Hey Brad! This is sad to hear. I got a chance to meet Jerry Flower a decade ago. He was walking thru the concourse about 2 hrs before a gig. Nobody even recognized him. I spotted this guy and thought, 'damn, that looks like Jerry Flowers'. My wife said, who's that - so I explained him to her. As he got closer, I got up and said hello, welcomed him to the Bay Area, etc. He couldn't have been nicer. We chatted for a couple of minutes, and I thanked him for coming back again, etc. He was a very nice gentleman. Glad I got a chance to meet him.
It's kinda sad to hear an artist like Keith Urban has let a couple of longtime players go. I guess he had his reasons. It reminds me of a story i heard about Merle Haggard. One of his band members said, the Strangers, Merle's band all had a handshake promise that as long as he had a career and is working, they all had a job. Merle kept his word. A couple through the years retired or quit but he never to my knowledge fired a reliable band member. As a guitarist i was a fan of Roy Nichols who eventually retired due to health issues, Clint Strong who left for personal reasons. You don't often hear about that kind of handshake agreement which was honored. RIP Merle👍✌🎸
From a fan and music lover point of view, I’m a huge fan of Keith and a fan of what Jerry does at Keith’s shows, this news is really sad. I can’t understand why as Jerry is the perfect musician with his bass and vocal skills. Everything he plays and sings and plays has always complemented Keith’s music in the best way possible, and I can’t help but feel disappointed. Stepping outside of that and looking at it from a business decision, no matter how I feel, Keith has every right to make decisions and do what he feels is best. Still hurts. I saw Keith only a few months ago her in Sydney, Australia at intimate 3 piece band gig. Him and Jerry just feed off each other in such a musical way, almost like they’re brothers. I wish them both the very best.
I feel bad for the people let go-I truly do. And get what you said about ‘sidemen’ becoming a ‘part of the show’ . In fact, I lived it. I was the replacement for the popular drummer Greg ‘Fritz’ Heinz in the Canadian multi platinum band Helix. And while no one would ever fill his shoes, I certainly did gain a following of my own and fans, as well. And leaving after 7 years was MY decision-but even so, I never fooled myself into thinking that it wasn’t the ‘original’ (ie: successful) line-up people knew, loved and cherished. But the fact of the matter is, especially these days, it’s singer Brian Vollmer people come to see. Period. These guy’s in Keith’s band…my heart breaks for them, it’s a shit thing to deal with. But there’s two names on the ticket that people pay to come see/hear: KEITH and URBAN. And in today’s economy, I’m sure he had legit reasons to make these changes. And sadly, even if he doesn’t, it’s not our business anyway. It’s called show BUSINESS for a reason-as I know you know firsthand. I do feel bad for those cats though-having what you probably thought, after 25 years, was a safety net pulled from under you can’t be easy. I’m sure they have families to support, mortgages to pay etc. That said -if you’re good enough to play with KU someone will snatch them up in no time, I’m sure. The music business sucks.
Thanks Badbrad for the video on the Urban Renewal (upheaval) I also saw Steely Dan in '93, at Starwood. When Fagan sang "they call Alabama the crimson tide" the crowd cheered.
Flowers is from my home town. He and his brother Randy are both well respected, highly regarded musicians from our area. I remember them coming up in the bars and then making it big in Nashville.
@ great keyboardist. I didn’t know him well. I have a VHS of Randy, Jerry and John playing some blues at a place in Nashville. I watched them a few times at a club in Charleston. Mannys I think was the name. Can’t recall.
man 👉🎸🔥 loved the intro ☝️ .... another great video 🎬 i hadnt heard about this.. Keith lived on the other side of town here in brisbane the 80s.. he went from zero to 📈 when he made it big hardly anyone here knew him.. he wasn't playing gigs in a band around town.
Thanks for sharing your insight…as a long time KU fan I was pretty shocked about letting go of Jerry Flowers. It’s still disappointing, but it’s helpful to hear some of the possible reasons behind an artist making decisions like that. Thanks!
I agree with you as to how Mr. Flowers handled his dismissal. However, because the circles are so small in the entertainment industry, this B.S. (BUTT KISSING) MUST be done, or the artist won't work again. I am a FIRM believer this MUST end. It ONLY promotes BUTT KISSING, & not MERIT.
Billy Joel has also done this and when someone in his organization stated: Billy you really can't do that" his reply was "I'm Billy Joel I can do anything I want" Indeed star power is everything in this business and hired hands are just that, expendable
Billy Joel is maybe only singer songwriter I know of who trashed talked his song Just the Way you are, he was interviewed saying something to the effect that he’s rather make a sandwich than play the song..then took the song out of rotation for years..
I did the Nashville touring thing for 16 years and can vouch for everything you said. These changes are especially hard to swallow when they involve veteran players that had put in decades with their artist. No one will really know the ins and outs of the decisions unless they were directly involved, but as a musician, I tend to support my fellow sidemen and women out there, and indeed, that's what makes the musician community in Nashville so supportive. These guys will definitely be missed in the Urban family.
There’s A LOT of us fans that are quite pissed off. Clearly, Keith booted them and we aren’t happy. All 3 band members went to social media to announce it and say goodbye. It was clear all three were let go. And then Keith goes and puts up a post about what a beautiful day it is and how he’s gonna enjoy the snow. Sorry, but that’s very very messed up. No way you can tell me that Keith didn’t have enough money to continue paying them. I’m calling bull💩 Terrance was the newest but he fit right in. Nathan and Jerry are so well loved, we go to see them too! They are part of the family. Lost some respect for Keith for doing this. 😒
I agree with Kathy. She says what all Keith fans are thinking right now. We love him but as she says. We are pissed off at him right now. And he has not even given all his loyal fans any real explanation. We are waiting for him to explain his actions. Fans have been loyal to Keith for so many years and thought he would always be that guy who always stood by his great band members. He let media and others dictate to him to get younger people if he wanted to stay relevant in Nashville. It’s very upsetting to his fans.
@@vickimitchell8649 I think what makes this hardest is that Jerry has been there so long. Alot of guys have come and gone from that gig but it's a huge shock when a guy that has been there that long is let go.
If poor little Keith is going broke there is always the wifey who has had a real resurgence here lately. All the cosmetic work she's had recently surely didnt cost her entire fortune.
I got booted out of a band that I got started and was a member for 17 years. Reason I missed one booking date. I predicted that the band was going to die after I was gone and it came true that same year. Been on my own now for 22 years. Best thing I ever done. Peace
Back around 1990 at a nightclub in Charleston WV, a friend of mine played drums and sang for their house band which was occasionally fronted by the owner, Manny, and yes, the nightclub was called Manny's lol, and guess who also sang and played bass. I got to meet Jerry and even back then he was a class act. They were an awesome cover band, and if I remember correctly, his bother Randy played for them as well, and I think he went on to tour with Meatloaf. Anyway, they played numerous popular dance tunes of the day, and again, if I remember correctly, Jerry sang Ice Ice Baby, and killed it, and I bet if he didn't have to stand behind a mic and sing and play bass, he probably would have busted some dance moves as well.
Keith’s latest recently released album, High, has not performed well on the charts. His decision to terminate his long time band members is likely an effort to reduce costs.
Out of curiosity I checked out Keith's discography & album sales figures. It looks like Keith's commercial peak in US album sales was over 20 years ago. Golden Road in 2002 was 3X platinum & Be Here released in 2004 was 4X platinum. He has had several other albums that reached platinum status. Since 2016 Keith has failed to reach platinum sales figures, instead reaching gold certification (not counting his latest release). People aren't buying CDs like back in the day, so that probably played a part in the erosion of Keith's record sales.
I remember Keith Urban and The Flood supporting a band I was in back in Sydney in about 1992. There was about 300 people and I still remember to this day that absolutely NO ONE in the venue was paying attention to him and his crap songs. It was called the Saloon Bar in Camperdown Sydney.
Does KU worry about needing money tho? You hear sometimes actors taking less so they can pay and work with a co-star they really want to be in the film. KUs direction has changed drastically to more party type music, sadly...I think hes trying to maintain a youthful look himself and maybe change the lineup to present younger energy...I always wondered about hurt feelings when your replaced when you've helped the main artist become a star...like some of Taylor Swifts old band members.
@@thedudeabides3058 no, you're right, it happens when they go after longevity. I agree. For me, I hate that he abandoned his killer first recording The Ranch to write for the girls. He's a great guitarist, that's a guitar album.
I actually disagree that nobody cares about the backing band. Elvis had the same backing band from '68 to '77. James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Ronnie Tutt, etc. were all recognized as important to his sound and Elvis was very loyal to them.
Paul McC paid his guys a $1 million retainer each year against their touring stipend. And this figure is from a decade or so ago so they probably get even more now.. Sweet gig. Not suprirsingly he's had the same guys for 25 years.
That makes perfect sense. It is a great way to come up with a business expense to reduce your taxable income. People do it with charities all the time. To be clear I am not saying this is charity I am just using it as an example of an expense. I am sure that PM pulls in mid 8 figures in royalties each year. Why not use some of that money to reward your long stranding players (employees) with a guaranteed retainer? These players can build a life knowing they are gainfully employed. PM can rest assured he has a band ready to go on a moments notice who can play his entire catalogue flawlessly.
If I had to bet, he’s cutting expenses. Traded them in for younger and cheaper players. I have a friend who toured for years with a country artist of similar stature, pretty similar situation actually. He just got the call one day and that was it. He landed on his feet elsewhere, as will these guys. That’s Nashville. There’s always some wide eyed talented kid with a dream willing to take the gig for half the money. 25 years is a really good run though. It all comes back around. One day he’ll be the old legacy guy wanting his players to stay forever, but he’ll be the stepping stone.
Loyalty and experience should be worth more than “image”. It’s sad that the music industry is no longer about the music. I think this is the biggest enemy to real country music.
Accountants, spouses, addiction issues, lots of things happen. Sad to see years long loyal people canned at a moments notice. Better be stashing cabbage as job security does not exist.
Being on the road with the same people night after night can really put a strain on your friendships amongst bandmates. Thats what happened to me. When I left the band I was touring with I needed a break.
I understand replacing back up band spots. I view flowers with urban differently. They were together from the start as if they were a group. He also wasnt just a player, he also was involved with recordings.
I think having exceptional band members elevate and push artists. Especially artists who are also exceptional players . Glen Campbell's band in the 70s through early eighties with Carl Jackson and Tj Kuenster was fantastic! This band also had Steve Hardin on keys/organ and harmonica. My memories of this band is that it was a true band where the arrangements played on the strengths of the members and all got there chance to shine. Glen would often spotlight songs band members had written both on his early eighties tv show and on album cuts.
@@badbrad Jerry Flower's in the Ranch was such an integral part of Keith Urban's sound not only with his bass playing but with his vocal harmonies , vocal ad libs, songwriting, etc. --. That is what made me think of Glen and Carl Jackson.
a major megachurch here in houston fired their entire band and hired young people in their 20's when they started televising their services. there was no reason given other than the fact that they wanted a fresh, young look on TV. two brothers played with that group and lost a hefty sum of their income literally overnight for the mortal sin of being in their late 40's.
25 years is a long time. Every musician has to have more than one pan in the fire. Jerry is an accomplished songwriter and I’m sure somebody else will scoop him up to play bass. On the bright side Keith is presumably giving another bass player a shot at a very lucrative gig. Spread the wealth in Nashville a little. Also, some of ya’ll are pretending to know more than you do about the situation. None of us know what has gone on behind the scenes. Maybe it’s nothing and maybe it’s something major. None of us know.
A very talented bass player I was in a band with in the 90s (we had steady paying normal gigs which he later claimed he hated) thought he had "achieved success" in a band who blew all their gig money and more on rented limos, smoke machines, fancy costumes, makeup & wigs, stage decorations, drugs and tons of roses to throw into the audience. It reminds me of those weird neighborhoods with all the strange lawn decorations...huge pink birds all over the place.
I have never been a fan of the "artist" movement, where the band is paid crap and treated like a commodity. I support "bands", the ones that make the album and do the tour...bean counters at labels drove this change.
He is definitely not the norm as far as I read. Everything I’ve read and watched, the touring is what is paying the big bucks for these guys now. Obviously, the profit from streaming is low so touring is where the money is made. I don’t tour and not a big name artist so all I know is what I read and watch with interviews.
Meanwhile, Live Nation is gaining more and more control. They are gaining control over venues, merch, tour buses, low level personnel, trucking, equipment rental, etc...
My misses company did the production for urban last tour , digital and lighting, she said he was not a nice person to deal with and treated people like shi# . Not as nice as his public image.
No. Jerry wasn’t a contract player. Jerry and Keith were part of a three piece band called The Ranch in the 90s. After they split, and Keith made it, he asked Jerry to come back. Been with him ever since. They were like brothers. He called Jerry’s parents his “American Mom and Dad”. Jerry wrote Hit the Ground Runnin’. He also cowrote two songs on his newest album. This is MORE than a typical contracted hire. They were family.
Nobody cares about musicians , people pay to see the artist , 99.9% of those people have no clue who plays drums or bass or whatever , even if they do , if that musician gets fired , they’ll just say oh well, and don’t lose any sleep over it… musicians are replaceable … I heard a story about Dixie Chicks, where they would let the band go, when it’s time to give them a raise, and hire a new guys, paying them peanuts … I’ve been in Nashville for over 25 years, and it’s very profit oriented environment , with constant back stabbing, I stopped playing in town after my daughter was born 17 years ago , and never looked back , nor do I miss it …
With all due respect, I think youre missing the point. It’s not a testament to the side man for having the same high level gig for 25 years, it’s a testament to the artist. Keith is the reason those guys had that gig for as long as they had it. Also, I could be wrong but I don’t think they were playing on the records or co-writing either. A 25 year career is almost unheard of.
This is sad. Like you said, I am one of those that go see Keith because of his band. I am not a country fan but liked Keith in concert when he would rock and jam with his band. I have tickets this summer so curious to see what he is doing.
When I heard Keith Urban let Jerry Flowers go, I was pissed off. I haven't been to a Keith Urban concert when Nathan was in the band, but my Keith Urban Facebook friends loved Nathan. I understand about the money thing and the other reasons you were explaining what could have been the reason. But I think it's a mistake to let band members go that were so beloved by the fans. Jerry Flowers was always my favorite band member. He will be missed. I won't stop listening to Keith's music, but I am a little disappointed in Keith.
Keith is notorious for having a revolving door for players.he let Brian Nutter, Chris Rodriguez and a few others go when he seen Nutter and Chris were getting a lot of love from the fans.Rumor has it Kidman influences Keith's decision on members and not to let any of them get any love that would take away from Keith's image....
Waylon Jennings started playing lead when he found out what his guy was getting paid. Stevie Ray Vaughan's manager said, I can get $12,000 for SRV, I can't get $12.00 for Double Trouble. Things are tough all over.
This is not out of the ordinary for Keith. Back in '03 or '04 when I worked at the Fender Nashville cust. shop, He was struggling with sobriety and he missed 4 or 5 appointments to bring his #1 tele in. His band always came by, even just to say hi. One day one of his guys called our artist relations rep and said nearly the entire band had been let go because they had got fkd up with Keith from time to time, so anyone he had ever partaked with got canned. He is not a good dude at all...
@@badbrad but what's different this time is that during all those line up changes, Jerry was the one member who remained. Also Jerry was the musical director and in line with the above comment, Jerry too has gotten sober, (he mentioned this in an interview). I think you're right about the younger image-new direction, I don't necessarily think it's about money. (He recently added a young fiddler and his upcoming tour openers are pretty much 'kids.') It's certainly proof that even long standing-brothers in the band, side men are at the mercy of the artist's whim.
So many guys, Cooper, Coverdale, Zappa, Mellencamp, Sting, Prince etc have a history of revolving band members. Some guys like Libery DeVito and Michael Anthony help build a business and get fired like a Startup being bought by a big corporation and duplication of effort is eliminated, "I got my own guys!" The transformation from business partner to sideman is a hard pill to swallow, ask Toby Meyers!
Keith's new album (High) tour starts in May...doesn't make sense AFTER the album is cut he's looking for something "new" or "fresh". I can see if he cut his bandmates before making an new album if you want a new feel, sound, etc. My guess is they were negotiating the tour salary and as you said, they were just too expensive. Maybe they asked for more money for this tour than they've historically been paid. Also, Keith pretty much sacked everybody: Jerry (on bass, vocals), Nate (guitar, keyboards, vocals, phantom), and Terence Clark (drummer). Curious to see who he hires next -- or if he comments on the lineup change.
@@badbrad Good point, to my knowledge I think only Jerry played on two cuts off the new album. I still think, to your point, it comes down to money...just think those guys got too expensive. Will be interesting to see who he chooses moving forward.
@@ThomasJackMoore Yea I agree, sometimes that is the case. With this album, in fact Jerry only played on two cuts -- after seeing that, I completely agree on that point. Ultimately, like a lot of people are saying, I think it may also come down to money...getting younger musicians that are cheaper. Will be interesting to see what comes of this. Thanks for replying!
Elton John fired Nigel Olsen and Dee Murray after recording the Captain Fantastic album and used others on the tour. But I agree that is rare I think for a longtime band member.
From the top to just a local band --- its always tuff making changes. It's rare its for no reason --- and rare its just one. Pay and youth and everything you mentioned is a big thing in the biz these days. The easy money in music is long long gone. I don't know his catalogue ------ but i know a few of his big hits ----- i think he's a great artist. Good story Brad.
I agree with you. The REO Speedwagon ending is crazy. Kevin Cronin wanting to keep Bruce Hall out of the band but got out voted so he decided just to end REO as far as the way it’s been for a long time with him on it.
@@gerry1620 - I became a big fan of REO when that big album came out that had Keep on Lovin You. Saw them at the Boston Garden. I didn't know the story. Thanks for that info. It's amazing how many ego's there are. I get it that some players in the band made a bigger difference (say Lennon/McCartney). But there would of been no Beatles without the other two. Even Paul asked Yoko if they could change the Lennon/McCartney on Yesterday to ---- McCartney/Lennon. I mean come on ------------ anyone who knows the Beatles knows who wrote it. But it is what it is.
@@billdowney1487 Yeah I know what you mean. My older brother had every REO album and I copied him and did the same. Lol. They had several lineup changes over the years and their music changed also but I always loved seeing their concerts and have many times. You would think since some of them are in their 70’s they would find some common ground but I guess it just don’t always work that way. Lol. Thanks for the reply.
It's a business, just like any other business. He's going to still work with them in the studio, he just needed to cut costs on the tour so he can play smaller venues without losing money. I'm sure a lot of long time roadies got let go too, but you won't hear about them.
Oh great!!! Now I finally have a chance to play keyboards for Keith Urban. Keith, please let me know where you are flying me to addition, or you should just add me to the band.!! And I sing and play guitar as well!! Thanks!!
I also find it very unfortunate and regrettable but we can't presume to judge or condem'n as outsiders we know far too little or better said nothing at all nothing happens without a reason the whole thing doesn't change my attitude towards keith i am and will remain a fan forever ❤❤
Hey Brother Brad, Sorry I have not tuned in lately. I've had quite a bit going on. I'm sure you're not missing all of the snow we have here in Tennessee. Hope all is well with you, brother! John
For me personally I wouldn’t have known about Justin Derrico (Pinks’ Guitarist amongst others) I’ve been following him since taking my Daughter to Pink years ago
There was a time when artists would tour with the session heavies that actually played on their album. Then came the realization (most likely with help from management) that fans were gonna' come see them no matter who was in the band - ie: Jeff Porcaro or the not related, less expensive Enzo Porcaro. 😄 I do know firsthand that some artists don't realize some people come out to see them BECAUSE of who's in the band.
@badbrad Sure - But there was a time when certain artists would make it more than worthwhile for players such as Porcaro, Landau, Ferrone ... to go out.
Fresh blood in a band can keep the music fun and fresh. Plus personalities can grow tedious when you travel, eat, work and everything else together 24 7. It’s the reality of being in a band.
You are so on point. Something to mention about the "New Blood" idea... this is definitely a thing. You can get young blood who will pay to play on those tours. It gets them street cred and experience. Record labels also have people they are pushing. That said... I think, and this is my opinion, that Keith is less worried about the money and more about the image. This is the look that he wants for the tour... we will see if that's true.
I'm still upset Mickey Curry is not with Bryan Adams anymore. Not sure what happened. Mickey is special...what a groove! The band is not the same without Mick.
Mickey had a back injury from a car crash that he’s been dealing with for years , he said it just got to the point where it wasn’t fun to play and hurt all the time , Pat played a bunch of the songs on reckless and was an obvious choice to come back to the band , but yes I agree its sad to see Mickey retire
Thanks Scott...I know about the car accident. That's why Mickey changed his seat height to very low...it really helped with his back pain. Are you sure that's why he retired? He is doing gigs with Joe Bouchard from Blue Oyster Cult. You'll see some of the shows/songs on TH-cam. If Mickey did retire, a short statement from Bryan thanking him would have been nice. (I now that never happens though) Mickey started playing with him from approx. 1981 studio, then live/studio just before the pandemic. These long time side sidemen become a big part of the band especially if they record them. Drummer examples are: Kenny Aronoff/John Mellencamp, Liberty Devitto/Billy Joel, Max Weinberg/Springsteen, too many others to mention. During 2021 Bryan decided to do shows again, I read somewhere that Mickey wanted be with his family. That's when Pat took over. Folks - check out Mickey on the Cult's Sonic Temple and Ceremony albums. Mickey is killer on Tom Cochrane's album Mad Mad World. Killer drum sounds and songs. Life is a Highway was the hit song. Tom is the writer of that tune, then Rascal Flats covered it. Mickey was on huge hits by Hall and Oates.
@@pal4597that’s great that he’s playing some , I didn’t know about the Joe gigs thanks for that ! I met Mickey while he was in Memphis doing the Tom c record and then I had same management as BA when I was doing orig music so I would see them occasionally , Mickey is such a nice guy , I do know he didn’t want to get back to it as quickly and as much as Bryan wanted to and was enjoying family . Bryan never stops does he ? I agree Mickey would be a great interview , he’s played on so much ,all you mentioned even Cinderella stuff :) etc . I have a pic of him from backstage and his throne is as low as he could get it , back pain stinks
Good story Scott. 1000's of people attend NAMM as you know. I was with a friend and said, let's go to the Yamaha booth and see if Mickey is there. As I'm walking through the massive crowd a guy bumps into me, I look back and say "Mickey?" He turns around and it's Mick. Lol I spend 20 minutes with him! He was so kind. A few years ago, my band opened for Tom Cochrane, and Tom commented on Mickey's swing. 😊 Search Hall and Oates - Liberty concert. Mickey playing with the Hall and Oates band. They were smoking! GE Smith on guitar, T Bone on bass!
It's important to note that Keith Urban is a solo artist. His band, as awesome as they always are... are also part of the evolution that is Keith and is music.
Unless you have "stock" in the band legally, you are just hired help. It is what it is. BTW, ask Dennis DeYoung how getting let go felt. And he was a founding member, so even that doesn't help sometimes. Jerry will be just fine, another big artist will pick him up eventually.
@@badbrad Just saw quick clip promoting Keith Urban's new 2025 tour: 2 blonde girls and a young guy in the car with him.... looks like he went WAY young if they are his new band.
I've been in a situation where that started to happen. We went from two busses to one, and half the band was replaced by younger and cheaper players. Fortunately, it was time for me to leave for my own reasons, so I left before the inevitable occurred. It happens.
Guess he was an employee. ( Alabama) I'm still upset with them letting go of Hearndon. It doesn't matter if Mark was wacked out on drugs or gambling. They should have helped him. Plus saying his face was never on an album was an outright lie... Employee was a downright insult.. pex
I heard that they discovered that Mark was doing something else that you should never do with a band - and it was the same thing that Francis Buchholz was accused of doing with Scorpions…financial problems. (and I’m leaving it at that.)
This is the typical usual fate of being a sideman…I am one, not on his level but if your name is not on the gig Marquee eventually things will change. Who knows the exact reason regarding Urban doing this, could be a lot of factors, none of which I know! You are right 25 years is a helluva run, I saw him play with Keith Urban maybe 15 years ago…I remember thinking who is that bald guy he is great! Anyway artists change, security as a sideman will NEVER BE ETERNAL . Look out for yourself, I guess seeking options is the best thing to keep in mind for sideman. Here are a few names…Liberty De Vito..Billy Joels Longtime drummer. The E Street Band…cast aside for a long time, John Mellencamp…many different players, Pete Anderson- with Dwight Yoakam originally, all Elvis Presleys original band- Scotty Moore etc etc etc…
Touring has become incredibly expensive. Many bands and artists are having a harder time making a profit, so you have to make adjustments. Hiring cheaper people to play live shows just a reality. Album sales are way down for everyone so touring revue is very important.
When Keith was a punk in NashVegas he was petty when he didn’t get his way. This doesn’t surprise me at all. Fights in the apartment hallway… such drama. Oh my goodness the stories.
I heard from a ‘reliable source’ Jerry Flowers had horrible table manners, elbows on the table, talking with his mouth full of food, that sorta thing. Keith reached his limit whilst the band was at Golden Corral buffet and snapped! The icing in the cake was when Keith noticed Jerry went thru the desert line THREE TIMES! Boom! Jerry was let go!
So many factors and could literally be anything. It could be Jerry saying, "after 25yrs I have to get off this train". This type of thing happens everywhere, not just the music industry. People rise to their own level competence or incompetence. The organization becomes bigger and more important than any one individual. Some can handle that, some can't. It's very hard to shake off disgruntlement, both as an individual and the company. Jerry is going to have an awesome career going forward. Things almost always work out for the better. Here's an interesting story from a luxury watch youtube reviewer who had a band that toured with Van Halen for a time. His story is a good example of how a corporate management team runs the show, not the individual band members. th-cam.com/video/rRPV5q41m6E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Mufvvsbkjww8yr50
@@hellhound59 Sorry , my response was relative to my background in high-reliability, electro-mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing of aero-space and bio medical equipment ... I wasn't paying attention to the industry.
Hey Brad! This is sad to hear. I got a chance to meet Jerry Flower a decade ago. He was walking thru the concourse about 2 hrs before a gig. Nobody even recognized him. I spotted this guy and thought, 'damn, that looks like Jerry Flowers'. My wife said, who's that - so I explained him to her. As he got closer, I got up and said hello, welcomed him to the Bay Area, etc. He couldn't have been nicer. We chatted for a couple of minutes, and I thanked him for coming back again, etc. He was a very nice gentleman. Glad I got a chance to meet him.
Awesome to hear.
It's kinda sad to hear an artist like Keith Urban has let a couple of longtime players go. I guess he had his reasons.
It reminds me of a story i heard about Merle Haggard. One of his band members said, the Strangers, Merle's band all had a handshake promise that as long as he had a career and is working, they all had a job. Merle kept his word. A couple through the years retired or quit but he never to my knowledge fired a reliable band member. As a guitarist i was a fan of Roy Nichols who eventually retired due to health issues, Clint Strong who left for personal reasons. You don't often hear about that kind of handshake agreement which was honored. RIP Merle👍✌🎸
Cool story of Haggard. Apparantly, Tina Turner was very loyal to her long time band.
It’s nice to see that kind of loyalty.
Haggard even kept his ex-wife Bonnie Owens in his band. That is loyalty.
@@leonziglar3583 - Wow
Back when a handshake or a mans word meant everything
From a fan and music lover point of view, I’m a huge fan of Keith and a fan of what Jerry does at Keith’s shows, this news is really sad. I can’t understand why as Jerry is the perfect musician with his bass and vocal skills.
Everything he plays and sings and plays has always complemented Keith’s music in the best way possible, and I can’t help but feel disappointed.
Stepping outside of that and looking at it from a business decision, no matter how I feel, Keith has every right to make decisions and do what he feels is best.
Still hurts. I saw Keith only a few months ago her in Sydney, Australia at intimate 3 piece band gig.
Him and Jerry just feed off each other in such a musical way, almost like they’re brothers.
I wish them both the very best.
Well said. It's tough indeed.
Your response is basically your 'I'm available' message. Always be positive!
Exactly come home and let people know you are back.
Glad you lent your perspective to this subject. It’s a tough business, with emphasis on the word business and there’s the proof. Thanks Brad
Thank you Jimmy for tuning in .
Never outshine the artist..
Still got to deliver the goods....
I feel bad for the people let go-I truly do. And get what you said about ‘sidemen’ becoming a ‘part of the show’ . In fact, I lived it. I was the replacement for the popular drummer Greg ‘Fritz’ Heinz in the Canadian multi platinum band Helix. And while no one would ever fill his shoes, I certainly did gain a following of my own and fans, as well. And leaving after 7 years was MY decision-but even so, I never fooled myself into thinking that it wasn’t the ‘original’ (ie: successful) line-up people knew, loved and cherished. But the fact of the matter is, especially these days, it’s singer Brian Vollmer people come to see. Period.
These guy’s in Keith’s band…my heart breaks for them, it’s a shit thing to deal with. But there’s two names on the ticket that people pay to come see/hear:
KEITH and URBAN.
And in today’s economy, I’m sure he had legit reasons to make these changes. And sadly, even if he doesn’t, it’s not our business anyway. It’s called show BUSINESS for a reason-as I know you know firsthand.
I do feel bad for those cats though-having what you probably thought, after 25 years, was a safety net pulled from under you can’t be easy. I’m sure they have families to support, mortgages to pay etc. That said -if you’re good enough to play with KU someone will snatch them up in no time, I’m sure.
The music business sucks.
Well said brother!
Thanks Badbrad for the video on the Urban Renewal (upheaval)
I also saw Steely Dan in '93, at Starwood. When Fagan sang "they call Alabama the crimson tide" the crowd cheered.
It’s a tough business. That was such a killer band in 93.
Flowers is from my home town. He and his brother Randy are both well respected, highly regarded musicians from our area. I remember them coming up in the bars and then making it big in Nashville.
Wow very cool.
Jerry is a family member. This has been a shock to all of us.
@@tb2324I remember watching Jerry jamming with John Deaderick in John’s basement on the West Side. I knew those guys were going somewhere.
@ great keyboardist. I didn’t know him well. I have a VHS of Randy, Jerry and John playing some blues at a place in Nashville. I watched them a few times at a club in Charleston. Mannys I think was the name. Can’t recall.
Really upping the content output Brad, nice work 💪🏼
Thank you! I’m trying!
man 👉🎸🔥 loved the intro ☝️
.... another great video 🎬 i hadnt heard about this.. Keith lived on the other side of town here in brisbane the 80s.. he went from zero to 📈 when he made it big hardly anyone here knew him.. he wasn't playing gigs in a band around town.
Thanks for sharing your insight…as a long time KU fan I was pretty shocked about letting go of Jerry Flowers. It’s still disappointing, but it’s helpful to hear some of the possible reasons behind an artist making decisions like that. Thanks!
It is a tough thing to see happen, but it's a part of the business. I appreciate you watching.
I agree with you as to how Mr. Flowers handled his dismissal. However, because the circles are so small in the entertainment industry, this B.S. (BUTT KISSING) MUST be done, or the artist won't work again. I am a FIRM believer this MUST end. It ONLY promotes BUTT KISSING, & not MERIT.
Bun E. Carlos not being in Cheap Trick anymore gives me this same vibe, its not the same 😢
Yeah that's a big one for me as well...
That's an entirely different kettle of fish and nothing to do with whatever's going on with Urban's shitshow.
I really enjoyed seeing Jerry in the band! He’ll be missed 😢
Great player!
Billy Joel has also done this and when someone in his organization stated: Billy you really can't do that" his reply was "I'm Billy Joel I can do anything I want" Indeed star power is everything in this business and hired hands are just that, expendable
I think that was Liberty DeVitto in the Hired Gun documentary. Great segment in there about Billy Joel.
I believe that Billy and Liberty made amends and Billy wrote the forward for Liberty’s book.
Billy Joel is maybe only singer songwriter I know of who trashed talked his song Just the Way you are, he was interviewed saying something to the effect that he’s rather make a sandwich than play the song..then took the song out of rotation for years..
@@billdekoskie5502 Which is sad. Because it’s One of the best songs he did. That was the song that got me listening to him.
@tonray9395 funny tou mention joel, when keith met him he snubbed keith, verry rude.. wouldnt even shake hands. Joel said ‘ i know who you are’
Like Keith Scott for Bryan Adams, Keith is such a great lead player, like on "It's only Love"
Keith smokes! I miss Mickey!
I did the Nashville touring thing for 16 years and can vouch for everything you said. These changes are especially hard to swallow when they involve veteran players that had put in decades with their artist. No one will really know the ins and outs of the decisions unless they were directly involved, but as a musician, I tend to support my fellow sidemen and women out there, and indeed, that's what makes the musician community in Nashville so supportive. These guys will definitely be missed in the Urban family.
A-men bro!😎
Great breakdown Brad
Thank you!
I heard Flowers was warned time and time again to not pop the 'Far and Away' dvd on the bus, and the guy just couldn't help himself.
@@Frankserpico84 now he sent Flowers far and away
There’s A LOT of us fans that are quite pissed off. Clearly, Keith booted them and we aren’t happy. All 3 band members went to social media to announce it and say goodbye. It was clear all three were let go. And then Keith goes and puts up a post about what a beautiful day it is and how he’s gonna enjoy the snow. Sorry, but that’s very very messed up. No way you can tell me that Keith didn’t have enough money to continue paying them. I’m calling bull💩 Terrance was the newest but he fit right in. Nathan and Jerry are so well loved, we go to see them too! They are part of the family. Lost some respect for Keith for doing this. 😒
I understand how as a fan it is a very difficult thing. Would have been nice to hear Keith give them a send off.
I agree with Kathy. She says what all Keith fans are thinking right now. We love him but as she says. We are pissed off at him right now. And he has not even given all his loyal fans any real explanation. We are waiting for him to explain his actions. Fans have been loyal to Keith for so many years and thought he would always be that guy who always stood by his great band members. He let media and others dictate to him to get younger people if he wanted to stay relevant in Nashville. It’s very upsetting to his fans.
@@vickimitchell8649 I think what makes this hardest is that Jerry has been there so long. Alot of guys have come and gone from that gig but it's a huge shock when a guy that has been there that long is let go.
Your making a big deal out of nothing. Players come and go. The dude got 25 years he got lucky
If poor little Keith is going broke there is always the wifey who has had a real resurgence here lately. All the cosmetic work she's had recently surely didnt cost her entire fortune.
As a bass player and songwriter myself, Jerry Flowers is my hero!
Right on!
I got booted out of a band that I got started and was a member for 17 years. Reason I missed one booking date. I predicted that the band was going to die after I was gone and it came true that same year. Been on my own now for 22 years. Best thing I ever done. Peace
Sometimes it's better to go your own way.
I trust that gave you some satisfaction and I really mean that.
Back around 1990 at a nightclub in Charleston WV, a friend of mine played drums and sang for their house band which was occasionally fronted by the owner, Manny, and yes, the nightclub was called Manny's lol, and guess who also sang and played bass. I got to meet Jerry and even back then he was a class act. They were an awesome cover band, and if I remember correctly, his bother Randy played for them as well, and I think he went on to tour with Meatloaf. Anyway, they played numerous popular dance tunes of the day, and again, if I remember correctly, Jerry sang Ice Ice Baby, and killed it, and I bet if he didn't have to stand behind a mic and sing and play bass, he probably would have busted some dance moves as well.
WOW
Imagine being a founding member that wrote a lot of the hits like Dickey Betts. It’s tragic but does happen.
Keith’s latest recently released album, High, has not performed well on the charts. His decision to terminate his long time band members is likely an effort to reduce costs.
good observation that I was unaware of.
What are you talking about it's been successful, messed up as me has been a very popular radio single
Jerry cowrote the first single off Keith’s latest album and his second he cowrote hits radio 1/23
Out of curiosity I checked out Keith's discography & album sales figures. It looks like Keith's commercial peak in US album sales was over 20 years ago. Golden Road in 2002 was 3X platinum & Be Here released in 2004 was 4X platinum. He has had several other albums that reached platinum status. Since 2016 Keith has failed to reach platinum sales figures, instead reaching gold certification (not counting his latest release). People aren't buying CDs like back in the day, so that probably played a part in the erosion of Keith's record sales.
What???@@tb2324
Keith should be careful about getting people too young. He doesn't want to stand out too much because he ain't no spring chicken!
He should afford to buy some shampoo by now.
I remember Keith Urban and The Flood supporting a band I was in back in Sydney in about 1992. There was about 300 people and I still remember to this day that absolutely NO ONE in the venue was paying attention to him and his crap songs. It was called the Saloon Bar in Camperdown Sydney.
What kind of music did the Flood play?
I think you are right about the money. You can add a newer young fresh player for probably a tenth of where Flowers is at now.
It could be that....
Does KU worry about needing money tho? You hear sometimes actors taking less so they can pay and work with a co-star they really want to be in the film. KUs direction has changed drastically to more party type music, sadly...I think hes trying to maintain a youthful look himself and maybe change the lineup to present younger energy...I always wondered about hurt feelings when your replaced when you've helped the main artist become a star...like some of Taylor Swifts old band members.
@@thedudeabides3058 nothing new, PaulcCartney, Steve Winwood , etc, etc did haircuts and clothes and music to get a second wind in the 80s.
@bradhardisty1652 yes but I feel KU is abandoning his older fan base to gain younger audiences which is more than just freshening up the look...imo
@@thedudeabides3058 no, you're right, it happens when they go after longevity. I agree. For me, I hate that he abandoned his killer first recording The Ranch to write for the girls. He's a great guitarist, that's a guitar album.
I actually disagree that nobody cares about the backing band. Elvis had the same backing band from '68 to '77. James Burton, Jerry Scheff, Ronnie Tutt, etc. were all recognized as important to his sound and Elvis was very loyal to them.
Paul McC paid his guys a $1 million retainer each year against their touring stipend. And this figure is from a decade or so ago so they probably get even more now.. Sweet gig. Not suprirsingly he's had the same guys for 25 years.
That is a very rare thing....
I find that hard to believe, paul still has the first dollar he ever made
@@johnsmith-bk4ps He found a good band, was selling out every stadium show, wanted to keep them, to keep the money rolling in easy.
McCartney is a “ cheap trick.”
That makes perfect sense. It is a great way to come up with a business expense to reduce your taxable income. People do it with charities all the time. To be clear I am not saying this is charity I am just using it as an example of an expense. I am sure that PM pulls in mid 8 figures in royalties each year. Why not use some of that money to reward your long stranding players (employees) with a guaranteed retainer? These players can build a life knowing they are gainfully employed. PM can rest assured he has a band ready to go on a moments notice who can play his entire catalogue flawlessly.
If I had to bet, he’s cutting expenses. Traded them in for younger and cheaper players. I have a friend who toured for years with a country artist of similar stature, pretty similar situation actually. He just got the call one day and that was it. He landed on his feet elsewhere, as will these guys.
That’s Nashville. There’s always some wide eyed talented kid with a dream willing to take the gig for half the money. 25 years is a really good run though.
It all comes back around. One day he’ll be the old legacy guy wanting his players to stay forever, but he’ll be the stepping stone.
Very true!
Very true, what goes around comes around, one day Keith will regret doing that.
pretty much. they live lavishly and the light begins to dim. I liked him until now but damn Keith spring for some shampoo.
Loyalty and experience should be worth more than “image”. It’s sad that the music industry is no longer about the music. I think this is the biggest enemy to real country music.
I barely recognize country anymore. They have diluted it with pop and other crap!
Accountants, spouses, addiction issues, lots of things happen. Sad to see years long loyal people canned at a moments notice. Better be stashing cabbage as job security does not exist.
Very true!
Being on the road with the same people night after night can really put a strain on your friendships amongst bandmates. Thats what happened to me. When I left the band I was touring with I needed a break.
I can relate.
Flowers was with Urban in his first band called “The Ranch.” About 1997 ish. LOVE that album!
Yeah I talk about that band in this video.
I understand replacing back up band spots. I view flowers with urban differently. They were together from the start as if they were a group. He also wasnt just a player, he also was involved with recordings.
I think having exceptional band members elevate and push artists. Especially artists who are also exceptional players . Glen Campbell's band in the 70s through early eighties with Carl Jackson and Tj Kuenster was fantastic! This band also had Steve Hardin on keys/organ and harmonica. My memories of this band is that it was a true band where the arrangements played on the strengths of the members and all got there chance to shine. Glen would often spotlight songs band members had written both on his early eighties tv show and on album cuts.
It does help if you got a great band.
@@badbrad Jerry Flower's in the Ranch was such an integral part of Keith Urban's sound not only with his bass playing but with his vocal harmonies , vocal ad libs, songwriting, etc. --. That is what made me think of Glen and Carl Jackson.
a major megachurch here in houston fired their entire band and hired young people in their 20's when they started televising their services. there was no reason given other than the fact that they wanted a fresh, young look on TV. two brothers played with that group and lost a hefty sum of their income literally overnight for the mortal sin of being in their late 40's.
Man that is tough!
Wow
Smiling Joe? Prosperity preaching?
Let me guess: Lakewood Church?
Osteen?
I love this channel. 👍
Thank you!
25 years is a long time. Every musician has to have more than one pan in the fire. Jerry is an accomplished songwriter and I’m sure somebody else will scoop him up to play bass. On the bright side Keith is presumably giving another bass player a shot at a very lucrative gig. Spread the wealth in Nashville a little. Also, some of ya’ll are pretending to know more than you do about the situation. None of us know what has gone on behind the scenes. Maybe it’s nothing and maybe it’s something major. None of us know.
We can only speculate and it could be multiple factors.
A very talented bass player I was in a band with in the 90s (we had steady paying normal gigs which he later claimed he hated) thought he had "achieved success" in a band who blew all their gig money and more on rented limos, smoke machines, fancy costumes, makeup & wigs, stage decorations, drugs and tons of roses to throw into the audience. It reminds me of those weird neighborhoods with all the strange lawn decorations...huge pink birds all over the place.
Omg
I like what you're doing on your channel,its useful,wise and unique! You have some great video editing in my opinion,what are you using for editing?
Wow thanks so much. Just using Final Cut Pro with a couple plug ins.
I have never been a fan of the "artist" movement, where the band is paid crap and treated like a commodity. I support "bands", the ones that make the album and do the tour...bean counters at labels drove this change.
Billy Ray, Garth, Alan Jackson and few more are some of the guys I heard treat their bands well, most other artists don’t care …
@@damirzanne I am sure some are treated better than most. But even that is probably not what they should get.
I find that term artist pretty "cheesy"
dweezle did a recent video about how his touring costs have increased so much since pre covid. he is having trouble breaking even.
It is tough.
He is definitely not the norm as far as I read. Everything I’ve read and watched, the touring is what is paying the big bucks for these guys now. Obviously, the profit from streaming is low so touring is where the money is made. I don’t tour and not a big name artist so all I know is what I read and watch with interviews.
Even with ticket prices going through the roof??
Meanwhile, Live Nation is gaining more and more control. They are gaining control over venues, merch, tour buses, low level personnel, trucking, equipment rental, etc...
My misses company did the production for urban last tour , digital and lighting, she said he was not a nice person to deal with and treated people like shi# .
Not as nice as his public image.
Contract players. Nothing more, nothing less. And these musicians get a chance to do their own things.
No. Jerry wasn’t a contract player. Jerry and Keith were part of a three piece band called The Ranch in the 90s. After they split, and Keith made it, he asked Jerry to come back. Been with him ever since. They were like brothers. He called Jerry’s parents his “American Mom and Dad”. Jerry wrote Hit the Ground Runnin’. He also cowrote two songs on his newest album. This is MORE than a typical contracted hire. They were family.
Nobody cares about musicians , people pay to see the artist , 99.9% of those people have no clue who plays drums or bass or whatever , even if they do , if that musician gets fired , they’ll just say oh well, and don’t lose any sleep over it… musicians are replaceable … I heard a story about Dixie Chicks, where they would let the band go, when it’s time to give them a raise, and hire a new guys, paying them peanuts … I’ve been in Nashville for over 25 years, and it’s very profit oriented environment , with constant back stabbing, I stopped playing in town after my daughter was born 17 years ago , and never looked back , nor do I miss it …
Yeah it’s a shame!
Betrayal of everything they claim to stand for . Not suprised at all
Only in shitty country and pop.
Great info!👏👏👏👏
Thank you! 🙏
With all due respect, I think youre missing the point.
It’s not a testament to the side man for having the same high level gig for 25 years, it’s a testament to the artist. Keith is the reason those guys had that gig for as long as they had it.
Also, I could be wrong but I don’t think they were playing on the records or co-writing either.
A 25 year career is almost unheard of.
Flowers co-wrote two songs on the new record.
@ thank you
This is sad. Like you said, I am one of those that go see Keith because of his band. I am not a country fan but liked Keith in concert when he would rock and jam with his band. I have tickets this summer so curious to see what he is doing.
It will be interesting..
When I heard Keith Urban let Jerry Flowers go, I was pissed off. I haven't been to a Keith Urban concert when Nathan was in the band, but my Keith Urban Facebook friends loved Nathan. I understand about the money thing and the other reasons you were explaining what could have been the reason. But I think it's a mistake to let band members go that were so beloved by the fans. Jerry Flowers was always my favorite band member. He will be missed. I won't stop listening to Keith's music, but I am a little disappointed in Keith.
I hear ya.
Tim McGraw did the same thing. I was so shocked when he fired his longtime keyboard player, Jeff McMahon and other band members.
Very tough thing for fans to deal with.
Keith is notorious for having a revolving door for players.he let Brian Nutter, Chris Rodriguez and a few others go when he seen Nutter and Chris were getting a lot of love from the fans.Rumor has it Kidman influences Keith's decision on members and not to let any of them get any love that would take away from Keith's image....
I wondered about that...
Waylon Jennings started playing lead when he found out what his guy was getting paid. Stevie Ray Vaughan's manager said, I can get $12,000 for SRV, I can't get $12.00 for Double Trouble. Things are tough all over.
very true!
This is not out of the ordinary for Keith. Back in '03 or '04 when I worked at the Fender Nashville cust. shop, He was struggling with sobriety and he missed 4 or 5 appointments to bring his #1 tele in. His band always came by, even just to say hi. One day one of his guys called our artist relations rep and said nearly the entire band had been let go because they had got fkd up with Keith from time to time, so anyone he had ever partaked with got canned. He is not a good dude at all...
I think I remember hearing about that and kind of speculated then what had happened.
Umm he is sober now why are you bringing up old news
@@badbrad but what's different this time is that during all those line up changes, Jerry was the one member who remained. Also Jerry was the musical director and in line with the above comment, Jerry too has gotten sober, (he mentioned this in an interview). I think you're right about the younger image-new direction, I don't necessarily think it's about money. (He recently added a young fiddler and his upcoming tour openers are pretty much 'kids.') It's certainly proof that even long standing-brothers in the band, side men are at the mercy of the artist's whim.
@@marcdorian Yeah he was the one constant and that makes it really tough.
Ummmm, sorry Nicole Kidman...didn't mean to upset you....@@truckercowboyed2638
Dropping band members defines Keith Urban’s career. The way he discarded The Ranch was despicable.
never liked the guy, or his music or singing … boring
😂😂😂
Flowers was in The Ranch.
@ so he went from a band share to a hired gun share. How benevolent of Urban. Wonder why we don’t have country bands anymore.
So many guys, Cooper, Coverdale, Zappa, Mellencamp, Sting, Prince etc have a history of revolving band members. Some guys like Libery DeVito and Michael Anthony help build a business and get fired like a Startup being bought by a big corporation and duplication of effort is eliminated, "I got my own guys!" The transformation from business partner to sideman is a hard pill to swallow, ask Toby Meyers!
It is very tough.
Jerry Flowers was with Keith in The Ranch!
Yes he was!
Keith's new album (High) tour starts in May...doesn't make sense AFTER the album is cut he's looking for something "new" or "fresh". I can see if he cut his bandmates before making an new album if you want a new feel, sound, etc.
My guess is they were negotiating the tour salary and as you said, they were just too expensive. Maybe they asked for more money for this tour than they've historically been paid.
Also, Keith pretty much sacked everybody: Jerry (on bass, vocals), Nate (guitar, keyboards, vocals, phantom), and Terence Clark (drummer). Curious to see who he hires next -- or if he comments on the lineup change.
Not sure if he uses his road guys on the albums most Nashville artists don’t use the road guys.
Often, although not always, the road band isn't used in the studio.
@@badbrad Good point, to my knowledge I think only Jerry played on two cuts off the new album. I still think, to your point, it comes down to money...just think those guys got too expensive. Will be interesting to see who he chooses moving forward.
@@ThomasJackMoore Yea I agree, sometimes that is the case. With this album, in fact Jerry only played on two cuts -- after seeing that, I completely agree on that point. Ultimately, like a lot of people are saying, I think it may also come down to money...getting younger musicians that are cheaper. Will be interesting to see what comes of this. Thanks for replying!
Elton John fired Nigel Olsen and Dee Murray after recording the Captain Fantastic album and used others on the tour. But I agree that is rare I think for a longtime band member.
From the top to just a local band --- its always tuff making changes. It's rare its for no reason --- and rare its just one. Pay and youth and everything you mentioned is a big thing in the biz these days. The easy money in music is long long gone. I don't know his catalogue ------ but i know a few of his big hits ----- i think he's a great artist. Good story Brad.
I agree with you. The REO Speedwagon ending is crazy. Kevin Cronin wanting to keep Bruce Hall out of the band but got out voted so he decided just to end REO as far as the way it’s been for a long time with him on it.
@@gerry1620 - I became a big fan of REO when that big album came out that had Keep on Lovin You. Saw them at the Boston Garden. I didn't know the story. Thanks for that info. It's amazing how many ego's there are. I get it that some players in the band made a bigger difference (say Lennon/McCartney). But there would of been no Beatles without the other two. Even Paul asked Yoko if they could change the Lennon/McCartney on Yesterday to ---- McCartney/Lennon. I mean come on ------------ anyone who knows the Beatles knows who wrote it. But it is what it is.
@@billdowney1487 Yeah I know what you mean. My older brother had every REO album and I copied him and did the same. Lol. They had several lineup changes over the years and their music changed also but I always loved seeing their concerts and have many times. You would think since some of them are in their 70’s they would find some common ground but I guess it just don’t always work that way. Lol. Thanks for the reply.
Jerry Flowers was with Keith before he was even a single act when he was in the band The Ranch. Pretty big deal imho.
huge deal!
I don't want road bands to end! What can we do to save that?
It's a business, just like any other business. He's going to still work with them in the studio, he just needed to cut costs on the tour so he can play smaller venues without losing money. I'm sure a lot of long time roadies got let go too, but you won't hear about them.
Brad, the tone from that opening bit is killer! What’s in the signal chain? What type of bucker in that beautiful tele?
I think it's a Seymour 59 and I'm using a the Ampero Stomp with a patch I set up ....
@ nice playing, tone cheers 👊
Thank you!
Jerry is a great player and to be touring that long is a great effort. Never heard why Chris McHugh left? He was an integral part of Keith's sound.
Stay tuned....will have some more on this at a later date.
Oh great!!!
Now I finally have a chance to play keyboards for Keith Urban. Keith, please let me know where you are flying me to addition, or you should just add me to the band.!!
And I sing and play guitar as well!! Thanks!!
Hired!
I also find it very unfortunate and regrettable but we can't presume to judge or condem'n as outsiders we know far too little or better said nothing at all nothing happens without a reason the whole thing doesn't change my attitude towards keith i am and will remain a fan forever ❤❤
I hear you.
Thank you brad
Hey Brother Brad, Sorry I have not tuned in lately. I've had quite a bit going on. I'm sure you're not missing all of the snow we have here in Tennessee. Hope all is well with you, brother! John
Hope you are doing well John! Appreciate you dropping in.
Davey Johnson in Elton John’s band became iconic I definitely agree a session player can get a following
He is iconic.
For me personally I wouldn’t have known about Justin Derrico (Pinks’ Guitarist amongst others) I’ve been following him since taking my Daughter to Pink years ago
I hear you!
He’s also on the voice in the house band. I’m sure you’re aware.
A touring musician is never permanent.
This isn’t a band in the proper sense.
The latest trend is getting an attractive female bassist
I will be curious to see who they get.
Latest? Jeff Beck started that one a couple of decades ago!
@@vvayoutvvest He did indeed.
I got no money in my pocket, I got a hole in my jeans
I had a job and a lost it, but I won't let it get to me.
There was a time when artists would tour with the session heavies that actually played on their album. Then came the realization (most likely with help from management) that fans were gonna' come see them no matter who was in the band - ie: Jeff Porcaro or the not related, less expensive Enzo Porcaro. 😄 I do know firsthand that some artists don't realize some people come out to see them BECAUSE of who's in the band.
Most studio guys want to be home to get those calls...
@badbrad Sure - But there was a time when certain artists would make it more than worthwhile for players such as Porcaro, Landau, Ferrone ... to go out.
Fresh blood in a band can keep the music fun and fresh. Plus personalities can grow tedious when you travel, eat, work and everything else together 24 7. It’s the reality of being in a band.
It's a very tough reality.
@ About the same as getting let go from your manufacturing job after twenty five years of faithful service.
You are so on point. Something to mention about the "New Blood" idea... this is definitely a thing. You can get young blood who will pay to play on those tours. It gets them street cred and experience. Record labels also have people they are pushing. That said... I think, and this is my opinion, that Keith is less worried about the money and more about the image. This is the look that he wants for the tour... we will see if that's true.
Pay to play is when a label pays for an act to be on the tour...not guys paying to be in the band...
@@badbradboth are true. I help run a large music festival. Bands pay all the time. We’ve had some musicians pay to be in the band.
The drummer that replaced Joey Kramer from Aerosmith. He was getting $10,000 per rehearsal and 20,000 per show.
Nothing to sneeze at....
I'm still upset Mickey Curry is not with Bryan Adams anymore. Not sure what happened. Mickey is special...what a groove!
The band is not the same without Mick.
Mickey had a back injury from a car crash that he’s been dealing with for years , he said it just got to the point where it wasn’t fun to play and hurt all the time , Pat played a bunch of the songs on reckless and was an obvious choice to come back to the band , but yes I agree its sad to see Mickey retire
Thanks Scott...I know about the car accident. That's why Mickey changed his seat height to very low...it really helped with his back pain. Are you sure that's why he retired? He is doing gigs with Joe Bouchard from Blue Oyster Cult. You'll see some of the shows/songs on TH-cam.
If Mickey did retire, a short statement from Bryan thanking him would have been nice. (I now that never happens though) Mickey started playing with him from approx. 1981 studio, then live/studio just before the pandemic. These long time side sidemen become a big part of the band especially if they record them. Drummer examples are: Kenny Aronoff/John Mellencamp, Liberty Devitto/Billy Joel, Max Weinberg/Springsteen, too many others to mention.
During 2021 Bryan decided to do shows again, I read somewhere that Mickey wanted be with his family. That's when Pat took over.
Folks - check out Mickey on the Cult's Sonic Temple and Ceremony albums. Mickey is killer on Tom Cochrane's album Mad Mad World. Killer drum sounds and songs. Life is a Highway was the hit song. Tom is the writer of that tune, then Rascal Flats covered it. Mickey was on huge hits by Hall and Oates.
@@pal4597that’s great that he’s playing some , I didn’t know about the Joe gigs thanks for that ! I met Mickey while he was in Memphis doing the Tom c record and then I had same management as BA when I was doing orig music so I would see them occasionally , Mickey is such a nice guy , I do know he didn’t want to get back to it as quickly and as much as Bryan wanted to and was enjoying family . Bryan never stops does he ? I agree Mickey would be a great interview , he’s played on so much ,all you mentioned even Cinderella stuff :) etc . I have a pic of him from backstage and his throne is as low as he could get it , back pain stinks
Good story Scott. 1000's of people attend NAMM as you know. I was with a friend and said, let's go to the Yamaha booth and see if Mickey is there. As I'm walking through the massive crowd a guy bumps into me, I look back and say "Mickey?" He turns around and it's
Mick. Lol I spend 20 minutes with him! He was so kind.
A few years ago, my band opened for Tom Cochrane, and Tom commented on Mickey's swing. 😊
Search Hall and Oates - Liberty concert. Mickey playing with the Hall and Oates band. They were smoking! GE Smith on guitar, T Bone on bass!
What if Jerry simply just dont want to tour any more? Then it’s out of Keith’s hands 🤷🏻♂️
Could be…
Think he would’ve stated that…
@ you’re very much right!
It's important to note that Keith Urban is a solo artist. His band, as awesome as they always are... are also part of the evolution that is Keith and is music.
I hear ya!
So was Dylan. Arguably the fact that he played with so many different guitar players offered him new directions in his music.
Keith is front and center the entire show. He’ll be fine and I’d still pay to see him.
I hear ya. Still tough for those let go.
I wouldn’t go see him if you pay me lol .. mediocre singing combined with mediocre music … I pay for the best, not mediocre
He'll always be Mr. Nichole Kidman to me. Vanilla music.
@@damirzannewho would you pay to go see? Serious question
Of course you will, because you're a dolt. His music sucks no matter who else is playing with him.
That's really harsh after you have been together for that long and through as much as they had during that time...ouch.
It is tough.
Unless you have "stock" in the band legally, you are just hired help. It is what it is. BTW, ask Dennis DeYoung how getting let go felt. And he was a founding member, so even that doesn't help sometimes. Jerry will be just fine, another big artist will pick him up eventually.
Jerry may wish to stay home....
@@badbrad Just saw quick clip promoting Keith Urban's new 2025 tour: 2 blonde girls and a young guy in the car with him.... looks like he went WAY young if they are his new band.
@@sams2960 We will only truly know when some live clips appear online...
I’ve also seen it where an artist is trying to get sober and gets rid of people who are the partiers in the band to try to stay straight.
I hear ya!
I've been in a situation where that started to happen. We went from two busses to one, and half the band was replaced by younger and cheaper players. Fortunately, it was time for me to leave for my own reasons, so I left before the inevitable occurred. It happens.
It does indeed.
Hell he fin let it roll follow the flow find the niche everything is always as it should be.
Namaste.
Guess he was an employee. ( Alabama) I'm still upset with them letting go of Hearndon. It doesn't matter if Mark was wacked out on drugs or gambling. They should have helped him. Plus saying his face was never on an album was an outright lie... Employee was a downright insult.. pex
I heard that they discovered that Mark was doing something else that you should never do with a band - and it was the same thing that Francis Buchholz was accused of doing with Scorpions…financial problems. (and I’m leaving it at that.)
When ticket sales start falling - The artists always think there is a stale factor. Sidemen are always blamed and are expendable.
That could be....
This is the typical usual fate of being a sideman…I am one, not on his level but if your name is not on the gig Marquee eventually things will change. Who knows the exact reason regarding Urban doing this, could be a lot of factors, none of which I know! You are right 25 years is a helluva run, I saw him play with Keith Urban maybe 15 years ago…I remember thinking who is that bald guy he is great! Anyway artists change, security as a sideman will NEVER BE ETERNAL . Look out for yourself, I guess seeking options is the best thing to keep in mind for sideman. Here are a few names…Liberty De Vito..Billy Joels Longtime drummer. The E Street Band…cast aside for a long time, John Mellencamp…many different players, Pete Anderson- with Dwight Yoakam originally, all Elvis Presleys original band- Scotty Moore etc etc etc…
For sure!
@1Rwjwith the other thing that’ll get you canned is outplaying the artist. That’s happened to me a few times.
Billy Mason is one such person that comes to mind.
Touring has become incredibly expensive. Many bands and artists are having a harder time making a profit, so you have to make adjustments. Hiring cheaper people to play live shows just a reality. Album sales are way down for everyone so touring revue is very important.
I know.
It’s just business, nothing personal.
Tell that to Mark Farner.
Pete Anderson comes to mind. And looks what happened to Dwight's music post Pete.
When Keith was a punk in NashVegas he was petty when he didn’t get his way. This doesn’t surprise me at all. Fights in the apartment hallway… such drama. Oh my goodness the stories.
Hate? Ha ha ha ha. Nothing he doesn’t deny. Pssh. Hate.
Yep, money gets lower AND the players get younger. Every time. Watch the 50 year olds get replaced with 25-30 year olds.
Absolutely
Hey Brad! I’m a new subscriber, greetings from Toronto, Canada🇨🇦
Welcome aboard! Glad to have you.
I heard from a ‘reliable source’ Jerry Flowers had horrible table manners, elbows on the table, talking with his mouth full of food, that sorta thing. Keith reached his limit whilst the band was at Golden Corral buffet and snapped! The icing in the cake was when Keith noticed Jerry went thru the desert line THREE TIMES! Boom! Jerry was let go!
dessert?
So many factors and could literally be anything. It could be Jerry saying, "after 25yrs I have to get off this train". This type of thing happens everywhere, not just the music industry. People rise to their own level competence or incompetence. The organization becomes bigger and more important than any one individual. Some can handle that, some can't. It's very hard to shake off disgruntlement, both as an individual and the company. Jerry is going to have an awesome career going forward. Things almost always work out for the better.
Here's an interesting story from a luxury watch youtube reviewer who had a band that toured with Van Halen for a time. His story is a good example of how a corporate management team runs the show, not the individual band members. th-cam.com/video/rRPV5q41m6E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Mufvvsbkjww8yr50
Right on!
Yes, Indeed ... If the Accountants don't know the business ... They can absolutely put an operation to ruin ...
"The accountants" are the ones saving these idiot musicians from themselves.
BS Dennis-man. Accountants are above reproach.
@@hellhound59 Sorry , my response was relative to my background in high-reliability, electro-mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing of aero-space and bio medical equipment ... I wasn't paying attention to the industry.
I just heard keith urban bought Esteban guitars i was disappointed those were trash
I didn't hear about that.
Do you think Jerry got a Gold watch for all his years of dedication & service ?
probably not....