To my Christian steel playing friends..

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

A question to all my fellow steel playing friends who also happen to be born again believers..I have been a Christian MANY MANY years. I still play in bars as I need the money.If I want to play my steel in front of people and not in the bedroom,thats all i have.First off let me say,I have no real problem with folks going out to enjoy a live band and maybe having a drink or two with friends. I drink a little wine and maybe even a beer on occasion. I do have a problem with putrid drunkeness and the behavior that follows. I play a lot of places where things get nasty and the behavior is crude and sinful in my opinion. I feel guilty being there... I was just wondering how my brothers/sisters in Christ deal with this when playing out??... Did you stop playing out because of this?..I have been struggling with this for years.... just wondering..... bob

Joey Ace · From: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Hey Bob,
Do you know there's a Christian Steel Forum? http://pub14.ezboard.com/bpedalsteelguitar

Lyle Bradford · From: Gilbert WV USA (deceased)

Bob stop and ask your self why is there a struggle? I think you will find your own asnwer.

Bob Knight · From: Bowling Green KY

Lyle,
You should be famous!!

Your GOOD Friend,
Bob

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Bob Knight
Sergeant at Arms NTSGA
WWW.NTSGA.COM

Rick McDuffie · From: Benson, North Carolina, USA

Bob,

I'm a Christian and pastor of two Presbyterian churches here in eastern NC- and I also play in a country band. I play fairs and festivals with them (family events), but I'm not comfortable with nightclubs... basically, they're really sad places full of lonely, frustrated people trying to deaden their pain. At least, that's my take on it... and I played in a BUNCH of them in my late teens, early 20's. I have been back into clubs twice (as as musician) in recent years, and I immediately remembered why I quit...

I'm not really into helping people deaden their pain... that is AN answer, but it's not THE answer... and I can't help but feel that I'm becoming part of the problem, rather than the solution.

I don't fault Christians who have no problem playing clubs; it's just something I don't relish.

This is a real issue for a LOT of Christians who are musicians by trade. If this is what a person does for a living, how can he say "no" to a job? To refuse to work and provide for his family would truly be immoral. It's a complex issue, and pre-packaged, glib answers don't help.

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Rick McDuffie

Marlen Speedy West, Marlen SD-10, Fender Telecaster Custom

Rick's Music Photo Gallery
www.tarheelmusic.com

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

Hi Bob. As long as you conduct yourself in a Christian way, I see no problem in playing the clubs. I am a Christian and I play the clubs. I am courteous to the patrons, but don't associate with them. Jesus was asked once why he was hanging out with the publicans aka sinners, and He relplied in so many words, they are the ones who need me most. We are in contact with these same people at the bank, the grocery store, the county fair and about any where in public. So as long as you conduct yourself in a Christian manner, I wouldn't worry about it. Jody.

Jeremy Moyers · From: Lubbock, TX

This is so strange because this is something that I have spoke with my pastor about alot lately. I love playing, and have become very accustomed to playing with GREAT players. I have been playing bars every weekend, or on the road playing, since I was 15. I am 27 now and am still playing bars atleast 2 night a week. I play at church every sunday as well, but find it frustrating musically because the musicianship isn't up to the same par as the guys I play with Friday and Saturday night. I guess what gets me is that you should be able to lift everything you do up to Christ, yet playing get drunk and screw or stay here and drink to a bar room full of drunks does not feel like something I should lift up to him. The clubs I am playing now are, of course, in business to sell alcohol. It is our job to make sure that the people have a good time and drink plenty of it. There is not much of a calling for a band of great players that do not get the crowd partying, and it is impossible to keep a good band together, atleast around Atlanta, without steady work. So yes, I feel your pain and question it myself every weekend about 1:00 a.m. when I am on stage having a ball playing to this room full of drunk college kids looking for something that can not be found in the bars. Just my opinion. I am also not of the mind set that one must play only christian music. There is plenty of good "secular" music out there that still carries a good message. There are so many ways to justify both "sides" that it can be down right confusing at times if you let it be.

Jeremy

Jeremy Moyers · From: Lubbock, TX

Jody,

What you said is exactly the conclusion that I have come to. I am comfortable playing bars as long as I am not out getting wasted and chasing women of Saturday night and then going to church on Sunday morning. The band I play with often plays 3 to 4 hours away from my house, yet I do not miss a sunday unless it just cannot be avoided. They think that I am crazy for getting up and driving on 2 or 3 hours sleep to go to church, but it is a commitment that I made and that I stick by.

Jeremy

Jerry Roller · From: Van Buren, Arkansas USA

Bob, I think you just asked one of the most important questions you will ever ask. No human being can answer that question for you but you can know the answer in your heart. I think the answer might be different for some than for others. For me, I can no longer play those places as of 33 years ago when I became a Christian. We each have to work that one out for ourselves.
Jerry

[This message was edited by Jerry Roller on 18 February 2004 at 07:53 AM.]

Stephen Gambrell · From: Over there

I'm a Christian, and the band I play with does bars, private parties, whatever. I also play with several bluegrass bands, and we do lots of civic functions, Rotary clubs and such. I've seen as bad behavior at some of the more "social" events, as I have in the bars. My biggest problem in the clubs is the music played in between the band's sets. So, I go outside----and MAYBE, just MAYBE, I'll get to witness to someone. Now, I'm not gonna preach a sermon to a drunk, but I'm proud to claim Christ as Lord and Saviour, to ANYBODY, ANYTIME. As far as I'm concerned, anything else would be judgemental on my part. But that's just me. As anyone will tell you, it's ultimately YOUR decision, hopefully after a lot of prayer. Read Romans 14:14. And God bless!!!

Mike Perlowin · From: Los Angeles CA

First, I'm NOT a Christian so perhaps that should be taken into account when you read what I'm about to say.

Some years ago I was playing in some local bar, when a slightly drunk woman approached me. She told me that her husband and their only son had been killed in an automobile accident, and she felt she had nothing left to love for. She said the only thing that gave her any pleasure in life was going out to a bar to hear a good country music band.

I had thought I was just having some musical fun and picking up a few extra buck in the process, but what the band and I did that night made a difference in that poor woman's life, and helped her though her terrible tragedy.

As I said, I'm not a Christian. But regardless of one's faith, I think that God would approve of what we did that night. I think that no matter what else we may be a party to by playing in clubs, when something like this happens, it more than makes up for it.

Billy Wilson · From: El Cerrito, California, USA

I like Mike!!!!!

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

Dear Friends
In such a turmoiled world our job as entertainers is to make sure that the public has a good time.
but then what is considered a good time ?
Whether we are Christians or not, i believe our role is to share good and alleviate peoples sufferings and frustrations.
Many people suffer from all kinds of hardships and if they go out to a club, bar, or a concert hall, obviously they go there to take a break and get away from it all.
Unfortunately, many get into drinking and drugs. Is it really our responsability or job to help them get better or understand their own handicaps ? i would say yes it is. But, it's not an easy task and there are ways to go about it without being abrupt, blatant or menacing. i prefer being subtle and humourous. There is always a message to pass unto others through the lyrics of song and the sweetness of Musik.
We all know that you can take a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
we are all hostages of our deeds and what we say.
Mankind can only get better if each person does his homework and cleans his act up. It's been a long road and it will keep on being a long one until....
Our task is to raise our conscienceness and better our souls no matter what religion or beliefs we have.
it has always been a battle between Good and Evil. Between Light and Darkness.
So we are all on a Mission. Our own and that of our fellow man.
i believe that like Jesus, Buddha, or Mohammed, one must go amongst the people and share the good and wisdom that we all have inside of us w: others.
Look at young Robert Randolph (oh no ! not him again !

) he's doin' just that !
We all need more Love everyday in our lives.

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ZumD10 - ShoBud Professional D10 - Gibson EH150 - Nashville1000

Steel what?

[This message was edited by CrowBear Schmitt on 18 February 2004 at 02:49 AM.]

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

Guys... like yourselves,I want people to hear me play.I get pleasure when people enjoy the work I've put into making music. I LIKE when they smile when I play my guitar or my steel.Many nights and in many clubs,I see a room full of people,both young and old,smiling,dancing with husbands,wives,friends etc,enjoying the music and each others company.Nothing to make me feel guilty. A few weeks later at the same place I'll see drunken revelry,girls playing with themselves and each other in a drunken stupor trying to get a rise out of the boys in the band,showing thier boobs etc.Guys wobbling drunk,barely able to stand, yelling out "FREEBIRD!!"... There seems to be no rhyme or reason... Weddings and social events, including benefits for a worthwhile cause, are often WORSE than the bars. I dunno.. I play 6 string and sing in my small church every Sunday,and the folks like my music as much as the barflies do on Fri and Sat nights .. Its been the same thing for years.. No problems or guilt playing clubs,then all of a sudden on any given night... Sodom and Gomorrah....... bob

[This message was edited by Bob Carlucci on 18 February 2004 at 03:34 AM.]

Larry Behm · From: Mt Angel, Or 97362

Sit back, fall in love with the sound of the steel, close your eyes and let the the night and all of the bad elements just pass you by. I do not play for the truckers and the hookers, I play because I love it and this gives me a chance to do that.

As far as playing for the masses, they are not listening, they did not come to hear the steel player demonstrate his ability to play every lick he knows in every song he plays. They do not even know that you are not the keyboard player. They do not know what effects you use or when, or what volume pedal you have or what amp etc.

Play because you love to play, honor the Lord with your music to whoever might be listening, take the money and run.

To me it is not about where I am but who I am in the Lord that makes the difference.

Nice thread.

Larry Behm

Paul King · From: Gainesville, Texas, USA

I play at church on a regular basis and occasionally go out and play. I never play at nightclubs. I do not drink nor do I care about being around it just as I do not smoke. I have sit down and played music with several guys in this are that do play clubs and our music at church is better and tighter than those I have played music with that do play clubs. Some people feel ok doing clubs but for me I feel it is not the place I need to be. I do not want to criticize those that play clubs if they feel they can be a Christian and play there. I feel that is between them and the Lord. I played a club one time and I felt terrible and felt like I had betrayed my parents for the way they had raised me. It all worked out ok and I promised myself I would never play a club again. Sometimes in life circumstances arise that make us do things to support our families and we feel we have no choice. Once again I do not condemn any of you that play clubs I just do not feel it is where I want to be playing.

Rick McDuffie · From: Benson, North Carolina, USA

Daddy used to say, "I felt like a gardenia in a garbage can." I'd say, if you get the feeling that you're in over your head... then get out!

I quit playing rock gigs as a teenager because of the way girls were throwing themselves at us. I knew what I wanted out of life, and I had enough sense to know that those girls weren't going to get me there. It was way too much temptation, so I just removed myself from it- and I joined a dance band with some married guys in their 30's and 40's that played Autumn Leaves, September Song and Misty for the over-40 set!

... and I made a killing (by 1973 standards) for over 2 years.

I know what you're talking about, Bob. I played a solo acoustic gig in a restaurant a couple of years ago- it was a Fri.-Sat. thing. The Friday night crowd was wonderful- they were eating, laughing- lots of requests, applause, merriment and interaction. The Saturday night crowd was there to get drunk, and I was a potted plant. It was grim and depressing, and I had no interest in ever playing there again.

So... here's where I draw the line: If people are having alcohol with their hors d'ourves (did I spell that right, CB?) or with their meal, I'm ok with it. If they came to get drunk, I'm not their man. To use a biblical metaphor, I'm not casting my pearls before swine.

Each of us must find his/her own way on this.

Rick

Walter Hamlin · From: Talladega, Alabama, USA

Read Romans 1:21-32 and especially the last part of verse 32. Are we receiving pleasure from others who come to the bars to do their thing? Bob you have touched on something that I have a problem with also. I have been in bars and clubs many years ago and I know what it is like. I play in a band now and we only do family shows. If a child cannot go and be with their family w/o being embarrassed about what their parents do I don't want to be a part of it. I think IMHO that people go to the bars to drink, get drunk, chase women most of the time. If we were to go them and witness to those people about Christ, the owner would throw us out because he would lose business.
I have stepped inside of them to listen to a picker looked around and walked out. Thankful that I did not have to sit in them night after night.
God Bless,
Walter

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Interesting thread Bob,

I am suprised you have not been heckled off the forum for bringing the subject up in today's political correctness paranoia. I am confident given enough time and it probably will yet happen.

Ponder this. To God, ALL sin is abomination. To man some sins are and some sins aren't. Sadly this changes throughout time and era. God can not look upon sin. Man can and does often.

We are all wretched sinners in God's eyes. The difference between a righteous person and an unrighteous person is NOT that one does not sin (for we all do often) and the other one does.

It is that little voice inside that says, "you should not do that". For therein lies the secret to overcoming sin and having joy in one's life. When one hears that "voice" and asks forgiveness is when life really takes on joy, peace and meaning.

When one does not hear that voice; or worse, rejects it for whatever reason; is when life is in trouble and ultimately if NOT corrected ends in pain (often unmerciful pain).

Playing in a bar is a serious choice for a consecrated Christian. And all that has been said in this thread is true. But be aware of this dear brother Christian, sin is sin is sin.

When you pay money to so see, or rent a movie; that you KNOW runs a high risk of your creator's name being taken in vain; or you do it yourself; YOU are NO less guilty of unrigteosness than that harlot or drunk womanizer in the bar. Because taking our Lord's name in vain is blaspheming God. The ultimate sin.

The same goes for ANY of God's commandments. Regardless of what man says.

Jesus, who was and is God (John 10:30), sees our hearts. He is NOT concerned with the physical aspects of sin. He IS concerned with the cause of the sin. And that is the heart. For he said,

"It is written, thou shall not commit adultery, but I say unto you, that a man who looketh upon a woman to lust after her, committeth adultery ALREADY in his heart".

Meaning of course that to think it IS to do in in the eyes of Jesus.

So what man among us is NOT guilty of Jesus words?

My point is simply this. It is NOT what WE see, IE, the physical manisfestataion of sin. It is what HE sees. And that is the heart. AND the difference.

Click here for the rest of the story

[This message was edited by C Dixon on 18 February 2004 at 07:45 AM.]

jim milewski · From: stowe, vermont

who said this, "He is no fool who gives up what he can't keep, to gain what he can't lose" .....the woman in the Mike P story has found comfort in something that will fade, a distant second to the peace that passeth understanding. Anyway, I fall into the group that does play in clubs, with steel, my eyes are on the fretboard and I don't see most of the dance floor/ bar scenes, and the clubs are the VFW, Legions, and are probably quite tame to some others

Pat Burns · From: Branchville, N.J. USA

..I'm a convert to Catholicism, the members of which are also Christians, as some of you guys may or may not be aware...the original ones, as a matter of fact...

...I wish I had played rock gigs as a teenager and had all those girls throwing themselves at me...would have given me something to atone for!...even St. Augustine, as a young man, had the sense to research his subject matter before he jumped to any conclusions...

...I think everyone should go back and read what Crowbear had to say...he nailed it, and that says it all for me, better than I could have said it...

...still haven't done it?...come on, go back and read it!...thanks, Crowbear..

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

When you are playing in a bar, you are encouraging people to spend their time there. The business of bars is to sell drinks. The longer people are there, the more drinks they will buy. As a Christian, I would have a hard time justifying my playing there. I don't want to preach to anyone but I can't help but be reminded of those bracelets the kids wear. They had on them: WWJD. That stood for "What Would Jesus Do?"
Erv

PS: To Pat,
I hate to burst your bubble but Catholics were not the original Christians, Baptists were. Haven't you read about John the BAPTIST?

Walter Hamlin · From: Talladega, Alabama, USA

Read Romans 1:21-32 and especially the last part of verse 32. Are we receiving pleasure from others who come to the bars to do their thing? Bob you have touched on something that I have a problem with also. I have been in bars and clubs many years ago and I know what it is like. I play in a band now and we only do family shows. If a child cannot go and be with their family w/o being embarrassed about what their parents do I don't want to be a part of it. I think IMHO that people go to the bars to drink, get drunk, chase women most of the time. If we were to go them and witness to those people about Christ, the owner would throw us out because he would lose business.
I have stepped inside of them to listen to a picker looked around and walked out. Thankful that I did not have to sit in them night after night.
God Bless,
Walter

LARRY COLE · From: LANCASTER, OHIO, USA

Oh no, here I go again. Sometimes I feel like I am trying to be the forum chaplin. Here is a link to the subject that was discussed a while back. I was just reading where Mike Sweeney said to read Matthew 7:1 to 5. Don't stop there read the whole 7th chapter, it takes on a whole different meaning in this matter. Keep in mind that the Christians talent is God given.
Jody, Jesus went to where the sinners were to save them, not to entertain them or party with them.
The bottom line is whitch is more important to you, playing for God or playing for the world.
I know what I chose.

http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum15/HTML/004095.html

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Playing For JESUS,LC. WILLIAMS U12,SHO-BUD PRO1,CARVIN TL60,GIBSON LES PAUL CUSTOM,YAMAHA L-10A ACOUSTIC,ROLAND JW-50 KEYBOARD,G&L AND BC RICH BASS'S

Walter Hamlin · From: Talladega, Alabama, USA

Let me add what I forgot to say on my other post. To me Romans 1:32 says that if we receive pleasure in sins others do then we are as guilty as they are.
Some say that Jesus would go into them also, maybe so and if he did, would he be going in there to entertain them and receive pleasure from what they were doing and support their lifestyle or try to get them to come out of it and live the life style he teaches.
We cannot be a pacifist on some absolutes, but we have to stand firm on Biblical facts.

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