Be careful what you wish for!

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

I have now been traveling and playing for Rosehill for 16 months. Thousands and thousands of miles all over Texas, OK, and Nashvegas. Played everything from 250 folks in a bar to 22,000 in an arena. I've got to hang with some neat fellow steelers and have met a ton of folks. Much of it is great fun. There is very little money in it though! Anyway, some days I look at my 60 year old mug in the mirror and ask myself "what are you doing playing in a band of all 20 something year olds?"

Is sixty old? Somedays it is. Anyway, I don't know where the road will take this. Most of the time it is great fun... sometimes, I'm just tired.

steve
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Steve Stallings
Emmons Legrande II 8X5

Glenn Uhler · From: Trenton, New Jersey, USA

You're only as old as you feel, Steve! If 16 months on the road is starting to get you down, there are some things you can do to get more energy:

Take a men's vitamin pill every day.

Change you eating habits. Eat some of the "superfoods" everyday. (You can look them up on the 'net.)

Try to get an extra hour of sleep a day. Take a nap every afternoon.

Do some simple exercises/stretches/yoga when you get done riding for the day. Use the exercise room at the hotel.

If you are already doing these things, then do them harder!
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1974 Marlen S-12 1968 Tele 1969 Martin D-35H

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

Steve,I'm going to put on my advocatus diaboli hat here...
Glenn has some excellent health-related advice that anyone is well advised to follow,but my BS detector went off the minute I read about lots of work for insufficient money,so I had a look at the website.Lots of bandwidth about the front guys,almost none about the sidemen.We don't even know their names.

Steve was classy enough not to divulge money amounts,but if he's feeling a little old (used, perhaps?)could be he's putting out more than he's getting back.YMMV

Mike Archer · From: church hill tn

hey Steve im 60 years old too
but my health wont allow working anymore
but I did 20 years on the road myself
up untill the late90s
but even if I was healthy and able I wouldnt play the road again not the way music is today
but thats me and not you and I think its great
you are working the road and playing a lot
if you can live with the money then
stay with it pal!!
do well and be blessed
Mike Very Happy

John Cadeau · From: Surrey,B.C. Canada

Old, why you don't know what old is. Why when I was a boy I had to walk to school uphill both ways, in six feet of snow in my bare feet. Tending my trapline on the way. I'll be 67 in July, but I'm still playing pretty well every weekend. And enjoying it. I'm lucky though, I'm still in very good health. I think the beer helps.

John J.C. Cadeau

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

I'm so old they taught me arithmetic in Roman numerals!

Larry Rafferty · From: Ballston Spa, NY

I'm so old I can't remember how old I am. I guess my memory is not as good as it used to be. Also, my memory is not as good as it used to be.
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Mullen D-10 8x5; Sho-Bud Super Pro D10 8x6; PedalMaster 5 Star SD-10 3x5; Dekley D-10 8x4;
Sho-Bud S-10 3x1; Fender Lap/Floor Steel; Peavey Power Slide; Supro Lap Steel; Peavey Nashville 400;
pair of Peavey Vegas 400's; Peavey NV112; Webb 614E with matching extension cabinet; Fender Twin Reverb and 3 cats.

They laughed when I sat down to play, cause' somebody pulled my chair away...

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

Thanks for the commments guys. I love playing steel and doubt I would ever stop playing. The music business is what it is.... The band "Rosehill" is a duo. The sidemen are anonymous by deliberate design.

Playing with a band that is working the Texas Red Dirt Scene as well as national events is only financially rewarding for the "Stars". I think everyone understands that. I am financially secure from my military career and still practice family medicine at least part time as a PA. I don't do this for the money... (Thank God!)

I guess that sometimes I just feel that it would be nice to spend more time with grandkids and my wife instead of being gone so much.
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Steve Stallings
Emmons Legrande II 8X5

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

since the 'duo' is the only faction that stands to make money, let them go stand together alone!
playing for very little monetary reward when the leaders have nice cars and houses is what makes you old.

Rich Peterson · From: Moorhead, MN

If money isn't the object, and you miss your wife and grandkids, I think you know the answer. You didn't mention the people in the rest of the backup band, so I don't think there is such a magical music situtation that you would stay with it.

There are some musicians that are such a joy to work with that I will work cheap and endure hassles. But grandkids grow up fast, and life is unpredictable. My tombstone is not going to read "I wish I had spent more time on the road."

Robert Harper · From: Alabama, USA

Not a professional, purely personal. Okay, my dad worked all his life for nothing. My advise is dont. I know it could be enjoyable, but the , important members, are making decent money, as was the business owners in my dads life.
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"Oh what a tangled web we weave when we first begin to deceive" Someone Famous

Dick Wood · From: Springtown Texas, USA

That's all well and good but tell us about the Women Steve...Don't hold back.
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Cops aren't paid much so I steel at night.

Carson Leighton · From: N.B. Canada

Steve,,I would say this is something you have to make up your own mind on..Grand-kids grow up quick, and one of the greatest things in life is to be able to spend time with them...Maybe you could find a group to play with on the weekends around home..I guess a man has to follow his heart.....Carson

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

BIG question for Steve (but I think I know the answer)-
Did the road band play on the studio tracks?

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

mike nolan · From: Forest Hills, NY USA

If it is fun and not affecting your personal financial bottom line.... then great!

I did a year long stint with a 20 something band that ended about a year ago. It was a good hang out and they were great to play with. No real money, no real business plan, and given the state of the music biz, no real prospects. I don't have to make money playing to pay the rent/etc, so I can do these kind of things. The front man had a work related accident that left him unable to play guitar for about 6 months, so the band disintegrated. I was pretty tired of the travel, and, while I had been having fun, I was somewhat relieved that we were done.

I'm in my 50's and have been "aged out" of a few projects, so it is nice to see that there are situations where musical ability is more important that the ages of the players. Bands like Rosehill usually get away with this by having something like a duo as the front.... then the rest of the band can just be players.

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

The following is my letter of resignation:

Guys,

I have enjoyed being a small part of Rosehill for the last 16 months. Recently, I have been forced to examine not only my role in Rosehill, but my role as a father, grandfather, husband and most importantly my relationship with Christ. I am 60 years old. I have been playing live music for at least 45 years. I hope I have many years of life left, but there are no guarantees on this. I simply do not have the desire to continue the travel, late nights, and my role as a sideman in Rosehill.

I am going to take some time off from playing and spend some time with Jo and family. I may play in our church band. I honestly don't know at this point. I love music and really enjoy playing... but I don't believe I will ever wish I had spent more time on the road.

Thanks for the friendship and good times.... I wish you guys all the best of luck. Looking forward to seeing you guys shine someday in the big leagues.

blessings,

Steve

Isaiah 40:30-31
New International Version (NIV)

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
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Steve Stallings
Emmons Legrande II 8X5

Joe Goldmark · From: San Francisco, CA 94131

Wow, not the ending I expected when the post started. I'm also 60 and can relate to all the pluses and minuses that were mentioned. For those of us who don't play for a living, all we really want is a good band with nice guys in it, and not too long of a commute to the gigs. We'll take whatever money comes as gravy.

Joe

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

Joe,
Nice to hear from you. I've the greatest respect for you. I've enjoyed my time with Rosehill. I guess I've always been somewhat puzzled as to how I've been able to achieve success playing with a group that has had three top 20's and two top ten CMT videos. Heck... I'm the ultimate hack when it comes to steel playing! Ask my mentor and friend Bobby Bowman...

My reality is that I simply wish to step back and spend more time with my family. I know that I have some friends here in Texas that have spent their share of time on the road. I think they understand where I am coming from. I love playing steel but I am just tired of being gone all of the time.
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Steve Stallings
Emmons Legrande II 8X5

Dave Hopping · From: Aurora, Colorado

Can't go wrong being devoted to the family-and The Big Guy.And playing in His house ain't too bad,either.Besides,we all know that when you really need a secular gig,one comes along. Winking

Don Ricketson · From: Llano, Texas

Steve that reminds me of my old buddy Bobby Rountree driving home from a long night of playing a gig. It was about 3:00 O'clock in the morning and he was dead tired and still 150 miles from home. He said "here I am doing what I always wanted to". You're right be careful what you wish for. Crying or Very sad

Ron Page · From: Penn Yan, NY USA

Steve,

I just read this today for the first time. I have to say, it did end the way I thought it would, but also much sooner.

No one ever died wishing they'd spent more time at "work". From your descriptions, it was clear that the gig had become "work". I think you've struck a great balance. You can keep playing where and when it appeals to you and you can enjoy retirement and family life too. They may need you to fill in for a week or two at a time, in which case it won't seem like work, but perhaps a working vacation. Wink

Best wishes.
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HagFan
Emmons Lashley LeGrande II

Doug Rolfe · From: Indianapolis, IN

Steve, you just quoted my favorite passage of Scripture. I have that all over my house and carry it in my pocket. I am 74 and still going strong 'till I see Jesus face to face.

Steve Stallings · From: Houston/Cypress, Texas

Thanks so much for the comments and the many private emails. I am certain I will continue to play steel, just not out on the road continuously and certainly not 2-4 jobs per week. I really would like to play in our church praise team but I may have to play regular electric guitar to do that.

I may play a casual gig now and then. I have the luxury of playing only if I really want to. I am playing my final show with Rosehill tonite at the Cypress Saloon in Cypress Texas. We are opening for Cory Morrow. I have already done sound check, ate dinner and had a nice chat with Kim, the steeler for Cory. This is a local venue about 2 miles from my home. I will be home before 11 as I have a early day tomorrow for bible study.

I did not play their out of town show last night but instead did a family movie night at our oldest sons home with a bunch of grandkids. I felt good about it and my choice.

got to run...

steve
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Steve Stallings
Emmons Legrande II 8X5

Glenn Uhler · From: Trenton, New Jersey, USA

Great, Steve. That's how any sort of "retirement" should go. Making the decision to take your mind from a place where you aren't comfortable to one where you are is the right decision!

God Bless!

Glenn
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1974 Marlen S-12 1968 Tele 1969 Martin D-35H

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