I Am No Longer a Derailer

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 8 Dec 2008 7:50 pm

After six years of hard touring, driving and putting on a suit, my run with the Derailers is over.
I have been all over the world with these guys, recorded on three albums shot a couple of videos, played the Opry six times, and did it with great people and musicians.
I have great admiration for Brian Hofeldt, Scott Mathews, Ed Adkins, Kevin Smith, Tony Villanueva, and of course, my good friend, Sweet Basil McJagger. I will miss sharing the stage with them dearly.
This past year was tough financially with $4 gas, a record label that bailed on it's responsibilities, and the economy keeping people out of venues.
With the band being based in Austin and me in the D/FW area, it was becoming obvious that I/they can no longer afford commuting and the band could no longer afford paying me for expenses and my gig pay. It was a mutual agreement, and the band will go on 4 piece. The tour mgr also got laid off.
So I'm looking forward to playing locally and get back to doing more singing, writing and playing guitar for a while. I still plan on touring when things get better.
I will really miss all of my Austin friends, as I have made so many in the past six years.
I will take the holiday season off to re-learn all of the cover tunes I have forgot. I've been playing mostly original music for the past 20 years. I'm not sure I could kick off Crazy Arms...hahaha
God speed Derailers. I'll see you down the road.
Peace

Henry Nagle · Post by **Henry Nagle** » 8 Dec 2008 7:56 pm

I'm sorry. It sounds like it was a nice run, and life may be more relaxing now too.

Brian Rung · Post by **Brian Rung** » 8 Dec 2008 8:13 pm

OK Chris, this is our chance to start our Poco tribute band...how u been?

Charles Dempsey · Post by **Charles Dempsey** » 8 Dec 2008 8:39 pm

I'm sorry to hear that. The Derailers is a righteous band. I know they tour hard, and that's a problem. I can't imagine living out of a suitcase. These days when I hear that whistle blow the main thing I want to do is head to the house.

The GF told me that we've got her company dinner Thursday eve. My first thought was, "s**t! I've got to put on a suit!".

Charlie (purely hates wearing a suit!)

Mike Poholsky · Post by **Mike Poholsky** » 8 Dec 2008 9:15 pm

Sorry to hear that Chris. Times are tough right now. I'm sure you have some great memories. Just a killer band. "Soldiers of Love" didn't leave my CD player for months! Good luck to you!

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 8 Dec 2008 9:29 pm

Chris

I always enjoyed watching you guys "live".

Hardest working band in show business.

R2

Pete Finney · Post by **Pete Finney** » 8 Dec 2008 10:26 pm

Best of luck Chris, it won't be the same without you; you were a big part of their sound since you joined...

It's been good hanging (and playing) a little bit with Ed Adkins since he moved here a few months ago...

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 9 Dec 2008 5:43 am

Brian how are you doing? I haven't seen you around in a while. I saw your old Blanton when we did a show with Doug Moreland this summer. Dan Johnson was playing it.
Pete, thanks for the kind words. I talked to Ed the other day and it sounds like he's really happy to be up that way. He's a great guy and player.

Joe Goldmark · Post by **Joe Goldmark** » 9 Dec 2008 1:38 pm

You were "All The Rage In Paris!" Chris, all of us steel players hate it when a band goes steel-less. It sure makes the band less interesting. I know they used to use pick up guys before you joined, but it wasn't the same. You're a very good player, and you always played interesting, well thought out parts. I'm sure you'll enjoy staying home for awhile, especially in the winter, and you'll fall into some good local jobs.

Good luck,
Joe

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 9 Dec 2008 2:24 pm

really a shame when a good original cd selling group can't even afford to play. shame on the world!

and what, only the top ten charting acts can afford to tour? ..and then only because of merchandise sales? what's wrong with this picture?

yet millions of dollars are available for all the dancing,writing, glitzy background crap that allows brittany to lay her almost inaudible voice into the mix (where any voice would work) and...oh forget it!

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 9 Dec 2008 2:26 pm

Thanks Joe. I think they will still use steel on some spot gigs here and there, if and when things get better.
They are going to be out west in Feb so maybe you can hook up on a gig or two.

Brian Rung · Post by **Brian Rung** » 9 Dec 2008 9:03 pm

Hangin' in there Chris, still trying to become a steel player, tough to do when 99% of the calls that I get are for lead guitar gigs...oh well, at least they call. Sometimes I just take the steel anyway...you gotta force the country on some folks that don't know any better.

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 10 Dec 2008 6:54 am

Chris, I hope things work out well for you and wish that I would have had the chance to see you guys play live. As I told you on the phone the Derailers are one of my favorite groups.

Bill Terry · Post by **Bill Terry** » 10 Dec 2008 11:21 am

Hey Chris... call up Karen French and let's start a new band. You can play steel since you're the old guy.

Sometimes I just take the steel anyway...

Hey Brian, that's exactly what I did when I got my first steel. I just showed up at a gig with it (along with the guitar rig) and set it up. The other band guys were not particularly enthused initially (understandably) but once I got a bit more proficient they started liking it. It sure accelerated the learning process.

Ron Wright · Post by **Ron Wright** » 10 Dec 2008 12:00 pm

sorry to hear this Cris ,, your playing keeps me up nights learning derailer tunes.. Ron

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 10 Dec 2008 1:14 pm

Hey Bill, my sister saw Karen at a class reunion here recently. I forgot about playing with her.
All you guys better straighten up your acts. I'm coming after your gigs.....hahaha

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 10 Dec 2008 1:15 pm

Ron Wright wrote:sorry to hear this Cris ,, your playing keeps me up nights learning derailer tunes.. Ron

I wish my playing could keep me awake.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 10 Dec 2008 5:16 pm

the case of the 'derailed derailer'!!

Danny Naccarato · Post by **Danny Naccarato** » 10 Dec 2008 6:25 pm

Hey Chris old Buddy..... I know that had to be tough. It was a Steeler's dream gig. I was looking forward to a few joint gigs this Feb with you . Obviously your deep TX Music roots from years of playing the non-top 40 stuff in TX will have your phone ringing off the hook. Enjoy your few days off as it won't last long..

:)

Folks, from back in the late 80's, around DFW, Chris and Ricky Davis were the busiest steelers, playing the alternative music scene, well before it became as popular as it is now, in TX and OK. Both those guys were well know then, and were first calls for a lot of those bands, throughout the state. Neither of these guys ever ventured into the top 40 Bubble Gum music, and have done well at it. Chris will not get to enjoy any time off, IMHO.

KENNY KRUPNICK · Post by **KENNY KRUPNICK** » 11 Dec 2008 7:31 pm

Chris, I s the first couple CD recordings that The Derailers recorded still available?

Bowie Martin · Post by **Bowie Martin** » 12 Dec 2008 9:47 am

Chris, sorry to learn you have left them. Always enjoyed catching you guys when you were in the NC area. What is Tony doing? Is he back with the group now? Wish you the best!

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 12 Dec 2008 10:51 am

Tony has been gone for 5 years and he ain't coming back.

Mark Durante · Post by **Mark Durante** » 13 Dec 2008 4:40 am

Chris,
I can relate, the band I have been with for 13 years, (the Waco Brothers), decided they have had enough of my Cousin Jody inspired shenanigans and are going on without a steel also...

Johnny Thomasson · Post by **Johnny Thomasson** » 13 Dec 2008 1:22 pm

Hey Chris,

Sorry to hear about that; I know playing with the Derailers was a great gig. We had to scale back to four piece for many of the same reasons. Rick Garner is fronting the band, what a picker. We still use a steel when the money's right. If you're planning to sub any, pm me your phone number. We do a lot of swing, but I'll guarantee you'll get to practice kicking off Crazy Arms!

Chris Schlotzhauer · Post by **Chris Schlotzhauer** » 13 Dec 2008 4:24 pm

We still use a steel when the money's right.

Yeah $15 and free beer is about right for any steel player