My Last Gig in Nashville: Reflections on the End of an Era and Lessons from the Sunset Strip

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In today's video, I reflect on the bittersweet moment of playing my last gig in Nashville tonight, sharing my thoughts from my front porch this morning. Join me as I delve into the inevitability that all gigs will eventually come to an end.
I'll take you on a journey back to my days rocking the Sunset Strip, exploring how a few corporate moves ultimately killed off that vibrant music scene. We'll also discuss the incredible boom in Nashville, a city now overflowing with people and energy. But with history as our guide, we'll consider how quickly things can change, just as they did in 2020, potentially bringing an end to the current bustling chaos of downtown Nashville.
Don't miss this heartfelt reflection on the past, present, and future of these iconic music scenes.
🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more stories and insights from my life in music. 🔔
#Nashville #SunsetStrip #MusicScene #LastGig #MusicJourney #NashvilleBoom #CorporateMoves #MusicReflection #NashvilleMusic #GigLife #MusicIndustry #DowntownNashville #2020Impact #RockHistory #FrontPorchTalk #MusicStories #EndOfAnEra #MusicianLife #MusicInsights

[@Longhorn-s7z]

Brother you are as real as water is wet. Your honesty is as good as it gets. As you know, by 1995, corporations gained control of the music industry and it's been a prison ever since. Mass production factories of choreographed vocals, look, moves etc. There is no originality anymore. When grunge came in during 1991, I left the Memphis rock scene, went to Nashville and began doing sessions to be shopped to Capitol. Money fell apart and for the first time in my life, I came to the realization that "the dream" was over for me. A lifetime of investments didn't pay off. I appreciate you brother, because you are the real thing.

[@badbrad]

Man I feel this in my bones. Memphis had a great rock scene. Not much in this business is real. It's mostly a charade. I promise to keep it real and keep going.

[@Longhorn-s7z]

@@badbrad I uploaded my promo pic from 1991 much subdued from my rock pics because those wouldn't have been acceptable to shop to labels for country music. Like yourself, rock was my life but I couldn't transition to grunge, and that's why I went to Nashville. I always liked country, but my heart was rock.

[@badbrad]

@@Longhorn-s7z Man we are very similar .....we took the same path.

[@gener2842]

The Sunset strip is a museum and an an amusement park for kids who weren’t alive when we were there in the 80s & 90s

[@badbrad]

Absolutely it’s just a fun museum now.

[@silverwings1843]

I was a working musician from the age of 16 to 26. And back then if you had the ability to play Claptonesque guitar you were working. I played Europe and all over the States. And then the Disco Virus hit. All of a sudden I became trapped in top 40 Club Bands. Man was that depressing. My last real Gig was on a ship. One night at the break I put my LP on the stand and turned the Twin to standby, exited stage left thru the little dressing room and walked across the dance floor to the bar. Some where on that dance floor all my music ambition drained out of me. When I got to the bar I was done. And scared!!! What was I going to do now? I went back to an Aviation College. Got all my tickets and worked my way up to the Major Airlines with a 35 year career. I am retired outside of Gatlinburg on some land and mountain chalet .I have a nice home studio where I put down my ability for posterity. All I can say is: I got Lucky!!! Thank God for DISCO !!!!

[@badbrad]

That’s a great story.

[@youKnowWho3311]

Similar to my story. I went in the military (F-15 crew chief) at 17. I went to Embry-Riddle and got all the courses for my A&P, but decided I didn't want my back to suffer. Got out in my early 20's then started gigging. Did it every weekend for a few years while going to school and getting an advanced degree in tech. Our pinnacle was playing across from Breaking Benjamin at a festival and almost getting a club owner to pay for us to go into the studio. Similar to the Creed story. I make more than most guitarists who play for big names from what the guys on the internet are saying. I can't believe a big name would pay less than $100k for a tour that makes millions in profit over more than 6 months+ of travel. Where are my band mates now? Mostly dead end jobs, not playing gigs either. I can afford to play what and when I want. If you are younger and find yourself reading this, learn as much about money as you do about music. Don't be a statistic.... Or do it for the love of music and not sex/drugs.

[@brettpower6508]

Great story! I had a similar experience but I stumbled to the bar! New it was over for me!

[@JohnnyPGoode]

Hey bud. Love your testimony. I know what you’re going through. I lived in Nashville in the 86-95. That was the time to be there. I played drums for David Frizzle, was the house drummer with don kelly at the stage coach,, you speak of brother Redd. Countless other artists. I feel your sadness. It is a hard decision to make is to walk away from what you love. I congratulate you for your Patience, perseverance and persistence. It’s always haunted me leaving but in a sense NASHVILLE ruined me. I salute you sir and can testify that there is life after Nashville. I wish you safe travels in the quest for peace. Get the fuck out of that new sin city and go be with your peeps. Thank you sir for your service to the entertainment industry. A very good friend I still have in Nashville told me he didn’t come to Nashville to live, he came here to die. A true old school musician. I just couldn’t commit to that. We all get our 5 minutes of fame.

[@badbrad]

I use to think, I didn't want to die on a tour bus. Now yeah I think dieing here, slowly getting unable to play at the same level, not good. I've seen guys on their death bed, playing one last gig. On to new horizons and opportunity. Best to you brother.

[@JohnnyPGoode]

@@badbrad i returned to Nashville in 2014 to work for a friend in Mt Juliet selling flooring. I was really sad on what a dump that town turned into. I was on I-40 near stewerts ferry pike and saw couches , mattress, carpet bundles on the side of the road. Grass needed cut. i was in shock on how trashy and unkept it was. I have no regrets leaving that town. Made me sad but as you said off to new horizons. you do a good channel for all us old has beens. their is your new horizon. peace.

[@badbrad]

Thank you brother. Yes it is a shame.

[@TheDerekmenard]

My wife played in a band in key west for 10 years and waited tables. I was a chef. Our rent was 1000 bucks a month . Life was great. We left when our rent went to 3000 a month. It was crazy. She still got paid the same as she did 10 years prior. Same thing different place. We almost moved to Nashville in 2014 and rent was cheaper than KW. Now every single place in the country is the same. 1700 for a one bedroom. We settled in pittsburgh and bought a house for 56k . Those days are over though. Thank good we made that decision. Idk how young people do it.

[@badbrad]

Wow that is tough!

[@philovance1940]

I’m lucky . 64 yrs. Old and I’m still gigging. Someday I’ll stop but still getting gigs, I’ll keep playing them.

[@badbrad]

That is awesome!

[@philovance1940]

@@badbrad Hey Brad, I’ve watched some of your videos. I’m always interested in listening to musicians around my age and hear how things are going on the live music front. Me, my wife and some siblings are meeting in Nashville this July for some fun. You don’t paint a very pretty picture of the whole thing. Tell me we’re going to enjoy it.

[@badbrad]

@@philovance1940 You will enjoy it. Just be careful.

[@rockinvida1960]

Lots of truth spoken here…I am out in LA and can attest to the fact that the Sunset Strip has been absolutely dead essentially since the 90s…there is no music “scene” here aside from the occasional night of nostalgia and the whole area is being wiped out in favor of high rise, high-end hotels. As a 63-year-old former gigging musician, I am glad I caught at least some of the days, way-back-when, where getting a gig at the Whisky or Roxy actually meant something.

[@badbrad]

I miss those golden days so much. Going out with 5 dollars in my pocket just enough to get the two drink tickets at the Rainbow. Two Long Island Ice teas please.....

[@goodbro7846]

Well they replaced your culture. They called it "diversity". It's finished work. They said we needed it...

[@daveduffy2823]

There is no scene anywhere anymore. It’s all about the person staring at their phones in their own little worlds. Add in being able to get anything, anywhere, anytime, and you have no broad culture at all anymore.

[@rockinvida1960]

@@daveduffy2823 💯…very true!

[@joeylodes]

So sorry Like you say , all good things must come to an end I wish I knew that my last gig was happening when I was in it , 6-7 years ago. Played it like any other gig. Had zero idea it would be my last. A couple of months later … bam 💥 …. Disabled. Now all the gigs I did are just a distant memory. Cherish every moment you get to play. Peace ✌️

[@badbrad]

Man. I will do. I’m so sorry to hear that. Blessings to you. I wish some sunshine through the pain.

[@joeylodes]

@@badbrad Thanks 🙏

[@johnnyx9892]

The guy you were trying to think of is Don Kelly. So many of the great pickers came through his band.

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed!

[@brubakersflatcakes9755]

Its all kind of bittersweet. Sounds like you have a lot to be grateful for. Thanks for sharing!

[@badbrad]

Yes a lot to be thankful for . Thank you!

[@markcorradetti]

just way too cool. I lived in Nashville from 1994 2015...i could see the writing on the wall also. i love living in Florida now, and surprisingly gigs are plentiful.

[@badbrad]

That is awesome and thank you for watching.

[@user-cw6xy3ny4d]

Great wisdom for the young guys. Great memories for us older dudes.

[@badbrad]

Thank you so much!

[@lowreztv]

This is every city

[@badbrad]

Seems that way.

[@ttt2969]

Correct. Live in Austin Texas since '96 and it has been destroyed. The musicians can't afford the rent with the money they get.

[@badbrad]

@@ttt2969 Man that sucks.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Every gig ends but the birds keep singing. Best wishes to you! ♫♪♫

[@badbrad]

Yes they do!

[@jwinchester1320]

I started playing professionally when I was 23 I’m 47 now. Pretty quickly I went back to construction and decided to play on the weekends and work through the week. Couldn’t be happier. I’m a hell of a player now on my guitar and pedal steel. I almost moved to Nashville this year I’m glad I didn’t. When music is your passion, making it your job is a mistake. I play way better than when I did it for a living. I play MUSIC not gigs. Good luck to you brother hope you find a good spot. I enjoy listening to your stories!!

[@badbrad]

Thank you and best to you!

[@Instramark]

Wow. Funny you mention this. I am also a better player in retirement than when gigging. Spent so much time hustling the biz, it was hard to improve. But now, at age 70 can spend weeks studying guys like Allan Holdsworth and actually learn something.

[@jwinchester1320]

@@Instramark yea it’s crazy how that works!! I still gig a lot but it’s a heck of a lot more fun and for whatever reason I play more professionally when I’m having fun.

[@badbrad]

Man that is awesome!

[@leehambridge534]

Great video Brad. I'm a professional musician from Rugby (the home of the game) England. So much truth to this video whether you are musician from Rugby or Nashville it seems to be the same everywhere. I came to Nashville in 2019 and was so surprised to what I witnessed along that Broadway strip. It was completely crazy I would not be able to cope being a musician out there. The competition is fierce and must be hard to make a living in those bars. Thanks for your videos and all the best with your future endeavours. Lee x

[@badbrad]

Lee thanks so much, I love hearing from people across the pond. Nashville is crazy, was thinking about the pressure every time you play out. You have to play each note like it's your last. I think that can be a good thing but I'm curious to see what it's like without that pressure. Best to you!

[@MrWetrock]

Cheers to you. You felt it was time.

[@badbrad]

@@MrWetrock yeah it did...

[@MasTejeda]

I moved to Nashville 1998, downtown was dead. Planet Hollywood was just out of busyness, NASCAR Cafe that was on the way out. Plywood covered a lot of them busyness, on 5 points in East Nashville you could pick a hooker and a gram of coke 24/7, and the hipster that moved there where rich kids from Franklin rebelling against their parents. I moved out in 2022 to The Shoals in Alabama, I love it here. So many Nashville people moving here is crazy. I just saw a Nashville Hot Chicken food truck.

[@badbrad]

Wow the Shoals sounds pretty cool. Might have to make it down there some time .

[@MasTejeda]

@@badbrad let me know I’ll give you a tour

[@claytonbouldin9381]

Everyone else is moving in and the old locals are moving out? Sounds about right. My friend lives in Antioch working for a booking agency (comedians and some music shows) and she hates the traffic. I remember partying in Nashville from the early to late 90s and it was a great time for sure. Not sure if I would enjoy it much as now with everyone pouring into the area because they ruined where they are from and need a new place to mess up.

[@chrismanko2134]

"I never wore overalls.. didnt like them" 😂😂 OMG thats classic Brad!!

[@badbrad]

Lmao

[@chrismanko2134]

Maybe.. spandex overalls??! 😅

[@badbrad]

@@chrismanko2134 It's been decades since spandex was in the realm of possibilities. Realistically even on the Sunset Strip those days were pretty much gone by the time I was playing there.

[@crustafari]

Lived there as a full-time musician, '91 - '97. Mayor Bredesen presided over what I refer to as NashVegas' first growth spurt (phase one of Lower Broadway revival, new downtown art museum & arena, TN Titans, etc.). Brad, you are dead-on! Traffic was not too bad, one could easily afford to live/rent near Music Row/Vandy/Downtown (I lived on Bowling Ave. in Green Hills just off of West End, and payed 475 - 625 monthly over 7 years of leases for an awesome duplex with huge front and back yard!). Ultimately left to live in NYC; now down the road in Huntsville and love to visit Nashville from time to time, but I can't get over how much things have changed - almost none for the better!

[@badbrad]

Man you know! The last of the good years.

[@Instramark]

Hi! I played in Huntsville from 1995 to 97. Great music town then. Nice bunch of quality good guy musicians. Decent club owners as well. Worked all over and all the time. Hung out with a band called the Crawlers. Have you heard of them? I worked at Bobby G's a lot. Is that still there?

[@badbrad]

I’m not familiar with Huntsville scene

[@claytonbouldin9381]

My friend moved to Nashville after college and got a job in the record industry. I ended up living in NC and would frequently visit her and then boyfriend to hang out and party. Rent was cheap for sure. She lived in an apartment complex right outside of Nashville next to a huge lake (can't remember the exact location). I almost ended up going to the Watkins College of Art and Design, but ended up moving to Atlanta instead. Good times!

[@stephenhyder4659]

I left Nashville in 1993 to work in Knoxville, and here lately am somewhat shocked at the weekend activity downtown. That place is crawling with nightlife.

[@badbrad]

Wow interesting!

[@TravisRocco]

I love these keep them coming!! Enjoy that gig!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@dfromcool]

I only discovered your channel yesterday but it’s an honor to be able to catch this video today! All the best to you tonight and I look forward to you continuing with your channel sharing “stories of the road” and life in general. You’re quite the storyteller and inspiration Sir.

[@badbrad]

Welcome aboard!

[@TwangThang57]

Wish you well in your next chapter, friend!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@samirblaj3012]

You will be remembered for the good things you’ve done no more and no less go and do what you love you will be ok

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@curvefeeler]

Congrats on your career. Thanks for sharing your awesome perspective of the industry and the city. You went for it from the get-go in a way that some regret not doing so. This channel rocks.

[@badbrad]

You my friend Rock!

[@roguesovereignrogue9124]

We moved out of Nashville in Nov. 2014. I spent 4 years there busting ass writing tunes and being broke and I saw the writing on the wall in the business. Cut out and moved back to FL. Made more money playing solo and corporate gigs. In the last 10 years than most people I know on tour with major artists. I have no regrets.

[@badbrad]

That is encouraging news. Thank you!

[@928Porscheman]

I just found your channel and I am really enjoying the parallels to my life. I was successful in the 90s with opening for national touring acts with a band called "No Justice" in the MD- VA - DC area. Similar to your story we were enjoying the music scene just before grunge ended the good times. I moved to Central Florida in 2006 and played and recorded with a local progressive rock band called "Quantum X" I played my last gig around 2016 after our CD release that we recorded in Sean Shannon formally of the Pat Travers band studio. It was a fun ride but my fondest memories are from the end of the metal years. I am checking out all your videos and enjoying them. Keep on Rocking!

[@badbrad]

Wow very cools it’s a good community here at this channel of fellow warriors. Best to you!

[@vancemaclean9869]

As a working bassist for almost 40 years…..this is a factual and important video. Thank you for posting your thoughts man….respect….👍

[@badbrad]

Thank you respect for your service providing the foundation of the groove.

[@hearpalhere]

Hope you have fun on your gig Brad!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@stevejackson1782]

I know that whatever you do next will be great. I am sure taking care of mama and the young apprentice will be plenty.

[@badbrad]

Absolutely!

[@stevejackson1782]

Still be good to come see the family at some point soon

[@badbrad]

Sounds good bro!

[@TravisRocco]

I watched this the whole way through 2 times it was that entertaining. Some great one liners too that had me Rolling!

[@badbrad]

You rock. New one uploading as we speak…

[@lawrencepatrick5760]

Love all your stories 🤘

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@jimkalfakis9893]

Man, I don’t know anything about country music or Nashville. I’ve never been to Nashville. But you hit it right on the head. You are on point.

[@badbrad]

Thank you 🙏

[@CB3Music]

Great video! I grew up in Nashville and loved playing in the rock scene there back in the 90's. The first two death blows happened when Gus Palas sold The Cannery, and when they bulldozed the legendary 328 Performance Hall. Now everything is way too corporate, insanely expensive, and way overcrowded. I had a tiny house about an hour west in a town called Dickson, and would commute into Nashville for gigs, but now traffic, parking, and overly aggressive people have ruined it. I moved to Ohio 3 years ago and make way more money playing music here, with way less stress. Nashville became a soul sucking meat grinder for me. Best of luck, Brad!

[@badbrad]

Loved the cannery and 328. It has changed a lot. Best to you!

[@MarkFromHawaii]

One door closes and another opens. Good luck on your new adventures.

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@stevemorano9317]

Thanks Brad great stories. I enjoyed Nashville 10yrs ago

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@acimbobby]

Wow that was a rollercoaster. It seems like a different world in music. 1973 to now. Good luck Brad where ever you go next. I don't know what you're next move in the playhouse of dreams and ego. Accepted you are a great player. It is sometimes who you know and how much money you can throw at it. Retired UK Bass player.

[@badbrad]

Best to you as well.

[@tonejunkeee]

played Beale, etc weekly in Memphis (mid 90’s) and grew tired of covers, moved to Nash, fought traffic and started a studio - ran it till 2000 when i got a wild hair and moved cross country with friends, to Denver. Didn’t mean to stay there 20+yrs but now trying Asheville and digging the scene. The sheer amount of real pickers here is insane. Playing with cats that are better than you is soooo important. Anyway, moss turns to mold if I stay in one place too long. You've paid some dues bud!

[@badbrad]

That’s a cool perspective

[@jonmitchell6722]

It is hard to say where things go from here with scenes like Nashville but I have always felt that history repeats itself and I doubt that the greed of the machine will give up until that last drop of juice is squeezed out of it . The internet has certainly changed things and I don't know if that is good or not but it makes me feel like when I am at the grocery store and just trying to find that one product that i know and all I can see is a huge wall of endless choices all blurring together. But just because the choices seem endless now that doesn't mean they are all good and in my experience both as a musician and a songwriter I dont think that will ever change . The good songs will always find a way to stand above the rest .

[@badbrad]

You speak great truth.

[@ronwilliams1094]

When the internet came on the scene around 1996 (when home computers became commonplace) I absolutely knew that music would never be the same again. I never thought there would come a time when I would actually welcome gatekeepers. 😂 At least gatekeepers at the labels filtered out a lot of the noise. There’s just way too many artists to capture people’s attention. The internet has watered down the music business from an artists POV. Sure, cream always rises to the top but what good is it if only a few people hear it? I admire young artists drive to be famous but it’s waaaaaaay too much work and extremely time consuming. Labels won’t even consider talking to artists unless they have a significant social media presence and followers. Remember when that was the record label’s job?

[@badbrad]

@@ronwilliams1094 Lot's of truth spoken here.

[@sv-yh3mq]

You say it well

[@theduppykillah]

Wow, my man, I just found your channel about five days ago. Watched a lot of your videos and now the end has come man I’m crushed…” nothing last forever”… the ” mixed band” stuff is heartbreaking

[@badbrad]

Nothing is ending just doing the thing in a new spot. Stay Tuned.

[@scottrogers5772]

You just described the Sunset Strip in the 80’s brother! The cool thing is there are young people and musicians experiencing what you did and that’s pretty f’ing cool. As you said though, all things will come to an end, and there will be another video like this one in another city. Question is when, and where? Keep it real brother and wish you the best. Thanks for laying the foundation 🤙

[@badbrad]

Man thank you so much!

[@Instramark]

Be glad you did it Brad. When I played lounge music in convention centers, more than a few fat cat executive types would be sh_tfaced, come to my stage, literally on their knees, whimpering and wishing they had the balls to resist the establishment and experience what they thought was the rebellious freedom musicians had. I can't speak for today's musician but those execs had a point. Who needs regret? I am so glad I got to do music for as long as I did. Back in the day, there was a ton of venue. And if you were at all industrious, you could do pretty darn well. One day would bleed into the other and I was glad not to be the scrambling squirrel everybody else was until it all ended for me, just like for Brad. Now I am my own kind of squirrel! But I don't sell beer via guitar for anybody these days. It's my new religion. I would do the social media thing to promote my music but 25 years of studio and midi gizmos burned me out on tech. Now I just have a telecaster with flat wounds and an old Peavey solid state amp and play light jazz. No pedals, no distortion, all clean stuff. Finally getting around to learning a few chords, and not dragging a stack around to blast out Mississippi Queen. But then again, if I could time travel, right back to 1971 when I got that first stack and both of us, the stack and me, were a bit more relevant than now, hard the resist a return to that scenario. Jeez, anybody seen my Auto Tuner and Piano Roll DAW, I feel the need to put out some unbearable crap! Lol! Rock on Brad, and everybody else that understands this video!

[@badbrad]

Thank you! Enjoy that Tele! Best to you!

[@Instramark]

Man! You are are great at followup. Followup, they key to most everything!​@@badbrad

[@badbrad]

I’m hear and I’m listening to all. Best to you

[@davidanderson4136]

I lived in Hendersonville from 2000 till 2006...lived back in Waterview Estates. I understand what you're saying about the decline. It was stupid when I was there...I gigged around and there'll be 1 guitar job and 27 in line to grab it up. People are not considerate...period.😮

[@badbrad]

Yeah it is tough....

[@davidanderson4136]

I gigged with Bob Burns for many years in Atlanta...before I moved to Hendersonville... One helluva legendary drummer

[@badbrad]

@@davidanderson4136 Wow that is cool!

[@tonybeck8216]

Playing music is happening everywhere. Nashville is not the end of it unless you decide. Moved here in 92. Very good experiences along with the bad.

[@badbrad]

That sounds accurate

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Oh man. Sorry to hear this brother. It is so true that things change man. Nothing one can do about that. I play hard rock and it's the same all over buddy. I'm going to try some really small gigs this fall doing all blues or blues rock. It will be for fun. I'm retired now, and I miss those days myself back in the 80s. I lived in Indianapolis and there were bars everywhere and I used to go to one club that had acts that were trying to get record deals. Now all the bands I love of the so called hair metal are playing small clubs and state fairs, etc. Be well my friend. Keep playing even if at home . ❤

[@badbrad]

Thanks bro. I'll keep playing and will take the gigs that come in. Best to you!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

@@badbrad Thanks man. 🤘♥️🤘

[@TheMusicmak3r]

Yeah dude! 🤘😬🤘

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@randallbargar348]

I have been a weekend warrior bass player for over 20 years. Even at the casual/hobby level live music has changed substantially. Fewer people go out and listen to music and those that partake don't hang around the venue like they used to. The only real money to be made anymore IMO is at the highest levels with major tours and merchandising.

[@badbrad]

Nashville is unique in that people travel here to hear live music. The infrastructure no longer exists in the smaller towns to support live music. But it does exist here.

[@kevinkwiatkowski7197]

Nashville is the epi center for music, the music will never die

[@badbrad]

As long as someone plays.

[@76Draeger]

I'm less than ten years, Nashville of going to become a ghost town. No one that works in any level of the service industry can afford to live here so they'll leave and when they leave those businesses close and those business owners go broke and there's nothing left. It's sad to have watched it unfold

[@badbrad]

I hear you brother.

[@zenlandzipline]

It’s not only Nashville. All big cities are getting out of control with rent for apartments and the cost of buying a house. It’s even worse in the commercial warehouse sector, where renting a space for a shop is becoming so expensive, all of the smaller guys are closing up and moving out. How can a guy with a 1 or 2 man car repair business or welding shop or machine shop, or a woodworking cabinet maker afford to pay $4000 a month for a tiny shop space? On top of that, they have to pay $2000 a month to rent an apartment, and then have money to support their family. It’s crazy. This is end stage capitalism. This is what you get with little regulation, a lot of corruption, and no sense of community or morals. Welcome to Distopia.

[@76Draeger]

@@zenlandzipline is not the end stage of capitalism but if capitalism without a conscience. America has spent decades removing God from everything and with that by removing morals and consequences. We, like every other great society in world history, will soon collapse. It's historical fact

[@edbernardmusic3599]

@@zenlandzipline What system would fix this?

[@zenlandzipline]

@@edbernardmusic3599Idk. It may be futile. Humans are genetically prone to want to be at the top. And most are delusional enough to believe that someday, they will become multi million or billionaires. And so the poor people protect the ultra wealthy, because if we somehow thought of a way to prevent the top 1% of people from owning 50% of the money/land, it would destroy their dream. But mark my words: in the next few decades, the middle class is going to disappear. There will be 2 categories of people: the haves, and the have-nots. There will be no “have-somes”. To break it down more specifically, you will have: Rich Almost rich Poor Almost not poor

[@RobertFairweatherLuvMachine]

Have a great gig!

[@badbrad]

Thank you

[@Jeff-li5ri]

We salute you!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@studiohermited7052]

Gave up the dream in 06. Worked construction till I got a job for the state. Wish you all the best wherever you land, hope it's with a guitar in your hands.

[@badbrad]

Thank you. I will always have a guitar in my hands....stay tuned.

[@mid-range180]

Have a great Gig !

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@christianradioE5]

I was THERE , Brother . Downtown/Tootsies/Roberts 24/7 ..95-97. Pre-Convention Center. It was COOL !!

[@badbrad]

Yeah those were some different times back then. Cheers to you!

[@bobryan8793]

Appreciate you sir...ive toured all over country player ...San Diego...thought about Nashville many times...and again I appreciate you sir...

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@NoCoverCharge]

Time to start a scene in a smaller town somewhere else ..that’s all it takes

[@badbrad]

It’s looking like that’s gonna happen

[@NightmareAlice]

@@badbradare you in Wichita now?

[@doctordetroit4339]

Kids are not into live music....if you want to make decent money doing gigs....you must be a tribute band, they make more than originals oftentimes.

[@badbrad]

@@doctordetroit4339 THe Doctor has spoken.

[@NoCoverCharge]

@@doctordetroit4339 yeah my problem is I don’t care about money .. I care about making original music .. I make more then enough money in my day job

[@BillonBass]

Man things have changed and not for the better. I remember coming into Nashville from LA in the early 80s to record a session at the old Columbia Studio A there. It was the real deal back then and quite a few top notch players like David Hungate were leaving LA for this great new horizon for session players. I so miss those days. Even a lot of the country music which was always so raw and real is getting to be so packaged and corporate. So sorry to hear it’s gotten to the point great musicians like yourself need to look elsewhere to play.

[@badbrad]

Well it is what it is. Things change but the music lives on.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

Ahhhhhhh 1994. To be honest, grunge brought a depressing wave across music. Nashville's thriving hard rock scene got hit hard. You are spot on about it being dead. The rock scene here was on its last legs and a FEW bands where holding on for dear life. Brad, I remember the winter of 94. Me, you, John Billings, and Jonathan at some dingy college bar near Vandy/Belmont, FREEZING cold outside, Dan Fogelbergs old lang syne was playing and you said to me "dooooodd how much more depressing can this be?" The youngsters just don't understand how much "fun" the old guard was. They have idea and you can't explain it to them. You are spot on, I remember parking near the Ace of Clubs for free and not having to take out a mortgage. That whole era changed overnight as soon as the grunge/alternative era took over. There WAS some good music in that era, but man, the fun was just sucked out of everything. You didn't need to go to M.I.T. or P.I.T. to get a musical education, you could go see you, Reggie, Rod so forth and so on and get enough material to go home and woodshed for a year! I am glad you are putting out this material. Someone needs to say it.

[@badbrad]

doooood thanks for that memory as with some of those moments you try to forget or learn to forget. I'm thankful you remember, hilarious to me now and I can def. hear myself then saying that. Thanks so much bro! It's much appreciated.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@badbrad It was a blast. As I get older, I appreciate so much the memories and experiences. Good or bad. I am so grateful that I got to hang with whom I hung with lol. I remember you living in east nashville just arriving from L.A. telling stories, you and Reggie letting me sit in on gigs to get some experience with different music. It paid off in droves later in life and I ended up making a decent living elsewhere. You are dishing out pearls on here. I just hate to see it change so drastically. I went back up in 2013 to pick up some gear for a family member and I didn't even recognize the place. I hope this next move is a positive one.

[@badbrad]

@@RemoWilliams-jg4yb Those were the salad days. I still had the stench of hairspray and regret about me. It's all positive and good things to come....

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@badbrad I know right? I hope there is some positive news coming soon for you! Can't wait to hear it!

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@badbrad I am in the "lets not be negative" portion of my life. I don't do social media, and just so HAPPENED upon your channel. Weird huh? I gleaned alot from You, Raymond, Reggie, Roy, and many others while I was up there. I Appreciated the heck out of the time in that house you guys lived in at east Nashville. I learned things without even knowing it.

[@alonzovillarreal4666]

Thank you

[@badbrad]

You're welcome

[@seanewing386]

Hey Brad. I moved from Nashville to Southwest Florida about 2 years ago. Obviously it's a completely different scene because nothing is like Nashville. But, pick up an acoustic and a small PA and you can easily make $300 a show as a solo artist or half that as a duo. Almost every restaurant or tiki bar hires live music, and if you're above average you can write your ticket!

[@badbrad]

That is solid advice. Might have to do that.

[@michaelsix9684]

great post

[@badbrad]

Thanks!

[@revmaddog1932]

I remember that time period your talking about. That’s around the time I started working at Guitar Heaven. JD Blair was still giving drum lessons there while working for Shania.

[@badbrad]

Loved Guitar Heaven used to go in there all the time. Lived around the corner.

[@revmaddog1932]

@@badbrad I remember you used to come in and visit with Kory and Byrd at the Bell Road location and when we moved to Hickory Hollow area. I love seeing people I knew from then like you, Kenny Olson, Bosco France,Rick Beato, and Greg Koch.

[@badbrad]

@@revmaddog1932 Had no idea /Greg and Rick came in there...wow that was such a cool store.

[@revmaddog1932]

@@badbrad oh, yes sir. I always found it strange when he did come in. Always the same day the guys from Rascal Flatts and The Tom Kiefer band would stop in. I used to run into Greg on occasion and over at Mike E’s guitars. I basically grew up in that store. Back then everyone went to Mike for vintage Vox and Dr Z amps. Red Volkaert loved that store. I remember seeing him multiple times a week there in the late 80’s early 90’s.

[@badbrad]

@@revmaddog1932 Yeah Mike E's was killer bought a killer DR. Z out of there....

[@aleciafair35]

Your playing and professionalism are next level. Thanks for the chance to watch you perform over the last 22 years I have lived in Nashville. No doubt wherever you choose to play next you will continue to dazzle and stun. You are a pro!

[@badbrad]

Thank you! We will miss you and Michael but perhaps a trip to the lagoon will happen for u guys.

[@bigdogmurphy]

I was around there when bands like the Cate Bros. could be seen occasionally. Jaworowicz and the Blues-Co-op were fun, as were Rick Moore and the Mr. Lucky Band with Jimmy Nalls. Things have changed everywhere. I'm 74 now, still making music, not as much as I once did, but still going!

[@badbrad]

I’m glad to hear you’re still going. Best to you!

[@bigdogmurphy]

Brother you lived the life players like me dreamed of. Needles and coke got hold of me. But 14 years ago I finally got off that train for good. Now, I gig solo and with my trio as often as I can. More years are behind me than are in front of me, and I’m gonna play and write until the coffin lid shuts. Thanks so much for living the life you have, and for a few minutes we got to live it through you.

[@badbrad]

Man I’m glad to hear you have beaten the odds and found clarity. Bless you and keep rockin!

[@thejawshop-AdventureRecording]

I recently watched an interview with famed drummer Jojo Mayer, he echoed your sentiments exactly, but from a NYC point of view. He went on to say that the small centres like Iceland and small cities through out the western world are home to innovation. Gentrification has its price, and that price is the loss of improvisation and creativity from the heart. Indeed things come to a close.

[@badbrad]

Wow so true!

[@tacmason]

Good honest details brother Brad - I came to Nashville in 2001, hoping to get away from mechanical maintenance work, and find a way too get paid , and survive off doing Music - But I had to do both (badly) for a while to figure out that working a guaranteed second shift job for a hospital - was far, far easier for me - than scraping by playing lame music, in impossible situations, for coins - was never gonna "keep my wheels turning". Cool you got to hang with the "Wootens", I got to play with "Johnny Jones" a couple of years before He died. You had a "good long run" !

[@badbrad]

Thanks man. Yes we are both lucky to be above ground! Best to you

[@jameshumbert5864]

Last time I was in Nashville I was shocked. It even looked a bit run down going out your way. I was kinda confused and disconcerted and couldn't wait to leave. It's totally changed.

[@badbrad]

Yes it has.

[@stratisfied678]

Music row engineer back in the '80's while I finished my degree at Belmont. Great way to spend my 20's but I saw the writing on the wall. Leaving town was bittersweet but I wouldn't have traded my time there for anything.

[@badbrad]

Belmont is the pathway for a lot of music biz peeps.

[@DanielC__]

I’m old, 64 now. In the late 70’s and early 80’s we were making 2K to 2.5K per week for 4 nights work, 5 piece band. Wednesday - Saturday. We unloaded our gear once and left it there (except instruments) until we loaded out Sunday. The live music scene was super vibrant in the city I grew up in on the west coast. We played rock/cover rock and some originals. Almost every single bar had a stage and every bar had bands and they were packed. There was so much work we booked weeks in advance. I put myself through grad school playing music. When I hear these stories or talk to musicians today it’s bloody criminal what’s happened to the pay for live musicians. I’m so far removed from it now I don’t understand but people are coming in to see/hear music. You’re the draw and should be paid MUCH more. What a disaster.

[@badbrad]

Great post . Yes it is a disaster.

[@ddrummer_]

Wild. And you're right, all gigs come to an end. Both inside and outside the music business. I played around LA strip in the 80s and 90s. A band I practiced nextdoor to blew up big after their original lead singer died. Funny how life is like that. I've played at The Whiskey, Fender's Ballroom, Joshua's Parlor, Gazzari's ("All my bands have foxthee guys" lol), and a ton of dirty hole in the walls and huge backyard parties. I played my first paying gig at The Cowboy down in Anaheim when I was 17. Got back into the music business, ironically, to earn extra income a few years ago subbing for cats around town where I live now earning $200-400 dollars a gig. I didn't know how good I had it and a good chunk of my monthly income was coming from music. Then came the lockdown. Now that things have opened up most of the jobbers I know aren't working anymore including some local A Listers who have played or programmed drums for some mega stars. It doesn't make me feel any better but at the very least if they are struggling to make ends meet in music at least it isn't me. One of my teachers said maybe I should try Nashville and lower Broadway. Maybe I could get my foot in the door with someone after paying some dues and proving I can get along with others well. The 2 times I tried to even rent a room they cost more than my current mortgage. I'm too old to live out of my car anymore especially with violent crime being the way it is in Nashville. And it seems more cats are leaving which is never a good sign. I'm still practicing; studying, charting out bands catalogs I get from the few working bands and artists around town. But local pay is only going down for sidemen. I'm honestly considering signing up for a welding course in the Fall #ugh.

[@ddrummer_]

PS love your channel and all the stories and wisdom 👍.

[@badbrad]

I feel you bro and it is good to hear your perspective. You could probably make decent dough here but yea very expensive to start over.

[@AGENTARMES]

Brad you’re taking something w you in life more valuable than $ and that’s your experiences. So many ppl chase dollars and end up w zero cool stories. If time is the most valuable currency, you have spent it well.

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@williampinner1893]

God bless you brother. Hope things work out for you. Jesus took care of me. I used to be Wild Bill but I'm Sweet William now. Peace.

[@badbrad]

Way down yonder in Louisville

[@coraliefontesdeaguiar2333]

Have a great last one !

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@taylorjones2553]

Been in Nashville all my life. Brad is accurate on what he says.

[@badbrad]

I salute you!

[@Docsjeff]

And you had to pay to park anywhere if you were playing on LBW. I had to stop smoking and didn’t drink much at all when I lived there in the late 90’s. I was renting a Bedroom in Hville for $50.00 a week.

[@badbrad]

Wow $50 a week...those were the days!

[@spakuloid]

Sadly those Sunset Strip days are done. Long gone. Been like that for at least fifteen years now. Austin too.

[@badbrad]

You know it!

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@badbrad That is sad to hear. I played Austin around 05, I loved it there, but it still was not the same scene I "geared" myself for.

[@scottthomas3672]

Nashville has changed in many ways. Why I live in Lebanon.

[@badbrad]

I hear ya!

[@guitarhillbilly1482]

I got to experience the old Nashville in the summer of 1974. Great Music scene with great people and much more personal. I spent time on the road with 2 different singer/songwriters and saw the business from the inside. George Strait and Alan Jackson song Murder on Music Row sums it up. Nashville has been turned into Disneyland and way too crowded.

[@badbrad]

Wow what an epic time. I love to hear about those days.

[@guitarhillbilly1482]

@@badbrad The clubs in Printers Alley were the happening place in Nashville and of course Tootsie's. The stars and songwriters would merge together at these locations to hear the new material available.

[@badbrad]

@@guitarhillbilly1482 Yeah I liked Printers Alley alot as well.

[@guitarhillbilly1482]

@@badbrad Yeah anytime folks like Waylon - Merle Kilgore - Sammi Smith were some of the folks I ran into at Printers Alley.

[@badbrad]

@@guitarhillbilly1482 Wow!

[@BT-ir5zl]

I like how you reply to so many of the comments. Most youtubers don't bother.

[@badbrad]

I will try and keep this up as long as I can. Not easy but I do care.

[@davidanderson4136]

Do you remember a band called The Balls? Nick who used to play with The Mavericks put a band together that only played music...NO VOCALS !!! The gigged The Spot one evening and it was slam righteous. Nick was pulling out some serious vintage wood coupled with awesome just awesome fretmanship !!! The Ball...NO SINGING..LOL.

[@badbrad]

I never saw them but use to talk to Nick alot when he was at Sam Ash.

[@davidanderson4136]

Nick Kane is one awesome picker and he was my go to at Sam Ash Madison... If you ever need a pure Southern Rock picker just holla..ain't squat in Little Rock...

[@badbrad]

Yes Mr. Kane is awesome.

[@TheGARCK]

hose changes are pretty universal.

[@badbrad]

I hear you.

[@ronaldberman3596]

The past is the past, you're in the now. Pain is living in the past when you are in the now. The more you think about what was the more miserable you'll be

[@badbrad]

Honest advice.

[@jeffmorris739]

Brad, I moved to Nashville in 1982 to work in the music business. I worked for the NMA when they ran fan fair and I discovered very clearly that there were so many people wanting to do what I was for free "intern". I was going to Belmont majoring in business and minoring in music business. I knew in just a few month that I was never going to make a living working in this business. Now my kid have both graduated with good degree's and my daughter is a teacher and she is moving to east Tennessee. She can't afford to live here. My son makes good money but can't afford a house with wife and 3 kids. She works too. This place has gotten ridiculous.

[@badbrad]

Man I’m so sorry to hear that.

[@DrewCreal]

You rule!!!

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@Hilaire_Balrog]

Man, Nashville sounds like Austin. Used to be a cheap laid back city where you could see your friends played gigs any day of the week. This is the 90s I’m talking about. Now it’s horrible.

[@badbrad]

It kinda is.

[@PRSRECORDS]

We play Austin. The audiences don't care about the entertainment. The sport shows on the big screens are more important.

[@badbrad]

Man that blows goats.

[@FINELINEVAN]

After a performing musician in the northeast and retired outside Nashville 4 years ago near Whitehouse. Listening to your video is very reminiscent of a time in 70s and 80s. When I was in my 20s playing clubs. Had a 15 year run late 8os early 90s with a band I put together doing Wedding and Hotel gigs which payed really well as a side job. My two daughters work downtown as they moved here 7 years ago I started going downtown it reminded me of the late 70 s in Jersey all live clubs non stop bands it was great being 20s doing those gigs. Downtown reminded me of those days but as I observed the bullshit the musicians are put through 4 hours nonstop gigs parking moving your gear in I thought this is crazy how bad does one want to play to go though that shit not to mention for next to nothing some nights. You’re treated like a fool by these small bars. It’s degrading to me. What kills me was the same songs we would cover 25 ago still work the same as they did for us as party tunes. Nothing has really changed much. Why Nashville city doesn’t offer musicians a discounted parking pass since the music is what brings people to Broadway same for bar workers. The whole setup really sucks to witness. Even road players what they get paid per day sucks. It’s all corporate greed This parking meter bullshit they started really sucks. My wife during the weeks nights last year would drive in to do dinner or show or hockey game and be able to park on the street. Not anymore. We don’t bother going in anymore 20 plus parking fee It’s all setup for tourism now. I feel bad for my daughter who serves but she’s had enough people are not tipping as much anymore when she worked at the Wildhorse. I don’t blame ya man as much as I loved to play and create music all my guitar/ keyboards sit in my studio I just lost my passion for it all. I should start to sell my stuff off but probably not worth it so much used gear for sale. My daughter wants my Les Paul to hang on her wall. Anyway your video stuck a nerve as to why I am done with it all. Good luck on your final gig I totally get you man. Music has changed it’s a Joke I’m happily retired plenty of hobbies and travel keep us busy Love the area we live in.

[@badbrad]

I feel your message and wish you the best. Give your daughter the Les Paul when she’s ready.

[@Scott__C]

Yeah, I could be wrong but as a non country guy, that all started with Shania Twain and Mutt Lange bringing that Def Leppard production to her stuff. At least that's when I noticed it. I'm glad you got gigs from it, but man, even now, it doesn't appeal to me only because I don't feel the sort of fire I felt from the rock stuff. All the big music fads/trends have their day, unfortunately. In another 10 years, Nashville will probably be like the Strip is now. All the best for the gig.

[@badbrad]

A lot of truth there. Thank you. 🙏

[@kevinanderson967]

They said the same thing about Chet and the Neapolitan sound in the 60s, nothing stays the same the only thing you can depend on is CHANGE🎸

[@christianradioE5]

@@badbrad The Convention Center, Line Dancing, and the TOTAL Commercialization of SECOND AVENUE all..Ruined Ol Skool 5th & Broad, Printers Alley....anyone remember The Wagon Burner Bar ? The Turf ??

[@badbrad]

Classics

[@philsmithmusicentertainmen3972]

Hey, I think your next gig should be acting,, I feel everything you said! Sorry I didn’t run into you, I got here in 94, a drum gig was 25 so I started to do sound, I did the Hollywood shuffle also then orange County to make rent, did beach bars,,, when you are young you don’t realize the gig will end, and your only 24 once on and on. Safe travels! ,, we got to do it!!

[@badbrad]

Yes hey man! Maybe acting is in the cards who knows. It's a crazy life, Time flies brother.

[@chuckwolfboyer7830]

TRYING TO GET HOME BEFOR THE SUN COME UP VAMPIRE COOL 😎

[@badbrad]

Always.

[@BackyardOasisToday]

Great video. I remember going to 3rd and Lindsley on Wednesday nights to hear the Wooten Brothers & Friends, so they must have jammed at your house after that gig.

[@badbrad]

This was before that even.

[@stevejackson1782]

Great to know you are doing it your way...que the Sinatra!

[@badbrad]

Bro I thought about doing a cover of that....but the Elvis version.

[@stevejackson1782]

Would be cool to hear. Elvis version is probably better suited to you

[@badbrad]

@@stevejackson1782 Yes indeed!

[@largeeng]

Good luck in Florida👍

[@badbrad]

Thanks 👍

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

The "King Maker" Don Kelly.

[@badbrad]

He def. was....

[@arifq123]

That's the guy. I've seen some documentation on KZbin.

[@Gorilla.Guitar]

the "King-Maker"= Don Kelley. retired & moved to Fla. post-covid. JD Simo, Guthrie Trapp, Johny Hiland, Luke Mcquerie, the list goes on & on. i know nothing of badbrad or the events, if any, squeezing you out of Nashville but it sounds like its been knocking on your door for a while. kudos for keeping your family at the fore. i bet thats a scarcity for those like types in your shoes. Good Luxk to you.

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@rawtalent8670]

Hey man, first time to see you. I am South African. I am sorry to say but I don't think this is isolated to Nashville. About 2 weeks ago , the penny dropped for me. I can confirm that what you are experiencing in Nashville is happening to music all around the world, slightly different ways in different sub cultures and genres, but it's across all genres and its happening around the world man. My passion for music is broad and intense, i guess my passion for the social cultures that formed around different genres and different music scenes is even stronger. I am still in denial, but sadly, now that I am aware of it...the signs just keep confirming the worst... I am trying to deal with, how the f*ck I am going to deal with it. The sense of loss is so intense, I can only compare it to the loss of an immediate family member or very close friend.. What is happening is already done, we can not change it. Music and everything that went along with it is on its final lap.. I hope your last Gig was what you wanted it to be.

[@badbrad]

First of all thank you for reaching out. I hope you can find the strength to carry on. Things are very tough, I understand greatly. I think we have to soldier on as best we can, it's always been tough in this business and we must find new ways to continue. Chin up! Best to you.

[@christianradioE5]

Ya can always gig in Dixon..Murfreesboro..Franklin... Plenty Dives !

[@badbrad]

My dive bar days are done.

[@davesanchez5542]

I just went to an concert with people to the rafters!! I couldn’t believe one of the artist admitted he was on a budget and I noticed that the back up singers prominent on the recording were nowhere to be found!!! This was an arena concert, I dropped more money than ever! The managers screwed us all!!

[@badbrad]

Wow

[@user-mn1bq8kj7x]

I used to live and work in Nash Vegas. Its like my old Pal Lynn Anderson sang. I BEG YOUR PARDON I NEVER PROMISED YOU A ROSE GARDEN!!!

[@badbrad]

Indeed

[@peterwehrmeyer925]

End of an era my friend

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed!

[@KENMAN1357]

Brad, where are you playing and what time do you start???

[@badbrad]

Private gig with some good friends. Those pay the most with the least hassle. I’ll try and post some clips

[@KENMAN1357]

@@badbrad Awesome, thanks for the reply Brad. Have a great gig

[@badbrad]

@@KENMAN1357 Thank you!

[@strangemovies]

At least we got to live the life and play places like Gazzaris and The Troubadour.

[@badbrad]

That was my favorite