I think y’all are missing the message he was trying to convey here. Rhett loves what he does. It is the one thing he has wanted to do since the first time he picked up a guitar. Smelly vans, no sound check, long travel days included. He is simply letting you see the repetition of a tour and what it looks like for those who have not experienced it yet. How it’s not always super glamorous. It’s hard work. But, at the end of the day it’s worth it. Because it is his passion above all else.
Yes,not all glamorous, but fun all the same, if the passion out ways the boring time traveling , the story you told was great , but I found myself missing it (that was 30 years ) ago.
It's like any other job. Has it's high points and it's low points. I'm in real estate. Finding people homes and negotiating is hard work. Lots of time spent in the car pouring over legal mumbo jumbo with no law degree 😄 and explaining it to customers with even less knowledge on the subject isn't fun. But seeing what people do with their new homes and getting paid for 3 months work with 1 big check is pretty freaking sweet. Like getting a check with 5 digits before the dot. Too bad you only get a few a year 😄. Anywho, it's neat seeing that even dream jobs have their pitfalls and how you deal with them. Makes me only slightly less jealous 😆.
@@xmandltMe being two. Out on the road from coast to coast and living it. If every job in the world was glamorous everybody would work. From experience, these are the prices to pay for all that "glamour". Nobody said it was gonna be easy!
I've been a fulltime musician for 28 years now and semi pro for 5 years before that. I work solo now but I remember in my 20s working in bands when we toured feeling exactly like you described. Disliking the early part of the tour before settling into the routine and eventually regretting the end of the tour. Some of these tours would have up to 40 shows in 45 days. It's all about keeping yourself occupied during the downtime/traveltime. Also I got some great advice from an older musician back when I turned pro. He said don't make the music you play each night be the only music you play. Always be working on something else that really interests you even if you think it may not be commercially beneficial. This keeps your interest in music alive, keeps your brain sharp, and your fingers active. He was so right. That's my 5c worth. Love your videos Rhett. You're the reason they invented the Internet!
@@RhettShull Never ever ever ever never ever share a photo or video of a backstage pass/working sticker/tour laminate on social media during tour/show/happening/festival. It will get you booted from the tour even if some dickhead doesn't copy and use it for questionable shit. If that show was a one time thing with one time laminates or something in the past it's fine. NEVER during tour. Sorry for bluntness, I have no other channel to reach you sir.
Weird man. The more and more I hear people I know and friends tell me how tough the road can be the more I want it. These videos are unreal man, can't say enough.
I could absolutely expect and understand that the life of touring is a completely stressful and chaotic lifestyle, and just for that I salute ye. Hope it is still a blast for you of course!
I'm just a former weekend warrior cover band dude that missed my calling decades ago that found your channel today as I'm forcing myself to pick up the guitar again after almost a decade of being a wall decoration. This is real; it's motivating; and I love this insider's POV. I'm transfixed and REALLY enjoying it. And now I'm on the hunt for music Rhett has been a part of.
Crazy man- I see you wrote this 3 years ago- 3 years ago I to was picking the guitar back up after about 5 years of not playing- and I mean that literally, I didn't touch it. I'm in my fifties, I played since I was 13- been in several bands, none ever did anything more than playing bars and opening for bigger bands. But the last one was rough- the breakup was dramatic, and I lost 2 friends I grew up with who now won't even speak to me. Since picking it back up though, I've learned far, far more in the last 3 years than I did the whole 30 something previous years I played. The internet is a game changer man- I've improved tenfold. A big part of that is just learning how to properly setup and use gear- learning about gear I didn't know existed, etc. Also- learning how to modify and repair guitars and other gear- it's great. I sound better than I ever dreamed I would. And with the crazy loopers and recording gear you can get now- you don't need a band- you can do it all yourself. I play bass and piano as well so, all I need is a beat- which I can download or create myself with software. How about you man- you sticking with it?
I did two summer tours back in the mid-80s, 3 month shows everyday, no breaks and sometimes 2 on Sunday. One thing I learned was to realize the audience is seeing you for the first time, they don't know you are tired. You learn how to muster the energy and how to do new things with the songs to keep from getting bored. I love your journals, thanks for sharing.
As another traveling musician who opens for other acts quite a bit I really appreciate the candid and honest nature of this vlog. Not everything is rainbows and cupcakes even tho the situation maybe particularly fortunate. Not matter what line of work every thing is day to day.
Man, as a touring engineer i feel you so much! It’s really hard to keep a positive mindset and not being grumpy. But sleep and fresh food will help a lot, as you surely know. Keep it up and cheers from Europe
As a now retired road veteran, I appreciate your absolute candor in your tour vlogs. Its a job unlike any other...and honesty about the difficult and mundane/repetitive parts is going to be very helpful to those who are considering a career as a touring musician. Managing expectations is important. You’re doing a great service.
Thank you Rhett... that kind of videos is really needed. We are crumbling under endless glamourized versions of reality. Your voice and style is really grounded and has authenticity to it... which is a refreshing surprise because most people your age are working hard at selling us emotions...
Following along with interest...I think it's a good reminder to people that it is the music business...not a fantasy of glitz and glamour. Keep it real, Rhett!
Thanks for showing the world the life behind the curtain. I played 10 years in a great band in good spaces and really crap spaces and the road life is exhausting. Worth it for the time with your guitar in hand and listening to the amps get hot and smokey. That was in the 70's/80's and now I sit in my home studio and write/perform music for commercials....and every day with guitar in hand is amazing! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us...much love and respect...Bob D.
My cats aren't allowed in my bedroom because the bastards will knock my guitars over when they're on the stands and leap at them when they're wall mounted lol. My bearded dragon hates my music--she runs off and hides; sometimes shits on something....like my LP case 🙄
These videos are gold, man, you get the message across extremely well. I had been enamored with this full-time musician lifestyle until I got my first cruise ship gig. Until then I had only done 2-3 gigs per month, it was my first time going full timer, and man, was it disappointing, 4 months traight, no day off. In fact I'm still recovering from it, I guess this whole thing is just not my cup of tea. BUT you certainly seem really passionate about it, which is the only thing that can keep someone on the track for real. Also, the quality of these journals is just awesome, kudos to you for putting so much energy into them!
Your toiling in the trenches makes for great, honest content. I certainly have an appreciation for what you’re going through. In the end it’s always a learning and shaping process and you’ll no doubt be a better person and artist for having been through it.
wow, amazing. this might be my favorite vlog from you man. So real and honest; and a true depiction of life on the road. No job (even our dream jobs) are perfect and every form of work comes with struggle.
Good job man!! I play in a reggae band from Puerto Rico. We did a tour across the virgen islands this summer it was hard for me (guitar and lead singer). About half way thru.. I’ll be honest I was dead but I found the energy that I needed to continue in my band mates, they where always pump and just ready to hit the stage. So I grab onto that positive vibe and just rolled with it until the end. Had a great time and learned a lot. It’s hard but remember that not everyone gets these opportunities. Make the best of it and keep rocking!!
Saw you last night at the Anthem in DC. Your band and tone were simply amazing man. It was so cool seeing you there man and you simply played beautifully. You guys sounded amazing.
Saw y'all in Toronto, just wanted to say as someone who's only just begun going to music college and taking music seriously it's great to see these behind the scenes looks at what life on tour is really like. Also wanted to say y'all killed it at the toronto show! Too bad there wasn't more of the audience really feeling the performance, but I just wanted to say I really enjoyed the set, also glad to see that the wasps here annoy the people visiting just as much as they annoy those of us who live here.
I don't know anyone that has a 'passion' for hanging sheet rock. Music can become a job. For me, it's a part-time hobby. I'm glad I can just quit doing it if I feel burned out and tired, etc. But making a living playing music is getting more difficult every day. Kudos to those who do it.
You can still make a living, even in the little leagues. But its very much like laying sheet rock: each year the guitar gets a little heavier, hands stiffer, back tighter..
Band sounds FANTASTIC!! Y'all have a smooth and powerful blend! My friend worked your production on the Black Keys Tour in Pittburg PA Monday Oct 7th 2019. Thank you for sharing this Rhett and congratulations to you and your bandmates-- you are playing ARENAS!! Jessy Wilson's got a great voice.
Rhett, thanks for sharing these videos. The majority of jobs are monotonous in some way or another. In this context, it's called paying your dues, doing your stage time (in front of paying audiences) and sorting the men and women out from the boys and girls. If you stick it out and you believe in hard work and luck this will prepare you for Wembley when it all makes sense. Keep the dream alive brother.
It’s a shame that people wait for the headliner to come, I’ve been turned onto many bands that opened. Not to mention getting your moneys worth of the ticket price. Thanks for the look at the life.
I'm with you. One of my biggest regrets. Alice in Chains was opening for Van Halen. I was harassing all my friends to get there early and nobody cared. I wasn't driving so I got to hear one song and missed the rest. At least I got Man in the Box.
Absolutely agree Jeff! Saw Heart and Joan Jett in Memphis, TN last week and the opening act for them was Lucie Silvas. She was amazing and I had never heard any of her music before. Found a new artist to follow just from showing up to see the opening act.
I saw Herbie Hancock open for Dave Matthews in Memphis back in the 90s. Everyone went to buy beer. I was like "You guys are fucking crazy! That's Herbie Hancock!!!"
When you love what you do there are always sacrifices. I played with a band for 21 years. I worked a full time job during the week 60 to 80 hours per week. Sometimes when Friday rolled around I put in 20 to 30 hours Friday and leave work Saturday morning drive a couple hundred miles to play Saturday night. Then we would leave at 1 Sunday morning get home at 3. Sleep 3 hours and travel to play at 10 Sunday morning. After we got through there we would travel to play at 6 that afternoon and the when we were through there we traveled home again till 1 Monday morning then I'd go to my full time job. Every weekend was pretty close to that all year. I was missing my family alot and it took its toll not only on my health but my marriage. It's always good to have your family to support you; otherwise you'll find yourself alone. I'm still playing music and I still love it. I play in my local church playing drums, guitar, bass or whatever position is available. Lol, and they say drummers aren't musicians. (I was told that by a pastor who didn't like drums in a church). That's my main instrument. 64 years old and wouldn't do anything different. Thanks for the video. It brought back memories.
"Pretty much the same thing every day." Yep, that's why there's thousands of us watching TH-cam, fantasizing about what it's like to be something or someone else. This is our lives. We get up, go to work, deal with the same crap and same problems day after day. They're jobs.
Damn man parental pressure pushed me in every direction but music, which is all I ever wanted to do. I am 30 now and did some college then 5 years of military and went back to school and just graduated with a degree in biological sciences. I have been applying to medical schools and masters programs, but all I want to do is play music. I feel like I have wasted 10 years of my life not being in music. But, watching a lot of your videos lately (and for years) is making me feel like music is where I need to be. If I don't make a music career, though I will at least continue supporting people like you who are living the dream! Keep doing it man.
1- Give'm hell Rhett. You and Jessy and the band rock. 2- You rock on the guitar. 3- The hat adds something to your playing. I have seen other videos of yours and while you may not wear hats (at least in the vid's I saw), well it rocks. 4- Jessy can wear fringe. She is hot no matter what she wears. And can she sing. Very powerful and emotion filled voice. 5- Have fun playing the last shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of my favorite videos!! You can see it in all your eyes, the monotony.. Love how you you can feel the lift on the live performance at the end. Killer playing dude!
Great content Rhett. You really start to get why a lot of amazing guitarists drift towards the lifestyle of studio work over touring. OMG does that fuzz sound awesome. I take it back about spending too much in London on it.
i did it once in my life, completely killed my passion and will to do music, i quit playing for almost ten years after it, now i'm back to playing, but i'll stick to what i love best, in my studio, mood light, nice and warm, making crazy sounds on the daw. I'm not enjoying touring, when we got out of the studio when the album was done, rehearsals for 8hours a day, then it's all just roads and loading unloading , playing for 30 minutes , repeat and repeat, i get why some musicians go crazy, it's not fun, at least for me, the 30 minutes on stage can be super fun but i guess it's just not my thing.
I can totally relate to losing your chops a bit on tour. Sometimes in a day all you get to play is the show, which doesn't always put your hands through the "movements" they need to feel ready. Good to carve out time if possible to put your fingers through their paces. Great vid!
Love hearing that snippet of “Who Knows” you tossed in there at the beginning. I’ve noticed it in some of your other videos. Nice tip of the hat to the legends. Love the content!
Funny, there’s plenty of people on here saying that you’re living the dream and you shouldn’t complain, but I used to be a tour manager so I feel you. I also used to be a chef before that, and that was also stressful, just in a different way. For the last ten years I’ve been a full time photographer and videographer and that’s JUST as stressful as anything I’ve done before. Every job has its stresses and nothing is ever perfect, but seeing your journey into doing this as your full time gig has been both interesting and engaging. Don’t let the detractors get to you with their claims that their job is harder than yours and that you should stfu because you’re living the dream. Maybe if they actually experienced the reality of life in the road they’d have reason to complain as well. 😊 Keep up the blogs. Really enjoy getting the notifications through that you’ve uploaded. Always a pleasure brother. 😉👍🏼
So glad I stumbled upon his channel. Im always seeking tasty, toneful players to watch and hear. His work with both of these bands has turned me into a fan of their music. What a find! Much respect Rhett! Hope to see you out soon.
You absolutely need to wear heavy Mechanix style gloves when loading and unloading. All it takes is one slip and smash a finger. I never touch a piece of gear without gloves on regardless of anything. I have a winter pair and a light pair as well. Light pair for final drum setups and if stuff is colder.
I feel ya Rhett I just got home from a 6 week tour with my band those weeks with 6 shows consecutively absolutely wipe you out but its all worth it cause you are doing what you love and that makes it all worth it! Though I got real sick the 4 days of tour and am still kinda getting over it 3 weeks after.... Pushed myself a bit too hard oh well I'll I'm pumped for next year!
Makes me marvel at bands like Jimi Hendrix with the Experience doing like 60 shows in 70 days. Everything would get old really quickly; the travel, the food, the music. Boy, I know I would handle that well at all. Worth it or not, it takes a toll on you.
Even though your playing for such a short amount of time I guess when you do actually get to perform you can really focus on every note. That's what I'm getting when I'm hearing y'all. Awesome.
Once again, great video Rhett. Always look forward to your stuff. Also, tonight I discovered the BEST way to watch your content... Apple TV on my 55” TV. Your stuff looks great on my phone, but phenomenal on the big screen!
Stay safe on the road Rhett! Your a great guy and an amazing player. It’s cool and honest of you to share the ups and downs. Hopefully you can take a little time out after the tour. Have fun brother.
I love playing live in new locations and it is always great to be booked in places that aren't your "home territory", but yeah, [driving for 8+ hours, unloading, playing, loading, hotel/driving or driving/hotel or just driving and shift sleeping, repeat] gets old. I'm glad he mentioned losing chops on longer runs, because that absolutely is an issue. I also find that if you are the driver and you don't have the greatest handling vehicle you end up with even tighter hands which is a pain. For some reason a lot of bands look down on warming up when you are at an intermediate level. I once had a headliner rib us endlessly for warming up vocals and hands before opening claiming we thought we were "big time". Some really weird band culture on the road.
Hey Rhett..... Love your videos. Diggin the band too. Funky, rockin, great singer. Your guitar playing and tone are waaay cool to. I was a club road dog for some years 1985-1995. Played upwards of 260+ nights a year. Most were 3-7 nights a week/4 hours a night at the same venue. Not glamorous but I loved it. Old guy now 61yrs... Play once every month now. I miss those road days myself. They were the best yuears of my life. Keep doin it man..... You are a good dude.
This kind of reminds me of playing on a cruise ship ..I’m a pianist/organist for the b.b king allstars at sea ...traveling the world and making money is fun ..but after 4 months of playing every day ..somedays it feels like I’m living the same day over an over
I really appreciate the "fly on the wall" perspective you've afforded us through these videos, Rhett. There's no doubt that more often than not, there is less "glamor" time in showbiz than tedious time. That being said, remember that those of us who play music for a living are incredibly lucky. I'm not for a second claiming to be at the professional level you're at, but I can vividly remember a period when I was gigging locally 4-5 days a week and suddenly felt like I hit a wall and wasn't sure I was into it anymore. I actually started thinking about whether or not a day gig might be a better choice for me... until I actually tried it and nearly went crazy. I quit that job and the next gig I had was a private function that started at 9AM and I was dreading it until I got on stage and it suddenly hit me that all of the crap one must deal with is worth however few precious minutes or hours we get to be performing in front of people. Is it work? Yes. Absolutely. But compared to most regular, non-music jobs, performing is the best and fulfills something deep inside the musician that no other gig can. Be safe on the road and I'm sorry I missed your show I Boston. Had I known I would have grabbed a ticket and found a way to sneak backstage and say hi. Hey... don't forget to please give us a video on your newest Novo, Rhett! Lots of inquiring minds out here want the skinny on that bad boy!
I cant fathom people thinking living out of vans and hotel rooms for extended periods would be really great. Only the most famous groups with multi-bus, multi-semi's tours have any luxuries that would make the "job", seem less then a job at times. And the days of huge tours has diminished greatly. A job is a job. Some are better than others, but still a job. Thank you Rhett for showing us reality. 🎶🎸
Waa Waa i'm crying for you..You are living what many musicians live for..My dad spent 36 years in a paper mill,if you want repetition......Most work jobs that are not what they wanted from life,,You are very lucky to do what you do....
Kind of like racing hare scrambles.. Getting to the site, setting up and the anxiety of waiting for your race.. none of this is the reason you went, but once you are out on the course and finish your race, it becomes obvious that it was all worth it. You ride home with your friends and all tell their experiences from the event with anticipation and plans for the next one.
Did that in my youth, would love to do it again :) Now I do bars and play Chicago Blues, 3 hours usually in a night and I am exhausted after. But this is what makes life fun.....
Being on the road is kinda tough. You don't get that good enough sleep, even on a tour bus, at least for me. I was once left behind somewhere in North Carolina at a small gas station. I called the state troopers to find the tour bus and stop them. The trooper was kind enough to drive me to them an hour away. It's true, after the tours were over I was happy to be back home working on local gigs but I wanted to get back on the road soon after. I miss them days, I no longer mix sound because I have tinnitus and loud. Somedays I lose my balance alot and feel sick all day.
Great share Rhett! I don’t think people really know the ins & outs of touring. Your video of this really highlights what you have to put in in order to make on-the-road work whether it’s a big tour or small tour. What I liked is the fact that you and your bands makes communicated about what going on and the vibes of the shows to try and make the next show even better. Keep so the do Rhett! Thanks for sharing as always killer sound by the way and love the riff at time 15:40 of vid. Your vocalist kills it!
I did my share of the ROAD!! Its something I believe that has to be done & experienced for every musician .There's nothing glamorous about sleeping in a van with your band mates & gear for countless miles . I was always looking for time to sleep & a laundry mat .We were lucky to get a Meal a day! We'd always look for all you can eat buffet for $$. Having downtime is the BEST! Just chillin & relaxing is the best!But the satisfaction of playing live & meeting people fans etc is something that can't be matched! From the worst gig (Cops did a Raid in our gig) or the time we drove x hours only to have the bar close down because they lost there liquor permit !To the best gig (Playing to 2000+ people) I'm sure other guys played in front of more but at least I did it! I enjoyed it while it lasted.I'd love to that again! LOL
I'm a big fan of your series Rhett; great material that provides an interesting and informative view of the working musician's real life. Next time you're feeling bogged down by the monotony of 3 or 4 days that all feel the same just remember that's what most of us call 'every freakin' day'. All the best and keep up the good work. :-)
Touring is the most amazing part of being a musician and the most draining. When Im off the road I cant wait to go back and when Im on the road I dread the 15hr drives, load ins, tear downs. and the hurry up and wait. You develop indescribable bonds & closeness with the people you spend every moment of your days with, that will last your entire life. When you are with them they will drive you nuts and when they are gone you will miss them terribly. You will cherish every moment, place and experience. The disasters are usually the most memorable and make the best stories.
This is why it helps to be with people who understand how important the changing of the food situation is, with the stuff that happens with your body in the vehicle all the time. Just like how you also have to go through the motions playing outside of the venue, and sometimes different stuff to warm up.
Always some level of excitement heading out. I don’t think I could handle only 20 minutes! After all the riding I needed that 120 minutes of music. The TV show thing takes 5 or 6 hours for one song. Arenas and festivals present their own unique challenges. Just remember that “you knew it was dangerous when you got into the business.”
To be honest there's worst ways of making music. Here was my position: Do full time day job. Come home, shower, grab some food (maybe) load amp, cabs, guitars, etc, etc into car. Drive x amount of miles. Load in, set up. 2 to 3 hour gig. Out again. Drive x amount of miles home. Usually about 2am. Knackered, but would never leave anything in car so everything back in again (stairs included). Get up, go to work, repeat 4 to 5 times a week. Ask myself 'why i bothered' Answer. in the end I loved it.
Just the grind of a two hour practice Saturday, another quick one Sunday followed by a service had me reality checking myself about what it would have been like had I been a professional musician. My fingers were hurting for sure. The guys who do 2 to 3 hour shows and play 300 shows a year. You HAVE to tip your hats to them. That's blood, sweat, and tears for real.
I thought this was a good telling of what it feels like to hit that grind and start to feel the wear-down of touring. Nice job telling the story. I think you'll look back on this in 20 years and like that you recorded this.
Great video... and depiction of how tough it is performing on the road, keeping it together, keeping "it" alive. You've got to love the music and the people you're making it with...and hope the people out there get into it, feel what your putting out there! In the end...I think that's what it's all about...sharing that emotion...sharing those moments! Sounded killer Rhett! Would love to see this show live! 😎🎸
Its tough being a musician sometimes. Just like any job. The worst for me is shows in front of two people and a dog. I’ve developed a great coping mechanism where I just slip into a bit of a trance and just listen to the music. And then tell myself that I could be digging coal out of a mine shaft or having some terrorists trying to shoot me in the mountains of Afghanistan. Makes me realise I’ve got it relatively easy. Great vid as usual Rhett.
I really like these videos. It's very cool to get a "behind the scenes" perspective. I used to dream of going on tour and making music for a living but I know it has its downside. That said, you have no idea what monotony is until you've worked in offices & cubicles for 25 years. So enjoy it, in a way you ARE livin' the dream. Anyway, keep up the good work.
It's a love/hate thing for me. Travel can be stressful ( vehicle trouble / getting lost) not a fan of flying, especially with my guitars , lugging , set up , hope gear works , tear down. LOVE music/performing, playing the gigs, love the audience/fans. Funny though .....start to miss it all if there's a couple weeks lag time between gig dates.
Touring can be monotonous, but when you work a regular job as well as tour, you appreciate the monotony of the road as it's infinitely better than what's back home - an even more monotonous day job. I've left behind the touring life now, but still treasure every gig I do; even if it's not up to expectations, as that boring lost hour waiting to go on is a privilege some people will never get to experience.
I am a rock singer but I have not toured yet, but I always knew that it was not going to glamorous but with all the time you spend actually on the road and how teticious and boring it can be the end result is you are doing what you love thanks for this video
I would much rather have the monotony of touring and playing music fir a living than my current night shift job lol. I mean most people do the same thing day in and day out. Guess your trying to show that it’s not all glamour and excitement but I would trade places with you any day haha. I think you are super blessed and no matter how boring it may be, your a professional guitarist. I mean playing music is so many people’s dream and they never get the opportunity. Cherish every minute man!
You have a lot of coats, all of them quite stylish. Anyway, you do the 25 minute carousel tour until the sparks catch fire, then, you burn the 2 hours you get later and be sure to leave room for improv and spontaneity, and the transportation gets a little more comfortable. Always leave room for anything goes improv in the set, write on stage, let the audience in on it-- make it a show but also leave room for a creative event-- maybe even pick people at random to out a few chords, maybe a topic or a word, trade instruments, but leave a little room for the unrehearsed, cook up an alternate version of one of your songs and revisit in the set, learn a cover the day before and cycle it out every two days, always keep it alive and searching-- reinvigorates the whole show.
Love this episode, Rhett! Being Canadian, I really dug the fact that while you were backstage in Toronto, there was hockey on the TV...and the fact that the thermostat behind Jessy reads 23 degrees C!! That's hot! Hope you'll make it Vancouver someday!
I think it is kind of amazing to see the other side of the spectrum personally. I've played heavy music for so long, and even the bands on a much larger level experience what I experienced in the sense that in the heavy genre there isn't much in terms of arenas being booked, green rooms, nor hotels because it's not a money maker as this genre you are in. I think that you are dead on in the sense of being cyclic, but at the same time I personally fight the urge to relate because this looks like heaven compared to my passion. haha. Keep the runs going, the wheels on the pavement, and the asses in the seats because it is all a pay off in one way or another.
Def important to have a routine to execute everyday!! Even those 20 min a day, rebuilding or reclaiming that dexterity and control on the instrument is important when it comes to consistency!!
I've been lucky. The first tours I did were with groups/bands in custom buses.. Later, a few stretch van things, but we sat down for 1 to 2 weeks stints at a time in clubs w furnished rooms. I can't imagine one nighters in a van and trailer. Other than the transport, everything else is familiar. Good luck to ya.
If you love what you do you never have to work again..... It's All About the Passion Rhett and you're the man keep up the good work stay away from drugs
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I think y’all are missing the message he was trying to convey here. Rhett loves what he does. It is the one thing he has wanted to do since the first time he picked up a guitar. Smelly vans, no sound check, long travel days included. He is simply letting you see the repetition of a tour and what it looks like for those who have not experienced it yet. How it’s not always super glamorous. It’s hard work. But, at the end of the day it’s worth it. Because it is his passion above all else.
I seriously doubt most people watching this video thought it was all glamour. I didn't.
Yes,not all glamorous, but fun all the same, if the passion out ways the boring time traveling ,
the story you told was great , but I found myself missing it (that was 30 years ) ago.
Or is it that now there are other sources of income musically that don’t require this tedium for what he’s making? That gig is paying peanuts.
It's like any other job. Has it's high points and it's low points. I'm in real estate. Finding people homes and negotiating is hard work. Lots of time spent in the car pouring over legal mumbo jumbo with no law degree 😄 and explaining it to customers with even less knowledge on the subject isn't fun. But seeing what people do with their new homes and getting paid for 3 months work with 1 big check is pretty freaking sweet. Like getting a check with 5 digits before the dot. Too bad you only get a few a year 😄. Anywho, it's neat seeing that even dream jobs have their pitfalls and how you deal with them. Makes me only slightly less jealous 😆.
@@xmandltMe being two. Out on the road from coast to coast and living it. If every job in the world was glamorous everybody would work.
From experience, these are the prices to pay for all that "glamour". Nobody said it was gonna be easy!
I've been a fulltime musician for 28 years now and semi pro for 5 years before that. I work solo now but I remember in my 20s working in bands when we toured feeling exactly like you described. Disliking the early part of the tour before settling into the routine and eventually regretting the end of the tour. Some of these tours would have up to 40 shows in 45 days. It's all about keeping yourself occupied during the downtime/traveltime.
Also I got some great advice from an older musician back when I turned pro.
He said don't make the music you play each night be the only music you play. Always be working on something else that really interests you even if you think it may not be commercially beneficial. This keeps your interest in music alive, keeps your brain sharp, and your fingers active.
He was so right.
That's my 5c worth.
Love your videos Rhett. You're the reason they invented the Internet!
Incredible advice, thank you!
@@RhettShull The advice I got was leave the drugs and alcohol alone...........and the loose women.
@@RhettShull Never ever ever ever never ever share a photo or video of a backstage pass/working sticker/tour laminate on social media during tour/show/happening/festival. It will get you booted from the tour even if some dickhead doesn't copy and use it for questionable shit. If that show was a one time thing with one time laminates or something in the past it's fine. NEVER during tour. Sorry for bluntness, I have no other channel to reach you sir.
Weird man. The more and more I hear people I know and friends tell me how tough the road can be the more I want it. These videos are unreal man, can't say enough.
Gavin McLeod I will check your channel out.
I feel the exact same way!
I like your spirt! Go get it! You’re probably cut out for it.
I could absolutely expect and understand that the life of touring is a completely stressful and chaotic lifestyle, and just for that I salute ye. Hope it is still a blast for you of course!
Rhett: it’s not what you think
me: nah that’s pretty much exactly what I thought it’d be like
I'm just a former weekend warrior cover band dude that missed my calling decades ago that found your channel today as I'm forcing myself to pick up the guitar again after almost a decade of being a wall decoration. This is real; it's motivating; and I love this insider's POV. I'm transfixed and REALLY enjoying it. And now I'm on the hunt for music Rhett has been a part of.
Crazy man- I see you wrote this 3 years ago- 3 years ago I to was picking the guitar back up after about 5 years of not playing- and I mean that literally, I didn't touch it. I'm in my fifties, I played since I was 13- been in several bands, none ever did anything more than playing bars and opening for bigger bands. But the last one was rough- the breakup was dramatic, and I lost 2 friends I grew up with who now won't even speak to me.
Since picking it back up though, I've learned far, far more in the last 3 years than I did the whole 30 something previous years I played. The internet is a game changer man- I've improved tenfold. A big part of that is just learning how to properly setup and use gear- learning about gear I didn't know existed, etc. Also- learning how to modify and repair guitars and other gear- it's great. I sound better than I ever dreamed I would. And with the crazy loopers and recording gear you can get now- you don't need a band- you can do it all yourself. I play bass and piano as well so, all I need is a beat- which I can download or create myself with software. How about you man- you sticking with it?
I did two summer tours back in the mid-80s, 3 month shows everyday, no breaks and sometimes 2 on Sunday. One thing I learned was to realize the audience is seeing you for the first time, they don't know you are tired. You learn how to muster the energy and how to do new things with the songs to keep from getting bored. I love your journals, thanks for sharing.
As another traveling musician who opens for other acts quite a bit I really appreciate the candid and honest nature of this vlog. Not everything is rainbows and cupcakes even tho the situation maybe particularly fortunate. Not matter what line of work every thing is day to day.
Man, as a touring engineer i feel you so much! It’s really hard to keep a positive mindset and not being grumpy. But sleep and fresh food will help a lot, as you surely know. Keep it up and cheers from Europe
As a now retired road veteran, I appreciate your absolute candor in your tour vlogs. Its a job unlike any other...and honesty about the difficult and mundane/repetitive parts is going to be very helpful to those who are considering a career as a touring musician. Managing expectations is important. You’re doing a great service.
Thank you Rhett... that kind of videos is really needed. We are crumbling under endless glamourized versions of reality. Your voice and style is really grounded and has authenticity to it... which is a refreshing surprise because most people your age are working hard at selling us emotions...
Following along with interest...I think it's a good reminder to people that it is the music business...not a fantasy of glitz and glamour. Keep it real, Rhett!
Thanks for showing the world the life behind the curtain. I played 10 years in a great band in good spaces and really crap spaces and the road life is exhausting. Worth it for the time with your guitar in hand and listening to the amps get hot and smokey. That was in the 70's/80's and now I sit in my home studio and write/perform music for commercials....and every day with guitar in hand is amazing! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us...much love and respect...Bob D.
I'll stick to playing in my bedroom, my cat appreciates my music, most of the time, or at least tolerates it
fdre3wsd 😂
@@nsc217 my cat loves to rock and that's good enough for me also brother
😂
I remember one day playing to my dog and he started to poop. That still hurts.
My cats aren't allowed in my bedroom because the bastards will knock my guitars over when they're on the stands and leap at them when they're wall mounted lol. My bearded dragon hates my music--she runs off and hides; sometimes shits on something....like my LP case 🙄
Despite what you might think dude, yours IS a real job. One of the realest, I reckon.
Plan A is working.
These videos are gold, man, you get the message across extremely well. I had been enamored with this full-time musician lifestyle until I got my first cruise ship gig. Until then I had only done 2-3 gigs per month, it was my first time going full timer, and man, was it disappointing, 4 months traight, no day off. In fact I'm still recovering from it, I guess this whole thing is just not my cup of tea. BUT you certainly seem really passionate about it, which is the only thing that can keep someone on the track for real.
Also, the quality of these journals is just awesome, kudos to you for putting so much energy into them!
Your toiling in the trenches makes for great, honest content. I certainly have an appreciation for what you’re going through. In the end it’s always a learning and shaping process and you’ll no doubt be a better person and artist for having been through it.
Maybe. Maybe not.
wow, amazing. this might be my favorite vlog from you man. So real and honest; and a true depiction of life on the road. No job (even our dream jobs) are perfect and every form of work comes with struggle.
Good job man!! I play in a reggae band from Puerto Rico. We did a tour across the virgen islands this summer it was hard for me (guitar and lead singer). About half way thru.. I’ll be honest I was dead but I found the energy that I needed to continue in my band mates, they where always pump and just ready to hit the stage. So I grab onto that positive vibe and just rolled with it until the end. Had a great time and learned a lot.
It’s hard but remember that not everyone gets these opportunities. Make the best of it and keep rocking!!
Saw you last night at the Anthem in DC. Your band and tone were simply amazing man. It was so cool seeing you there man and you simply played beautifully. You guys sounded amazing.
Thanks!
@@RhettShull *You were at the goddamn Anthem???* How did I miss that?!!
I was at the garden show it really sucked there weren’t more people to hear you guys because you guys killed it!
Saw y'all in Toronto, just wanted to say as someone who's only just begun going to music college and taking music seriously it's great to see these behind the scenes looks at what life on tour is really like. Also wanted to say y'all killed it at the toronto show! Too bad there wasn't more of the audience really feeling the performance, but I just wanted to say I really enjoyed the set, also glad to see that the wasps here annoy the people visiting just as much as they annoy those of us who live here.
Thanks for coming man!
I don't know anyone that has a 'passion' for hanging sheet rock. Music can become a job.
For me, it's a part-time hobby. I'm glad I can just quit doing it if I feel burned out and tired, etc.
But making a living playing music is getting more difficult every day. Kudos to those who do it.
Totally agree with you.
You can still make a living, even in the little leagues. But its very much like laying sheet rock: each year the guitar gets a little heavier, hands stiffer, back tighter..
Band sounds FANTASTIC!! Y'all have a smooth and powerful blend! My friend worked your production on the Black Keys Tour in Pittburg PA Monday Oct 7th 2019. Thank you for sharing this Rhett and congratulations to you and your bandmates-- you are playing ARENAS!! Jessy Wilson's got a great voice.
Rhett, thanks for sharing these videos. The majority of jobs are monotonous in some way or another. In this context, it's called paying your dues, doing your stage time (in front of paying audiences) and sorting the men and women out from the boys and girls. If you stick it out and you believe in hard work and luck this will prepare you for Wembley when it all makes sense. Keep the dream alive brother.
It’s a shame that people wait for the headliner to come, I’ve been turned onto many bands that opened. Not to mention getting your moneys worth of the ticket price. Thanks for the look at the life.
I'm with you. One of my biggest regrets. Alice in Chains was opening for Van Halen. I was harassing all my friends to get there early and nobody cared. I wasn't driving so I got to hear one song and missed the rest. At least I got Man in the Box.
Absolutely agree Jeff! Saw Heart and Joan Jett in Memphis, TN last week and the opening act for them was Lucie Silvas. She was amazing and I had never heard any of her music before. Found a new artist to follow just from showing up to see the opening act.
I saw Herbie Hancock open for Dave Matthews in Memphis back in the 90s. Everyone went to buy beer.
I was like "You guys are fucking crazy! That's Herbie Hancock!!!"
When you love what you do there are always sacrifices. I played with a band for 21 years. I worked a full time job during the week 60 to 80 hours per week. Sometimes when Friday rolled around I put in 20 to 30 hours Friday and leave work Saturday morning drive a couple hundred miles to play Saturday night. Then we would leave at 1 Sunday morning get home at 3. Sleep 3 hours and travel to play at 10 Sunday morning. After we got through there we would travel to play at 6 that afternoon and the when we were through there we traveled home again till 1 Monday morning then I'd go to my full time job. Every weekend was pretty close to that all year. I was missing my family alot and it took its toll not only on my health but my marriage. It's always good to have your family to support you; otherwise you'll find yourself alone. I'm still playing music and I still love it. I play in my local church playing drums, guitar, bass or whatever position is available. Lol, and they say drummers aren't musicians. (I was told that by a pastor who didn't like drums in a church). That's my main instrument. 64 years old and wouldn't do anything different. Thanks for the video. It brought back memories.
I appreciate you sharing the highs and lows of touring, Rhett! Hang tight for the next high.
The reality of the road when your the opener....great job as always my Homie.
"Pretty much the same thing every day." Yep, that's why there's thousands of us watching TH-cam, fantasizing about what it's like to be something or someone else. This is our lives. We get up, go to work, deal with the same crap and same problems day after day. They're jobs.
Damn man parental pressure pushed me in every direction but music, which is all I ever wanted to do. I am 30 now and did some college then 5 years of military and went back to school and just graduated with a degree in biological sciences. I have been applying to medical schools and masters programs, but all I want to do is play music. I feel like I have wasted 10 years of my life not being in music. But, watching a lot of your videos lately (and for years) is making me feel like music is where I need to be. If I don't make a music career, though I will at least continue supporting people like you who are living the dream! Keep doing it man.
1- Give'm hell Rhett. You and Jessy and the band rock.
2- You rock on the guitar.
3- The hat adds something to your playing. I have seen other videos of yours and while you may not wear hats (at least in the vid's I saw), well it rocks.
4- Jessy can wear fringe. She is hot no matter what she wears. And can she sing. Very powerful and emotion filled voice.
5- Have fun playing the last shows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of my favorite videos!! You can see it in all your eyes, the monotony.. Love how you you can feel the lift on the live performance at the end. Killer playing dude!
Great content Rhett. You really start to get why a lot of amazing guitarists drift towards the lifestyle of studio work over touring.
OMG does that fuzz sound awesome. I take it back about spending too much in London on it.
Rhett I just went over to Righteous Guitars after watching your plek video and WOW that place is heaven on earth! So freaking cool.
Heard you guys on CBC Radio here in St. John's Newfoundland on the way to play at church this morning.
Big shout out to the Newfs!!!!
Meet ya at The Battery!
i did it once in my life, completely killed my passion and will to do music, i quit playing for almost ten years after it, now i'm back to playing, but i'll stick to what i love best, in my studio, mood light, nice and warm, making crazy sounds on the daw.
I'm not enjoying touring, when we got out of the studio when the album was done, rehearsals for 8hours a day, then it's all just roads and loading unloading , playing for 30 minutes , repeat and repeat, i get why some musicians go crazy, it's not fun, at least for me, the 30 minutes on stage can be super fun but i guess it's just not my thing.
Same. Took me again to get back to music, too.
I'll always be happiest in the studio. I LOVE creating, but I can take or leave performing.
Sort of a commentary on life. The day in and day out of life trudgery even if you’re doing something you love doing.
I can totally relate to losing your chops a bit on tour. Sometimes in a day all you get to play is the show, which doesn't always put your hands through the "movements" they need to feel ready. Good to carve out time if possible to put your fingers through their paces. Great vid!
This professional guitarrist is a better documentary director and video editor than most video editors and directors I know... Let's that sink in
Love hearing that snippet of “Who Knows” you tossed in there at the beginning. I’ve noticed it in some of your other videos. Nice tip of the hat to the legends. Love the content!
Funny, there’s plenty of people on here saying that you’re living the dream and you shouldn’t complain, but I used to be a tour manager so I feel you. I also used to be a chef before that, and that was also stressful, just in a different way. For the last ten years I’ve been a full time photographer and videographer and that’s JUST as stressful as anything I’ve done before. Every job has its stresses and nothing is ever perfect, but seeing your journey into doing this as your full time gig has been both interesting and engaging. Don’t let the detractors get to you with their claims that their job is harder than yours and that you should stfu because you’re living the dream. Maybe if they actually experienced the reality of life in the road they’d have reason to complain as well. 😊
Keep up the blogs. Really enjoy getting the notifications through that you’ve uploaded. Always a pleasure brother. 😉👍🏼
That girl got some pipes. I could listen to her sing all night! Great stuff!
So glad I stumbled upon his channel. Im always seeking tasty, toneful players to watch and hear. His work with both of these bands has turned me into a fan of their music. What a find! Much respect Rhett! Hope to see you out soon.
You absolutely need to wear heavy Mechanix style gloves when loading and unloading. All it takes is one slip and smash a finger. I never touch a piece of gear without gloves on regardless of anything. I have a winter pair and a light pair as well. Light pair for final drum setups and if stuff is colder.
I feel ya Rhett I just got home from a 6 week tour with my band those weeks with 6 shows consecutively absolutely wipe you out but its all worth it cause you are doing what you love and that makes it all worth it!
Though I got real sick the 4 days of tour and am still kinda getting over it 3 weeks after.... Pushed myself a bit too hard oh well I'll I'm pumped for next year!
You go, son !
Makes me marvel at bands like Jimi Hendrix with the Experience doing like 60 shows in 70 days. Everything would get old really quickly; the travel, the food, the music. Boy, I know I would handle that well at all. Worth it or not, it takes a toll on you.
Even though your playing for such a short amount of time I guess when you do actually get to perform you can really focus on every note. That's what I'm getting when I'm hearing y'all. Awesome.
Once again, great video Rhett. Always look forward to your stuff. Also, tonight I discovered the BEST way to watch your content... Apple TV on my 55” TV. Your stuff looks great on my phone, but phenomenal on the big screen!
Stay safe on the road Rhett! Your a great guy and an amazing player. It’s cool and honest of you to share the ups and downs. Hopefully you can take a little time out after the tour. Have fun brother.
I work in accounting behind a desk dude. Monotony and routine is a way of life for me! :)
I love playing live in new locations and it is always great to be booked in places that aren't your "home territory", but yeah, [driving for 8+ hours, unloading, playing, loading, hotel/driving or driving/hotel or just driving and shift sleeping, repeat] gets old. I'm glad he mentioned losing chops on longer runs, because that absolutely is an issue. I also find that if you are the driver and you don't have the greatest handling vehicle you end up with even tighter hands which is a pain. For some reason a lot of bands look down on warming up when you are at an intermediate level. I once had a headliner rib us endlessly for warming up vocals and hands before opening claiming we thought we were "big time". Some really weird band culture on the road.
Hey Rhett..... Love your videos. Diggin the band too. Funky, rockin, great singer. Your guitar playing and tone are waaay cool to. I was a club road dog for some years 1985-1995. Played upwards of 260+ nights a year. Most were 3-7 nights a week/4 hours a night at the same venue. Not glamorous but I loved it. Old guy now 61yrs... Play once every month now. I miss those road days myself. They were the best yuears of my life. Keep doin it man..... You are a good dude.
This kind of reminds me of playing on a cruise ship ..I’m a pianist/organist for the b.b king allstars at sea ...traveling the world and making money is fun ..but after 4 months of playing every day ..somedays it feels like I’m living the same day over an over
I really appreciate the "fly on the wall" perspective you've afforded us through these videos, Rhett. There's no doubt that more often than not, there is less "glamor" time in showbiz than tedious time. That being said, remember that those of us who play music for a living are incredibly lucky.
I'm not for a second claiming to be at the professional level you're at, but I can vividly remember a period when I was gigging locally 4-5 days a week and suddenly felt like I hit a wall and wasn't sure I was into it anymore. I actually started thinking about whether or not a day gig might be a better choice for me... until I actually tried it and nearly went crazy. I quit that job and the next gig I had was a private function that started at 9AM and I was dreading it until I got on stage and it suddenly hit me that all of the crap one must deal with is worth however few precious minutes or hours we get to be performing in front of people. Is it work? Yes. Absolutely. But compared to most regular, non-music jobs, performing is the best and fulfills something deep inside the musician that no other gig can.
Be safe on the road and I'm sorry I missed your show I Boston. Had I known I would have grabbed a ticket and found a way to sneak backstage and say hi.
Hey... don't forget to please give us a video on your newest Novo, Rhett! Lots of inquiring minds out here want the skinny on that bad boy!
I cant fathom people thinking living out of vans and hotel rooms for extended periods would be really great. Only the most famous groups with multi-bus, multi-semi's tours have any luxuries that would make the "job", seem less then a job at times. And the days of huge tours has diminished greatly. A job is a job. Some are better than others, but still a job. Thank you Rhett for showing us reality. 🎶🎸
I did it for years, until band members started getting married and having kids. That killed off touring pretty quick!
Waa Waa i'm crying for you..You are living what many musicians live for..My dad spent 36 years in a paper mill,if you want repetition......Most work jobs that are not what they wanted from life,,You are very lucky to do what you do....
Kind of like racing hare scrambles.. Getting to the site, setting up and the anxiety of waiting for your race.. none of this is the reason you went, but once you are out on the course and finish your race, it becomes obvious that it was all worth it. You ride home with your friends and all tell their experiences from the event with anticipation and plans for the next one.
the best kind of music, in my opinion. love your videos
Did that in my youth, would love to do it again :) Now I do bars and play Chicago Blues, 3 hours usually in a night and I am exhausted after. But this is what makes life fun.....
Being on the road is kinda tough. You don't get that good enough sleep, even on a tour bus, at least for me. I was once left behind somewhere in North Carolina at a small gas station. I called the state troopers to find the tour bus and stop them. The trooper was kind enough to drive me to them an hour away. It's true, after the tours were over I was happy to be back home working on local gigs but I wanted to get back on the road soon after. I miss them days, I no longer mix sound because I have tinnitus and loud. Somedays I lose my balance alot and feel sick all day.
You’re not the only that I have heard tell the same story. Not saying it didn’t happen. I’ve just heard it before with the same details.
Great share Rhett! I don’t think people really know the ins & outs of touring. Your video of this really highlights what you have to put in in order to make on-the-road work whether it’s a big tour or small tour. What I liked is the fact that you and your bands makes communicated about what going on and the vibes of the shows to try and make the next show even better. Keep so the do Rhett! Thanks for sharing as always killer sound by the way and love the riff at time 15:40 of vid. Your vocalist kills it!
I did my share of the ROAD!! Its something I believe that has to be done & experienced for every musician .There's nothing glamorous about sleeping in a van with your band mates & gear for countless miles . I was always looking for time to sleep & a laundry mat .We were lucky to get a Meal a day! We'd always look for all you can eat buffet for $$. Having downtime is the BEST! Just chillin & relaxing is the best!But the satisfaction of playing live & meeting people fans etc is something that can't be matched! From the worst gig (Cops did a Raid in our gig) or the time we drove x hours only to have the bar close down because they lost there liquor permit !To the best gig (Playing to 2000+ people) I'm sure other guys played in front of more but at least I did it! I enjoyed it while it lasted.I'd love to that again! LOL
I'm a big fan of your series Rhett; great material that provides an interesting and informative view of the working musician's real life. Next time you're feeling bogged down by the monotony of 3 or 4 days that all feel the same just remember that's what most of us call 'every freakin' day'. All the best and keep up the good work. :-)
Have a snickers dude!
4 years later: Nah, it's salad days now. ;-)
Enjoy the moment!!! I've been on the road for the last 3 years! Love your vlog! :)
Touring is the most amazing part of being a musician and the most draining. When Im off the road I cant wait to go back and when Im on the road I dread the 15hr drives, load ins, tear downs. and the hurry up and wait. You develop indescribable bonds & closeness with the people you spend every moment of your days with, that will last your entire life. When you are with them they will drive you nuts and when they are gone you will miss them terribly. You will cherish every moment, place and experience. The disasters are usually the most memorable and make the best stories.
The ability to appreciate a challenging experience certainly constitutes a form of solid professionalism. Props to you for that!
This is why it helps to be with people who understand how important the changing of the food situation is, with the stuff that happens with your body in the vehicle all the time. Just like how you also have to go through the motions playing outside of the venue, and sometimes different stuff to warm up.
Always some level of excitement heading out. I don’t think I could handle only 20 minutes! After all the riding I needed that 120 minutes of music.
The TV show thing takes 5 or 6 hours for one song. Arenas and festivals present their own unique challenges. Just remember that “you knew it was dangerous when you got into the business.”
To be honest there's worst ways of making music.
Here was my position: Do full time day job. Come home, shower, grab some food (maybe)
load amp, cabs, guitars, etc, etc into car. Drive x amount of miles. Load in, set up. 2 to 3 hour gig.
Out again. Drive x amount of miles home. Usually about 2am. Knackered, but would never leave anything in car
so everything back in again (stairs included). Get up, go to work, repeat 4 to 5 times a week. Ask myself 'why i bothered'
Answer. in the end I loved it.
Name of the game, ladies and gents. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
Just the grind of a two hour practice Saturday, another quick one Sunday followed by a service had me reality checking myself about what it would have been like had I been a professional musician. My fingers were hurting for sure. The guys who do 2 to 3 hour shows and play 300 shows a year. You HAVE to tip your hats to them. That's blood, sweat, and tears for real.
I thought this was a good telling of what it feels like to hit that grind and start to feel the wear-down of touring. Nice job telling the story. I think you'll look back on this in 20 years and like that you recorded this.
Great video... and depiction of how tough it is performing on the road, keeping it together, keeping "it" alive. You've got to love the music and the people you're making it with...and hope the people out there get into it, feel what your putting out there! In the end...I think that's what it's all about...sharing that emotion...sharing those moments! Sounded killer Rhett! Would love to see this show live! 😎🎸
Its tough being a musician sometimes. Just like any job. The worst for me is shows in front of two people and a dog. I’ve developed a great coping mechanism where I just slip into a bit of a trance and just listen to the music. And then tell myself that I could be digging coal out of a mine shaft or having some terrorists trying to shoot me in the mountains of Afghanistan. Makes me realise I’ve got it relatively easy.
Great vid as usual Rhett.
I really like these videos. It's very cool to get a "behind the scenes" perspective. I used to dream of going on tour and making music for a living but I know it has its downside. That said, you have no idea what monotony is until you've worked in offices & cubicles for 25 years. So enjoy it, in a way you ARE livin' the dream. Anyway, keep up the good work.
this is a fascinating youtube channel with great insight, thank you!
I feel you man! working as a fisherman, being away from home over long stretches of time takes a lot.
Enjoy your video's because they're spot on .
It's a love/hate thing for me. Travel can be stressful ( vehicle trouble / getting lost) not a fan of flying, especially with my guitars , lugging , set up , hope gear works , tear down. LOVE music/performing, playing the gigs, love the audience/fans. Funny though .....start to miss it all if there's a couple weeks lag time between gig dates.
Touring can be monotonous, but when you work a regular job as well as tour, you appreciate the monotony of the road as it's infinitely better than what's back home - an even more monotonous day job. I've left behind the touring life now, but still treasure every gig I do; even if it's not up to expectations, as that boring lost hour waiting to go on is a privilege some people will never get to experience.
Jessy is so cool, and she sounds so cool
Loved that who knows quote with the solo in the intro. Gnarly fuzz sound.
I am a rock singer but I have not toured yet, but I always knew that it was not going to glamorous but with all the time you spend actually on the road and how teticious and boring it can be the end result is you are doing what you love thanks for this video
I would much rather have the monotony of touring and playing music fir a living than my current night shift job lol. I mean most people do the same thing day in and day out. Guess your trying to show that it’s not all glamour and excitement but I would trade places with you any day haha. I think you are super blessed and no matter how boring it may be, your a professional guitarist. I mean playing music is so many people’s dream and they never get the opportunity. Cherish every minute man!
When we were out on the road for long runs, I started making a sketchbook/diary. It sounds dumb, but it worked for me.
Bro that octave fuzz in the beginning sounded SICK!! Well done brother
You just have to remember that the audience is always hearing you for the first time, you have one chance to win the audience, Jeff in LA USA
Good point.
You have a lot of coats, all of them quite stylish. Anyway, you do the 25 minute carousel tour until the sparks catch fire, then, you burn the 2 hours you get later and be sure to leave room for improv and spontaneity, and the transportation gets a little more comfortable. Always leave room for anything goes improv in the set, write on stage, let the audience in on it-- make it a show but also leave room for a creative event-- maybe even pick people at random to out a few chords, maybe a topic or a word, trade instruments, but leave a little room for the unrehearsed, cook up an alternate version of one of your songs and revisit in the set, learn a cover the day before and cycle it out every two days, always keep it alive and searching-- reinvigorates the whole show.
Love this episode, Rhett! Being Canadian, I really dug the fact that while you were backstage in Toronto, there was hockey on the TV...and the fact that the thermostat behind Jessy reads 23 degrees C!! That's hot! Hope you'll make it Vancouver someday!
You are quickly becoming one of my favorite guitarists.
A great call from Jessy to mix the setlist up. Even though it surely was not rehearsed that way.
Rhett you are the reason I have TH-cam man. Keep up the awesome vids xx
I think it is kind of amazing to see the other side of the spectrum personally. I've played heavy music for so long, and even the bands on a much larger level experience what I experienced in the sense that in the heavy genre there isn't much in terms of arenas being booked, green rooms, nor hotels because it's not a money maker as this genre you are in.
I think that you are dead on in the sense of being cyclic, but at the same time I personally fight the urge to relate because this looks like heaven compared to my passion. haha.
Keep the runs going, the wheels on the pavement, and the asses in the seats because it is all a pay off in one way or another.
Toronto - of course there is hockey on the tube.
Nice to see you interacting with Jessie off of the stage....
Def important to have a routine to execute everyday!! Even those 20 min a day, rebuilding or reclaiming that dexterity and control on the instrument is important when it comes to consistency!!
I've been lucky. The first tours I did were with groups/bands in custom buses.. Later, a few stretch van things, but we sat down for 1 to 2 weeks stints at a time in clubs w furnished rooms. I can't imagine one nighters in a van and trailer. Other than the transport, everything else is familiar. Good luck to ya.
Just started watching some of your videos. Didn't realize I saw you at the show in Pittsburgh a few years ago. Awesome stuff.
If you love what you do you never have to work again..... It's All About the Passion Rhett and you're the man keep up the good work stay away from drugs