ISGC and ME

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 17 May 2010 1:39 pm

Wow, I have been in the sound booth at the ISGC since around 1980 and good Lord willing, I will be there this year.

PLUS, I am PLAYING a spot on the show for the first time.

Here's a note from the Big "E" telling me how to handle the pressure:

"Bill,
Congratulations on getting the spot. It's hardly ever easy for me to get in front of so many critical ears without being edgy; but after having done it so many times, I've found that nervous energy has been a positive influence that made me concentrate more on what I was playing, and less about the presence of the crowd. As you progress through the set you'll loosen up naturally, so choosing something you are most comfortable with for the first tune will help. In short, being nervous can be as much of an asset as a liability if channeled in a positive direction. That direction would be concentrating solely on what you are playing.

Buddy"

So pray for me.

Bill

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 17 May 2010 2:43 pm

That was nice of Buddy, wasn't it?

I've heard similar advice from others, to be fair; I've also heard it said that, just as you're really hitting your stride and getting past the nerves, it's time to finish!!!

I bet you'll do just fine, Bill - I wish I could be there to see it, but I'll be working way out west on that day.

Break a leg!

Archie Nicol · Post by **Archie Nicol** » 17 May 2010 3:03 pm

...but not a string!

Good Luck.

Arch.

Ransom Beers · Post by **Ransom Beers** » 17 May 2010 4:04 pm

Bill,just picture everybody in the audience naked,you'll be fine!!

Buck Grantham · Post by **Buck Grantham** » 17 May 2010 4:06 pm

You,re gonna do great Bill. Just zero in on that guitar and the songs you,re gonna play and in five minutes you won,t even know a crowd is out there . And don,t get up tight and take all your songs off too fast. Love you guy !!!!!

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 17 May 2010 4:38 pm

Bill
Congratulations on getting the spot on the show!

There's no way you're not gonna be nervous, but like Big E said, you will loosen up. Talk to the audience like they're your friends... because they are.

I will give you a piece of advice that Johnny Bush gave me. Johnny said "the people out there in the audience PAID to see you play. They WANT to love you. Just show them that you love them back."

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 17 May 2010 4:58 pm

Congrats Bill, as our friend Ron Elliot told me.Don't worry about the other steel players, just play for the crowd. The best advice I ever got.
BD

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 17 May 2010 5:19 pm

Don't fret it Mr. Bill you'll be fine! Its like walkin a wire a 100 feet off the ground but now without a net!

Not tryin to scare ya so it was the best way to make you feel at "E"s!

love ya man!

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 17 May 2010 8:16 pm

I'm so happy that Bill is on the show this year. Bill is a great player and will surely entertain. That was a class act note from Buddy, but one would expect nothing less from the "class act" that he is.
I'll do my best to make Bill confortable and support him from my piano.......but........
I do have one question.... Bill are we really gonna do "that song"....

.
Luv you brother,
...Roy

Stephen Gambrell · Post by **Stephen Gambrell** » 17 May 2010 11:00 pm

Depends, Bill. Which is more important to you---The fact that you have a slot on the show, or the note from Buddy? You've got plenty of experience at playing in front of crowds. So there's nothing to worry about there. But the rah-rah note from BE? THAT'S the treasure, and the part I'd be proudest of.
Just sayin'....

Roual Ranes · Post by **Roual Ranes** » 18 May 2010 4:54 am

I had an old pro tell me that if you make a mistake just grin and when you come to that part again grin first and try to make the same mistake.......the audience will laugh with you.......

Dan Burnham · Post by **Dan Burnham** » 18 May 2010 5:48 am

Bill,
Congrats on getting a spot, you'll do fine, I know, I've heard you play

Dan

John Lacey · Post by **John Lacey** » 18 May 2010 6:37 am

The crucial part is the leadup to the gig. Don't be thinking about it too hard or you'll get obsessed, then freak out when it happens. I played in '83 and drank a few to relieve my anxiety until...guess what? Drunk! I was panciked when I got up there. In later years at steel shows I developed a more "have fun" attitude and regarded the audience as friends and brothers rather then critics.

JACK HEERN · Post by **JACK HEERN** » 18 May 2010 9:37 am

Bill,
Congrats a bunch! You deserve the spot and you will do great! Put a shock absorber on your volume pedal and go for it!!!

Jack

Jack Conyer · Post by **Jack Conyer** » 18 May 2010 9:51 am

Bill, That's "great" CONGRATULATIONS Well deserved. Bill, if you play as good as you did at the Florida Steel Show, you'll have no problems. I'll be rooting for you.

Your Friend,

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 18 May 2010 11:30 am

Thanks to all of you. I am excited.

And to Mr. Roy:
"I do have one question.... Bill are we really gonna do "that song".... ."

YES

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 18 May 2010 11:42 am

Let not your heart be troubled brother Bill....I've got it !!!! As a matter of fact while you and Linda are spending a few days at our house in July I just might give you a "very small preview"...

.
Hug Linda for us and we'll see you both in Gulfport shortly.
...Roy

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 18 May 2010 1:09 pm

I'm intrigued - what IS 'That song...'?

Roy Ayres · Post by **Roy Ayres** » 18 May 2010 3:34 pm

Roger,

My guess is that they are talking about "Look At Us" -- perhaps as a tribute to John.

Roy Rosetta · Post by **Roy Rosetta** » 18 May 2010 7:51 pm

"Other Roy" and Roger, I'd tell you the name of "that song" (kind of an inside thing that we've amused ourselves with for years) but I would be stealing Bill's thunder. Should he want to devulge the title of the song we should let him do it, but thanks for your interest.

...Roy
P.S. Just for the record it's not "Look At Us"

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 19 May 2010 4:03 am

Congrats, Bill. If you're taking requests, two of my favorites to hear you play are "Bitter They Are" and "The Waltz You Saved For Me". You do an awesome job on everything you play, but these two stand out for me.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 19 May 2010 5:40 am

"Bitter They Are" FOR SURE ROY & ROY.

Thanks Roger. Can hardly wait

Jamie Lennon · Post by **Jamie Lennon** » 19 May 2010 10:42 am

Bill your a great player, you do great !!! Congrats by the way !!!!!!

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 25 May 2010 6:04 pm

Thanks Jamie. Coming from a great player such as you, I consider that a HIGH compliment.

Bill

BOBBY JACKS · Post by **BOBBY JACKS** » 25 May 2010 6:18 pm

Bill,Buddy has the same way with his words as he has with his fingers. Great words from the Master.
Can't wait to hear you play, You'll do great BJ !!!!

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