Becareful what you wish for "RFB Going On The Road"

Jim Walker · Post by **Jim Walker** » 13 Apr 2009 2:56 pm

When Adam Biddle and I put the Rowdy Friends Band together a little over a year ago, I said "I just wish we could make a living playing music, even if it meant we had to hit the road".

The band has rapidly and incredibly reached a point where we have to decide to "Run with the Big Dogs" or "Stay on the porch". The word has traveled far and wide that The Rowdy Friends are capable of putting on concert level shows with enthusiasm, maintaining pride in our work and a slightly above average amount of musicianship. Agents, clubs and management companies have been ringing our phones off the hook for the last couple of months. We have been slow to accept any offers but today we booked a Road Job for a guaranteed $2,800 bucks plus accommodations and the promise of several more similar or better paying gigs on the national level. $500 plus for 2 nights work is looking pretty good to me. Sure we could stay local and keep trying to survive on $200 a man a week.

I question myself. Is this what I really wanted to have happen? Am I going to be able to stand up to the riggers of the road? Will it really be worth it when it's all said and done?

This isn't my first rodeo. I've done some regional touring in the past. It's hard for me to sleep in strange places and the stress of consistently putting on a great show really takes it out of me. After a 300 to 700 mile weekend trip I usually collapse for 2 days or so.

The last week of this month and 1st weekend in May promises 2500 miles of driving but nearly a $1000 in compensation at a time when money is really tight and I need all I can get.

WHAT would you do?

Big Dog? or Porch?

JW

Tom Quinn · Post by **Tom Quinn** » 13 Apr 2009 3:14 pm

1. How old are you?
2. Are you married or have kids somewhere?
3. Anyone in the band have alcohol or substance abuse issues?
4. Anyone in the band have anger management issues?
5. Where do you want to be in five years?

When it is all said and done, playing out of town can be a gas as long as you are not leaving anyone behind or getting into a dark situation.

Rock on!

Ken Lang · Post by **Ken Lang** » 13 Apr 2009 5:08 pm

I wouldn't call $200 a week surviving. Go for the biggie for a while and have some fun, see how it goes. After all, we're not usually sorry for the things we done, it's the things we didn't do.

Russ Tkac · Post by **Russ Tkac** » 13 Apr 2009 6:02 pm

Tom,

That is a the best answer to the question! You hit the nail on the head.

Russ

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 14 Apr 2009 11:58 am

Personally, I have been there and done that... I got the T-shirt AND the cap... and I'd say BOTH Tom's and Ken's responses are right on the money.

"It's not what I did, it's what I didn't do," as Steve Wariner's great country song from the 80's opined.

Jim Walker · Post by **Jim Walker** » 14 Apr 2009 10:32 pm

Here ya go Tom:

1. How old are you? A: 40

2. Are you married or have kids somewhere? A: No wife or kids, just my Dad I have been caring for for 6 years but I have someone that will stay with him while I'm gone.

3. Anyone in the band have alcohol or substance abuse issues? A: We drink like fish. (After the show)

4. Anyone in the band have anger management issues? A: Only when we don't drink. (After the show)

5. Where do you want to be in five years? A: In a big a$$ club playing music for fat money, skinny chicks and tall beers.

L to R Top: Adam Biddle - Vocals, Jamie Hughes - Bass and Vocals, Jim Walker - Engineer, Steel, Lead Guitar and Vocals.

L to R Front: Adam Groves - Drums and Driver, Doug Perkins - Lead Guitar, Synth and Vocals.

I've gotten a few email responses as well. Most say go for it. As far as I'm concerned, it's a go but not everyone in band seems to concur. The Jury is still out but the decision has to be made by April 21st. I'll keep you'all posted.

Meanwhile, tell me where you expect me to be in 5 years. LOL

JW