When Infrastructures Crumble

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 25 Nov 2009 2:08 pm

We rely on a solid base infrastructure to obtain the things we need to carry on. The steel guitar industry is confined to a dependency of a small percentage of musicians holding their own in a dwindling job market. Profits are absorbed by the increased costs of necessary items...

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 25 Nov 2009 3:02 pm

Does this mean we're not going to get rich playing music? What a disappointment.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 25 Nov 2009 3:56 pm

Rick,

We're not getting any younger. If you haven't read the signs, wait a bit. The printing will become enlarged with each passing year. $:\$

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 25 Nov 2009 4:11 pm

That is true.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 25 Nov 2009 4:29 pm

Rick,I did get rich being a musician,just not MONEY rich. Been a honky tonk for over fifty years,Don't regret a minute of it. Doing something you LOVE means more than money to me. All my friends are poor pickers and I LOVE all of them,A band of brothers. YOU BETCHA,DYK?BC.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 25 Nov 2009 5:11 pm

Bama, I agree 100%. I wouldn't take anything for the friends I've made from music and the enjoyment it's given me. I'm so thankful that I choose another profession and used music as a hobby. If I had to depend on it for a living, I know I would not have enjoyed it near as much, just because of how I'm wired up. For me, I enjoy not having to play when the music sucks.

Eric West · Post by **Eric West** » 25 Nov 2009 5:22 pm

The leopard's pappy got the gout,
From eatin' too much speckled trout.

-That's what Uncle Remus said-.

Sorry. I have ailments of my own. It's always good to know we are fighting them together.

Humor has been helping me.. At least it ain't been hurting.

EJL

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 25 Nov 2009 6:33 pm

Eric,

I wince when I'm reminded that from what I gather, you are experiencing pain. It wasn't that long ago that you had told of your trucking for a living, plus how delighted you were with your music. It became quite obvious that your contributions on the forum were exceptional.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 25 Nov 2009 10:16 pm

Rick, you're right about the FRIENDS. Was talking to my daughter one time and told her,Honey you know I don't have ONE straight friend. She misunderstood and said what do you mean by STRAIGHT. Had to explain I meant NON musicians. The first real band I had around 56 or 57 was a trio,Amazing all three of us are still kicking and picking. Still as close as real brothers. There has been so many over the years can't count them. A LOT of them gone because of bad choices [alcohol and drugs] But they were still my family and I miss them. There are other people I'm acquainted with,but they don't understand me like my musicial brothers and sisters do. Maybe most pickers just have a little touch of eccentricity, I KNOW I'm crazy as hell but have a good time with my picking buddys. YOU BETCHA, DYK?BC.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 26 Nov 2009 5:25 am

Charles,

Happy Thanksgiving! Go easy on the fixings! Some time ago I had mentioned the sibling harmony team known as the Louvin Brothers. I considered them to be the best twosome of the harmony groups. When they sing about "ALABAMA"; "Alabama, you hold all I long for", only they could express a feeling of a longing to return. Pity, that much of country has passed. They have contributed their great vocalizations to the infrastructure of country music. I feel that great twosome harmonies will preserve country music for the years ahead.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Colm Chomicky · Post by **Colm Chomicky** » 26 Nov 2009 6:06 am

That's what I was worried about. When infrastructures crumble there will be no more bridges to burn.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 26 Nov 2009 4:25 pm

Colm,

Turns out that a healthy society with a good, better, and best general attitude, find fewer problems crossing waterways and maintaining their infrastructure. This of course after covered bridges were destroyed, and millions of dollars were spent allowing for cement trucks and other heavy vehicles to pass over new million dollar bridges on secondary roads leading to multimillion dollar country homes. Young upstarts are messing with heavy metal while basking in the sun near a flowering landscape, while country music fans usually work the 8:00 to 5:00 P.M. shift routinely to pay off a mortgage. Guess who is doing the most to maintain a healthy infrastructure. A few years down the road will provide the answer.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 27 Nov 2009 2:43 am

I get samplings of lackadaisical concerns these days, whenever the subject of COUNTRY MUSIC is brought up among the average teenaged boy or girl. Granted, there are those entertainers who are commanding big admission fees, with instant sellout crowds to youngsters straining to mimic the artist's performances in televised arenas. I'm wondering at this point, how much band effort is directed to elder singers, steel guitarists, etc. who make up the true infrastructure of country music? The problem with becoming a steel guitarist, remains unchanged. I seriously doubt if any elder steel guitarist ever quit playing cold turkey. I'd be more apt to believe that a kicking and screaming routine is more realistic! It's a common practice to put off making such drastic changes at a certain point in life. Several times, I've heard of someone's uncle, cousin, or grandfather splitting firewood at 100 years of age. I knew of such a person accomplishing the feat locally, at 106 years of age. As we turn to life as a steel guitarist, thoughts of loading up on a cold wintry evening to fill a gig, or stay in a warm home, will become a classic in advancing years. There are those things in life that are difficult to break away from. The steel guitar happens to be one of them. What is real country music? Take a trip down memory lane by listening to Jeannie Seely and her backup band on You Tube playing and singing; "Alright, I'll Sign The Papers". For those who are not familiar with a real country sound, Jeannie and the band will fill you in. Her singing of "Don't Touch Me" has not been surpassed in the vocalization department.(IMO) My point is - where might I find that much entertainment on my night out?

In a word, KNOWLEDGE is the INFRASTRUCTURE, not claims of worldly knowledge that never existed. My experience has been that success lies just over the line of failure. Perseverance and creativity will find you looking back at seemingly "insurmountable" challenges that gave way to patience and determination.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 28 Nov 2009 8:29 am

I saw the thread and thought you were talking about Detroit.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 28 Nov 2009 12:29 pm

Drew H.,

Maybe so, but it matters little. It turns out that the word infrastructure has been misused since 1917. I suspected that it could be brushed aside when I chanced introducing it to members on this forum. I should have known better. The word has no precise definition. I'll let it drift over the edge, and consider it a valuable lesson, if nothing else.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 28 Nov 2009 12:45 pm

Rick Campbell wrote:Does this mean we're not going to get rich playing music? What a disappointment.

Bang go my dreams of a lifetime.

I guess I have to cancel my order for a Lear Jet.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 28 Nov 2009 1:04 pm

Alan,

This could mean that money and Lear Jets will be the last things on our minds as we approach the 100 years of age mark. Objects that we take for granted in our youth become more beautiful as we age. Not a good proposition, good buddy Alan.

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 29 Nov 2009 1:23 am

Bill, speaking of Lear Jets and Objects that you take for granted. As you get older you still take off with that mighty roar but then you find you can't get the landing gear up.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 29 Nov 2009 4:48 am

Bo Legg,

You speak the truth! There are no shortages of things that tend to exacerbate the inability to respond accordingly to the call for needful things. This trip brought before you, with a few words that implicate advancing age must be reconsidered. The streamlined perfection of a Lear Jet, no doubt was produced mainly by graying at the temples middle aged engineers. A magnificent flying machine created by thousands of skilled hands, and unaffordable to 6 figures incomes. Skipping back to polished steel guitars as a Christmas Gift, is a bit more practical than fueling a Lear Jet in 2010.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 29 Nov 2009 12:58 pm

there will always be McDonald`s ...

Db

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 29 Nov 2009 1:16 pm

Damir,

I've been reminded of the dirt cheap prices charged at McDonald's when they first opened. Today there are no bargains to be found there. Those fifteen cents french fries and hamburgers are gone forever. Let's face it, kiss a $20.00 bill goodbye for two people who wish to enjoy a few items on the menu. I, for one, am not impressed with any part of the situation. I grew up on potatoes. If there is one food that I know through and through, it's the out of season potato.

Clint Jones · Post by **Clint Jones** » 29 Nov 2009 4:00 pm

Rick Campbell wrote:I'm so thankful that I choose another profession and used music as a hobby.

I have played for nearly 46 years. Some professionally and most for fun. My first marraige prevented me from carrying on in a life I thought I wouldv'e wanted forever. My second marraige to my absolute best friend in life has proven that the first decision was correct. I would rather play at a small group gathering or our own "Concerts on the Loop" (we live on a Loop) than in front of any audience ever again for money. It is truley much more rewarding. I can finally see that I am not alone in my thinking. Thanks Rick
Clint

Barry Blackwood · Post by **Barry Blackwood** » 30 Nov 2009 7:25 am

I've been reminded of the dirt cheap prices charged at McDonald's when they first opened. Today there are no bargains to be found there.

Au contraire, my friend. Assuming you'll admit to being a "senior," you can get a cup o' joe there for .59¢ that rivals that $3.50 crap from Starbucks.

Bill Hankey · Post by **Bill Hankey** » 30 Nov 2009 8:20 am

Barry,

I believe that the clients who drive through "The Arch" are considered seniors after 50 years of age in some establishments. Contrary to what you may be thinking, many seniors avoid caffeine, and choose the noncaffeine version to avoid the stimulant and diuretic effect. Walking through the fast food floor space to be seated, while quietly observing food selections made by existing clientele, leaves no question in my mind about how much seniors are willing to spend. Fast food counters, chain stores, sandwich shops, you name it, never dwell on keeping a fresh "pot" on the counter. That's my story! As for taking care of business, I've been involved in heavy practice sessions. I'm due for creating some excitement (hopefully) in the coming New Year. Yes, a bundle of steel related activities.

Bo Legg · Post by **Bo Legg** » 30 Nov 2009 9:22 am

Bill, I envy your hope, excitement and expectations of a bundle of steel related activities in the up coming New Year.
I always dreamed of the day when I could retire and spend endless time with my music only to discover that the days are about half as long as they used to be and I am now the oldest and the trunk of the budding family tree.
As such it has now become my duty to reside over all birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, divorces, births, family squabbles and all things regarding money which it seems at times I alone keep the cash flow going for the whole tree.
I see no way to change this less the tree fall and this "leaves" (pun intended) me with little hope of ever having time for musical endeavors.

The Steel Guitar Forum

When Infrastructures Crumble

When Infrastructures Crumble

Could not agree more