How to Choose the Right Genre for a Lifetime in Music 🎸🎤 | Career Survival Guide

[@mickeyhernandez1195]

Bad Brad has the voice for rock n roll documentaries or talk radio.

[@badbrad]

I'm waiting on the call....

[@duanepetersonakaroadkill7161]

Spot on , no way can I get thru a set, let alone one song like when I was young. The breathing while singing and playing, so hard now. Feel like I'm gonna have a heart attack just raking leaves in the back yard. Life slows down.

[@badbrad]

Got to slow down.

[@RobertFairweatherLuvMachine]

I spent a few opportunites to chat with Buddy over the years. I have also played on his stage many times. I think his secret was a little nip of courvoisier. His annual home club January dates are coming up. Long live George Buddy Guy.

[@badbrad]

Long live indeed

[@musicalchairs777]

I play primarily in Newport, R.I., home of the Newport Jazz Fest and Folk Fest (where Dylan went electric). It's got to be one of the best places in the country to be a creatively adventurous musician. Jam bands and folkies are to New England what country is to Nashville and glam rock is to L.A. The best part of that is pretty much every style of music falls under the "jam" umbrella, so anything goes, funk, jazz, blues, country, reggae, even metal and techno. It's literally a dream scenario, if you're a creative musician. Not to mention it's one of the most beautiful places on earth. I don't regret going to L.A.,but that saying is true, sometimes the thing you search the world for is right in your own backyard. Great vid as always, Cheers!

[@badbrad]

Wow that is awesome!!!

[@Yeti-Redi]

In total agreement with your analysis. I cut my teeth as a classic rock guitarist. When I reached the age of 50, I realized that my era of music was phasing out. Crowds were older and fewer people were attending. The band began making the change to blues and jazz. People are much more accepting of older musicians playing that style of music. We keep a few classic rock favorites around for people that want to the hear something from their teenage years. I'm now in my 70's. I don't gig any more, it's now more of a hobby. We'll play if somebody asked us to, but only on our terms. We play mostly for fun, money is not really a factor. We're entertainment, not wanna' be stars. At my age, toting around gear in a major concern. I want a 20 pound amp, 6-7 pound guitar, and a pedal board that will fit on a dinner plate. Even then, I will still pay my son to be my roadie. I have no shame.

[@badbrad]

Right on Yeti!

[@Chunky_PB]

I'm with you Yeti! Gigged since my 20's (70 now) with tube amps exclusively, mostly with a '68 drip-edge SR (since retired but still owned). I'll do a thing now occasionally, but I'll tote a blond DR TM nowadays....22lbs!

[@Yeti-Redi]

@@Chunky_PB My brother from another mother!

[@deanbeilke5783]

I’m a Chicago guy, and a friend of mine used to work the door at Buddy Guy’s club when it opened at 754 S. Wabash. I spent a lot of my 20’s watching Buddy, Otis Rush, John Primer and Magic Slim on a regular basis. Except for Buddy, all these blues guys keep going until they drop or get sick out of necessity. They were never well off and had to gig to pay their mortgage and put food on their table. An exception to these guys is Larry “Mud” Morganfield, one of Muddy Waters sons. I believe he was a truck driver into his 50s before he started performing and playing blues professionally. He covers his dad’s music as well as writing his own material and sounds an awful lot like his father. I was young when Muddy died, so getting to see Larry was as close as I could get to the real thing and he did not disappoint. He doesn’t gig a lot around Chicago, but maybe he had enough years in as a truck driver to collect a pension and therefore can play as little or as much as he chooses.

[@badbrad]

Wow that is incredible!

[@billyshane3804]

Bad Brad is the MAN Love your work Always fantastic content

[@badbrad]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@jackbyrd4921]

I saw a Buddy Guy and Eric Johnson performed together several years ago at least let me tell you this might have been 15 years ago and he was pretty d*** good that night. The blues as well as folk music is probably one of the oldest forms of music and we'll be here for many years to come.

[@badbrad]

That is awesome!

[@mickeyhernandez1195]

First time in history that heavy metal musicians are in their mid seventies. No more Lawrence Welk.. grandpa rocks!

[@badbrad]

Grandpa does rock!

[@zummo61]

I’ve been seeing Bob Weir for well over 50 years, basically, all my life since I was 12. He inspired me to get in shape in the past 4 years with his workout videos as well as to grow as a musician every day.

[@badbrad]

Wow I did not know he did that....

[@michaelslawrie]

Michael here (66 yo), started with Cello in 5th & 6th grade. Fell in love with the blues, Howling Wolf to Hendrix - Johnny Winter when 12yo and took up harmonica (John Mayall). Switched to guitar at 19, summer between freshman and southmore year @ college. Bad Timing, Van Halen 1 came out 6 months after I started (totally disruptive). Knew right there I would never be an EVH or anything close. Decided blues and jazz was the path since a player in their 50's- 70's (if it took me that long) is what the audience expects. I won't comment on anything that requires spandex and a wig after 50🤭.

[@badbrad]

I hear ya!

[@rjc7289]

Man, so many of my favorite bands are either retired or are about to call it quits, and it's a crying shame. They just don't have the fire, energy and chops they once had. Time catches up to everybody!

[@badbrad]

It does indeed.

[@scottdunn9087]

Saturday coffee and BBrad🎉

[@badbrad]

That's the way to do it!

[@grinkashman7884]

Saw Buddy recently front row!! With Bobby Rush (90) opening and jamn with Buddy. Absolutely amazing!

[@badbrad]

Wow! That must have been awesome!

[@homersreluctantodyssey2508]

i saw that one too, in baltimore. my 16 yo twin daughters went too!!

[@bobsguitarstudio715]

Tribute bands are very popular.

[@badbrad]

They are

[@NikosKatsikanis]

10k loooooming

[@badbrad]

It is bro!!!😎

[@disiostudio1559]

Guitar-centric Classic Rock music appears to be a dying, legacy dinosaur in today's youth-oriented, keyboard and computer-generated popular music scene outside the bar rooms. Sorry if my comment offends anyone. However, there seem to be plenty of accomplished Jazz, Blues, and Country music players who continue to perform into their 80s. Buddy Guy, now 88 years old, puts on a great show as he talks to the audience and resorts to entertaining guitar tricks and effects. He backs himself up with a younger guitarist who provides the blood-curdling fireworks. I have seen him; he has played the local Indian casino resort showrooms. Mature and accomplished, non-celebrity, guitarists who perform as sidemen seem to have become free agents, subs, hired guns, and independent businessmen outside of niche acts. Maybe, in another video, you could explore the history of some bands, e.g. Chicago, that have constantly changed personnel over the years and still performing. Many times there are only one or two of the original band members. Your perspective and insights are always valuable and entertaining to anyone who watches your videos.

[@badbrad]

Great idea! Thanks so much!

[@MrCheswickMusic]

I'm 50 and I still don't think I've found my 'sound' my problem is I like ALL style of music, so sometimes, I'll write in a comedy style, then next song could be punk, then acoustic, then electronic and so on so forth Thanks to Brad I've been getting into a bit of 'hair metal' now as well ha ha

[@badbrad]

Hey maybe combine all of them into one song then you got something original.

[@sv-yh3mq]

Maybe the start of a New Thang!

[@Dana-b2v7q]

Thanks Bad Brad!

[@badbrad]

Thank you Dana!

[@rockindavebyron3960]

You are 100% correct Brother!!! 3 of my all time favorite guitarist are; Al DiMeola, Carlos Santana, & Gary Moore (RIP). Santana being the most popular, also has the most recognizable sound, and all throughout his career played it cool, that's why he has longevity. It's pretty sad to see our 80's shred hero's try to play with that same intensity as when they were young, only to be looking tired & worn out. The good news for us older veteran players is that at my gig yesterday, 11/29/24, when I was done, I had a couple of young college age kids come up to me & say I don't sound old & that they didn't know the guitar can be played like that & the girl said I sounded like Santana. I play a lot of fusion based music, mostly originals, these collage aged kids today listen to a lot of "low go" chill music, basically jazz, so they can relate to fusion ( instrumental), so they like bands like Santana & STS9. There is how for those of us who are aging, just gotta find your niche, Great video Brad!!! Keep On Creating, Rock On Brother & God Bless.

[@badbrad]

Rock on Brother!

[@TheRollingStonedOC]

Dead and Company is the name they go by with John Mayer…

[@badbrad]

Yes!

[@greenman4508]

I heard half a rift from Robert cray the other day. I immediately remembered all the licks from the albums my father had. It’s amazing how distinct guitar voices are. Interesting thoughts you had in the emotional expression of blues and longevity. Rip Phil lesh too.

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed!

[@sv-yh3mq]

@greenman4508 - distinct guitar voices are very amazing - I like your comment!

[@greenman4508]

@ 🙏🏻well met

[@1969Donovan]

Plus, The Beatles stop doing live gigs very early.

[@badbrad]

They did tho Paul continues on as does Ringo...

[@PaulLoughrin]

Thx Brad! Wow. Buddy Guy at 88. Thats incredible.

[@badbrad]

Right! He's still out there doing his thing, awesome!

[@Dana-b2v7q]

He's 89 or 90? Anyway look at it he's a survivor

[@greenman4508]

Best stones song of all time??? To me it’s play with fire.

[@badbrad]

I like "Can't ya hear me knockin'"

[@OSXMan]

It's funny you point out The Stones were an alternative to The Beatles, as Steven Tyler said Aerosmith was an alternative to The Stones. Mick Jagger wasn't coming to your town, but Aerosmith was. Tommy Aldridge, great drummer and still looks great and can still bash the skins as good as ever. However, he's able to do that still, because he doesn't tour.

[@badbrad]

Right on!

[@bpatts1652]

Opened up once for Buddy Guy in Philly 1993 … what a highlight in my life… packed house… Buddy’s band and the audience liked our band/performance … which was an honor

[@badbrad]

Wow very cool!!😎

[@alaniglesias6624]

In addition to your insightful thoughts, Brad, another reason that jazz and blues may be good music to be played by us, er, more senior musicians is the fact that those genres are not necessarily associated with youthful and perhaps rebellious energy.

[@badbrad]

Definitely

[@davestrongg-q2b]

Mikey and I saw buddy guy a few years ago

[@badbrad]

Right on bro!

[@greenman4508]

Yah, I’ve seen him a few times. He pulled up in a classic cherry red muscle car in front of the small stage by the sea once😊

[@pedroleal7118]

Hello Brad! I hesitated on commenting, and don't want to come across beeing cynic (?) or bitter but, here it goes: Not everyone is made for playing Music (although everyone can) , not everyone is made to be on stage, not everyone is made for touring , not everyone is made to play arenas, not everyone is made for show business, not everyone seeks glory and fame , not everyone will age well (with most years counting double), or even fulfill his dream of dying playing the instrument he loves, while playing the Music he loves ! Take care and consider yourself lucky, if you have the chance of living what/from what you love doing . Music is the best (in my humble opinion )! Be strong, take care of yourselves (at least try!), try to keep the magic in Music (and Life !), stay Human! Cheers!

[@pedroleal7118]

*sorry for my bad English...

[@badbrad]

Your English is great and very wise words my friend. You are a great dude. Thank you.

[@pedroleal7118]

@@badbrad Thank you for your kind words !

[@2dazetake]

Yingvey Mal's teen claims to never play anything the same way twice or the same way as the record and improvises even on his own hits, I have the same problem remembering solos,but here's a successful dude who makes a living improvising, I think he had to remember just enough to put down a clean solo record and sell the record.right.

[@badbrad]

sure or play it a bunch of times till he gets the solo he likes....matter of selection.

[@marcusp5345]

Commenting for the algorithm.

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@jimicunningable]

Iommi, Wier & Guy projects fill seats & get hits *still*. Others are in vegas, barely making rent. ...meanwhile Giants like Lane & Holdsworth had to nearly sell plasma to make rent. I dunno the difference, or I'd be playing to more than an audience of cats! HF.

[@badbrad]

Sad but so true

[@greenman4508]

I’m not a fan of Willie’s socialism, but I’m a big fan of his music. His latest song last leaf on the tree shows that you can not only play into your nineties… but it doesn’t have to be a novelty act. He’s actually writing amazing poetry, and working his limitations into strengths of authenticity of delivery.

[@badbrad]

Very cool.

[@antilaw9911]

As im watching this video and your talking about the stones and British blues... im eating crackers and Kraft old English cheese spread. Lol

[@badbrad]

Right on

[@davestrongg-q2b]

I’m going to see tab Benoit in a few weeks

[@davestrongg-q2b]

And Walter trout

[@badbrad]

Awesome!

[@jimmyhunter2799]

the "bastardized" blues WAS the stones style... nobody cared, it juse made folks feel good (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - Wikipedia "I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones. A product of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards' songwriting partnership, it features a guitar riff by Richards that opens and drives the song. The riff is widely considered one of the greatest hooks of all time.

[@badbrad]

I hear Jimmy...I think they hit their peak around 72

[@billyshane3804]

​@@badbradWholeheartedly agree with you there BadBrad. Right On Brother.

[@bodragon4582]

If you do anything with passion and love, people will watch you do your craft, it doesnt matter if its playing guitar or painting a picture, so play the music that makes you happy, and not worry about what the audience wants, if you get into guitar playing with the idea its going to make you $$$, i have some bad news for you.

[@badbrad]

perhaps your right...

[@davestrongg-q2b]

Dead and company

[@badbrad]

Yes!