The Reality of Nashville: The Truth Behind Toby Keith's Tribute & My Journey as a Sideman
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
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In this heartfelt video, I dive into the reality of Nashville's music scene, sparked by a recent tribute to Toby Keith that aired on NBC and is now streaming on Peacock. Many fans and friends of Toby Keith were upset to see that not a single member of Toby’s own backing band was on stage for the star-studded tribute featuring artists like Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll, and Carrie Underwood.
I share my personal experiences as a sideman, both locally in Nashville and out on the road, including my time as part of an opening act on a Toby Keith tour. I reveal the hidden truths of the music industry and why things aren't always as they seem. Join me as I provide a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a musician in Nashville, shedding light on the untold stories and challenges we face.
I am very grateful that you share your experiences with us. As a drummer, I still haven’t had some of those huge experiences that I still dream about. So I appreciate you sharing all the inside and behind the scenes stuff like you do. Thanks, Brother and I will continue to watch your channel
Thank you so much
I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. I'm grateful you are sharing these realities with me, thank you so much.
Thanks for listening
Your stories, information and delivery/voice man, I'm kinda addicted to your video's. Thanks brother.
I appreciate that!
I did tribute shows for Jerry Reed after he'd passed away for the ACM and the CAAS (Chet Atkins Appreciation Society). The band was all Jerry's sidemen from various bands. When Sediena (Jerry's Daughter) released her tribute album, they mostly used a new band put together by her Producer. I was happy to see my friend Bart Sharp (Jerry's last bass player) onstage doing the show.
Being a "spear carrier" or sideman just means you're hired help. The only Artist you work for is you.
Very true but it was a nice touch having that one guy up there. Loved Jerry Reed.
@@badbradBart's a good guy. He's also a good guitarist as well as a bassist. The late Danny Gatton was his mentor when he was a kid.
@@royvogt5086 Very cool!
My dad took me to see him at Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, OR in or around 73-74. I was just 7 or 8. @@badbrad
wow!
Man, I would trade so many modern pop artists to have Randy Rhoads back.
You and me both.
…A very easy trade
I worked some weddings for The Pat Patrick Band where Scat was the hired singer. What a talent! He was definitely in a category by himself, including running on Scat Standard Time .
Oh yeah! 👍🏻 good dude.
When you're younger you have this idea of what playing music is...what it should be. But, when you get a few more miles behind you and start getting to know the people at the level you'd like to be at and are exposed to the reality of the music business in a city like Los Angeles or Nashville, you discover that playing music at that level isn't at all what you thought it was. Unfortunately, you realize that only the artist matters...you don't. You're expendable and there are 100 guys lined up to take your place in a heartbeat.
True
I liked how Butch Walker put it.
He said 'in my hometown, I was the only guy that could play like that. When I got to LA, there were 50 guys who could play like that'
I had to look up Scat, and saw our boy BadBrad burning on Pride and Joy! I got sidetracked watching the 55 plus crowd drinking and dancing, although I guess I’m an AARP cardholder myself. They all looked like they were having a ball, so you were doing your job well, sir!
Thank you!!!
This channel is quickly becoming a favorite of mine!
Thank you so much. 🙏
Another great story and lesson Brad. Thanks,
Thanks for listening
A band I was in back in 2005 got to open for Dickey Betts & Great Southern. I was so pumped for this gig since Dickey was one of my guitar heroes.
I was hoping to see Dickey at sound check, but he was nowhere in sight. Before we went on, I talked to some of his band members, one being Andy Aledort, who just joined Dickey’s band and there was no mention of where he was at.
After our set, we were hanging in a nice VIP lounge set up for the performers when a manager for the club told me he picked Dickey up from a hotel a few miles away. Dickey flew from gig to gig while his band traveled by bus. After their sets, his whole band hung out with us, drinking and playing pool in the lounge. I sat around for a while waiting for Dickey to show up, just to shake his hand, but he never showed. I asked my band members the next day if he ever made an appearance, but he didn’t. Very disappointing for us, but after hearing and reading a lot of stories about Dickey, maybe it was for the best.
Yeah I'll do more on this topic...alot of times you don't get to meet even the sidemen, even if your on a full tour for several weeks. They don't all socialize. Most of the time you don't get to meet the big name artist either. You're just there to do a job.
The fact that the venue we played with Dickey held under 1,000 people, I somehow thought we would cross paths for at least 1 minute. A couple years earlier, we opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd with another band at a festival. After both openers were done, we got kicked out of the backstage area - it was now Skynyrd people only. Our singer did have a chance to have a short conversation with Ricky Medlocke though.
Yeah being an opening act you don't get much....sorry you had to see that.
Tributes are rarely more than an opportunistic grab at cash and attention. Cheers Brad!
Thank you.
Great stuff man. Honest and accessible
I appreciate that! Best to you always bro!
Years ago I was in Nashville for a meeting and I believe we were at that club one night. We were in a balcony upstairs that oddly almost looked straight down at the band,. The R/B band was really hot and I do remember the guitar player was playing a strat and had it going on. The front man was heavy and very talented, I am thinking it was you guys, small world
Wow...it probably was...
As a drummer it’s been that way for me in Florida , Nashville and same in Austen there hasn’t been a we’re all in it together, one for all and all for one, sense hair metal day. You have a gig , you need a drummer, send the address , pay amount and song list . I’ll be there the thought of brother hood and me being all for one has been hart breaking every time so I do my best to be ready , kind and be my best. And that’s all ya get. Still great-full ,thankful I’ll always answer my phone and accept gigs that are good for me . I have a hard time with loyal t Open to change we will see how it goes. Glad I ran up on you channel, enjoy the Saturday live the most. It’s on my calendar now. Thanks Brad …
@@FredMoore-3 Awesome Fred Thank you!!!
That's Nashville for ya... I'm a Texas red dirt country fan.
Cheers
One of the guys from here who “made it” was Billy Ray Cyrus. When they filmed the “Achy breakey heart” video here at the Paramount , he still had his band of locals. But when he went back to Nashville , they made him fire the band. They all came home. I was at Tony Maynard’s house a few years ago who played guitar in that band and he was still sore about it. Sadly he had had a stroke and couldn’t play anymore. I had the privilege of getting to play his custom tele and his old peavey and blackface fender twin amps.
wow man that is sad....
Love your stories Brad. Just curious, did you ever know Donnie Miller? He was a local (Nashville) blues guy who played who had his own music and hosted a local blues open mic for many years.
Yes I did know Donnie...
Hi Brad, isn't it sad how the music business works, I hope it gets better in years to come , Im sure you were bad ass, I had a country CD with three girls and we opened for Toby lol, we didn't get far, but could have if we had good promotion, I can relate to your story on a lower level ,you definitely been through it, thank you!
Wow that is amazing you should share this story....
You're right, I was a Mavericks fan in the 90's when Nick Kane was with them, and not knowing any better, he was one of the Mavericks to me. Of course later I learned 'The Mavericks' are really Raul Malo and whoever he wants to have play with him at the time.
But still, to me, the Mavericks without Nick ain't the Mavericks and never will be.
Nick is a good dude. Miss that guy.
I did some side work and minded my own business. I can’t say I acted like a preacher but I did have some fun on the road. I got very far telling people what they wanted to hear.
Thanks for tuning in...
Very riviting stories and sad that you didn't receive the call. I m a CA musician and play original rock. I once saw Prince perform at an after hours club. I went to try and see him and didn't have that kind of scratch to afford scalper prices at a big sold out show in Chicago with a lot of people who didn't have tickets walking around. Then someone in his security detail tipped me off that he usually likes to play afterwards and where it would literally cost nothing to gain entry... no guaratees but sure enough he showed up with Macy Gray from his opening act and played the blues guitar like you can't imagine. Not 1 of his hits.
Prince put together a lot bands over the years. His band that was big during the Purple Rain movie years put together a show to honor him in Minnasota. Since there was a demand after it happened, they went on to play a few tour dates around the country. I saw them perform up in LA. Long story short, it's really sad that you all didn't get the call to even perform a few songs but it's never to late to call the boys who played in the band to put together your own show if it that scenario ever happens again.
I know how much it would have meant to you guys emotionally as well as to the appreciative audience in attendance! All I'm saying is next time you don't have to let someone who might perhaps even be well meaning be the decider and write the end of the story. TK's band should still consider playing a show to honor him and his music.
It wasn’t me that should of got the call but Toby’s band. I appreciate the sentiment.
I started playing live in my early 20s and realized rather quickly that with our first management team and “record contract” the music biz was not going to be a good fit for me.
Unfortunately I gave up music almost entirely because of the rotten experience while among other things starting my own business and taking care of my family. I was able to call my own shots answer only to myself and retire early.
Now I am playing again and enjoying it because it’s not about a pay check or fame. It’s just fun.
I am thankful that I didn’t waste the last 40 years trying to be a star.
Your a wise man!
Wise? Maybe. Could just be lucky. Anyway, thank you.
Liked and subscribed. Best of luck with your channel!
@@utahblues359 I appreciate it. Thank you!
I gigged with Dink on Lower Broad back in the 2000s and he's a great guy. Many of his friends on FB were pissed Toby's band wasn't invited to be on the tribute show last week. Total bullshit. Some of those peeps were with him 20+ years.
Man I heard that loud and clear.
It's obvious you have a good heart. Works on Y.T. not in the music biz.
Thank you for that.
Thanks!
Dana...thank you so much!!!!
@@badbrad you're a Kool Dude!!! next week will take care of you better!!! SS check comes in on the 3rd!!! Keep up doin' that voodoo that you do!! rock on Bad Brad!!!
@@danadeerwester8294 Dana you are very much appreciated. Thanks for keeping this channel going. Best to you always.
those who work and do their best, get the arse like all the rest.
if you know your place you will never lose face
Sad but true James Hatfield.
I don't know why it is that the music industry has some of the most swarmy people I've ever met. The money, greed, power, manipulation, ego, get-rich-quick, whatever it is, it seems to attract more of these people than you find anywhere else, in my opinion. When you do come across a decent person, you're on guard because you think it's another scam. It's not the norm to meet a regular person. What an environment to work in. Even my non-musician friends comment on why musicians, to a greater degree, just act "flaky".
I hear you loud and clear.
Brad when you lived in Nashville did you ever meet Brian “Brain” Harrison? He had a studio in his home called the rendering plant. Played bass with Shelby Lynn for a period of time. One of those most interesting of people. He died of heart attack in early 2000.
Did not know him....
How about bands that transitioned from being a "real band" into a soloist with sidemen/touring musicoans? For example, Jethro Tull became the Ian Anderson band in 1980 or so. Billy Joel had his band that he rose up with, played on all the albums, etc, but nothing remains of that now. Bob Segwr's Silver Bullet band ended also in the early 80s I think. Many. Many more such examples.
In each case, I feel there was a very marked change in the sound and quality, usually not for better. There is something about when the band members - even when they aren't the songwriters- have some connection and emotional investment on the material.
I agree. Billy Joel was never the same.
Wow.
I hear ya.
Man, I get what you are saying about Toby Keith's band, they were a great band and they should have used them! Seems like it just didn't sound as good as it could have with the band they used...
Life sure is a trip Brad, I agree bro!
Thank you!
Interesting…I feel like at some of the first award shows after he died (or maybe just one), where they did a tribute to him, his band was there.
I’ve always been a fan of music. Started playing the guitar about 10 years ago at 35 and became very interested in the back side of things and the musicians who actually make the music - Whether it’s the studio or on stage. I have learned so much over the years and have so much respect for you folks, as you are the true heroes industry not the people out front. I have the most interest in the people behind the artist. So I have learned a lot about all these people over the years. I have Respect for the artists that keep the same band around. Phil Collins …since I was 11 in the early 90s when Something Happened on the Way to Heaven came out. I watched the video all the time on VH1 and the musicians stood out to me, especially Lee Sklar (let’s face it, it was the beard 😬). The past 10 years I’ve learned who he is and who he played for over the years (my mind was even more blown that he was with Jackson Browne before I was born, then toured with Toto in mid-00s). But what strikes me as the coolest ever, is that Phil Collins, on tour even 25 years later he had most of the same band playing for him… the gang from the 90s were still there toward the end his touring years, Lee included, and that’s pretty neat. Lots of respect for him. Thanks for another great video and being one of the guys who makes the music!
Man great post. Yes it is great to see when an artist keeps his musicians throughout his career. That is a rare thing. Thanks so much for tuning in.
I read an interview with the great drummer Steve Ferrone, he talked about playing with Eric Clapton for years, and how great of a band it was, everything first class.
One day though David Gilmour walked in and he instantly knew he wasn’t on that same level of performer.
The situation and emotion can happen on all levels.
It happens all the time..
The sad fact is that hired country musicians get paid less, on the road, than any genre in the industry. Not al, but most. Sadly, charting artists touring, make huge money and COULD pay the musicians a fare price. Country musicians as a whole are some of the best musicians in the world and deserve to be paid a respectful show rate. The problem is that there are musicians out there that have and will undercut other musicians just to say they play with whatever artist of the day. Very sad. That is reality.
So true!
Don't do anything until you understand everything.
I hear you.
Sounds like a lot of the country music artists and executives are really more interested in the money than the music. Something like that would never happen in the "jam band" music community.
I don't know seems to happen anywhere there is money....
I remember when Lee Greenwood fired his whole band in the mid 80s. Great players every one, but Greenwood wanted “hipper” guys. I knew right then you were instantly expendable, no matter your talent.
I did not know that. Man that is tough,.
Let me be clear. Always follow the money. This was about money and less of an artist tribute.
The TV show was a financial venture for the Production Company under the guise of a tribute to Toby Keith. I’m not familiar with the specific deal points here, but whoever produced and sold it to the network is the entity that made money, along with the network. Perhaps it was the network themselves.
Regardless, like any biz venture, they are trying to produce a good product and make as much money as possible. In the process, Toby Keith gets recognized for his incredible career. The visiting performing artists like Jelly Roll, Carrie Underwood who truly admired Toby get paid their performance fees, in addition to getting in front of the public to promotes their music. They’re working, not donating their time to honor Toby.
With respect to band members like Brad, they would be at an extra cost to the Producer. They’re also working. So, while it would have been the right thing to recognize the former band members contributions, the Producers elected not to spend the money to hire them as it would have increased costs and reduced their profit. From their perspective, it is Easier and cheaper to hire a backing band. That doesn’t make it the right thing to do by the former band members though. They get overlooked and kicked to the side of the curb.
Again, I don’t know the particulars of this deal. If Toby’s Production was on the ball, they’d have Produced the tribute and made money for his foundation. Takeaway is don’t be naive. Follow the money and you’ll find the music.
I hear ya.
Most "tributes " are more of a disgrace than a genuine heartfelt tribute. People use these things as an excuse to put the spotlight on themselves. Case in point the spam Hagar ego tour.
lol
look what happened to the Dance Hall Doctors after 16 years! They had a good run, but man I think they were done shitty IMHO!
I don’t know all the details on that
A sideman is like a plummer. When you call rotorooter to fix your sink, you rarely say where's the other guy from last time.
I disagree. I’ve gone to see an act and been very disappointed when the player I went to see is no longer there.
@@badbrad I'm not disregarding sideman or devaluing you. I'm just pointing out how more casual fans who heard a Toby Keith song on the radio but never bought an album sees it. That guy takes his girlfriend to the concert and she doesn't say who's that guitar player? Is he the same one from last year? A promoter of a tribute show sees you as a commodity. If he can get badjoe for half the price as badbrad he probably going to do it. BTW i enjoy your channel.
I get it. Thank you for tuning in.
Yeah.you bring your A+ Game when you’re playing with a Major artist.There are actually some players that pull that out of me too.
Oh ya!
Chesney's guitar guys and Matt Macinally i believe were the band??
I didn't watch.
Man, Nashville bigs screwing over hard working, more deserving musicians! Well that's a first.
lol
"We're going in a different direction." Americans, for some reason, never want to tell you the real reason. But often, it is face-saving. Like maybe you were so good, you were becoming an attraction -- you had to have been sufficiently skilled to have been selected in the first place. Of course, there could be other things going on -- well, we want someone cheaper or the star's nephew wants a crack at the work, etc. It's just work -- employers ought to be frank with their employees. The level of fluff in the back office of the business is not the way it used to be many decades ago, when Americans were frank and generally honest with one another. But, then, it was really a business with many people living off of it and doing fairly well from it.
Very well said.
One thing R/R has over Country is that the "band" is preeminent. Fans can tell you the names of hundreds of band members from so many bands. When a guitar player ,singer etc. left a group it was news. I couldn't reel off any country band members . It's all about the front person. No put down just my opinion.
No you are so right and they make sure to keep that distinction, you can think the crowd is cheering for you but if you get the boot, they will have someone in your spot in no time. Rock N Roll was a different biz model.
That's a huge reason why Sugarland went from being a six or seven piece to basically the Jennifer Nettles Experience.
That's one band I just didn't dig at all.
@@badbrad Exactly. Music Row doesn't know how to deal with bands. Can you think of a fully self-contained "band" besides the Mavericks which has charted in country music the last three decades?
@@leepassmore7032 Lone Star?
Man we need a side man union!! Haha
ha ha
Great stories. One wonders if these tributes aren't to the greater glory of someone else other than the person supposedly being celebrated?
Solid examination
Rick Beato just dropped a video about "interpolation." Almost the same thing. Taking an original work and making, an original copy with different lyrics. In this case, different musicians. Like that awful early synth "Switched On Bach." Interpolation means adding details between data points, or blending new material into a story. The opposite of extrapolation.
Interesting 🤨
😮
it's a tough biz.
just to provide some constructive feedback.. sounds a bit like there is a bit of squelch coming through on your audio. im not sure what's doing it..
hmmmm
like 👍 number 196
Thank you!!!
Anybody here seen the short film session man 1991 ?
I have not.
It's dated but good.
Loved your video.
I'm a hired gun too.
Cool! Thank you!
You'll love that movie!
It's free on youtube
@@gregoriyefimovichrasputin4931 Thanks!
Sorta sounds like a caddy for a golfer. Blame the caddy when they hit a shitty shot or club selection when they have the override power.
When everything is going good its all the golfer when everything is falling to pieces “that damn Caddy”
Ha ha yes
You prob got canned for upstaging the artist.
Or the headline artist.
F it. It is what it is. You played way you thought you should.
Did what I thought the gig needed.
I toured with toby in 2011 as pyro guy
Cool!😎
That was very disrespectful to Toby Keith and his whole organization, in my opinion. It was very chicken shit for the organizers of this tribute to let this happen. I feel pretty sure that Toby would not have agreed to this at all. Nashville has no respect for sidemen, it’s pitiful. NO RESPECT.
I don’t think they intended any disrespect but it kind of shows the reality of being a sideman.
Road musicians should unionize. The actors guild works even for the bit players, right? Sammy Hagar did not need Van Halen to be a star but once he spent all of his time there, now he can’t tour under that brand. Even big talent has serious exposure to under compensation and control in their lives.
It would be like herding cats.
More money in the NFL. Alot of mid level touring acts the artist does a little better than break even when the year Is done.
Well If the accountants agree there’s little money in it, well there you go. But if the talent is waiting around on management’s take on cost, management will always claim to be scraping by. Big business doesn’t roll the dice too often or too long on ‘treading the water’ projects and live nation keeps the books.
@@badbrad There can be different levels to the contract!
@@donanders2110 ok....The more complex it becomes the less likely it will happen. Every gig is different....
Seems like some of the musicians are pretty petty, it also sounds like for some it’s all about the money, I sounds like it’s not easy trying to make a living with a family being a hired gun, or any musicians that aren’t chosen.
For some yes....sad.
The Garden looks so appealing and promising. But once you are deep within; "The Garden Of Allah" is not at all what you once thought!!!!!
Profound..
Do you take it personally or just take it as part of the work? I always enjoy your work!!🔥👋💜🤍💙❤
Just part of the work unfortunately