Burn out

Bobby Hearn · From: Henrietta, Tx

Just curious if anyone ever gets burnt out on playin gigs every wkend and practicin. I usually get home, shower, and hit the woodshed from 7pm to 10:30 or 11:00. But sometimes I need a break for a day or two. I don't usually go longer than a day without playin every once in a while when I need a break. And when I do take a couple days off, I seem to be sharper.

Fred Nolen · From: Mohawk, Tennessee, USA

Bobby - I did about 8 or so years ago. Playing clubs, sometimes 3 night a week, I got to the point that I was having to make myself go. I finally decided that was enough, boxed my stuff up and went about 2 years without even opening the case. I was having lunch in Bulls Gap sometime later and ran into J. R. Bewley, who had had a Gospel group some years earlier and I had played for him for a time. He said he was starting another group and asked if I was interested. Without any hesitation, I said no. I had no desire to play. (At that time I was going to sell all my equipment.) He said "come set in for one practice and if it is not there, you've only lost a couple of hours time." At my wife's urging, I reluctantly agreed. So I went and ended up enjoying it more than I intended to. I have been with J.R.'s group since and I am enjoying pickin' more than I ever have. Thanks to my wife - if it hadn't been for her, I would have sold out and more than likely regretting it way before now.

Good luck and hang in there - Ol' Fred

Damir Besic · From: Nashville,TN.

I`ve not touched my steel in a long time...if I do start playing again it will be with a good country band....I said COUNTRY..at my age not interested in playing bubble gum trash no more...and todays "country music" is nothing but sleezy pop crap...

Db
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Shane Glover · From: Oklahoma, USA

Hi Bobby

I played almost non stop from 1985 to 1995 . I really thought I was gonna "MAKE IT " in the music business.I had the hottest band around. Won every contest we entered.Was the opening act for every Major label artist at the time.Took the band on the road. Started in the C rooms graduated up to B rooms
even played Billy Bob's in Texas.Finally made the move to Nashville. And I hated it!! My family was back home and I was 14 hours away.Trying to make enough money to support me and my family back at home.Nashville for me was all about business and did not have much to do with music at all.I saw people playing on the street and waiting tables that have more talent than some of the big name stars.I gave up and went home after about a year. did not play for another year. I really did not miss it. Then an old drummer friend of mine conned me back into playin.Went to playing bass and fronting switched to lead Guitar and now I am trying my hand at steel.I can't say I don't miss the BIG RIG at times But I have a wonderful family and I enjoy life now !!Maybe branching out and tryin something different will help.I know the challenge of something new sure helped me!!Sorry to ramble . I hope there is a some advice in there that helps. Thanks for listening .Shane

Paul Wade · From: mundelein,ill

bobby,
like shane i to quit playing for about 7 years here in illinios&wisconsin. just got tired of the bar gig's and low pay . so,i got into my day job alot
and my wife said "don't you miss playing" i said yes
but there is know one out there any more that plays"real country music". one day i went to the wisconsin jam in march of 2006 and got hook up with
real country classic band so, i am back playing and having a ball Very Happy

yes, you do get burn out Rolling Eyes

but, you can allways go back to playng like i did,

paul
www.countyoutlaws.com

John De Maille · From: On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.

Bobby,
From 1975 to about 1987, I played 4-5 nights a week with two bands. I really loved it. Actually, couldn't get enough of it. I'd play with anybody, who'd, ask me. I also snuck in quite a few recording sessions, when time permitted. I also held down a day job as a carpenter. But, unfortunately, the country music scene around me was dropping off and the playing jobs dwindled to just a few. In reality, it was a blessing because I hadn't really realized how bad my health was getting. I had no candle left to burn because I was burned out. I took a few years off from playing out with very little playing at home. Lately, I play about 6 gigs a year and have no desire to go back to the club scene. I teach steel, which, is very rewarding and play several hours a week in my studio. I'm fine with that. It's real easy to over indulge yourself with playing and burnout is inevitable. I never saw any signs of it, until, I stopped. I'm not regretting any of my steel career, though. It has been quite a ride.

Dick Wood · From: Springtown Texas, USA

I played 4-5 nights a week in addition to working a day job from 1982 to 1993 when I finally said enough is enough and everything went into the closet.

About two years went by and an old pal said a bunch of great players I used to work with were putting a band together and wanted me to work with them. I said OK and haven't stopped since.

I took a 20 year break from Ham radio and I just recently bought a bunch of new equipment and am having fun with it again.

Sometimes we just need to step back and take a break.
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Rick Campbell · From: Sneedville, TN, USA

For me it's a simple equation:

Enjoyment + Money = What it takes to keep me interested.

It's great to have a balance of both, but one can offset the other in most cases. If they're not there, you're headed for burnout real quick.

Bobby Hearn · From: Henrietta, Tx

Thanks guys, guess I need to balance music with the other things in life, like mowing the grass. If I didn't have this damn day job to contend with. Got some horses that need broken too if anyone interested? Bobby

Edward Meisse · From: Santa Rosa, California, USA

My day job gets in the way, too. There are times when I put the guitar away for a couple of weeks. What can you do? The roof and the dinner table have to come first.
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Bill Dobkins · From: Rolla Missouri, USA

I to gave up music for 10 yaers. Got sick of the corruption. I came close to making it a couple of times as a writer.
It wasn't until I started playing steel that I became interested in music again.
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Mike Ester · From: New Braunfels, Texas, USA

I look at my part-time gigs as my golf game. For me, it only becomes a burn-out if the music is subpar.

In fact, at my last physical exam, my doctor asked if I was still playing music. I told him, "Yes.", and he said, "Well, don't stop doing it."

Sorry, honey. Doctor's orders. Gotta play another gig. Laughing

Tracy Sheehan · From: Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Talk about burn out.I have quit 10 times and now going to contact Gene Fields and order another GFI.The last two i had was one SD10 and a S10.As i like the C6th best going to order a D10 and be done with it.What to heck,can't kick the habit.
The most funny thing i ever ran across about burn out was back in 1985 when i played in Austin,Tx.for 9 months.
Ran across a steel player one night in a club who was playing an Emmons as i remember.His tone was awful.I asked him on break what his amp setings were.
He didn't know and didn't care.He said the people do not know or care what tone he has or even if he plays off key.The band didn't either.the whole band must have been burned out.lol
Now that was burn out.Think he quit a short time later.
Any one else ever get that burned out?I came close many times,but still wanted a decent tone.Tracy
I meant to say a S10 with the C6th.

Wayne D. Clark · From: Montello Wisconsin, USA

This may not have any thing to do with burout, but years ago when I first started playing I would do radio gigs with a group. then they asked me to play for them at dances. That was fine for a while, but then the lead guitar player and singer [one in the same] started coming back after the first set a little on the slury side of life, by the time the third set started it was bad. The fiddle player and I told him if he did this at the next gig we were done. You got it, he did it again and after the final set we were out of there. About a week later he came to my home and said "you missed practice". I reminded him, he had been told if he got drunk at a gag again I was out. I don't know what ever happend to him. The sad thing was he was good when he was sober.

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Mickey Adams · From: Bandera Texas

Twice in my life...Ive just given up...lost interest...The first time was for 11 years. When I returned to the steel, I bought a Mullen D10..Played for another 3, Then it went to the garage...the last 4 years Ive been playing/practicing very hard. My guitar playing suffers for a while until I drop the steel in favor of 6 strings and a pick. I DO see a big difference when I come back to the steel..and each time back to the guitar as well. Personally I think that one needs time to explore the instrument with their minds from time to time as well..
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

I've "retired" twice in my career. Once for a whole 8 months in the late 70's. Then again in the early 80's after getting re-married and burning out with my club gig. That lasted between 7 and 9 years, not sure exactly. Came back out in February of 2006 to attend a jam. Kept playing every Sunday (more or less) with them until one of the guitar players quit. They decided since I was always there playing, that they would make me part of the band. Now after about 2 years or so, I just quit that band yesterday. That is the first step in my final retirement plans. I plan to play my last gigs with another band in late June or July. The last step is a gig I play every Thursday night. I plan to leave that gig the end of June or the middle of July, but I may keep playing that one a little longer, depending on some life cicumstances.

But permanent(and I mean not doing any gigs for any reason) should happen in the next few months or so.

Tommy Shown · From: Denham Springs, La.

There was a time back in the early 80's. However a good friend of mine talked me out of it. I mean, I was about to sell my gear and say the heck with it! I was let go from one band, and thought it was the end of the world. And I was pretty tired. Because we were playing every other weekend. My who is more like a buddy told me, that it made him want to practice more and that I should do the same. To where I would be ready for the next band. That is exactly what I did. During the year I was off from playing. I took a couple of weeks to rejuvenate my batteries and came back. I was a young man in 20's, still living at home with good old Mom and Dad. I would come from work, go to my room close the door, put some put records on the stereo, sit behind my steel and PRACTICE,PRACTICE, PRACTICE! It worried my folks some what, but they were like most parents, supportive of me. Boy I miss them so! I just wish I could get a job playing now!
Tommy

Anthony Locke · From: Texas, USA

I think it happens to everyone from time to time. Especially if you are playing alot of gigs. I think in some ways it can be beneficial to take a day or two off. I've done that where I've practiced alot for days, then taken a couple days off, went back to what I was working on, and it seemed alot easier. Other times, when I have no motivation to get my guitar out of the case and screw in the legs, tune it up etc, I try to make myself do it anyways, maybe even just set it up and leave it there. After walking past it enough times, the compulsion to play usually comes back. If it doesn't, I get out the metronome and do boring frustrating right hand exercises and think of it as going to the gym or something. Something that isn't necessarily fun at the time, but beneficial in the long run.

Phil Coontz · From: Branson, MO, USA

You guys are bringing me down,i've been playing my steel 6 & 7 nites a week for forty years and I still love it,& still find time to practice... Phil Coontz

Mike Poholsky · From: Kansas, USA

I've found if $$$$$ is way down the priority list, the burnout stays minimized. Yea, we all have day jobs. Jeez, our band will play for food! Especially BBQ!!!!!! You better like the Big Four: George, Johnny, Buck, and Merle.
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Bo Legg · Posted 12 Jun 2009 3:09 pm

I didn’t burn out I FLAMED OUT.
Right out of High School I started playing Chet Atkins Style guitar behind gospel groups.
The pay was fair but the girls were more than enough to make up for it. The reason I got interested in playing guitar was because my best friend and guitar picker showed me it was a chick magnet.
Suit, tie, shiny electric guitar and endless stream of girlfriends. God I thought it would never end. But it does, and the older I get the better I was.

Larry Waisner · Posted 16 Jun 2009 1:50 am

In 1994 I too stopped playing for a few years. I was in a six piece band and we played twenty eight different instruments on stage. We were very close to making it big time and between being gone from home twenty to thirty weeks at a time and getting caught up in the dark side of playing it was a choice of stopping or my health was going to stop me. I believe Bobby if you play too much too often there comes a time when you have to stop for a while. But never give up the love of music.
Best Regards,
Larry Waisner

Carl Kilmer · From: East Central, Illinois

A lot of great interesting stories on this post.
I was playing 4 to 5 nights a week back in 2004,
and working 5 days a week, with 4 small kids at home.
I got totally burned out, and decided to quit playing.
Ron Lashly was a good friend of mine and he built me
2 SD12's P/P in 1983 and I sold them both of them in 1984.
When I quit, I never touch a steel until about 5 years a go.
I wanted to play for my mom and dad, and family so I bought one.
Then 2 years ago I had an accident that destroyed all of my memory.
I've spent the last year trying to learn to play the E9th again.
It's been very hard, but thanks to help from friends on the forum,
I'm getting better. Thanks to all of you, that have helped me.
I'll never play out again, but enjoy playing with my friends,
and with my condition, this is the best theropy I'll ever get.
3 weeks ago my daudhter got married in PA. and I've been trying
to buy the last Emmons I sold for years
and I finally got it after it sat in case for over 26 years.
I took it to George King to get it cleaned up & restored.
What a great guy, and I love the way he plays his Emmons P/P.
I'll pick it up Saturday, and try to learn to play a 12 string again.

Carl "Lucky" Kilmer
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James Cann · From: Phoenix, AZ

Scott Hiestand · From: MA, U.S.A

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