| Author |
Topic: Steel Guitar Shows and Headliners |
Craig A Davidson
From:
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin USA
|
Posted 16 Mar 2015 10:01 am |
|
Seeing the post about Joe Wright calling it quits has prompted me to post this. When you folks put on your show and only have one or two headliners like we usually do, refrain from putting them on last. Put one or two players after them so that they can get to their booth and maybe sell some things. Most headliners charge for gas money hoping to make their real money on instruction material and CD's. Russ Hicks called this to my attention a few years ago and asked not to close the show for this very reason. Since then we have done our best to do things this way.
Last edited by Craig A Davidson on 16 Mar 2015 5:57 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
 |
Jack Stoner
From:
Kansas City, MO
|
Posted 16 Mar 2015 11:14 am
|
|
Putting the "star" on just before a break is the ideal time. I used to do it when our Florida Steel Guitar club put on shows. We didn't really have many big names, as we didn't have any sponsors to help with the finances, but when we did we put them on just before the break.
I don't know what the big names are charging now, but about 5 years ago I tried to get one of the Nashville "biggies" and he wanted $650, plus a guarantee of at least 12 people for a seminar at $50 each (another $600) plus hotel. I talked to Don Helms and, at the time, he need $1200 as he had to have someone drive him, plus two hotel rooms for two nights and food. |
|
|
|
Barry Gokee
From:
Sault Ste Marie Michigan, USA
|
Posted 16 Mar 2015 4:29 pm
|
|
Geez with all the talk lately, It appears this thing we love to play and hear is on its way out. Speaking with Joe recently, I understand his thoughts on this issue as more and more guys are grabbing free stuff off you tube and other links. Joe also has a wife with medical conditions that needs constant care. We cant let this thing die somehow. I travel to many steel shows each year for support but am one of those guys that has played 30 plus years but wouldn't consider myself "steel show caliber". Lets not throw in the towel yet.
_________________
Justice Prolite Sd 10 Mullen D10
2 Msa D-10s HMS Sd 10
2 Session 500 Session 2000
Nashville 112 Pro-fex |
|
|
|
Stuart Legg
|
Posted 18 Mar 2015 12:10 am
|
|
I’m glad someone finally had that honest moment during one of those shows. It’s been a long time coming.
Someone finally had the balls to disagree with this steaming pile of BS Fantasy Land mentality “it’s a labor of love” so it’s OK to get screwed when you play, teach and build steel guitars.
So if you believe it's a labor of love, play at home and stop playing out for little of nothing and they'll have to pay someone for a change. |
|
|
|
Barry Blackwood
|
Posted 18 Mar 2015 8:24 am
|
|
Amen, Stuart. People, go looking for "free" on the internet and leave the rest of the world out of it.. |
|
|
|
Jack Hargraves
From:
Missouri, USA
|
Posted 18 Mar 2015 5:04 pm
|
|
Joe played the Benton Il. show last October, and if I recall correctly, he was next to the last act. By then a lot of people we tired I guess and were leaving. I felt kind od sad for him and Tony Booth who was the last act.
_________________
GFI Expo SD10, Nashville 112, Steelers choice Pak-a- seat, Carter vol. pedal, Stage one vol. pedal, Peavey Deltafex. Goodrich volume pedal. |
|
|
|
Herman Wainwright
From:
Alabama, USA
|
Posted 21 Mar 2015 3:51 pm joe wright
|
|
| I have been to a lot of steel shows in the past eighteen or so years and have seen and heard some of the best steel players ever. It has always been a joy to attend. Most steel shows are like having family reunions. I have been to St. Louis, Dallas and numerous ones in between. I believe that Joe Wright is one of the best steel players and entertainers of any steel show that I've ever attended. I consider him to be a friend and PRAY that he continues. There are shows that I don't go to if he is not going to be there. He has talked to me and I very much understand what is happening. So maybe those that promote shows can afford to provide more of an incentive for him and other headliners. Every show I've been to just about everyone stops what they are doing and gets as close to the stage as possible and watches Joe. Always a fan. Herman |
|
|
|
Chris Castle
From:
Paintsville,Ky
|
Posted 21 Mar 2015 8:19 pm
|
|
It hurts to see the heroes of steel retire, but their reasons can certainly be understood. I admire all steel players because they keep the instrument and true classic country alive.
One thing that bugs me personally is trying to get booked for shows. I used to do several but they have died down or out completely. The Lexington, Ky show disappeared so that knocked out a lot.
I am 23 years old and love playing steel, yet I have to beg for people to even call me most of the time. I am down to doing only 2 regular shows a year - usually one in Louisville and Chubby Howard's Show. Usually the 1st 2 weekends in October. I am still somewhat young, but have this much trouble  I live in eastern Ky just about 4 miles from Butcher Hollow and don't mind traveling.
I used to drive 3 1/2 hours one way for gigs every weekend just because I love to play and trust me I barely broke even most of the time with that long haul. But the fact is I love steel and good music and that makes it all worth it.
I have been blessed to do the shows that I have been asked to do and very fortunate to learn from the experienced players and make many friends along the way.
I hate to see anyone give it up because we need to keep our instrument and music alive. And at the same time we are losing a friend who we enjoy seeing and hearing play.
Here is to many more years of playing this beautiful instrument and praying that it will never fade away in this changing music industry... I know it will always be in my life.
-Chris Castle
_________________
Mullen G-2,, derby d-10 rosewood 9&7, derby sd-10 black/birdseye, peavey 1000 and 112, hilton vp, walker seat |
|
|
|
Stephen Gambrell
From:
Over there
|
Posted 21 Mar 2015 9:23 pm
|
|
| Stuart Legg wrote: |
I’m glad someone finally had that honest moment during one of those shows. It’s been a long time coming.
Someone finally had the balls to disagree with this steaming pile of BS Fantasy Land mentality “it’s a labor of love†so it’s OK to get screwed when you play, teach and build steel guitars.
So if you believe it's a labor of love, play at home and stop playing out for little of nothing and they'll have to pay someone for a change. |
Or, "they" will shut down completely. I haven't played out in years, but before I was forced to give it up, I didn't make enough money in a year, to pay this month's bills. "Labor of love?" Lemme see, I was involved for several years in the "Southern Steel Guitar Conventions"--Four a year. I was fortunate enough to play behind some of the best--Hall-of-Famers, as well as the great local players. The "Stars"--got a small stipend, but none of us did--See, the Conventions' proceeds went to the Shriner's Hospitals. Less money for me--NO money for me--meant MORE money for those kids. "Labor of Love?" Damn right. |
|
|
|
Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
|
Posted 23 Mar 2015 5:23 am
|
|
Maybe we are running out of headliners, how long are the Pro's supposed to play shows ? Maybe as they get older they get tired , for many it's a very long travel day or weekend.
The labor of love thing is not an argument, for some it IS a labor of love but for others perhaps not. I seem to recall several brands of Baked Beans at the grocery store too.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
|
|
|
