxious as fuck, always sleepy, no motivation, terrible
You have no idea how truthful your words are! I want you to know that this video is liable to help a lot of people. You never know... Today could be a day that someone is feeling like backsliding and this video will help! Thank you brother!
you are a wise young man- been there-done that- alcohol is sooo dangerous--my thing was alcohol then polish it off with weed---I was close to being an alcoholic--thankfully God saved me--I'll just say this--life is soooo much better with a clean, healthy body than being brain dead and feeling awful-thank you for this video-you have no idea how much good this will do-THANK YOU! (oh-and I love your acoustic melody there at the beginning-I'd like to hear more of that!)
Thanks for frankly talking about this, Tim. The young guys today NEED to hear this. I'm much older than you are, but I've been a professional musician for many decades, and when I was young, I got drunk a couple of times on stage and embarrassed myself and my fellow bandmates. Nowadays, of course, no drinking onstage ever, and MAYBE one glass of wine afterward. No beer, no shots, nada. Thanks again, man.
Addiction is such a subtle, gradual path. By the time you realize you’re in deep, it’s too late. As entertainers, it’s the old adage, “we entertain for a living…..who entertains us?” We end up entertaining ourselves. It’s dangerous, and lots of times, deadly. I’m gratefully 12 years sober, and enjoying playing more than ever. Our talent is a gift! If you’re on that dangerous path, PLEASE check yourself, and use your gift to the fullest! Thanks for sharing this, Tim! God bless you!
I played drunk for a long time. Been sober over 17 years and that’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I LOVE playing sober! And my playing is a lot better because of it. GREAT video! Not many people talk about this part of it. Great to hear that you’re aware of it. Much better way of life. And you can have more FUN than ever playing without being messed up.
Thank you so much for bringing this awareness to the younger generation and hopefully they will listen to you. I was a functioning alcoholic for 40 years, but it cost me a career, my marriage, and instead of being the best I could be I would settle. I hate to say it but Gout probably saved my life. Now I'm sober and doing solo gigs, and having the time of my life.
I can totally relate to what you are sharing. I got out of college in 1969 and immediately went on the road with a “show band”. In the 70’s every Holiday Inn had a band in their lounge so I was playing 5-6 nights a week in clubs in the Midwest. I was having a blast. I was also drinking quite a bit daily. After about 8 years of being on the road I got very depressed. I felt like I was not getting anywhere. So I decided to go back to school and with the new degree ended up getting a very good job outside of music. I stopped playing for several years which was quite a change from practicing 8 hours a day when I was young. A few years before I retired I picked up the guitar again and now play about 75 gigs a year on weekends and am having a great time doing it. I never considered myself talented but I loved playing and worked hard to reach a level of proficiency where I could at least perform in weekend bands.
Excellent video, Tim. I've been performing professionally for almost 50 years and definitely drank more than I should have. In my circles cocaine was something that fans were always offering the band members, and while I didn't indulge, I watched as many of my fellow musicians did. Sad to say that some of them died of heart attacks in their early 50's, I don't know if cocaine played a role in that. I never smoked cigarettes and had no interest in smoking anything else even when I was the lead guitarist in an all (but me) Jamaican reggae band. :-D The bottom line is that it can creep up on you slowly with a drink here and a snort or smoke there and the next thing you know you're out of control. Your video is a great message to those who want to follow your path as to some of the traps waiting for them that can not only end their potential career, but their ability to enjoy a healthy life. Keep up the great work.
It is telling that you opened with not being around hard drugs. Alcohol some how gets a pass here. It is more devastating on society than many street drugs, I imagine it is because it is so available. You are doing great from my perspective and I enjoy your commentary.
Tim, it was funny when I first discovered your channel I thought to myself "' there is something special about this young man". Now I know why my gut instinct was correct. Your sharing this topic of partying, drinking, smoking is so very very important for those who aspire to follow in your footsteps. Heck even if they aren't following in your footsteps but are just going through life your message was clear, non judgemental and loving in spirit. I've been sober for over 32 years now and can tell you being clear minded in any and all that I do is such a huge gift. I tell folks I was a green lighter drinker and always did is to party and feel good. After a few too many blackouts and people telling me what I had done, said and acted like was enough for me to know that I was never going to be a functioning party guy. Today I tell people that God gave me a chance to live two lives during one lifetime. Keep up the great work and awesome content...peace, love and hugs to you my friend.
Sober 9 1/2 years. Best decision I ever made. Life is super easy now. There are a lot of people who can have a drink or two and it doesn’t matter, but there are lot of folks who loose control over it.
Thank you for speaking out about this! - I am lucky that I don't have a problem with excess drinking or smoking but the environment really encourages it and many people have difficulty saying no or moderating their drinking - I have a beer or two and maybe a little smoke once in a while. One rule I have is no shots - that is where it gets bad quickly. It does not help my playing AT ALL
100% accurate, I know. 30years + of bar gigs. I hope young player listen to this. Nothing wrong with having a drink or two during the gig but that will escalade to several drinks a set and your playing will suck.
I don’t necessarily agree that having a couple of drinks will escalate. I always have a beer between sets and I’ve never been tempted to let it escalate. I think when folks do escalate, they also have other issues they’re trying to work through.
Man this is so important. I know many musicians that are struggling with alcohol addiction and maybe want to get sober but their work requires them to be around alcohol all of the time. The temptation must make it nearly impossible and it's not like they can just change jobs. I've been wanting to make a video about this for awhile and maybe still will sometime, but thanks for making this!
Great video! I was a local working musician for 38 years. I got some great advice from an old timer when I first starting gigging in my teens. He told me to never drink on the job and always go straight home after the gig. I took his advice and did that my whole gigging life. I watching countless dozens of musicians ruin their lives and health with alcohol and drugs. They ones that didn't die young became tired broken down old dudes still drinking and smoking through the same local gigs well into their 60's. I retired from gigging in my mid-50's. Never drank or smoked on any gigs.
It's not just Nashville, it's everywhere. Very well said, nobody has really ever sat down and said, hey, this is how and why people end up as dead junkies. It starts way before then, playing in shitty small bars for the bar tab for fun.
Hi man, saw Lanco at the Listening Room for CMA Fest. I was there for a writers weekend with my writing buddies. Man it's a constant battle. I can't play and sing when I drink too much beforehand but I drink plenty afterwards. Thanks for talking about it brother....
Years ago while out dancing a doctor friend told me if you knew how much damage alcohol did to your body you would slow down or quit. It is rated in the Group 1 carcinogenic which is the worst category, that also includes radiation, tobacco, asbestos, etc. It causes 7 types of cancer plus heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Know to possibly ruin friendships and personal relationships. Canada and U.S.A. states with legal Medical MJ and recreational have reported reduced sales of alcohol, some have sold more MJ than alcohol. To each his own but working out, eating healthy, and getting good sleep makes a person’s appearance more attractive, you don’t hardly ever get sick, plus it gives you a sharper mind.
I’m 65 years old and I played music for a living ever since the age of 19. I’ve raised kids sent them to school and college. Bought homes and cars just like everybody else. i’m not rich, but I’m doing OK. And I’ve got to play music for a living. I’m truly blessed. But you’ve got to treat it like a business. It is the music business. It’s OK to have fun now and then but always keep it in check. You young cats out there beware. cause it can get ya
The situation you were in is around for most young people. At eighteen I started at a glass factory. Wisconsin had eighteen-year-old bars where you could drink beer. Unfortunately, they were in a different county, so we drove thirty miles away to get drunk and party. Everyone in the factory (it seemed) love to drink. That is when I met my wife and we loved to follow my brother's band around and drink. Then Uncle Sam stepped in and in 1970 I was in the army. By the time I left the army, I was married and had a little girl. After the army and back at the factory my drinking days were behind me. Working 12 to sixteen hours a day six or even seven days a week and taking care of a family didn't leave much time for drinking. Rosie and I are seventy-four now and still travel the country and the world. I enjoy beer now and then and life is good. I know this is a tough issue with young people and that has always been true! Enjoying your channel Tim. Burlington Bill busking on the road and on my you tube channel.
Good topic, glad you decided to bring it up. You are blessed to have realized what the smoking and alcohol were doing to you. Many don't realize they're falling into a trap, but you did. Besides affecting your musical skills, self awareness can be dulled.
Alcohol flows freely in the entertainment industry. I remember doing theater shows where the character (who’s a guitarist) has onstage drinking scenes, and the theater was slipping me straight Jack… lol. That’s not taking into account all the free drinks everywhere else. I don’t put any of it down, as it’s a personal choice for all involved. But for me, I just had to stop. I was never really a big drinker in a professional environment, but away from it, it started to become more prevalent. For people wanting to quit - I think it’s worth it.
Mike from Art of Guitar had an interesting video on this fairly recently. Thank you for your honesty. I'm in business, and alcohol is considered normal for getting deals done. The lives it's ripped apart don't get mentioned, just the garbage lines about camaraderie. I do not regret avoiding it. I'm not better than anyone, but as an old guy I've seen enough casualties with family and friends.
Thank you for your courage to post this! We seldom see the “train wreck” until we pass it. You caught it early, and stepped off just enough to keep sane. Thanks dor sharing your journey!
Thank you for bringing up this important topic. So many people don’t have any idea what’s considered heavy drinking. NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows: For men, consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week. So many people are heavy drinkers and don’t realize it. They have no idea how it’s affecting their mental health. Or their physical health. Playing in bars makes it easy to fall into this kind of behavior. And it’s totally accepted. Beware it’s no joke.
I agree with what you are saying. In fact, I would add, don't even start drinking or using any kind of drug. Learn to cope with the stress of the entertainment industry without any drugs or alcohol. Meditation helps. This is advice that very few or no one will take but I've been through it. If your drinking on the job i.e. the gig, you have a problem and a problem that can turn into a tenfold problem down the road. If you're saying to yourself that you like to have one drink before the show because it just calms you down a bit so you can play better then you have a potential problem. This is your livelihood! Don't risk it! Remember this industry doesn't owe anyone a damn thing. It doesn't owe you money, a living, happiness, or freedom. That is all on you. If you want to stay around, work like you would in any other job and learn to do it right.
Tim, I am impressed with your level of emotional and analytical maturity. It takes most people 4 or 5 decades to reach the same conclusions you have come to. You are certainly on the right path! Keep up the good work.
💯💯💯 Good on ya. Hitting the nail on the head here. No one talks about it but I think a lot of us are suffering in silence. That lifestyle isn’t sustainable. The drinking and mental health go hand in hand. Mental health issues may still exist but it’s much easier to navigate without the excruciating hangovers. So many of the great musicians we look up to that have had long careers have gone through it and come out the other side. Some cats are built different but I can’t hang like that anymore.
Congrats on hitting the 10k and keep doing what you’re doing. I’m 52 so definitely in the demographic. I stopped drinking from 24-34 and then stopped for good 11 years ago. I’m not a pro musician but it doesn’t matter. You make a lot of great points that can be relatable to many different lifestyles/professions. Good luck!
you have your head on straight, Tim. I am reading Michael McDonald's memoir right now (Doobie Brothers, etc). He got caught up with it - drinking - real bad. Just like you described. It's an easy trap to fall into. He smoked pot every day too. He is now 100% sober. It's a great read, you'd like it. it is called "What a Fool Believes"
Sometimes drinking is looked at as a way for people in the band to bond. Drinking before and/or during the gig is not a good idea since it may affect your playing and usually it's for the worst. When you are super nervous about a gig, even one beer will mess you up! I've experienced that as well but luckily that gig went well! I recommend anyone who wants to drink in a tour or gig, to first figure out the artist's opinion on that. Some artists are ok with it and others are definitely not! Musicians should also always remember that being on the road is not being on vacation. You are there to work and even when you are off stage, you are part of the artist's image. If you mess up in any way - playing the music on stage / being wasted after in front of fans / or even being a terrible hang because you are high or drunk; chances are you won;t be on the next tour. The sooner you understand that, the better it'll be for your career. Keep it up with the channel! Great stuff!
Another great vid. You’re so real and down to earth. Keep it going. Never had this issue but I know plenty of guys (and some girls) who did, and it’s a shame to see how some very talented people declined and are a shadow of their former selves. My brother was an amazingly talented guitarist, writer and recording engineer, but he died early from partying so much. Was a great loss and his family will never be the same.
Tim, Quick story. I Have a friend who was in a famous band from the 90's. His addiction to drugs broke up the band. He went to rehab and beat the hard drug addiction but the addictive behavior has led to years of drinking and weed, still to this day as we approach 60. I have watched him for years bounce from band to band to solo gigs, he still struggles with the drinking. Numerous folks have tried to help him and while he will get better for awhile he goes right back to the addictive behavior. This guy is an outstanding guitarist and songwriter I still hope to this day that he will get straight but I truly do not think he will. He is dealing with some health issues now all related to the above. Thank you for a great truthful video
Good video. My experience as a jazz musician. I got a call to play with a jazz quartet for an hour gig. Arrived at the gig and met the band members, all very nice professionals, very normal behavior. Then the pianist says anyone want to go out for a smoke? Bassist and pianist go outside, it was a new years eve gig, very very cold outside. When they came back in to start playing the gig, they had transformed from just normal guys to two people obviously under the influence of whatever they were smoking or doing. It's like they were different people. Nothing out of the ordinary, and the gig went well. I packed up and went home. And that was that. The pianist had a bad habit of never really following the charts, but he did ok that gig.
It WAS fun, back in my early days. Today, at 57 years old with over 40 years of gigging under my belt, the worst part is thinking of all the great friends/musicians that I've lost to addictions. Many, at such a very early age. Nowadays, I mostly drink unsweet iced tea, and ask the bartender to put it in a mixed-drink glass with a slice of lemon or orange on the rim just to leave the illusion that I have a drink. I'll still have those nights where I wished I didn't give in to the lure of drinking hard and partying hard, but I really try to keep those gigs a rarity.
Thanks for the great comment and insight. I agree with this. A few is fun but you really have to be disciplined to not got overboard, or let it start taking over your life and becoming more important that the gig.
I’m very fortunate. From day one I always had the idea that I had to be professional, even when I was a beginner and my playing didn’t warrant it. Also, when I became professional, I discovered that I don’t enjoy being impaired, whether it was drink or drugs. One night in my college days, would have been 1969, I was 18 or 19, and I’d taken a hit of acid. Well, the band I was in got a last-minute gig, which I didn’t know about until after I’d dropped the acid! It remains the only time I played on that stuff, and I thought I was inventing the music of the spheres, or something like that. A friend had brought his tape recorder to the gig, luckily-and when I heard it back the next day, I wanted to apologize to that audience! I sucked, big-time, and the stuff that sounded so good at the gig was all in my head. I never played drunk or stoned, and by the time I’d turned 21, I’d gotten all that out of my system. People would want to buy me drinks at bar gigs, and they’d sometimes get insulted when I’d ask for a sparlking water or a Coke-but I’d tell them that playing guitar was my job, and I don’t get high on the job (or any other time)! I always figured I’d have to keep my wits about me at all times. It didn’t help me get better gigs, but at least I’m still able to tell the tale. A lot of guys younger than me couldn’t get even that far.
All the worst things that happened in my life were alcohol related including embarrassing myself on stage then found Jesus and THAT was the best thing that ever happened in my life
Two very sad experiences I had first, going to a concert in the late 1960's where one of the most iconic folk guitarist figures of the time, clearly out of his skull, failed to be able to play his signature guitar piece several times. I used to play it so it was challenging but quite OK. Drink and drugs had completely wrecked him. A couple of years later I attended a concert with an audience of about forty people to see a new guitarist/song writer. He was great, a terrific guitarist and singer and only 17, an enormous talent, who later had a stellar career but the next time I saw him he was morbidly obese and struggling with drink and drugs which took him to an early grave and left people grieving for the loss and regretting that he failed to attain the heights he could have reached.
I'm impressed that you chose to cover this topic and share your experiences. I think you're 100% right. People considering this career need to keep focus on the fact that it's a business. When you're in a band, you owe it to your bandmates and fans to be on your game and give the best you can at every performance. You sound like you've got your priorities in the right place. 👍
Lost everything to alcohol. Now I strum alone in the woods. Which I will always be deeply grateful for this ability. Alcohol is not viewed as the horrible drug that it is. It's not often you hear people defending their crack addiction because it's socially acceptable. Glad that you discuss this. Cool tune as well!
I’m not even halfway thru the video but I appreciate you talking about this! It’s “not cool” but the consequences of deep addiction and real mental health issues are not cool to the fullest. Anyone who has experienced it firsthand or been around it knows. If you disagree, that’s ok, you’re not wrong and I’m no better than anyone (no one is), but… please listen to this with an open heart and mind. Some lessons you can learn through others, some lessons require you to learn them yourself. This lesson is one I encourage everyone to learn secondhand. pride cometh before the fall
Great message! I was fortunate to be in an all original rock band in the 80s and 90s that was so focused on succeeding that we didn't have time for any type of substance abuse. Over the years (I'm 61 now) I've had a few times where I was drinking during a performance or during rehearsal and I noticed that it never once made me any better at singing or playing guitar. At best, like you, I would just play the same old stand by licks and didn't really add any new value to the music.
Good to hear you never fell deep into the trap. Its true, I play my best when I'm sober, a beer or two is fine, but the more I get in the worse my playing gets.
Nice talk! Happy you pulled yourself out of it. It's pretty much something you have to learn in your 20s, musician or not. I have seen professionals ruin shows because of intoxication. Even a little impairs your timing. Keep up the good work...
You're a smart kid! Keep up the good work. I can relate to much of your story. I got sober many years ago when I was your age after I got out of the Marine Band. It seems to be the ultimate fantasy of many gigging musicians that we can drink with impunity forever! Unfortunately many of us have to reach a place of absolute misery before we can figure that out. You're playing sounds great. Keep going man!
1st, thanks for bringing this subject to light. Drugs and booze are for sure career killers for musicians. I'm a retired drummer (I don't gig out anymore), . When I was in my mid 20's, I was just slamming all the beers I could get on gigs. I honestly don't know how I made the drive home sometimes. By the time I hit 30, If I drank at all, during the 1st 2 sets, I had physical issues comfortably trying to get through the 3rd and 4th sets. Alcohol would just wear me down so I switched to club soda and lime. And then, had my 1st beer at the last set. There's No way to get away from the drugs and booze in nightclubs period. Unless the band has a strict policy,... Honestly, this subject is a large reason why I left the music biz in general. I was a pro player- Played with heavy's like Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple, was an honor's grad from MI Hollywood, (way too much to list here), but, I always found myself in a lateral playing situation- bars, clubs, booze and drugs. I had to get out. I did play again a decade later when, I moved from Branson to Clear watrer, FL. but stopped playing again. It was the same shi- all over again. I'll never forget an audition I did once in Branson back in '92. The bassist hired me for the gig and the gig was my audition. He was the grandson of who was probably the most famous female country vocalist of all times. Hint, (she was married to M Haggard). He got so drunk on stage during the 3rd set, he passed out flat cold on stage. It ended the gig and my drum kit never saw the light of day for a Long long time! Stay Sober!
I am friends with a lot of musicians here in Nashville. 90 percent are either sober because they made it to the other side of alcoholism, a couple did not make it- I watched them drink straight to the grave it’s sad. A lot are like you said functioning alcoholic’s.
The intro was very nice & I'm liking that shirt. Tim, thanks for your honesty. You're right no one talks about it. Think I might've heard one other channel talking about Broadway & doing multiple gigs through out the week that involved a lot of drinking. I've seen buying the band a round many times. I've also seen it a lot on the Broadway Bar live stream I watch. Really glad you didn't fall into that trap. Not to many years ago cig smoking was allowed in bars. I'm not a smoker but I always hated the way my hair & clothes smelled when I left. I probably smoked a pack by second hand smoke. Yikes! You're such a caring guy. Really enjoy seeing you succeed. I'm on the quieter more reserved side too. People in this industry can be vicious & backstabbing. Never related well with other girlfriends/wives. Okay, I'm kind of like Jennifer Anniston's character in Rock Star. I've had my nickname for a long time & have kept it for my music channel. What's ironic is I ended up marrying a Military Veteran & not a Musician. I'm sure you know that movie was based on Tim Ripper Owens life story when he joined Judas Priest. I did meet Tim when he was in that Judas Priest Tribute band before he joined Priest. His real band was "Winter's Bane". That band opened for the Tribute Band. Same guys different band. So, that's my only connection to that actual movie. Yes, I've got a lot of stories but can't share them here. Hey, I was rockin in the 80's so you can use your imagination. Ha... thanks Tim for sharing.
Love all these videos you’ve been posting man, but this is the best one by far. I quit drinking last year for 9 months because the Broadway thing was just taking its toll on me. I’m not sober, but these days it’s one or two beers per gig and I’m good. Feel way better now.
Yo dude great to see you on here!! Good for you man. I know how hard that is. I know you really know what it’s like. Hope you’re doin well man, hopefully see you soon!
Love the acoustic intro! Curious to hear your thoughts on the "why" of the drinking and drugs? Playing in bars where you're surrounded by it doesn't help, nor does hanging with other people who are wasted. By why do so many artists get sucked into that world, even when they've made it really big? Is it the yo-yo of the high of being on stage, to everyone else going home and you're once again alone - another town, another hotel room, without any friends or family? Being surrounded by a lot of fake people (pretend friends/freeloaders) can be depressing too.
I think you're right on the highs and lows. Playing live, no matter the level, is quite the drug! It can be hard to cope with the come down of that sometimes. I don't have all the answers but It's present at every level of the game.
Man… this is real. I have a standing gig at a wine bar where they came to the table with less $ than I wanted but they offered me free wine/beer while I’m playing. Specifically WHILE I’m playing. There’s so much alcohol in the industry. Want to go out and support a friend? You’re going to a bar. Drop in to talk to a venue about a new gig? That’s at a bar, and you’re having a drink.
I played in bands for years - still do. I went through a period where I reasoned to myself it’s ok to get drunk at a gig because it’s a night out for me and I should enjoy myself. I soon realized I can’t play or sing worth a hoot when I’m drunk and it’s not fair to the other band members who are sober. So I stopped doing that. Now it’s one pint per set. Also alcohol is terrible for your voice.
Great video Tim! I really appreciate your honesty and perspective on this topic! I’m not a musician but I love music and especially enjoy live performances. Unfortunately, I’m also one who frequently enjoys showing his appreciation to the band by buying them shots and rounds of beers. You’ve really given me something to think about with this video. Going forward, perhaps I’ll just hit the tip bucket instead. Keep the awesome content coming!
Sounds like being a bartender. I started out only drinking after hours only, then a customer would buy me a shot, then I'd have a fresh beer stashed under the bar all night, I drove home drunk every night.Then I found I was an alcoholic, so I quit bartending and quit drinking - 32 years now. My musician brother-in -law got into a serious accident after a gig and is now a paraplegic. From you enthusiasm for your work I could tell you are not a heavy drinker. Drinkers go through their day grumpy and feeling like crap. PS just checked Lanco's tour dates. You guys are all over the place. Have fun!
I've been a musician on and off for 30yrs. I lived in Nashville for 12yrs playing all over Nashville. I never had a bad problem with alcohol. Over my 30yrs of playing, I have gone through different "periods" or "chapters" as a musician. In some periods I drank... in other periods I didn't drink at all when I played. I will not lie, it's great playing music while you have a "buzz", but that fun will come with a cost. The cost: your health, the quality of your music, maybe your gig, etc... FACT: A musician (especially in Nashville, working on Broadway) is not only there to perform music, you are there to SELL ALCOHOL. You are up there to encourage the people in the bar to "buy a drink". The more you sell, the more likely you are to keep your gig and get rebooked at that bar again. Note: Many of the bars on Broadway, care more about how much alcohol you sell than how talented you are... This is not a theory or one person's personal experience.. this is FACT. Over my time as a musician I've witnessed so many talented musicians who died too young because of this lifestyle. Smoking and drinking will eventually kill you or at the very least make you unhealthy. I have found that the best musicians, don't drink at all. They are focused on what they're doing and are there for the music, to grow as a musician, have fun, but they aren't there to "party" with the crowd. If you're a musician, you have to remember, the people you're partying with most likely ,wont be in the bar tomorrow night or the next night. They are mostly only there for one night to blow it out, have fun, wake up with a hangover and go back to their normal life. You will be there the next night and the next, etc... SO you have to figure out a way to control yourself and survive long term in this environment. If you don't....you wont last. If you do continue relying on alcohol every time you play music, it will eventually start to ruin your progress as a musician and may lead (over time) to your death. I used to not be able to start a show without taking a couple shots of whiskey to "knock the edge off", but I started challenging myself to "do it sober". I did this just to challenge myself and to let myself know that I was in control and not the alcohol. What happens is you figure out that you don't need it and you CAN do it sober and it can break your dependence on it. the biggest thing is to be conscious of your alcohol consumption. TIP ON HOW TO SURVIVE: When people buy you a drink... just get a beer (specifically in a dark bottle or a can) take one drink out of it or turn it up and fake drinking it so the person who bought you the drink will be satisfied....the bar sells the beer, you keep your band booked and everyones happy. Most drunks who buy you a drink only want to see you drink the first drink, then they don't pay attention after that. The dark glass bottle is hard to see how much is in it, a can completely hides it. When/if you get a break, take the beer with you and just sit it down anywhere and leave it. Mission accomplished. If you are a self confirmed alcoholic or if none of this appeals to you and you don't want to drink at all and just want to play your music... I would suggest getting out of the bar atmosphere as a musician and go play small coffee houses, etc.. and other places where alcohol isn't the focus or just make RUclips videos to get your talent and music out there. The bar scene isnt changing anytime soon for musicians, so get a plan that works for you and stick with it. GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!!
I think the words youre looking for are that youre drinking socially and moderately and are not binge drinking everyday like you use to. Its a personal thing that each person must decide for themselves in regard to drinking and what they are comfortable with.
Tim, thanks for posting about this un-spoken topic. I've been playing for over 50 years and have seen drinking and substance abuse ruin bands, marriages and personal lives. I wouldn't want my surgeon to be buzzed, I also don't want to see or hear musicians on staged, wasted beyond being in control.
You're a wise young man. I follow another super Nashville Cat a good bit your senior that on occasion mentions drinking and keeping in shape...in between the lines it's easy to tell that although the monkey's not choking him...he struggles to keep him off his back.. One of my heroes was Jimmy Buffett. He loved Margaritaville....looking back at his life and achievements ..one must conclude that he seldom visited there for any length of time. Pulling for you.✌️
I played solo in beer joints throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas for several years in my early twenties. I didn't drink alcohol and I would tell the barmen and women that I didn't drink, and if customers wanted to send a drink up to me on stage they should send me ginger ale in a beer glass. I drank a LOT of ginger ale back then. And customers never caught on. I thank God he protected me from alcohol. I'm 67 years old now and I still don't drink.
Good advice. I grew up during the 60s-70s and was right in the middle of that whole "hippie" thing. I was jazz-trained and always played professionally in wedding band/cover band situations. But, I had a lot of friends who just played rock/blues/psychedelic etc, and some of them did do drugs. I remember a couple of times being at a party jamming with some of these people and someone telling me they could play better on drugs. Well, they didn't play better; they played the same worn-out nonsense they always played, despite whatever was going on in their head. Most of these people grew up and stopped using; a couple actually took lessons from me years later because they realized that they didn't know music, they just knew where to put their fingers on the fret-board for a particular song. Unfortunately, a couple just spiraled down a hole and never were the same. And a couple, sadly, died from drug/alcohol related issues. So, I would say that if you are going to be professional, then act professional and treat your vocation as a business. Make yourself marketable, reliable, and take every opportunity to learn something new. Drugs will merely make you THINK you are better than you are.
I started playing professionally in 1980 and went down that road for a while. I finally stopped in 1988 and today I don't smoke at all. I don't usually drink at gigs at all except for maybe an occasional drink. I found out that I don't miss it at all. I guess I've outgrown it!
Drinking and country have just gone together for years and years and always will. Every single video I see of big stars live lately is them hammered on stage. Live shows are all about the party for 99% of the crowd and the clubs/theatre's/stadiums want everybody to buy booze. I do check myself every so often just to make sure that I don't NEED a drink ever.
Yep - been there done that, glad I was able to check myself like you describe. Been off the booze since 2022 - zero regrets. My playing is better live. Everything is better. Cheers brother 🎉
Everything in moderation, young lads/lasses. Don't lose sight of what's important friends, family, work, your art. THC/booze can be overdone easily, coffee nicotine not so much.
As you said ALL levels of the industry. Festivals, or shows in general, can be a lot of "hurry up and wait", and what do you do to kill time? Drink. I've had artist gigs where I had it down to a science of how much and slowly to drink to keep a steady buzz without crossing the line before showtime, then after you go hard, pass out, and wake up to do it again the next day. I try to drink less now, and you're right, turning down shots at a bar gig makes you feel like Mr. Buzzkill. It's not easy.
I have gotten in the habit of getting off work drinking and playing guitar.Aftet doing that for so long I barely touch the guitar sober.Its not a good habit to get into.
I didn't read through all the comments so forgive me if someone already mentioned this. We need to be cognizant of the fact that nowadays a lot of the microbrewery beer is much stronger than traditional beer, plus it tends to be served in pints too. Two pints of an 8% pub brewed IPA is similar to 4 bottles of Budweiser (about 5% alc).
Good words, my friend. I've been lucky that I'm not the addictive type, and I have one drink at a typical gig. We gig a lot, and I treat it like a very important calling and don't want to screw it up. A bigger problem for me is tinnitus. I look forward to your thoughts on this subject.
Such a great take brother. My acoustic duo partner recently got a DWI after leaving a show super late. He's not even a big drinker and he's such a great dude. We had a great chat about it and the lesson was learned. We also discussed that it could have been so much worse. I remember being on tour in my early 20's and I can relate to all of this. For me now, music is my entire drug the whole night through. My first band made it a rule to never drink before any show and I think it served us well. The one time we didn't adhere to that rule it was a train wreck. lol
@@TimAvenMusic Thanks man, we all get older and wiser in the end. At least that's the goal. haha. About to sit down and do a video about the disaster of trying to relic my own guitar. haha.
I was always the sober one in the band, and I get picked on about it. By the third set, between the booze and the pharma enhancements from the rest of the band members, I had to keep the band together for that last set as best as I could. I am glad I stayed sober throughout my time as a musician. I saw bands throw away recording contracts due to drugs during my time in Nashville. I loved the memories there, but I had to leave. I watched people destroy their life and their talent going down the wrong path.
In Canada the drunk driving laws are harsh so I bought a cheap breathalyzer and found that in order to pass the breathalyzer test I could have 2 beers over a 5 hour period. The pleasure I get from that third drink pales in comparison to that terrible feeling you get when you roll up to a police roadblock
Who you surround yourself with ....wow , thats really good advice for everyone . Luckily I still have a career in music and am a happy and ,healthy , physically strong individual ( through great effort ) . However years of doing things that you are describing cost me very dearly . Thanks for this !
I've lived an hour from Nashville for the last 35 years and been around the music industry as a stage hand, roadie, sound tech and weirdo percussionist (djembe and cajon). You speak the truth. I know quite a few guys who have achieved greater "success" and more fulfilling careers after reigning in or quitting booze and other mind altering stuff. I've also seen many go off the rails and crash. As with all things, moderation is both recommended and preferred.
It's true, some people can do it and still be successful or even play great, but its a trap getting too deep in. As you know this is a massive part of the industry and no one talks about it. Thanks for sharing and the watch!
I WAS the drunk guitarist in the band. Practices were over when I lost my motor skills. So I got switched over to bass and that was a huge wake up call. I’ve been sober 8 years now and I’ve been back on guitar, feel way better, eating right, exercising etc.. It comes in all walks of life not just being a musician. If you take care of your body, it will take care of you.
Congrats on being sober! Thats a huge deal, especially when being in the music scene. Thanks for sharing your story!
Good for you man , 21 years for me and all 21 one of them was accomplished one day at a time 😊
I guess that is why Jack Bruce, Jaco, Stanley Clarke never made the great guitar stand.
I wouldn't want to see a band where the rhythm section instruments were considered a punishment.
@@FogTub Yeah being a bass player is thankless but most needed. The idea theat a drunk bass player is better than a drunk guitarist is beyond me.
Tim, thank you for bringing up this taboo topic. I have an identical, twin brother, we started performing in bars at the age of 14 (our parents chaperoned us, until we turned of age). We were committed, from the very beginning, to make music our career. We made a pact between the two of us, at 14, that we would never….
1) drink alcohol
2) take it illegal drugs
3) smoke cigarettes
4) drink, coffee.
We played every weekend, through junior high and high school. After high school, we immediately went on the road played the hotel circa for eight years. Came back home bought a night club. We owned that for 15 years, playing in it full-time.
Sold that in 1998 and continue playing full-time (400+ shows a year). We celebrate 52 years this year of performing professionally. We are 66 years old and have NEVER broken that pack. Our wife’s drink. Our whole family drinks. We chose this way of life simply, because this is the best way to be in this business, and survive, and make a living.
I'm 70. The saddest part of this subject is all the musicians/friends that didn't make it to 60, or even 50.
Drinking every day is a bad road to go down. Love your channel Tim.
Thanks for your honesty and candor. I had a drinking problem the second I turned 21. It started as fun, but got progressively worse over the next 15 years. I was drinking like 4 or 5 large bottles of vodka a week. I never missed work, but my marriage suffered. My wife is more patient than I deserve and stuck with me through some pretty dark days. Anyway, 5 years ago I just had to make a hard life decision and I gave it up for good. I don't drink at all now. Sometimes I miss the social aspect of drinking, but being sober has forced me to be cool and comfortable with myself when I'm in social situations. I can think clearly now, I lost like 50 lbs., and most importantly my marriage improved. To anyone considering sobriety, or even just cutting way back, I'll tell you that you are fine just being yourself. You are fine just staying home and doing a puzzle if that's what you feel like. You're fine going to a party and not drinking. Everyone else will be drunk so they'll be chatty enough for the two of you. If you're sober, you'll notice all the people that are too many drinks deep and be glad you're not one of them. Good luck!
Tim, really great advice. The story here is, Nashville doesn’t make music, it makes money. It’s a business. And Nashville music business folks invest in bands and musicians who treat their work as a career and not a hobby. I think that’s the essence of the message and the distinction you’ve made between how you treated your work as a younger person, and how you approach it as a man of 30. I enjoy every single video you put out and I think it’s probably the person as much as the content I enjoy hearing. Stay well!
In the 80’s I would sit in on rhythm guitar and vocals at a lot of local bars and honky Tonk’s in Memphis. I drank so much that bands finally quit calling. But it was their problem not mine. It took years not playing and drinking before I picked up my guitar. I now play at church at Celebrate Recovery meetings in the worship band. I am tickled that a bunch of young folks let an old geezer like me jam with them. I’m an old guy with a young heart. Thanks for this video
I really appreciate this video. I am one of the older guys you were talking about that you'd like to comment. I am currently 43 years old. I have been kicking around mostly playing in the midwest...pretty much gigging almost everyday and surely without more than a week off since I was 17. That is more than half my life. I have been in so many different types of scenes with so many different types of people and your message here is the same across the board. Man, I went a LONG time...a freakin lifetime in a constant state of drinking. Like you, it started out as just a little, just having fun...hell I would even practice drunk. Fast forward some years, I found myself drinking from wake up to bed. For the past 20 years, I have been gigging pretty much every.single.day! I could still play really well drunk...I always really felt fine playing. Eventually, I just started feeling sick and crappy hungover every day. My eyes constantly bloodshot, face bloated, terrible chronic cramping and my body just slowly dying. I NEVERRRRRR missed a gig. Ever. When I turned 40, I started getting sick and just puking at random. I would still do my gigs. Totally functioning...until one night I suffered through a full day of the most excruciating pain I could ever describe. I had to be hospitalized...I had gotten Pancreatitis from this and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Now....I had to miss gigs cuz I was in the hospital with tubes in me. I knew at that point, I was done. That was 3 years ago. I quit right there on the spot. I got out of the hospital and immediately put my 2 feet on the ground and started working my ass off to get my health back, restore my reputation as a reliable hardworking passionate musician...and most importantly to get my brain out of that fog. I feel like if I can do it, anyone can because I was having about 20+ shots per night at these bars on top of drinking a whole fifth at home before and after. I did so many things I regret, I have some foggy memories of beautiful times that I can't remember like I should. At this point, 3 years later...I am able to do what I want to do, feel 100% better, almost like that was a past life (I guess it was.) My brain and body came back. I can play better than ever, I am able to learn and retain more than ever and function on a highly organized, fully productive wavelength in every aspect of my life that I had lost complete control of. I am so thankful that I was able to stop...as I'm so thankful you have been able to scale back. It is important to note, some people that watch this may think that they can just scale it back....some can....some cannot. It is important to not get that mixed up. Everyone is different. For a lot of us that are/were functioning alcoholics, it is either ON or OFF! I could say so so much more about this and I am super thankful you made this video and I hope others appreciate it like I do and I hope it helps some people. You are doing great things w your channel. Wishing continued forward momentum in your career and passion. Keep sharing. :)
good move, im 39 , and wanting to move into part time music from coding
Realest shit ever, I realized when I was younger I had a eagerness to learn so much, that was my natural dopamine until I started smoking and drinking, man now it’s even hard to practice, I’m anxious as fuck, always sleepy, no motivation, terrible
Keep on fighting man! Thanks for commenting and sharing.
You have no idea how truthful your words are! I want you to know that this video is liable to help a lot of people. You never know... Today could be a day that someone is feeling like backsliding and this video will help! Thank you brother!
Thank you for such a great comment, I hope this helps someone!!
@@TimAvenMusic I can assure you it already has!!!
you are a wise young man- been there-done that- alcohol is sooo dangerous--my thing was alcohol then polish it off with weed---I was close to being an alcoholic--thankfully God saved me--I'll just say this--life is soooo much better with a clean, healthy body than being brain dead and feeling awful-thank you for this video-you have no idea how much good this will do-THANK YOU! (oh-and I love your acoustic melody there at the beginning-I'd like to hear more of that!)
Thanks for frankly talking about this, Tim. The young guys today NEED to hear this. I'm much older than you are, but I've been a professional musician for many decades, and when I was young, I got drunk a couple of times on stage and embarrassed myself and my fellow bandmates. Nowadays, of course, no drinking onstage ever, and MAYBE one glass of wine afterward. No beer, no shots, nada. Thanks again, man.
Addiction is such a subtle, gradual path. By the time you realize you’re in deep, it’s too late. As entertainers, it’s the old adage, “we entertain for a living…..who entertains us?” We end up entertaining ourselves. It’s dangerous, and lots of times, deadly. I’m gratefully 12 years sober, and enjoying playing more than ever. Our talent is a gift! If you’re on that dangerous path, PLEASE check yourself, and use your gift to the fullest!
Thanks for sharing this, Tim! God bless you!
I played drunk for a long time. Been sober over 17 years and that’s the best thing I’ve ever done. I LOVE playing sober! And my playing is a lot better because of it. GREAT video! Not many people talk about this part of it. Great to hear that you’re aware of it. Much better way of life. And you can have more FUN than ever playing without being messed up.
Thank you so much for bringing this awareness to the younger generation and hopefully they will listen to you. I was a functioning alcoholic for 40 years, but it cost me a career, my marriage, and instead of being the best I could be I would settle. I hate to say it but Gout probably saved my life. Now I'm sober and doing solo gigs, and having the time of my life.
I can totally relate to what you are sharing. I got out of college in 1969 and immediately went on the road with a “show band”. In the 70’s every Holiday Inn had a band in their lounge so I was playing 5-6 nights a week in clubs in the Midwest. I was having a blast. I was also drinking quite a bit daily. After about 8 years of being on the road I got very depressed. I felt like I was not getting anywhere. So I decided to go back to school and with the new degree ended up getting a very good job outside of music. I stopped playing for several years which was quite a change from practicing 8 hours a day when I was young. A few years before I retired I picked up the guitar again and now play about 75 gigs a year on weekends and am having a great time doing it. I never considered myself talented but I loved playing and worked hard to reach a level of proficiency where I could at least perform in weekend bands.
I remember a kid in the mid seventies every exit along i 95 had a holiday inn with love entertainment in the bar.
Excellent video, Tim.
I've been performing professionally for almost 50 years and definitely drank more than I should have. In my circles cocaine was something that fans were always offering the band members, and while I didn't indulge, I watched as many of my fellow musicians did. Sad to say that some of them died of heart attacks in their early 50's, I don't know if cocaine played a role in that. I never smoked cigarettes and had no interest in smoking anything else even when I was the lead guitarist in an all (but me) Jamaican reggae band. :-D The bottom line is that it can creep up on you slowly with a drink here and a snort or smoke there and the next thing you know you're out of control. Your video is a great message to those who want to follow your path as to some of the traps waiting for them that can not only end their potential career, but their ability to enjoy a healthy life.
Keep up the great work.
3 years sober this October. Best decision I’ve ever made in my life!
Me too. Playing better than ever
It is telling that you opened with not being around hard drugs. Alcohol some how gets a pass here. It is more devastating on society than many street drugs, I imagine it is because it is so available. You are doing great from my perspective and I enjoy your commentary.
Tim, it was funny when I first discovered your channel I thought to myself "' there is something special about this young man". Now I know why my gut instinct was correct. Your sharing this topic of partying, drinking, smoking is so very very important for those who aspire to follow in your footsteps. Heck even if they aren't following in your footsteps but are just going through life your message was clear, non judgemental and loving in spirit. I've been sober for over 32 years now and can tell you being clear minded in any and all that I do is such a huge gift. I tell folks I was a green lighter drinker and always did is to party and feel good. After a few too many blackouts and people telling me what I had done, said and acted like was enough for me to know that I was never going to be a functioning party guy. Today I tell people that God gave me a chance to live two lives during one lifetime. Keep up the great work and awesome content...peace, love and hugs to you my friend.
Sober 9 1/2 years. Best decision I ever made. Life is super easy now. There are a lot of people who can have a drink or two and it doesn’t matter, but there are lot of folks who loose control over it.
Thank you for speaking out about this! - I am lucky that I don't have a problem with excess drinking or smoking but the environment really encourages it and many people have difficulty saying no or moderating their drinking - I have a beer or two and maybe a little smoke once in a while. One rule I have is no shots - that is where it gets bad quickly. It does not help my playing AT ALL
100% accurate, I know. 30years + of bar gigs. I hope young player listen to this. Nothing wrong with having a drink or two during the gig but that will escalade to several drinks a set and your playing will suck.
I agree, You really have to have disipline!
I don’t necessarily agree that having a couple of drinks will escalate. I always have a beer between sets and I’ve never been tempted to let it escalate. I think when folks do escalate, they also have other issues they’re trying to work through.
Man this is so important. I know many musicians that are struggling with alcohol addiction and maybe want to get sober but their work requires them to be around alcohol all of the time. The temptation must make it nearly impossible and it's not like they can just change jobs. I've been wanting to make a video about this for awhile and maybe still will sometime, but thanks for making this!
Start playing Christian music at churches. Find Jesus. Problem solved. Your welcome
Why can’t they change jobs?
Great video! I was a local working musician for 38 years. I got some great advice from an old timer when I first starting gigging in my teens. He told me to never drink on the job and always go straight home after the gig. I took his advice and did that my whole gigging life. I watching countless dozens of musicians ruin their lives and health with alcohol and drugs. They ones that didn't die young became tired broken down old dudes still drinking and smoking through the same local gigs well into their 60's.
I retired from gigging in my mid-50's. Never drank or smoked on any gigs.
Thanks for writing a comment, I agree it takes a lot of people out. Its a hard thing to navigate but thanks for sharing your story!
It's not just Nashville, it's everywhere. Very well said, nobody has really ever sat down and said, hey, this is how and why people end up as dead junkies. It starts way before then, playing in shitty small bars for the bar tab for fun.
Love the way you incorporated those harmonics in the intro…wow….very cool
Thank you! I wrote that a long time ago and still love it!
I just learned this and it’s so cool! I just have a really hard time getting the harmonic on the 5th fret. Any tips?
Hi man, saw Lanco at the Listening Room for CMA Fest. I was there for a writers weekend with my writing buddies. Man it's a constant battle. I can't play and sing when I drink too much beforehand but I drink plenty afterwards. Thanks for talking about it brother....
Thank you so much for sharing!!! I fight the demons everyday.
A lot of wisdom for your young years, well done, this will help some people.
Years ago while out dancing a doctor friend told me if you knew how much damage alcohol did to your body you would slow down or quit. It is rated in the Group 1 carcinogenic which is the worst category, that also includes radiation, tobacco, asbestos, etc. It causes 7 types of cancer plus heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. Know to possibly ruin friendships and personal relationships. Canada and U.S.A. states with legal Medical MJ and recreational have reported reduced sales of alcohol, some have sold more MJ than alcohol. To each his own but working out, eating healthy, and getting good sleep makes a person’s appearance more attractive, you don’t hardly ever get sick, plus it gives you a sharper mind.
I’m 65 years old and I played music for a living ever since the age of 19. I’ve raised kids sent them to school and college. Bought homes and cars just like everybody else. i’m not rich, but I’m doing OK. And I’ve got to play music for a living. I’m truly blessed. But you’ve got to treat it like a business. It is the music business. It’s OK to have fun now and then but always keep it in check. You young cats out there beware. cause it can get ya
The situation you were in is around for most young people. At eighteen I started at a glass factory. Wisconsin had eighteen-year-old bars where you could drink beer. Unfortunately, they were in a different county, so we drove thirty miles away to get drunk and party. Everyone in the factory (it seemed) love to drink. That is when I met my wife and we loved to follow my brother's band around and drink. Then Uncle Sam stepped in and in 1970 I was in the army. By the time I left the army, I was married and had a little girl. After the army and back at the factory my drinking days were behind me. Working 12 to sixteen hours a day six or even seven days a week and taking care of a family didn't leave much time for drinking. Rosie and I are seventy-four now and still travel the country and the world. I enjoy beer now and then and life is good. I know this is a tough issue with young people and that has always been true! Enjoying your channel Tim. Burlington Bill busking on the road and on my you tube channel.
Good topic, glad you decided to bring it up. You are blessed to have realized what the smoking and alcohol were doing to you. Many don't realize they're falling into a trap, but you did. Besides affecting your musical skills, self awareness can be dulled.
Alcohol flows freely in the entertainment industry. I remember doing theater shows where the character (who’s a guitarist) has onstage drinking scenes, and the theater was slipping me straight Jack… lol. That’s not taking into account all the free drinks everywhere else. I don’t put any of it down, as it’s a personal choice for all involved. But for me, I just had to stop. I was never really a big drinker in a professional environment, but away from it, it started to become more prevalent. For people wanting to quit - I think it’s worth it.
Mike from Art of Guitar had an interesting video on this fairly recently.
Thank you for your honesty. I'm in business, and alcohol is considered normal for getting deals done. The lives it's ripped apart don't get mentioned, just the garbage lines about camaraderie.
I do not regret avoiding it. I'm not better than anyone, but as an old guy I've seen enough casualties with family and friends.
Thank you for your courage to post this! We seldom see the “train wreck” until we pass it. You caught it early, and stepped off just enough to keep sane.
Thanks dor sharing your journey!
Thank you for bringing up this important topic. So many people don’t have any idea what’s considered heavy drinking. NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows:
For men, consuming five or more drinks on any day or 15 or more per week. So many people are heavy drinkers and don’t realize it. They have no idea how it’s affecting their mental health. Or their physical health. Playing in bars makes it easy to fall into this kind of behavior. And it’s totally accepted. Beware it’s no joke.
I agree with what you are saying. In fact, I would add, don't even start drinking or using any kind of drug. Learn to cope with the stress of the entertainment industry without any drugs or alcohol. Meditation helps. This is advice that very few or no one will take but I've been through it. If your drinking on the job i.e. the gig, you have a problem and a problem that can turn into a tenfold problem down the road. If you're saying to yourself that you like to have one drink before the show because it just calms you down a bit so you can play better then you have a potential problem. This is your livelihood! Don't risk it! Remember this industry doesn't owe anyone a damn thing. It doesn't owe you money, a living, happiness, or freedom. That is all on you. If you want to stay around, work like you would in any other job and learn to do it right.
Tim, I am impressed with your level of emotional and analytical maturity. It takes most people 4 or 5 decades to reach the same conclusions you have come to. You are certainly on the right path! Keep up the good work.
💯💯💯
Good on ya. Hitting the nail on the head here. No one talks about it but I think a lot of us are suffering in silence. That lifestyle isn’t sustainable. The drinking and mental health go hand in hand. Mental health issues may still exist but it’s much easier to navigate without the excruciating hangovers. So many of the great musicians we look up to that have had long careers have gone through it and come out the other side. Some cats are built different but I can’t hang like that anymore.
Congrats on hitting the 10k and keep doing what you’re doing. I’m 52 so definitely in the demographic. I stopped drinking from 24-34 and then stopped for good 11 years ago. I’m not a pro musician but it doesn’t matter. You make a lot of great points that can be relatable to many different lifestyles/professions. Good luck!
This is very important. Thank you for doing this video. Reality of fun that becomes a habit and can eventually ruins lives.
you have your head on straight, Tim. I am reading Michael McDonald's memoir right now (Doobie Brothers, etc). He got caught up with it - drinking - real bad. Just like you described. It's an easy trap to fall into. He smoked pot every day too. He is now 100% sober. It's a great read, you'd like it. it is called "What a Fool Believes"
Sometimes drinking is looked at as a way for people in the band to bond. Drinking before and/or during the gig is not a good idea since it may affect your playing and usually it's for the worst. When you are super nervous about a gig, even one beer will mess you up! I've experienced that as well but luckily that gig went well! I recommend anyone who wants to drink in a tour or gig, to first figure out the artist's opinion on that. Some artists are ok with it and others are definitely not! Musicians should also always remember that being on the road is not being on vacation. You are there to work and even when you are off stage, you are part of the artist's image. If you mess up in any way - playing the music on stage / being wasted after in front of fans / or even being a terrible hang because you are high or drunk; chances are you won;t be on the next tour. The sooner you understand that, the better it'll be for your career.
Keep it up with the channel! Great stuff!
Another great vid. You’re so real and down to earth. Keep it going. Never had this issue but I know plenty of guys (and some girls) who did, and it’s a shame to see how some very talented people declined and are a shadow of their former selves. My brother was an amazingly talented guitarist, writer and recording engineer, but he died early from partying so much. Was a great loss and his family will never be the same.
Tim, Quick story. I Have a friend who was in a famous band from the 90's. His addiction to drugs broke up the band. He went to rehab and beat the hard drug addiction but the addictive behavior has led to years of drinking and weed, still to this day as we approach 60. I have watched him for years bounce from band to band to solo gigs, he still struggles with the drinking. Numerous folks have tried to help him and while he will get better for awhile he goes right back to the addictive behavior. This guy is an outstanding guitarist and songwriter I still hope to this day that he will get straight but I truly do not think he will. He is dealing with some health issues now all related to the above. Thank you for a great truthful video
Good video. My experience as a jazz musician. I got a call to play with a jazz quartet for an hour gig. Arrived at the gig and met the band members, all very nice professionals, very normal behavior. Then the pianist says anyone want to go out for a smoke? Bassist and pianist go outside, it was a new years eve gig, very very cold outside. When they came back in to start playing the gig, they had transformed from just normal guys to two people obviously under the influence of whatever they were smoking or doing. It's like they were different people. Nothing out of the ordinary, and the gig went well. I packed up and went home. And that was that. The pianist had a bad habit of never really following the charts, but he did ok that gig.
Playing music to people is a gift. It’s nice to be able to remember the experience and know you played your best.
I agree!
Right on young man! I’ve been playing guitar for 45 years. I’m not a non drinker, but I never drink when playing or Driving. Stay on track 👍🏽
Thanks for watching and the comment!!
It WAS fun, back in my early days. Today, at 57 years old with over 40 years of gigging under my belt, the worst part is thinking of all the great friends/musicians that I've lost to addictions. Many, at such a very early age. Nowadays, I mostly drink unsweet iced tea, and ask the bartender to put it in a mixed-drink glass with a slice of lemon or orange on the rim just to leave the illusion that I have a drink. I'll still have those nights where I wished I didn't give in to the lure of drinking hard and partying hard, but I really try to keep those gigs a rarity.
Thanks for the great comment and insight. I agree with this. A few is fun but you really have to be disciplined to not got overboard, or let it start taking over your life and becoming more important that the gig.
I’m very fortunate. From day one I always had the idea that I had to be professional, even when I was a beginner and my playing didn’t warrant it. Also, when I became professional, I discovered that I don’t enjoy being impaired, whether it was drink or drugs. One night in my college days, would have been 1969, I was 18 or 19, and I’d taken a hit of acid. Well, the band I was in got a last-minute gig, which I didn’t know about until after I’d dropped the acid! It remains the only time I played on that stuff, and I thought I was inventing the music of the spheres, or something like that. A friend had brought his tape recorder to the gig, luckily-and when I heard it back the next day, I wanted to apologize to that audience! I sucked, big-time, and the stuff that sounded so good at the gig was all in my head. I never played drunk or stoned, and by the time I’d turned 21, I’d gotten all that out of my system. People would want to buy me drinks at bar gigs, and they’d sometimes get insulted when I’d ask for a sparlking water or a Coke-but I’d tell them that playing guitar was my job, and I don’t get high on the job (or any other time)! I always figured I’d have to keep my wits about me at all times. It didn’t help me get better gigs, but at least I’m still able to tell the tale. A lot of guys younger than me couldn’t get even that far.
Wow Tim. That was powerful. Thanks for posting this. Soooo much truth in this message.
All the worst things that happened in my life were alcohol related including embarrassing myself on stage then found Jesus and THAT was the best thing that ever happened in my life
Amen, I can relate.
Two very sad experiences I had first, going to a concert in the late 1960's where one of the most iconic folk guitarist figures of the time, clearly out of his skull, failed to be able to play his signature guitar piece several times. I used to play it so it was challenging but quite OK. Drink and drugs had completely wrecked him. A couple of years later I attended a concert with an audience of about forty people to see a new guitarist/song writer. He was great, a terrific guitarist and singer and only 17, an enormous talent, who later had a stellar career but the next time I saw him he was morbidly obese and struggling with drink and drugs which took him to an early grave and left people grieving for the loss and regretting that he failed to attain the heights he could have reached.
I'm impressed that you chose to cover this topic and share your experiences. I think you're 100% right. People considering this career need to keep focus on the fact that it's a business. When you're in a band, you owe it to your bandmates and fans to be on your game and give the best you can at every performance. You sound like you've got your priorities in the right place. 👍
Thank you! I think its important. It's a job where you're constantly around it and I figured my perspective might help someone else out there.
Lost everything to alcohol. Now I strum alone in the woods. Which I will always be deeply grateful for this ability. Alcohol is not viewed as the horrible drug that it is. It's not often you hear people defending their crack addiction because it's socially acceptable. Glad that you discuss this. Cool tune as well!
Tim! Thanks for keeping it real. Way to change your life for the better. So many people need to listen to this. Always best to be a professional.
I’m not perfect but small changes add up over time and have really helped me. Hope this helps someone out there, thank you!
Great topic. Grateful for 34 clean and sober years. Enjoy your videos.
Congrats, thats great to hear!!
You nailed it - especially sharing the perspective that if you don't keep it together you can wake up 20 years in the same place. So true.
I’m not even halfway thru the video but I appreciate you talking about this! It’s “not cool” but the consequences of deep addiction and real mental health issues are not cool to the fullest. Anyone who has experienced it firsthand or been around it knows. If you disagree, that’s ok, you’re not wrong and I’m no better than anyone (no one is), but… please listen to this with an open heart and mind. Some lessons you can learn through others, some lessons require you to learn them yourself. This lesson is one I encourage everyone to learn secondhand. pride cometh before the fall
Great message! I was fortunate to be in an all original rock band in the 80s and 90s that was so focused on succeeding that we didn't have time for any type of substance abuse. Over the years (I'm 61 now) I've had a few times where I was drinking during a performance or during rehearsal and I noticed that it never once made me any better at singing or playing guitar. At best, like you, I would just play the same old stand by licks and didn't really add any new value to the music.
Good to hear you never fell deep into the trap. Its true, I play my best when I'm sober, a beer or two is fine, but the more I get in the worse my playing gets.
There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to this stuff, thx for sharing!
Nice talk! Happy you pulled yourself out of it. It's pretty much something you have to learn in your 20s, musician or not. I have seen professionals ruin shows because of intoxication. Even a little impairs your timing. Keep up the good work...
You're a smart kid! Keep up the good work. I can relate to much of your story. I got sober many years ago when I was your age after I got out of the Marine Band. It seems to be the ultimate fantasy of many gigging musicians that we can drink with impunity forever! Unfortunately many of us have to reach a place of absolute misery before we can figure that out. You're playing sounds great. Keep going man!
Good for you on getting sober! That’s a hard thing to do. Thanks for sharing on here!!
1st, thanks for bringing this subject to light. Drugs and booze are for sure career killers for musicians. I'm a retired drummer (I don't gig out anymore), . When I was in my mid 20's, I was just slamming all the beers I could get on gigs. I honestly don't know how I made the drive home sometimes. By the time I hit 30, If I drank at all, during the 1st 2 sets, I had physical issues comfortably trying to get through the 3rd and 4th sets. Alcohol would just wear me down so I switched to club soda and lime. And then, had my 1st beer at the last set. There's No way to get away from the drugs and booze in nightclubs period. Unless the band has a strict policy,... Honestly, this subject is a large reason why I left the music biz in general. I was a pro player- Played with heavy's like Ritchie Blackmore from Deep Purple, was an honor's grad from MI Hollywood, (way too much to list here), but, I always found myself in a lateral playing situation- bars, clubs, booze and drugs. I had to get out. I did play again a decade later when, I moved from Branson to Clear watrer, FL. but stopped playing again. It was the same shi- all over again. I'll never forget an audition I did once in Branson back in '92. The bassist hired me for the gig and the gig was my audition. He was the grandson of who was probably the most famous female country vocalist of all times. Hint, (she was married to M Haggard). He got so drunk on stage during the 3rd set, he passed out flat cold on stage. It ended the gig and my drum kit never saw the light of day for a Long long time! Stay Sober!
I am friends with a lot of musicians here in Nashville. 90 percent are either sober because they made it to the other side of alcoholism, a couple did not make it- I watched them drink straight to the grave it’s sad. A lot are like you said functioning alcoholic’s.
Sound advice and great content - so true and really never discussed. Peace and have a great Friday / weekend!
Thank you for watching and the comment!
The intro was very nice & I'm liking that shirt. Tim, thanks for your honesty. You're right no one talks about it. Think I might've heard one other channel talking about Broadway & doing multiple gigs through out the week that involved a lot of drinking. I've seen buying the band a round many times. I've also seen it a lot on the Broadway Bar live stream I watch. Really glad you didn't fall into that trap. Not to many years ago cig smoking was allowed in bars. I'm not a smoker but I always hated the way my hair & clothes smelled when I left. I probably smoked a pack by second hand smoke. Yikes!
You're such a caring guy. Really enjoy seeing you succeed. I'm on the quieter more reserved side too. People in this industry can be vicious & backstabbing. Never related well with other girlfriends/wives. Okay, I'm kind of like Jennifer Anniston's character in Rock Star. I've had my nickname for a long time & have kept it for my music channel. What's ironic is I ended up marrying a Military Veteran & not a Musician. I'm sure you know that movie was based on Tim Ripper Owens life story when he joined Judas Priest. I did meet Tim when he was in that Judas Priest Tribute band before he joined Priest. His real band was "Winter's Bane". That band opened for the Tribute Band. Same guys different band. So, that's my only connection to that actual movie. Yes, I've got a lot of stories but can't share them here. Hey, I was rockin in the 80's so you can use your imagination. Ha... thanks Tim for sharing.
Love all these videos you’ve been posting man, but this is the best one by far. I quit drinking last year for 9 months because the Broadway thing was just taking its toll on me. I’m not sober, but these days it’s one or two beers per gig and I’m good. Feel way better now.
Yo dude great to see you on here!! Good for you man. I know how hard that is. I know you really know what it’s like. Hope you’re doin well man, hopefully see you soon!
Love the acoustic intro! Curious to hear your thoughts on the "why" of the drinking and drugs? Playing in bars where you're surrounded by it doesn't help, nor does hanging with other people who are wasted. By why do so many artists get sucked into that world, even when they've made it really big? Is it the yo-yo of the high of being on stage, to everyone else going home and you're once again alone - another town, another hotel room, without any friends or family? Being surrounded by a lot of fake people (pretend friends/freeloaders) can be depressing too.
I think you're right on the highs and lows. Playing live, no matter the level, is quite the drug! It can be hard to cope with the come down of that sometimes. I don't have all the answers but It's present at every level of the game.
Tim, thanks talking about this very important issue! Stay well man, you had your experience. It take courage to share it with us!
You have put some good things out here with this video, I have been playing live since 1978, I'm semi retired now .
Thanks for watching!
Good for you man, glad you saw the big picture and chose to do something about it. That's refreshing to hear !!!
Man… this is real. I have a standing gig at a wine bar where they came to the table with less $ than I wanted but they offered me free wine/beer while I’m playing. Specifically WHILE I’m playing. There’s so much alcohol in the industry. Want to go out and support a friend? You’re going to a bar. Drop in to talk to a venue about a new gig? That’s at a bar, and you’re having a drink.
I played in bands for years - still do. I went through a period where I reasoned to myself it’s ok to get drunk at a gig because it’s a night out for me and I should enjoy myself. I soon realized I can’t play or sing worth a hoot when I’m drunk and it’s not fair to the other band members who are sober. So I stopped doing that. Now it’s one pint per set. Also alcohol is terrible for your voice.
Great video Tim! I really appreciate your honesty and perspective on this topic! I’m not a musician but I love music and especially enjoy live performances. Unfortunately, I’m also one who frequently enjoys showing his appreciation to the band by buying them shots and rounds of beers. You’ve really given me something to think about with this video. Going forward, perhaps I’ll just hit the tip bucket instead. Keep the awesome content coming!
Sounds like being a bartender. I started out only drinking after hours only, then a customer would buy me a shot, then I'd have a fresh beer stashed under the bar all night, I drove home drunk every night.Then I found I was an alcoholic, so I quit bartending and quit drinking - 32 years now. My musician brother-in -law got into a serious accident after a gig and is now a paraplegic.
From you enthusiasm for your work I could tell you are not a heavy drinker. Drinkers go through their day grumpy and feeling like crap. PS just checked Lanco's tour dates. You guys are all over the place. Have fun!
I've been a musician on and off for 30yrs. I lived in Nashville for 12yrs playing all over Nashville. I never had a bad problem with alcohol. Over my 30yrs of playing, I have gone through different "periods" or "chapters" as a musician. In some periods I drank... in other periods I didn't drink at all when I played. I will not lie, it's great playing music while you have a "buzz", but that fun will come with a cost. The cost: your health, the quality of your music, maybe your gig, etc...
FACT: A musician (especially in Nashville, working on Broadway) is not only there to perform music, you are there to SELL ALCOHOL. You are up there to encourage the people in the bar to "buy a drink". The more you sell, the more likely you are to keep your gig and get rebooked at that bar again. Note: Many of the bars on Broadway, care more about how much alcohol you sell than how talented you are... This is not a theory or one person's personal experience.. this is FACT.
Over my time as a musician I've witnessed so many talented musicians who died too young because of this lifestyle. Smoking and drinking will eventually kill you or at the very least make you unhealthy.
I have found that the best musicians, don't drink at all. They are focused on what they're doing and are there for the music, to grow as a musician, have fun, but they aren't there to "party" with the crowd.
If you're a musician, you have to remember, the people you're partying with most likely ,wont be in the bar tomorrow night or the next night. They are mostly only there for one night to blow it out, have fun, wake up with a hangover and go back to their normal life. You will be there the next night and the next, etc... SO you have to figure out a way to control yourself and survive long term in this environment. If you don't....you wont last.
If you do continue relying on alcohol every time you play music, it will eventually start to ruin your progress as a musician and may lead (over time) to your death.
I used to not be able to start a show without taking a couple shots of whiskey to "knock the edge off", but I started challenging myself to "do it sober". I did this just to challenge myself and to let myself know that I was in control and not the alcohol. What happens is you figure out that you don't need it and you CAN do it sober and it can break your dependence on it. the biggest thing is to be conscious of your alcohol consumption.
TIP ON HOW TO SURVIVE: When people buy you a drink... just get a beer (specifically in a dark bottle or a can) take one drink out of it or turn it up and fake drinking it so the person who bought you the drink will be satisfied....the bar sells the beer, you keep your band booked and everyones happy. Most drunks who buy you a drink only want to see you drink the first drink, then they don't pay attention after that. The dark glass bottle is hard to see how much is in it, a can completely hides it. When/if you get a break, take the beer with you and just sit it down anywhere and leave it. Mission accomplished.
If you are a self confirmed alcoholic or if none of this appeals to you and you don't want to drink at all and just want to play your music... I would suggest getting out of the bar atmosphere as a musician and go play small coffee houses, etc.. and other places where alcohol isn't the focus or just make RUclips videos to get your talent and music out there.
The bar scene isnt changing anytime soon for musicians, so get a plan that works for you and stick with it.
GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!!
I think the words youre looking for are that youre drinking socially and moderately and are not binge drinking everyday like you use to. Its a personal thing that each person must decide for themselves in regard to drinking and what they are comfortable with.
Tim, thanks for posting about this un-spoken topic. I've been playing for over 50 years and have seen drinking and substance abuse ruin bands, marriages and personal lives. I wouldn't want my surgeon to be buzzed, I also don't want to see or hear musicians on staged, wasted beyond being in control.
You're a wise young man. I follow another super Nashville Cat a good bit your senior that on occasion mentions drinking and keeping in shape...in between the lines it's easy to tell that although the monkey's not choking him...he struggles to keep him off his back..
One of my heroes was Jimmy Buffett. He loved Margaritaville....looking back at his life and achievements
..one must conclude that he seldom visited there for any length of time. Pulling for you.✌️
Thanks for watching and your comment, I'm not perfect but just being aware of it has had a massive improvment on my life!
I played solo in beer joints throughout Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas for several years in my early twenties. I didn't drink alcohol and I would tell the barmen and women that I didn't drink, and if customers wanted to send a drink up to me on stage they should send me ginger ale in a beer glass. I drank a LOT of ginger ale back then. And customers never caught on. I thank God he protected me from alcohol. I'm 67 years old now and I still don't drink.
Good advice. I grew up during the 60s-70s and was right in the middle of that whole "hippie" thing. I was jazz-trained and always played professionally in wedding band/cover band situations. But, I had a lot of friends who just played rock/blues/psychedelic etc, and some of them did do drugs. I remember a couple of times being at a party jamming with some of these people and someone telling me they could play better on drugs. Well, they didn't play better; they played the same worn-out nonsense they always played, despite whatever was going on in their head. Most of these people grew up and stopped using; a couple actually took lessons from me years later because they realized that they didn't know music, they just knew where to put their fingers on the fret-board for a particular song. Unfortunately, a couple just spiraled down a hole and never were the same. And a couple, sadly, died from drug/alcohol related issues. So, I would say that if you are going to be professional, then act professional and treat your vocation as a business. Make yourself marketable, reliable, and take every opportunity to learn something new. Drugs will merely make you THINK you are better than you are.
I started playing professionally in 1980 and went down that road for a while. I finally stopped in 1988 and today I don't smoke at all. I don't usually drink at gigs at all except for maybe an occasional drink. I found out that I don't miss it at all. I guess I've outgrown it!
Drinking and country have just gone together for years and years and always will. Every single video I see of big stars live lately is them hammered on stage. Live shows are all about the party for 99% of the crowd and the clubs/theatre's/stadiums want everybody to buy booze. I do check myself every so often just to make sure that I don't NEED a drink ever.
Yep - been there done that, glad I was able to check myself like you describe. Been off the booze since 2022 - zero regrets. My playing is better live. Everything is better. Cheers brother 🎉
Everything in moderation, young lads/lasses. Don't lose sight of what's important friends, family, work, your art. THC/booze can be overdone easily, coffee nicotine not so much.
As you said ALL levels of the industry. Festivals, or shows in general, can be a lot of "hurry up and wait", and what do you do to kill time? Drink. I've had artist gigs where I had it down to a science of how much and slowly to drink to keep a steady buzz without crossing the line before showtime, then after you go hard, pass out, and wake up to do it again the next day. I try to drink less now, and you're right, turning down shots at a bar gig makes you feel like Mr. Buzzkill. It's not easy.
I have gotten in the habit of getting off work drinking and playing guitar.Aftet doing that for so long I barely touch the guitar sober.Its not a good habit to get into.
I didn't read through all the comments so forgive me if someone already mentioned this. We need to be cognizant of the fact that nowadays a lot of the microbrewery beer is much stronger than traditional beer, plus it tends to be served in pints too. Two pints of an 8% pub brewed IPA is similar to 4 bottles of Budweiser (about 5% alc).
Tim- fantastic that you realized the road you WERE on. Thanks for being honest, and truthful 🎸
Good words, my friend. I've been lucky that I'm not the addictive type, and I have one drink at a typical gig. We gig a lot, and I treat it like a very important calling and don't want to screw it up. A bigger problem for me is tinnitus. I look forward to your thoughts on this subject.
Such a great take brother. My acoustic duo partner recently got a DWI after leaving a show super late. He's not even a big drinker and he's such a great dude. We had a great chat about it and the lesson was learned. We also discussed that it could have been so much worse. I remember being on tour in my early 20's and I can relate to all of this. For me now, music is my entire drug the whole night through. My first band made it a rule to never drink before any show and I think it served us well. The one time we didn't adhere to that rule it was a train wreck. lol
I think this is a good idea. It’s a tricky road to navigate. Glad you found a way. Thanks for commenting!
@@TimAvenMusic Thanks man, we all get older and wiser in the end. At least that's the goal. haha. About to sit down and do a video about the disaster of trying to relic my own guitar. haha.
I was always the sober one in the band, and I get picked on about it. By the third set, between the booze and the pharma enhancements from the rest of the band members, I had to keep the band together for that last set as best as I could. I am glad I stayed sober throughout my time as a musician. I saw bands throw away recording contracts due to drugs during my time in Nashville. I loved the memories there, but I had to leave. I watched people destroy their life and their talent going down the wrong path.
This is a very important topic Tim. Thank you for sharing your experience on this.
Hi Tim, as an aspiring professional musician thank you so much for the help and words of advice on this issue! Much love ❤️
In Canada the drunk driving laws are harsh so I bought a cheap breathalyzer and found that in order to pass the breathalyzer test I could have 2 beers over a 5 hour period. The pleasure I get from that third drink pales in comparison to that terrible feeling you get when you roll up to a police roadblock
This is a good idea I’ve never thought about, thanks for sharing!!
Who you surround yourself with ....wow , thats really good advice for everyone . Luckily I still have a career in music and am a happy and ,healthy , physically strong individual ( through great effort ) . However years of doing things that you are describing cost me very dearly . Thanks for this !
Thank you, I really think that is key in anything!
I've lived an hour from Nashville for the last 35 years and been around the music industry as a stage hand, roadie, sound tech and weirdo percussionist (djembe and cajon). You speak the truth. I know quite a few guys who have achieved greater "success" and more fulfilling careers after reigning in or quitting booze and other mind altering stuff. I've also seen many go off the rails and crash. As with all things, moderation is both recommended and preferred.
It's true, some people can do it and still be successful or even play great, but its a trap getting too deep in. As you know this is a massive part of the industry and no one talks about it. Thanks for sharing and the watch!
I’m glad I found this today. Thanks for sharing, very relatable, and so true all around. Thanks Tim