Do you play guitar for a living
- Thread starter Session 5
- Start date
I became a BMI registered recording artist at 15, #550196614. I spent many years playing for hire. My last paying job was bassist with a blues band. I resigned in July of 2017 after one year to pursue my own interests. With the blues band, I earned $500/week plus 15% of merchandise. It was a great job. We played a lot of blues clubs, private parties and wineries, but it just wasn't my style of music.
I'm freelancing now as a guitarist and music teacher, plus building my own custom guitars and doing setups, so it's all fun-money so to speak - a nice supplement to my retirement...
Last edited:
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
Did it for a few years when I thought I would be a "rock star" but barely made ends meet. In the end the lifestyle wasn't for me, and when I met the right girl I hung it up for good. Of course, she ended up not being the "right" girl after all but I do still have the music even if I don't make any money at it.
The "Rock Star" phase for me was living in L.A. between 1988-1990 and I played for a living during that period...Like a musical hooker.
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
That's what it felt like. Tough lifestyle.
I remember Carlos Cavazos telling me a story about borrowing money from a friend for a hamburger and listening to Metal Health being played over the radio in the burger joint while he was eating. True story...
gball
Ambassador of Boogie
I've heard that same story from too many guys in too many big bands that you would have thought were rolling in cash. The music business is a bitch.
Yes indeed, Tone Brother...
