ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
- You can now support this channel by shopping at Sweetwater, just click on this link. All purchases help the channel. sweetwater.sjv...
You can help this channel by purchasing strings, picks, pedals, guitars and other music gear at my Amazon link. amzn.to/4az0up5
After 30 incredible years, it's time for a bittersweet farewell to Nashville. Join me on this journey as I announce a major change in my life: my family and I are packing up and heading to the sunny shores of Florida.
Nashville has been more than just a city to me-it's been a home filled with unforgettable memories, countless collaborations, and a rollercoaster of experiences. From the bustling nightclubs to the quiet moments of reflection along the Cumberland River, this city has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined.
In this video, I reflect on the remarkable musicians and artists I've had the privilege of working with throughout my time here. Their talent, passion, and dedication have been the heartbeat of Nashville's vibrant music scene, and I will forever cherish the moments we shared on and off stage.
Leaving Nashville marks the end of an era for me, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter. While I'll undoubtedly miss the familiar streets and faces of Music City, I'm excited to embrace the opportunities and adventures that await us in Florida.
Join me as I bid farewell to Nashville and embark on this new journey with gratitude, nostalgia, and anticipation for what lies ahead. Thank you for being a part of my story, and here's to the memories we've made and the ones yet to come.
Behind every successful musician is a wife with a good job. Best of luck with your future endeavors.
True words
I think you meant stripper,,,,,,,lol
It def helps.
Yes, I moved to Nashville in the summer of 1992 and discovered my gift or calling to teach music as a certified / masters degree Teacher. I went back to get my Masters degree and certification in 1998 as I realized I needed a steady job with retirement and health care benefits. This was the best decision I made, because now, I am happily married and composing original music with a steady pay check and benefits.
That’s awesome!
Great for you man,!
Good luck Brad! When one door closes another window opens. Glad you are supporting your wife's career move. Look forward to seeing your updates.
Thank you
This move to Florida is going to be great for you , you can still play with Nashville players and stay in touch, I'm 23 years in Vegas and still consider Nashville my home. Best wishes!
You are the man Donnie!
Interesting video. I’m from middle TN close to Nashville, and I had a similar experience in LA recently. I’m a younger guy who loves 80s glam/hair metal, and I had never been to LA, so I went out there with some friends a few weeks ago, and I was astonished at how unimpressive it was. We went out on the Sunset Strip, ate at the Rainbow, then walked down to the Whiskey and all that. It was Saturday night. Nobody was there. I remember thinking “this is it?”. These couple of little dinky clubs is where all this legendary rock n roll history I’ve heard about happened? I mean, it was cool, but it looked like such a has-been.
That’s exactly it. Bro let me tell you you back in the day it was everything you imagined it was. It was wild. But a few decries from the King and it slowly vanished.
Hey man this is the first I'm hearing of this. Mixed emotions: happy for you and your family, sad that we won't get to share the stage anymore. You always treated me with respect and I always appreciate your musicianship. Gonna miss the backstage hangs with amazing stories and lots of laughs. All the best to you brother!
Mark, we always had a good time brother. I'm gonna miss those green room hangs. We had alot of fun and some great gigs. Who knows maybe one day our paths will cross again. Best to you and your family.
Family always has to come first. Looking forward to hearing about the new adventures.
Thank you
Giving ur stories, experiences from your time in the Nash as a musician, what pitfalls to avoid..etc plus ur new adventure makes for a great podcast!
Will do!
I have that exact Zion, in Lake Placid blue. Black Floyd Rose, EMG HSS, tremendous. Ken Hoover built, Greensboro NC...love it!
Mine had the EMGs as well but I took em out at some point in the 90’s.
Stoked your family and you have the opportunity to move... forward... relocate... to another place where you will create new lifetime experiences that continue to motivate, inspire, challenge, and reward you, your family going forward. I hope that some of these stories make their way to your show, along with new / different music opportunities in Florida. Take care - a new follower/Subscriber; Jimmyray Hawkins.
Man thank you so much. I needed to read this.
dude it wont be that bad you have a ton of friends, people around you and the internet to help stay connected. Def a big change though I can relate to your cares - You will be fine!!!!! stay in the moment and dont let the unknown get to ya! Cheers Brad!
Man thank you!
Yo brother just wanna wish you nothing but luck and happiness as you roll outta Nashville. I’m subscribed to your channel so I’ll be watching. Be safe and GO MAKE FLORIDA ROCK!!!!! 🤘
Man you rule! Thank you!
Hey man, good story...best of luck with the move and the channel. I'll follow your progress with interest.
🙏
Good luck with your new venture. Congrats on your wife's new job very impressed that your family was important enough for you to give up Nashville, Your a good man. CW
Much appreciated!
Your minister for Finance, Entertainment and Shoes sounds like she nailed a good gig.
That’s the nice thing of having a flexible income source that people (hopefully) need. If she gets the kick in the career, you can take advantage of that, rather than having to quit a day job.
Good luck on the next chapter
Thank you!
Best of wishes to you Brad! Life is about change and if momma ain't happy, nobody's happy. If daddy ain't happy, nobody cares 🙂 God bless you and your family!!!
You got that right.
Good move my man I feel good for you about this rise up
Rise up! I like that.
Good luck with your future plans.
We are probably close in age and I just came across your channel about a week ago after losing a job. I worked semi-regularly as a musician since age 16, but after having my first son at 37, I slowed down considerably, then once the pandemic hit, I just haven’t been motivated to gig much.
I worked union labor jobs for 32.5 years. The first job allowed me to buy the gear I wanted and play as little or as much as I felt like. The second one was a ball buster, and I was 50 when I started, so didn’t have much energy for gigging. Got laid off from that one, but developed a habit of laziness. Worked my last job for 3 years and 10 months and got canned. It was non-union and I didn’t care for it, but I’m hoping the next one allows me time to get back out playing. Like you, I have a great, supportive wife that is making this transition as painless as possible.
Going to try and get it together after hearing what you had to say. Thanks.
I hope you can find that balance. Thank you.
Best of luck to you Brad with your Florida adventure! I'm sure you'll have lots of opportunities down there to do your thang...
Fingers crossed!
very exciting !! .. gonna enjoy following your channel .. good things are ahead !!
Awesome! Thank you!
BB, for your youtube channel maybe you can do some episodes on exploring the florida scene as a newcomer. Always interesting to see whats going on in different parts of the country.
I will do that once I get going
Peace and best wishes!
Thank you!
Hey, we probably crossed paths. I was in Los Angeles from '87 to '92 before moving to Nashville in '93; I started playing for Mathew Ryan in
94 before he signed his deal. We played Ace of Clubs, 328 Performance Hall, and we were the first act to play the Hard Rock Cafe when it first opened downtown. Good luck on your new journey.
Was Craig Krampf in the band?
Good luck Bad Brad. I appreciate your grind.
I appreciate it
Best of luck!
Thank you!
I can relate big time, I left a scene in the UK, gigging all the time, brought my family back to Canada, started a TH-cam channel, and found a new focus. Life decisions are never easy to face, but sometimes they are easily made when there are mouths to feed. I don't understand how TH-cam works, even after having a channel for 4 years. I had to be ok with TH-cam being a place for expression and not a place of income. I do wish you well in your travels, and there are as you know, great players everywhere. I will be watching!
Thank you so much!
Sending love and good vibes for your new life !
Thank you!
Just found your channell a few days ago.. love your honesty about the biz
Welcome aboard!
Loving the channel Brad , keep em coming in Florida
Thanks! Will do!
Diamond Jinya formerly of Sabotage lives in Florida and is s good friend so now I'll have 2 music friends in Florida. Better excuse to come visit for me!!!
Awesome!
Florida's got many places to perform , you'll make it good there .
Thank you
Best of luck to you. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you
Good luck with your move.
Thank you!🙏
You might be surprised at the talent pool here in Florida. You will fit right in.
Man I am down with that. I’m only as good as the people I play with.
@@badbrad There is a lot of truth in that. be picky lol.
I’ve always been picky about who I work with.
Good Luck
Thank you!
Brad. I just started following your Channel. Great insight. I think your timing is perfect, for a life change, and exiting Nash. I was there 1985' -95'. In my opinion, God's grace is on your life. The only people that can afford to come to Nash are the ones escaping LA and NYC. I do realize that some are fortunate to have deep, deep pockets. I had a brief love affair with country music, in the early 90's. I look forward to checking out your work. Get your family out of Nashville, while you are still young enough to drive there. ( I now see you have moved.?.? Good work.)
My Nashville story. I moved there the day I married, in 1985. I aspired to break into the CCM (gospel) scene. I was 1/2 of an acoustic guitar driven and vocal harmony duo. (The late 80’s thru 90’s was the EXACT wrong time to shop that acoustic thang. SYNTH, baby, SYNTH.) I gained employment as a bank teller, in Green Hills/Nash. Waited on so many artists. From George Jones, to Stevie Winwood. Two of Elvis’s background singers, Looking back, it’s trippy. I digress.
6 months after I moved to Nash, my partner and I were sitting at the desk of our A&R contact (Benson Records) guy. In walks a studio engineer, who just walked in with the final mix of an album by a guy named Dan Peek. He was in the 70’s group AMERICA. We knew who Dan was. We cut our teeth on AMERICA, CSN&Y… Our A&R guy says: “you guys need to see if he’ll produce a demo with you.” We said: “yes, yes we do!” We met Dan at some restaurant on music row. 16th Ave??
I’ll try to make my point here. For reasons only God knows, our duo never achieved widespread popularity/success. It was a blessing. Life happens, and sometimes goes south. Our CCM career went bye-bye, except for actual invitations to play, on occasion. However, we had about 25 years writing/recording with our friend- Dan Peek. We sold our records online. No touring. I made enough money for coffee. Today, my music partner and I still make some of our best stuff. No sucking up to labels/managers/tours… Thank God, I didn’t get what I thought I wanted.
Amazing story and it sounds like you had quite a journey. Best to you. Thank you for following the channel.
@@badbrad Well sir, your story is a much deeper dive/revalation than mine. You, a kid from Virginia to LA? I say you have character, and balls of steel.
@@kenmarvin370 Thank you sir.
Good luck to you and your family!!!!
Thank you!!
Welcome to Florida ! Love it here. I’ve been playing in original mostly punk bands since the 80’s … not the best place to be in an original band but most every good bar at the beaches has live music mostly cover bands but they play non stop .. lots of retired guys with no jobs having long running cover bands ..
Thanks for the tips!
Wish you the best.
🙏
Florida sounds great ☝️i hope it goes well 🙏 awesome stuff
Thanks so much!
Virginia? Cool. I played all over Hampton Rhodes and Willamsburg when you were doing the same.
I had a house gig at the Hospitality House in Williamsburg in 1985. Ring a bell? Peabody's? Henry Johnson? Eddie Berman? Hot Cakes?
I got inspired to become a solo musician when I was drinking late night at the Yorktown Pub on Yorktown Beach and was talking baseball with a guy. Next thing ya know he walked away and grabbed his guitar and got the whole crowd alive. I said I'm done with the bands after his very first song. He was from Pennsylvania and doing a East coast tour playing beach bars and resorts along the way. How horrible. Been working on and gigging my own act ever since that night... Such a beautiful part of the country with so much historical value. Especially to some kid from Chicago
@@tonyDa2Lo
Oh wow! Yorktown Pub.
I saw a guy named Ernie LaBeau do a solo act with a taped background that made him into a solo power trio in VA. Beach in 1980. He ruled!
Not much longer I got into the midi thing and did the exact same thing Ernie did. Believe me, if you were good at soliciting gigs you could go absolutely anywhere with no planning. On a whim.
If you liked where you were, you could have an 8 hundred to a thousand dollar a week income, in cash, an apartment and a high end girlfriend within 10 to 14 days. Change your mind? Poof! Next Town. Playing in bands? Nope. Nowadays it's all over and blase anyway. I still play though, not live but at home trying to write and record songs without a DAW! totally sick of gizmos that got to where they owned me.
Once I went solo, I never had a day job for close to 15 years. Day job for a serious musician? A travesty worse than death. I should have checked out Chicago as I was a pretty decent blues man. Eventually, the music biz crapped out Around 1995 and I personally ran out of gas and did the exact same thing Bad Brad is doing.
I went home to Coastal Virginia, married my childhood sweetheart and lived, now age 69, to tell about it. I can assure you, all my band buddies that stayed in too long are long gone dead.
Thanks for your reply. It made my day! I can be in Yorktown in 20 minutes!
The only spots I played in that are were Busch Gardens and Osullivans wharf. Then off to LA. Later played the Norva with Colt Ford.
Strange. I subbed your channel because i liked what you were saying. I'm an older guitar player. But i also recently subbed to a channel of a young cat who just got to Nashville! Tim Aven. Didnt realize it right away. Good luck to you and yours
Yeah I like his channel as well, great player to, he’s fresh faced, I’m a grizzled warrior. Two different perspectives
@@badbrad yeah well, a lot can be said for both.
Yes indeed!
Funny thing my new neighbor just installed a recording studio in his garage. Florida has a lot of places to play.
Nice!
@@badbrad he showed it to me but I'm thinking of asking what he's looking for in a band. But don't want to play. He's got to have built it for some reason?
Cross city .,fl. Rock on bro... Everybody says they're the best singer but I can fill in for any front man...any... My wife passed away from Alzheimer's so I spent 7 years rehearsing 8 hours a day cuz I needed something to do something fantastic happened to my vocals I put Steve Perry to shame now...
Wow amazing!
I loved Nashville 20 years ago. It’s just obnoxious for the most part now. Of course I am a little older and that definitely plays a part too.
I have a few friends in Florida that do pretty well doing acoustic gigs.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Thank you!
Fly in for gigs. Wherever the gigs may be...
If the artist you work for doesn’t like fly dates then that’s not an option.
good god, last place I’d move is to hurricane-ville….great place to visit but wouldn’t own a house there; maybe an RV lot. Best of luck man. I just discovered your channel.
I hear ya there. Thanks for tuning in....
Brad you so remind me of a school buddy who's exactly my age who also went to LA. For the same reasons he moved back to Indiana and now plays these corporate gigs.
His father was a WW2 hero and became the governor of Indiana in 1972 and I knew his whole family who are very nice people. His name is Johnny Whitcomb. He took lessons from the Original guitar player from the John Cougar Melloncamp band who is from our hometown of Seymour Indiana. You so remind me of him buddy. ❤
He played for some country music famous guy, but I can't remember who.
The world moves along huh brother.
I refuse to play but what makes me happy and that's the reason I have not pursued music to make a living in . I ended up in the IT field.
I'm sorry you have to move, etc, brother.
Be safe and well brother. You have to do what makes your family happy first and foremost.
I hate Florida, but only because of the weather and alligators and mosquitos the size of helicopters. 😂. I lived in Naples in 1984. Took a Harley down there and stayed with a friend and worked in construction because he kept asking me to do so because they were so short handed.
I wish you well for the channel brother. I think you will do fine and play some great gigs as well in FL my friend.
Be safe and well buddy. ❤
Man thanks so much. Yes your friends path is similar to mine. I appreciate it bro, best to you!
@@badbrad Absolutely man. ♥️🤘♥️🤘
Wow! Super big deal Love You Brother...
Love you brother! Awww yeah!
Don’t know how but I’ve never seen your channel, anyway I just subscribed and hope to see you lots more down the road!or at the hizzie 😂😂😂😂take care my friend!
Thank you!
Best of luck……👍👍🎸
Thank you
Miss you bro!!
Miss you brother. Gonna have to do a Thunderheart episode
Bro, the green room hangs. EPIC!! We made some funky music. We’re not done. Bing Bong.
Bing to the bong indeed!
Probably as soon as you nail down a good gig in FL, they will have gigs in N Ville, lol. Best of Luck!
You know that’s right!
Do you know Randy Pederson? He grew up in Virginia too. I went to MI with him in 1988. He played Zion too. Great player!
That sounds familiar.
Gator Country....that's where you ought 2 Bee❤
Yes!
NJ guitarist here relocating to FL in 3 days!
Wow very cool bro where u headed?
@@badbrad south Brevard county. Moving truck coming Saturday.
I’m pretty geographically challenged with Florida yet gonna have to learn where everything is.
You gonna be anywhere near Riverview Florida? My sales team is heading there and I may be following... Working on a new EPK to start setting up some gigs out there for when I visit.. I love Destin! Great music scene. I played the Harbor once for a guy on his break 😂 You will survive in Amy environment...
"As long as I got my guitar I'll be alright"
Willy Nelson-
More towards Tampa
@@badbrad Nice! Riverview is about 40 minutes south of Tampa. Hope to link up in the future
Sounds good
Brad. Glenn here, from Reno. I've posted a couple things recently. Something 'Huge'...occured to me today that slipped me, by way of our (my) introduction: did you ever come across a guy there in Hendersonville named Eric Golbach. He headed up some kind of 'multi-genre'd' Tribute thing. He lived Here, in Reno..in the 90's. We were Friends. He 'Checked himself out'... in Feb. of '19....there in Hendersonville. had moved there early 2000's or so. He also was part of the LA scene, Reno and Sac scene's... about same time as us. ( i'm just shy of 64...in early Aug. Ugh....feeling so old! lol!) But... Was a sad story. realized....30 years for you in that place....and quite likely you had come across him. Bit of a 'manic, lively, nutty' character....but i miss him. Very funny....and spirited, for his opposite ID, which could be dark and troubled. Let me know will you.............. Again, best on your 'getting out of there, and your new Horizon friend!
That name rings a bell but not sure I’ll see what I can dig up
@@badbrad - Cool. He was a singer ( but also picked up a guitar now and then) long 'hagar-ish' curly blond hair. did 'disco' and 'hard rock', metal-shop' style tributes. worked that area for around 20 years.
Man I’m sorry he is gone.
@@badbrad - Thank you Brad. Yeah... he had a lot of friends and family. I know they all miss him, including me. How is your trip going?
So far so good…
The TV show NASHVILLE is the reason the city is what is now. That and Luke Bryan with the invention of modern country music.
I’m not sure Luke is fully to blame plenty of other crappy artists putting out bad music…
Miss you already 🤘🏻
Miss you brother!
You played with Victor Wooten? Wow! He is the reason I picked up a bass.
Check out the song Green Room Blues Erik Blue on Spotify that’s me and Vic
Way better weather, couldnt take nashville weather! Id luv to run into uncle larry but ha
Yes indeed. Sunshine therapy!
Good Luck dude..Florida has a scene
Depends on your location
Thank you
Every musician on the Florida coast knows these two songs. "Give Me One Reason", and ""Margaritaville". LOL Are you ready!
Yeah I got it
@@badbrad Gimme Three Steps for sure! 😂
@@Buckseed I know it...
COOL
HOT
I know a lot of players have left L.A. ( Many members or Chicago live all over the U.S.). I have a family member that is trying to make it, and I feel for him with what he is going through. My thoughts are; make them come to you. You put your time in, you have the talent, but the games are getting out of hand. Like in many of the videos before, the many AIN'T getting any better, and it is not like a club owner, who you know can pay it when you look out in the crowd and do some basic math, can pay you more than what he pays you. I stopped playing a certain club and started taking more pickup/smaller gigs and compounded the money and ended up doing better.
I hear you
Lenny Breau actually died in the rooftop swimming pool in the LANGHAM BUILDING on NORMANDY ST.
That’s not what I was told.
Dude you will be missed. I’m not far behind you. Kids buy all music they want for 10.99 a month on the cell phone. No sweat equity in buying music. AI is the new way the music industry is going. Now I just wanna live out my life with the woman I love. 💪🎸
That sounds like a plan
.
A bit off topic, but how do you keep your hair looking like that at your age & is it naturally that dark?
This was shot about a month ago and yeah I was using some box color. It’s the entertainment biz so yeah sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.
I was reading through the comments trying to find out where y'all are heading here in FL prior to posting. Now that I approximately know I feel good being able to tell you the Tampa area is without a doubt the best location in FL to fall into or start something decent. For the most part FL is a musical wasteland for older rockers. And keep workin' your YT channel, hard! Kinda feel sorry for the guy movin to S Brevard, but at least he has Melbourne, FWIW. C & N Brevard are the worst ever! Less $$s than Detroit in the '70s, if/when a gig...
I’m going to work TH-cam hard and see what I can get going. Hopefully for what I can get going. 🙏
@@badbrad Check the Ybor City scene when you get moved. Should still be the most live entertainment per block; good for meeting musicians & making musical connections.
Will check it out
Where in Florida?
Central
@@badbrad Cool...Orlando Here. Hit me up if you need any feedback regarding the area, Where to live, traffic, music scene....etc
Appreciate it!
are u the super bad brad that sang at the appollo lets get it on and busked in the street u wore a 70s type colorful shirt?
no
@@badbrad yeh he wears glasses to i think hes a great singer thanks for replying
What part of Florida are you moving to?
Tampa ish
What part of Florida you heading to?
Tampa ish
dude, the video is almost Max Headroom with all the edits. Not be a jerk but just a constructive observation hopefully.
😂👍
Yeah I apologize shot this over a month ago and was trying some stuff. Gonna go much more organic on the newer videos
@@badbrad that is the way. I love the content and look forward to your content. But organic, warts and all is what connects. We all get how hard it is to put this stuff out but everybody is drawn to the unvarnished straight ahead content. Good luck
Yeah I’m gonna raw dog once I get settled lots of cool stories delivered with no edits.
When I was last doing live gigs in the mid-late '90s (not in Nashville), it was a good night if each player put $100 in their pocket. But some nights (weekdays) it was only $25. Most of us did it because we loved to play, and we had no illusions about making a living from it. I could get by on that kinda money in the '60s and '70s, when I was still young. But that shit gets old as you sail into your 50s. And keeping a day job when you don't get home until 2AM on a weeknight is rough.
I'm sure you'll find some good folks to play with in FLA, and I doubt you've played your last gig yet. Keep that 4-string with the long neck in good shape too. In the mid '70s I thought I was a pretty good guitar player, but I realized then that good guitar players are a dime a dozen, so I got a bass because a decent bass player can ALWAYS find a gig!
Back in the '90s, one of the bass players (a REALLY good one) I sometimes worked with - one weeknight he was doing a gig with me and the place was almost empty. So we decided to fool around and jam and improvise - he and I switched instruments. Turned out he was an AMAZING guitar player - just burned up my guitar. You never know about people...
Good Luck and safe travels!
Thank you those $25 gigs we called character builders.
What town are you guys moving to?
Near Tampa
@@badbrad subscribed and will be watching for updates :) All the Best
Thank you!
i’m confused, is it too expensive for musicians or is it the greatest place to be ???
All of the above!
@@badbrad so true 100%
I lived in Nashville for a few years. There's a tiny circle of A-list players, and everyone else is mediocre.
Meh. I left.
I guess that makes me mediocre.
Cross city fl🙋🎚️
Ok
Nashville is worse than Los Angeles. Too many musicians that are willing to work for free. You just can’t compete with that.
Some truth there
Ever play the Jewish Mother?
No. O’Sullivans wharf
Get a kayak you’ll be good just watch for gators.
Lmao
Just don't end your days playing doing Jimmy Buffet covers on the beach for Gods sake.
Yeah I’m thinking more Santana style solos with a Latin band
@@badbrad be great to hear you doing Latin, hope the move goes well.
Thank you! Jimmy you are the best. Big hand for my first subscriber!
Recession is coming
Hunker down
Yes it is.
Not a lot of details or substance in this video.
We know. You’re moving to Florida.
Ok