How's the scene for Steelers where you live?

[Richard Lester]

I can relate to what everyone is saying and I remember the good old days. The scene has changed, DJs, Kareoke, open mic nights have taken the stage, consuming most of the jobs available. Any other gigs are being devoured by the wan-na-bes, they strap on a guitar and use a capo because they don't know how to play other than major chord structures. I happened to listen to a couple of them and asked why they used a capo and that's exactly what they told me. But, of course, they all play for free and they're able to get a few of their friends to come to the joint and listen. Coffee house gigs are another venue where younger people are hanging out. I think of them as the hippie cult, my opinion. I manage to play events once a month. My advice, get a good paying day job that has a pension for retirement.

[Alan Tanner]

It's pretty thin around here too. As we age, so do the crowds. Last year I worked a small gig with some good pickers and the place was full. The owner was lamenting after that even tho' we had filled the place up, he did not make any money because he didn't sell much booze. I commented that the 60's and up crowd that follows classic country were not likely to sit and swill whiskey and then get on the hiway out front like in the "good ol' days'. I suggested a dinner special (they had EXCELLENT eats) or something like that and move back the band hours. He said "oh no, we can't do that. We have never had to do that" A few months later the place closed and up for sale. Even the VFW's and whatnot are going heavily into karaoke or open mike jam free for all's that are horrible from a musician's point of view. New music.....if they are waiting on me they have a long time to go. IMHO it is nothing that I am interested in. Even the bands around here that play that noise are hurting....

[Christopher Hillman]

A bit non existant in Manchester, England. a couple of steel players bit i rarely see anyone else out with one at all. Trying to make a vibe for Country/Americana here but I'd rather play gigs in the states or something... its better and easier haha.

[Mike Ester]

I have to count myself as one of the lucky ones in Texas. I have a good day job, but I still manage at least 4 to 6 gigs a month. Usually more, if I want them.

Technically, I'm a free agent. But the majority of my work is with one group. Nine times out of ten, we score $100.00 each. Nothing to get rich on, but compared to the rest of the country, it seems like high cotton to me.

I'm not one of the best steel players in my area, but I still manage to get gigs. I show up when I say I will show up. I play. I don't step on other musicians.

The money may not be there, but it sure beats working a part-time job in retail.

[Barry Blackwood]

The money may not be there, but it sure beats working a part-time job in retail.

Anything beats that, Mike.

[Tom Quinn]

chris ivey has this town sewn up...

[Paul Sutherland]

Tom: I think you are more than a little bit uninformed.

[Tom Quinn]

Paul, I see you have had a humor bypass...

[Paul Sutherland]

Pedal steel players that work the Sacramento scene:

John Cudgel with Buck Ford Band

Aaron Shively with Golden Cadillacs

Larry Tracy with Big Iron

Me with Locked and Loaded, and occasionally with Chad Bushnell Band

David Wren with Random Strangers

Bobby Black (before he was injured) with various groups

Brownie with Dry Creek at the monthly Western Swing Society

Ian Worley with a group whose name I don't recall.

Probably others as well.



Your comment was not humorous. It was just plain ignorant.

[Allan Jirik]

Detroit area. I'm not interested in going to the clubs and bars any more so I can't say if there's any steelers around here now. I had the good fortune of seeing Paul Franklin play many times in the 70s. I took lessons from Billy Clark (Casey Clark's son) at Freeman Cowgar's music shop. Freeman made the Little Buddy and Cougar steel guitars if I'm not mistaken. Lots of steel in the 70s, not sure what the scene is now. I get my kicks off Facebook and You Tube.

[Tommy Wayne]

"I was lucky enough to get in a band about 1 1/2 years ago, that, already had a 16 yr old track record"

Gettin' em kinda young there fella

[David Cubbedge]

In northwest Ohio the scene is dominated by one band that I have already played for and been fired from twice! Third time will not be a charm! (Lead singer claims he can't find his note with fretless instruments in the band! I won't say what I think...) There are many places to play, but there are far more bands to fight for these gigs than 20 years ago. I'm lucky if I get a gig every couple months. I will also add that the money is about the same since the 80's, but that is a common complaint.

And Paul Sutherland, I hear you loud and clear! There just isn't enough dominant 7ths available to please a Brantley Gilbert "tune"....

[Bo Legg]

Barry were you retired 60 yrs ago?

Bo, this may take the cake amongst all your nonsensical posts on the SGF...

Barry I replied on topic to the topic.
I stated what I’m presently doing as a retired person that is working for me and it might be something that Rich might try.
You replied “tried that nearly sixty years ago. It's a formula for disaster…”
It was important to know if you were retired at that time.
If you weren’t then your opinion was not relevant.
I don’t know why I bother when I’ve grown to expect your usual insulting remarks at every opportunity when I post a topic or reply.

[Barry Blackwood]

Bo, I was replying to your rent-a-hall post in it's entirety. I have been in several bands over the years that have tried this approach and failed miserably, hence my comment.