tribute

[KeithReynolds]

No Keith, PEOPLE in cover bands aren't ripping on anyone. A PERSON in a cover band is.
Andrea

I know I didnt wanna single anyone out and have them cry again, so I spoke generally.
For the record, my reading and comprehension skills are pretty good. I can usually follow whats going on when grownups talk.



Anyway, Im actually still confused on what the hell California has to do with anything. We are all the way across the country.

Chicksinga- Its such a strange topic for someone to be such a martyr for to be honest. You arent trying to change anything. You just seem to be mad that your brand of covers dont book as well or something. You cant be mad at others because you arent a local or world superstar. It has NOTHING to do with them.

Another thing, im ALL for speaking out against things if its what I feel, but the people you mentioned, spoke out against other things besides diving lines in cover bands. Are you seriously comparing ANYONE who spoke out or tried to change something to this situation?

Btw, if youve been in the music biz for so long, why are you saying that NOW its about money? Its ALWAYS been about money. Its just that now, less risks are taken by the people WITH the money.

[CHICKSINGA]

I mentioned LA because I said in an earlier post that this area is becoming just like it. I can do that, cause I was there. IF you really read through these posts you might have seen that.
I never disparaged one band by name in my posts. I told Victor Synn he is a great singer, mentioned that I Looove Jimi Hatt (Greg) and extolled thier virtues saying they were pioneers.

I have been playing music all my life and writing it for over half. I am from here. What Martyrdom do you speak of? I am simply pointing out that I don't like TRIBUTE bands, bands that PRETEND to be a single different band, dress like them, act like them, talk like them. BE them.
There have been Tributes for years, ELVIS, anyone? But it is getting more prevalent. They are getting top gigs here.
Martyrdom to what? The Gods of Altoona? Please.
and ok I DO ADMIT it - I don't Like bands that Aren't Bands!

Look if you want to PRETEND that certain bands around here don't get preferential treatment, that the ticker in rockpage works by number of hits a band gets & not a computer trick, that being friends with the guy who owns/books 4 D's make getting booked easier, That Claudio won't pay you out of his pocket so ya better bring a crowd, that you have to PAY to get the cover of a certain local music magazine, that kissing certain ass doesn't hurt, and on & on well more POWER & GIGS to you!!

I'm not gonna play the bullshit game.

[4_the_pocket]

This is the funniest thread Ive read in a long time on here and sure beats the hell out of POLITICS.

I think my motto applies to just about every situation mentioned in this thread:

Adapt, overcome OR step aside.

[sstuckey]

But hey, it's the world now isn't it? I left LA because that's all it was.
I came home to a refreshing spirit of creativity & comeraderie.
It's all gone, now. Everyone is so dead set on being the biggest they
Will do anything for that. I'm just gonna play & do what I do, be me.
I won't get rich, won't have giant parties thrown in my honor, be on the
Roster of every festival in town, be a celeb or any of that. I'll just be me.
Singin'.
There was a time when speaking out and trying to change things meant something. Now all it means is that I'm not going along with the plan.
Abbie Hoffman, Timothy Leary, Janis, etc. they all had something to say. I guess I live in the past. But that's ok, I'm fine there.

Camaraderie is gone? I don't know about all that. Seems like there is a lot of different people here defending tribute bands. And the majority of those people don't play in tribute bands. Look at the congrats Limb by Limb got for the gig they recently landed. Clearly we support each other.

[CHICKSINGA]

I wil just be me - no brown nosin', no acting like I'm God's gift to music, no believing my own press or being one of the psuedo intelligentsia that went to LA & came back to the same old bars like some victorious warrior.

Let's face it - you are playing the same old gigs in the same old places that you have been for years. If that makes you important, one of popular, part of the cool, wow for you.

it's Altoona & State College. You record all the indy you want, play the big deal game all you want. Hell, even have an ENTOURAGE! it's all pissant bullshit.

In the Big world out there no one cares.
Where's your Grammy?
As if Grammy's meant anything, anyway.

[CHICKSINGA]

I did congratulate Limb by Limb! That is a REAL achievement and I hope they continue

[kayla]

Camaraderie is gone? I don't know about all that. Seems like there is a lot of different people here defending tribute bands. And the majority of those people don't play in tribute bands. Look at the congrats Limb by Limb got for the gig they recently landed. Clearly we support each other.

ya i definitely agree that its not gone. our band has had a ridiculous amount of support and found good friendship is some of the more seasoned bands around. the support we receive blows my mind at times, from help with practice space to gear and beyond, its truly amazing.

and tribute bands...keep on rockin.

- kayla.

[CHICKSINGA]

I'm happy for you Kayla, you have been invited to play with us, and you can anytime. I'm glad to see you finally speaking for yourself instead of cherrleading others posts. You have a pure spirit, out there all the time learning and growing.

But be your own hero, girl.

[Jim Price]

CHICKSINGA wrote:

...that you have to PAY to get the cover of a certain local music magazine

For the record, the apparent local music magazine being referred to stopped selling its cover years ago. It does, however, select bands and groups for the cover from those who have advertised with the publication for at least six months.

That might also be construed as "paying to get on the cover," but it is also rewarding groups and artists who support the publication, since advertising revenue is how the magazine stays in business.

[CHICKSINGA]

Thanks for the clarity, Jim.

So - The cover is given to those who spend advertising money in the last six months, and you chose a band from that criteria, correct?

Has there ever been a band on the cover who didn't pay for advertising but sheerly out of musical prowess?

Just curious.

[sstuckey]

Look if you want to PRETEND that certain bands around here don't get preferential treatment, that the ticker in rockpage works by number of hits a band gets & not a computer trick, that being friends with the guy who owns/books 4 D's make getting booked easier, That Claudio won't pay you out of his pocket so ya better bring a crowd, that you have to PAY to get the cover of a certain local music magazine, that kissing certain ass doesn't hurt, and on & on well more POWER & GIGS to you!!

I'm not gonna play the bullshit game.

Wow you just laid it all out there didn't you?

Do certain bands get preferential treatment? Sure. Why? Because bar owners would be out of business pretty darn quick if they didn't book popular bands that bring crowds. That's called economics. So if one band guarantees you a profit and ultimately pays the bills for that month of course they are going to book certain bands that deliver that dough!

As far as the rockpage ticker? WOW I mean do I even respond to that nonsense?! Do you have any evidence of that statement?

Being friends with the owner of 4'ds makes getting booked there easier? Well no shit!! If I owned a club and one of my friends played in a band I'd offer them a job before I'd give one to a complete stranger. That's called being a friend.

Claudio won't pay you of your pocket? Ummm is he supposed to? You better bring a crowd? Well duh!! Again you really don't understand the concept of economics. These owners HAVE to make a profit. It's as simple as that.

Pay to get on the cover of a certain local magazine? I never knew that. It didn't cost me a dime but maybe things have changed since then.

[sstuckey]

I wil just be me - no brown nosin', no acting like I'm God's gift to music, no believing my own press or being one of the psuedo intelligentsia that went to LA & came back to the same old bars like some victorious warrior.

Let's face it - you are playing the same old gigs in the same old places that you have been for years. If that makes you important, one of popular, part of the cool, wow for you.

it's Altoona & State College. You record all the indy you want, play the big deal game all you want. Hell, even have an ENTOURAGE! it's all pissant bullshit.

In the Big world out there no one cares.
Where's your Grammy?
As if Grammy's meant anything, anyway.

Who is this 'you' that you speak of?

[Jim Price]

I would have to check, but some of the PA acts that achieved the next level, i.e. Halestorm, Poison, Jeffrey Gaines, Fuel, etc. might have been picked based on their achievement. They previously advertised at some point, but the news of their achievement to the next level got them on the cover when they were signed or issued their first national album. In those instances, the cover recognized their career milestones.

[CHICKSINGA]

You can accuse all you want of me not knowing economics. IF there wasn't preferential treatment to bands, more bands would have the chance to play and bring in more of a crowd. But how can you do that if the same old glad handing keeps on happening?

The ticker thing IS TRUE - I know how to do it, but I don't.

YEP friends should always give gigs to friends rather than good bands, RIGHT?

MANY Bars pay an agreed amount. Claudio doesn't hide this, but talk to some who have played there about things that have happened. To his Credit I will say Claude has a really nice club, stage & PA. GREAT place to get Band Shots!!!

I am waiting on the cover answer. We had to PAY to be on the cover of Music Connection in LA too.

Out of curiosity, what band do you play for?

[CHICKSINGA]

I wil just be me - no brown nosin', no acting like I'm God's gift to music, no believing my own press or being one of the psuedo intelligentsia that went to LA & came back to the same old bars like some victorious warrior.

Let's face it - you are playing the same old gigs in the same old places that you have been for years. If that makes you important, one of popular, part of the cool, wow for you.

it's Altoona & State College. You record all the indy you want, play the big deal game all you want. Hell, even have an ENTOURAGE! it's all pissant bullshit.

In the Big world out there no one cares.
Where's your Grammy?
As if Grammy's meant anything, anyway.

Who is this 'you' that you speak of?

It's a general YOU

[Victor Synn]

Just wanted to thank Greg for the kudos. And Greg speaks 100% truth when it comes to HF1. It took he and I months to pave the road for the band to even happen. But I knew that I had one of the most proficient guitarists in the state with me and I was not letting that go. Then when we got Hugh, Michael J., and Iva, forget about it. I'll stand by that group of four guys till my last breath. That's how good they are at what they do. And just to clarify a fact that Greg stated, I've sung styles from Philly Soul to Nu-Metal. Hair Metal is my heart and soul. Doing a tribute to me means I am showing my appreciation for the musicians who wrote the soundtrack to my life, so to speak. Trust me when I say that these musicians also appreciate what we do. I've received personal thank you's from Firehouse, Eric Brittingham and Jeff LaBar of Cinderella, Steve Whiteman of Kix, Reb Beach and Kip Winger. And since Bret Michaels was mentioned before, we opened for him and he was a total douchebag. Bottom line here: If the artists themselves don't give a damn about tributes, why should anyone else?

[sstuckey]

You can accuse all you want of me not knowing economics. IF there wasn't preferential treatment to bands, more bands would have the chance to play and bring in more of a crowd. But how can you do that if the same old glad handing keeps on happening?

The ticker thing IS TRUE - I know how to do it, but I don't.

YEP friends should always give gigs to friends rather than good bands, RIGHT?

MANY Bars pay an agreed amount. Claudio doesn't hide this, but talk to some who have played there about things that have happened. To his Credit I will say Claude has a really nice club, stage & PA. GREAT place to get Band Shots!!!

I am waiting on the cover answer. We had to PAY to be on the cover of Music Connection in LA too.

Out of curiosity, what band do you play for?

Obviously these owners are booking acts that guarantees them money. Whether it's a friend of theirs, a local band, a regional band, or whatever. They are booking bands that they think will cover the bills that month. It's not in their best interest to consider your art or talent. So if the same bands and the same friends bring them money they are obviously going to book them as often as they possibly can. How are you not understanding this rather simple concept?

Hey if you know how to get more hits...click away. Do whatcha gotta do. I don't know how to do it or NaildriveR (the band I play for, since you asked) would be on top of that list.

If you don't like the 'agreed amount' idea or feel you are being short-changed. Play for the door. Get your own doorman and play for the door. That takes that completely out of the equation and then it's up to you to produce the people.

[CHICKSINGA]

I reiterate -

"IF there wasn't preferential treatment to bands, more bands would have the chance to play and bring in more of a crowd. But how can you do that if the same old glad handing keeps on happening? "

Why don't you tell me in your supreme knowledge of economics HOW that is fair or gives anyone opportunity EXCEPT the bands that are given the PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT. Perhaps Naildriver is such, don't know.

SOO - you are saying that if you knew how to use the computer trick to FAKE your bands POSITION you would?

Let me tell you something - I've been playing professionally or as a hobby for 30 years. I have toured the US, recorded in LA, Played in Europe. I don't know what your experience level is. But please don't talk to me like I am a newbie. WHY don't you tell me your AMAZING SECRET TO SUCCESS?

BTW
My name is Trace Baker. I play guitar & sing lead for Hot Damn.

[sstuckey]

I reiterate -

"IF there wasn't preferential treatment to bands, more bands would have the chance to play and bring in more of a crowd. But how can you do that if the same old glad handing keeps on happening? "

Why don't you tell me in your supreme knowledge of economics HOW that is fair or gives anyone opportunity EXCEPT the bands that are given the PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT. Perhaps Naildriver is such, don't know.

SOO - you are saying that if you knew how to use the computer trick to FAKE your bands POSITION you would?

Let me tell you something - I've been playing professionally or as a hobby for 30 years. I have toured the US, recorded in LA, Played in Europe. I don't know what your experience level is. But please don't talk to me like I am a newbie. WHY don't you tell me your AMAZING SECRET TO SUCCESS?

BTW
My name is Trace Baker. I play guitar & sing lead for Hot Damn.

Why do the owners have to care about fairness? Does fairness pay the bills? They are out to make money they are not in the 'caring about your feelings business' they are in the 'business to make money'. Why should they give a damn about fairness? Should the Chicago Bears let me play running back just because it's not fair that I didn't get the chance to. (which by the way would be an epic disaster if they did)

The computer ticker thing was sarcasm. As long as we are on the list I don't give a damn where we are placed. And to the best of my knowledge we are there legitimately.

I never once said I had a secret to success. I'm just debatting with your opinions is all. And I refuse to address your comment on musical resumes. I'm not going to be drug into a pissing match over who has done what.

[StumbleFingers]

This is all Obama's fault.

[CHICKSINGA]

Oh don't fret, honey. I know you don't have the answers. You more than likely have LOTS of friends to come to see your shows, cause isn't that what friends do?

As far as your sarcasm, uh huh
I just caught you. But niiiice on the bailout.

OR you might just be GOD'S GIFT to the world of whatever instrument you play. Doesn't matter.
I don't want to enter into a pissing match at all - I was just telling you to MIND who you might be talking down to Big Boy.

I guess I'll just have to come out and see Naildriver for myself to see what kind of resume you got, WON'T I?

[CHICKSINGA]

This is all Obama's fault.

FUCK, GREG!!!

I WAS GETTIN' TO THAT!!!!

xxx

[DickShackBass]

Im not taking sides, I just want to say that maybe Steve doesn't want to brag about what he's done but I will say, he has QUITE a nice resume.

Andrea

[HurricaneBob]

Bad attitudes get all the work, sheesh!!

[CHICKSINGA]

Well now Andrea, AS I SAID, I wasn't taking kindly to being talked down to by someone who may not have the bullets to shoot. Get my drift. honey?

I'm not bragging what I said is just true, what is it that makes you such that you can call me a braggart? Are you in a band? I'd love to check out your chops. Seriously. I would love to see just what makes you soooo smart.

Let's hear this resume - or are we talkin about something else, wink wink?
And if we are, well there you go.