The Decline of Garage Bands: Where Did All the Rockers Go?"

[@ernesteison7979]

When I was a kid, the first day you got an instrument you were in a band. You ran over to a friend's house, hung out, and made noise all day. It is the best part of music, You can't replace that feeling.

[@badbrad]

You really can't. It is perhaps one of the greatest feelings in the world.

[@duanechapman-ft6ty]

Same here, sometimes the band was formed before people could even get an instrument to play. Just a group of kids talking through an idea, having fun and killing time together. Totally different times now for my kids even though they play. Imagine if we had KZbin back then though. Lol

[@badbrad]

@@duanechapman-ft6ty I grabbed a kid in Highschool and taught him how to play eighth notes on bass. He picked it up quick and played in my band.

[@1953MMike]

SO true!

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Haha, or maybe even beating on plastic tubs and boxes, and holding cardboard cutouts or broomsticks as "guitars". 😉

[@ChrisTibaldiDrums]

Great video. As a drummer, my bands always practiced in my parent’s basement. But as I got older one band I was in rented the basement of a bagel store in a strip mall. It was like a dungeon in there but we brought an old couch and a refrigerator. It was naturally warm in there so the NY winters weren’t a problem but the summers!! We had fans blasting on us. We rehearsed cover tunes 3 nights per week and had the time of our lives. We had parties down there and jammed for our friends. We were all basically 19-21 years old. 5 young dudes looking to make our mark. That band went on to become one of the top cover bands in the northeast in the 90’s. We had a Budweiser sponsorship, a booking agent, a truck with our own PA and a full time roadie that moved and set it all up for us. Some of the best times of my life!! Thanks for the memories Brad.

[@badbrad]

Wow those are incredible memories that lead to lots of cool experiences.

[@mrmac3971]

Joe's Garage

[@martinel2450]

I remember playing in 40 degree garages and spare rooms in the winter. We had this goofy thing we would laugh and say “This will harden us”. It was a lot of fun.

[@badbrad]

We call it Character builder...it made you tough.

[@InFRA_BLaKK_AMBRA_isTrueMetal]

Yeah I was in a Above average Arizona Based Classic Metal Band, that mostly played Original Material written by the Bass Player Singer Dude that had a Clear Metal singing voice like Dave Mustaine while Playing Bass, but the overall style morphed into a Serious technical Thrash Metal Band as soon as me and a new Drummer from Tucson Az named Sean Miller, also joined the Bass Player dudes Band called Toxic Soldiers, who also had the obligatory Toxic Soldiers Band Name Song like how Metal Church Song or Fifth Angel Band Song, so Steven (the Toxic Soldiers Bassist Singer Main Lyricist) Original Set List Used to Sound more Late '70's type Classic old school Sabbath type Metal style & sound. But all that Changed Quickly to a Kinda Technical Thrash Metal style like Sepultura/Suicidal, etc when me and a new Drummer from Tucson Az named Sean Miller would join around the same time, so it was interesting to hear a Garage Band re invigorate its Style, from a "starting to get Boring late '70's Metal, to a Crazy Prog Thrash Mash Up of Loudness Guitar Style meets Sepultura Guitar Style Thrash Metal Version of essentially the New Blood Toxic Soldiers 2.0 still be original material but now renewed....so Toxic Soldiers Garage Band at Rehearsal, me and new Drummer Dude would start Jammin outta nowhere and come up with new Rhythm Patterns, & Change ups, new Material really, and Truly was a Fertile High Energy Garage Band, probably most influenced at that moment in time by (we all Loved... especially then..was Sepultura, Loudness, Apocrypha, Forbidden , Suicidal Tendencies, PRONG, Pantera, King Diamond & Nevermore...pretty much last one where my Guitar Playing influences end, but Long story short, I 100% Remember what it was like being a Member of a Rad Thrash Metal Garage Band essentially....we'd regularly be Rehearsing & Playing out for a few (3 or 4? years) there was Awesome exciting moments that I'll cherish forever, we pretty much Recorded every Rehearsal & Performance on Cassette we ever Played, so it was also interesting Fun listening back to various different Cassette Rehearsal date Tapes and hearing improvements, i.e, Different Melodic Lead idea Breaks & Licks, & tones, in my Back in the Day mid -late '90's Rad Metal legit GARAGE BAND etc, etc, honestly was my most Creative at the Top of my Guitar Game locking in with that (live at Rehearsal Room) Sean Miller Drummer Dude Our Garage Band Drummer, THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS WORLD like BEING IN A GARAGE BAND!! TRUE STORY....

[@Plexi417]

@@InFRA_BLaKK_AMBRA_isTrueMetalwhy is every other word in this story capitalized? I can’t make it through the first sentence.

[@captainleisuresuit]

I joined my first band in 1989. A band member's family owned a local movie theater. So, we had band practices in the movie theater. Fantastic ambience for a practice space!

[@badbrad]

Wow I bet that sounded good...

[@BrianRay-y7l]

yea that sounds about as cool as it can get for Band Practice

[@ronwilliams1094]

I can remember when I was on tour with my ‘hair band’ back in 1991-92, playing a club in Charlotte, North Carolina that was across the street from one of those storage facilities that you could rent and being surprised at the sheer number of bands rehearsing there. It was summertime and we were loading in during the afternoon. Every door was open at the storage place and there was a band rehearsing in every other unit. You could literally hear almost every genre of rock being performed simultaneously yet they all seemed oblivious to one another. We thought it was so cool and never considered a storage unit as a place to rehearse.

[@badbrad]

Man that is cool.....hard to imagine that happening now.

[@bradhardisty1652]

By 98, I had everything I needed in my home studio from Moto 24 bit Performer, guitars, bass, amps, keyboards to where I could build all the parts in my songs and I did. After a few years I realized, I don't think like a drummer etc. even though I can write etc, the collaboration and input and hours of woodshedding with musicians that I felt great about created a way better product. I ended up back in bands in a healthy scene in Birmingham 2004-2008 with one really big project and side projects I worked with for four years. Some of the greatest years. Working that way is better in my opinion. In fact, I was interviewed about those years by a Birmingham radio station and it's going on their locals show within a few weeks. That's Birmingham Mountain Radio on their Local Mash show..way more productive time

[@badbrad]

I bet that is gonna be a cool interview. Nothing better than a real drummer and a real bass player...nothinbg like human interaction.

[@BigDeeBass]

I started out in the early 80's in a small room above this bowling alley with no heat . Just me on bass and a drummer and guitarist. I'd run my vocal mic through the second channel that was on my old peavey Mark III bass amp out of a 2 -15 cabnet. but the room was small enough for it to work.With the bolling alley being so loud they really didn't hear us too much. We would play all weekend and sometime all night. You learned how to click and feel each other out. That's where we planted our seeds and to this day we all became great players and it all started in that small room above the bolling alley. I would not change the blood, sweat and beers day's for anything.

[@badbrad]

Yes the blood sweat and tears and then when you came of age blood sweat and beers. Nothing like that experience.

[@GaZonk100]

same! but a Fender Reverb; I used to plug voice into the reverb channel

[@mikesteelheart]

They couldn't hear you with a 2x15 cab lol? 😂

[@badbrad]

@@mikesteelheart lol

[@hoytzone]

@@mikesteelheart The point was we didn't have a PA and that was the next best thing when we were starting out with no money. you had to make best of what you had. Just saying it worked

[@daveduffy2823]

The kids around here have no interest in playing in a band. All the ones I’ve come across, including mine, are hip hop fans. Rock as a cultural driver is long gone. It’s background music. I think that’s why they are disappearing.

[@badbrad]

Yeah that’s been a factor for sure.

[@bigjohnson7415]

Probably true. But everything moves in waves. Maybe it'll come back around..But at least here in DFW, it seems COVID killed off a lot of "Live Music" venues.

[@badbrad]

@@bigjohnson7415 Hate to hear that. Texas has such a rich music history.

[@bigjohnson7415]

@@daveduffy2823 Yeah, back in the day, there was a weekly music paper that would have all the clubs listed with the bands playing that weekend, plus articles about the clubs, interviews with local bands. We even got interviewed a couple of times over the years for it. Guess you can say the internet killed it. We'd cut out the pages with our gigs listed. Like I said, another time that won't be repeated again.

[@GaZonk100]

true - every car that pulls up alongside with music pumping isn't playing rock; it's either ghastly modern R&B or yeah, hip-hop (which occasionally can be good but so limited)

[@theheavydoorband]

Gen Z cant put a phone down long enough to do anything.

[@badbrad]

lol

[@BrianRay-y7l]

Ding,ding,ding we have a winner , lol you nailed it .

[@yetiredi1461]

THANKS for addressing the experiences of being in a garage band! It brought back so many of my memories of that era. I would not trade those experiences for anything. It was truly a character-forming event and I'm so glad I had the opportunity. It is a vital influence that helped made me who I am. We did a lot of the "open garage door" neighborhood concerts/rehearsals. It wasn't always appreciated by some of the neighbors and, we got shut down by the police a few times (back then that was considered a "Badge of Honor" to have that happen). Once it became a regular happening, we went to rehearsing in a laundromat that our bass player ran. I could fill pages of things that happened during in the "Laundromat Years". We were teenagers; dumb, inexperienced, fearless. Basically, a wolf pack of morons. We were, by band standards, a pretty clean and straightforward bunch of guys. You could take us home to meet your mother and she would be glad to have us around and stay for dinner. We had a running joke in the band. Whenever someone would ask how we met each other and why did we start a band; our answer was, "Sex, drugs and rock-a-roll. But in our case. we figured that one out of three ain't too bad".

[@badbrad]

Epic post. Man the times we had!

[@richcharvel7162]

Back in the day (as a young kid), we had rock stars, guitar heroes, music videos on MTV, "Headbanger's Ball", Circus/Creem/Hit Parader magazines and more. These things were so influential and inspiring that led many to being in a garage (or basement) band. Great video!

[@badbrad]

Those posters and MTV inspired a generation of musicians.

[@Music-lg8yk]

I'm in my mid thirties. I grew up square in the middle of the transition between the pre internet world and the internet world. Kids now don't even really have the same experiences that I had, which was not that long ago. I remember I joined my first band when I was 16. I drove to a practice space at an industrial pier. There were street workers out doing their jobs at night. I was just thinking whether or not I would get robbed. Turned out to be the experince that got me hooked on playing with others. Another thing that is important that you learn in a band when you're young is managing relationships. A band is a collective endeavor. There must be compromises. Also you learn the important skill of removing a band member/telling people no. Think of the first time you had to broach the subject to band members that you think one of them should go. Then getting a consensus and the having to tell that person to their face that they don't fit. It's hard, but it's a good lesson to learn that will help you outside of a band as well.

[@badbrad]

Man so many great lessons in the process of playing in a band. Kids are missing out.

[@cassavamellin]

I’m in a dad bod garage band in our 50s. In my garage and in the keyboard players basement. I have more fun than actually playing in the bar for our gigs. Best way to spend guy time.

[@badbrad]

Man it’s all about the joy of playing music.

[@TheFeelButton]

Musicians these days will do absolutely anything to make better music except practice and the garage is a practice space. Cheers Brad!

[@badbrad]

Practice makes perfect ain't no joke.

[@TheBassPlayer100]

“Where we going Johnny?” “To the top!” “And where’s that Johnny?” “To the toppermost of the popermost!” ~ Paul McCartney and John Lennon

[@badbrad]

Yes that's it!

[@dathorndike4908]

As I mentioned in my other comments I found my talent for singing recently. Until I started doing this I had paralyzing stagefright. But I forced myself to get over it by getting up on that stage no matter how much I literally trembled with fear and after about a month I started to get over it. After six months I am completely relaxed on stage and once that happened, I started to reallly enjoy performing in front of a crowd. I now find that I enjoy performing on that stage in front of people just as much as I enjoy the singing itself. I can really appreciate that rush musicians get on stage now. I feel that, too, when I am up there. And on those days between gigs I look forward to the next time I can get up there and sing. For my entire life music has been my life. Finding my place as a vocalist I am no longer a bystander. I'm immersed in it on a daily basis in such a profound way and it makes me feel more alive than anything else in my life.

[@badbrad]

I am so glad to hear that. Very inspiring.

[@houseofsolomon2440]

Very cool hearing about the candle shop. There was a local health food store in my hometown that became a de facto hangout spot for a few kids, mini jam sessions, etc - good times☆ Thanks for posting man!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!🙏

[@joemasse4568]

I’m 60 now, but have been playing in bands since a teenager, never stopped, but these days, I enjoy practice with the band more enjoyable than actually gigging, when you’re young you enjoy the girls and the people who come to hear you, but now the clubs just aren’t the same, you can’t flirt with girls when you’re old, you look ridiculous, and I don’t like making mistakes with the music on stage, rehearsal is much more fun, stop a song midway through, work on it or scrap it, tell jokes,have a smoke, don’t have to worry about being politically correct? Screw that, plus they want to pay you peanuts for your talent and effort.

[@badbrad]

You make some great points...

[@studiohermited7052]

I'm in PA, had a 3 piece band in the studio last night. Fresh out of high school getting ready for collage. Guitar, bass and drums. At times my ears hurt...lol, but I was encouraged by their effort. They have 8 original songs ready to record! I am only good for 2 a night.

[@badbrad]

That is encouraging....

[@JustChiminin]

Well stated brother Brad. Been playing in bands since the 60's. The friendships , camaraderie and memories I wouldn't trade for anything. 👍

[@badbrad]

Man that is what it's all about!

[@rickeguitar9086]

Man, you are truly my brother from another mother. I am cracking up as it is comforting to hear another voice out there that is saying what I have been lamenting over for years. And it begins with losing the art and fun of playing music. Whenever I come across a potential student, the first question I will ask is, "Which bands that you listen to have the most influence on you?" That is a loaded question that implies a lot. If they don't have a response immediately I know they do not really understand music at the most basic level: joyful art. I believe this is why we don't hear garage bands anymore as we drive through our neighborhoods. It is sad. The "virtual studio" kids really miss out on that communication. I am forced to have built my own studio due to the fact that I don't even have other adults in my area that want to play anymore. George Harrison said it best with his solo album entitled, "All Things Must Pass." I know he was referring to the Beatles. But, this is also to the season of time where kids would pick up an instrument and play until their fingers would bleed. Cheers, my brother!

[@badbrad]

Man you nailed it with this post. Driving through neighborhoods or sitting in your backyard and hearing some kids riffing on Zep or Stones...those were the days.

[@mdemartile]

I graduated high school in 1994. Our high school had roughly 400 kids. The were four or five heavy metal bands, two punk bands, and a ska band, I played in three of those bands, all garage bands lol. Fast forward to today, all my kids went to a high school that had roughly 2500 kids, and only one goth rock band, Times have changed indeed. The digital fentanyl of social media has numbed people.

[@badbrad]

Wow what a description digital fent.

[@acepalacio8223]

Brad, you hit the nail on the head, another issue now is that musicians at least in my market are playing in multiple bands ,they are no true bands any longer.Which made me shift to be a hired gun for 7 bands when they need me,l have 7 set list on Spotify for homework or brush up on the dime. But I can't not tell you since 2007 I have been with one band with the same musicians.I miss that, and it's all about covers no originals. Thats why I went to Berklee and got a masters in guitar and songwriting, think I would find musicians to collaborate with,but nooo they want to be cover rock star wannabes ,hey but looking what I doing now covers to play.Lucky I don't do it for living, l'm a weekend warrior, like the shirt I bought from you.Enjoy your stories you brought back good and bad memories Ace

[@badbrad]

Wow man. You got a shirt? You are the first one. Thank you. Man your story sounds like mine. Playing in multiple bands with shifting members. Just a part of life in the cover world. Thank you again.

[@dathorndike4908]

You are so spot on! Thanks for bringing attention to this.

[@badbrad]

Thank you for tuning in.

[@mrelmoresmusiclab]

My whole channel is all about this brother. I really think this is something we can do an amazing Collab on.

[@badbrad]

Sounds good

[@dathorndike4908]

I love everything you said! I am 50 years old now and discovered a talent for singing. I have been consumed with developing my voice over the last year. I sing live usually three nights a week, take a weekly vocal lesson, and put in about 5 hours a week practicing at my vocal studio, in addition to about 20 minutes a day of doing vocal excercises at home. You are never too old to find your passion in life and pursue it. I have discovered that first hand.

[@badbrad]

That is just awesome....love to hear it.

[@YouCanCallMeDon]

My first band in 1976... I did not even know how to play. There was no bass player, so I got a beat up 1965 Gibson SG EB-3 my mom bought for $150 (Yes, I still have it), an Earth Amp, homemade bass cabinet with two 15 inch... and that was it. Off to the races. The drummer was about 12 years old and really good for his age, and we played at his house in the garage. Good times. Two guitars, drums, bass. Band name: Fuzz. We played some gigs... typical highschool type of stuff, got on the local cable channel one time.. like, hey, we're on TV! The drummer followed your path... he was early in California - he did it all there, he played drums on Tommy Henricksen's Parade of Idiots, and had a few other close deals, and then late to Nashville. He stayed in Cali for way too long, and only did three years in Nashville. Got me thinking about that first band. We did covers.. Black Sabbath, Zeppelin, Foghat, Queen, Bowie... stuff like that. The first song I learned was Black Sabbath Sweet Leaf... and I was like, oh man, this is easy! I got this... then it got to that crazy fast pace part where the bass is walking at really fast pace and at that time I had no idea what to do... that part was always a train wreck. LOL.

[@badbrad]

Man but the fun you had!

[@tonybranton]

we played in an old slave house with no windows and no ac. Hot summer nights, warm beer and mosquitoes. We got a 4 track recorder and thought we had a CHANCE at a FUTURE. We still have pictures and there's towels lyin everywhere because we sweated like no tomorrow! Kids these days don't know NUTHIN, our hands froze in winter too but it got us ready for playin live outside!

[@badbrad]

"warm beer and mosquitos" sounds like an album title...

[@johndenson3107]

Right on Brad! Right on it again my friend. Drummers do have it rough but we don't mind. It's OUR job. 👊

[@badbrad]

I salute you!

[@williamstorm6515]

I've been gigging for well over fifty years and can definitely relate to everything you say. We of a certain age all started out in a garage or some such place and know what it's like to make do with less-than-ideal conditions. One other thing I would say is there is much more to being a musician than the actual playing. Those early days teach you how to get your instrument to cut in a mix, what a live band sounds like as it's very different from listening to Logic Pro on a laptop. How to get your rig road ready. What to do when things break, how to prevent that as much as possible. How to relate to an audience when things go wrong. When it's a packed house and they love you. When you're playing to five people, and they are getting ready to leave. Some nights you can't play a wrong note, others it just never comes together. So, you learn all of these things. I see young bands on stages, and they have no idea of any of this. I believe that these skills are a huge part of being a professional musician as opposed to solely a content creator. It's one thing to perfect a video performance with as many takes as you need in the comfort of your room. Quite another to know what to do when your monitor goes out first set. These young musicians are often very talented. But as they have missed the bonding that you speak of, they have also missed out on years of putting in the work gigging in every kind of venue and the many lessons that teaches you. Loved the video, excellent points all through. And it sure took me back to my first "rehearsal" space.

[@badbrad]

Great post! So much truth here.

[@jimmyc5498]

Total on the money. I just realized I’m doing these things, studio in the garage, gigging with my son, wanting, chasing that interaction. I remember watching a neighbors band practicing in the backyard when I was around 10 and it was life changing. We’ve all experienced small kids coming up to the stage, that’s their moment. I noticed at bluegrass festivals people just walk up, form a circle and start playing. .

[@badbrad]

Yeah Bluegrass is so organic like that. Acoustic instruments lend themselves to immediacy.

[@DanaDeerwester]

I'm from the 60's and 70's I'm 70 and to old to travel much anymore, but I do support the cause as much as I can. Just to play 🎸 is good for me! Trying to get out more to support live music! Have a great day Bad Brad! P.S. More of you jamming!👏💯💜🤍❤💙

[@badbrad]

I salute you! Appreciate your presence here. Thank you. I plan on doing some playing videos today..

[@jeffmorris739]

Before Nashville, I lived in Charlotte. I played in a lot of bands from heavy metal, to punk rock. We spent hours in garages and rented storage rooms trying to get better and we did. My band TV Violence opened for a band called the Red Plastic Guns from Athens. The best gig ever at a place call Viceroy Park, a place where I saw Iggy Pop and Joan Jett. On that stage I was a different person. It was so cool. Thanks man.

[@badbrad]

Man glad I could bring back those memories.

[@MrmelodyUs]

I can't tell you how much I appreciate what the wrap your laying down it's so true it's so real it's so correct if only more people understood this I would love to form a band with you or record a few singles you are at the top as far as I'm concerned

[@badbrad]

Man I appreciate that so much.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤❤ hey Brad! “ they” say, it’s always packing not the picking. I cannot tell you how many gigs we hurried to pack up and move the gear so we can get onto the next one to load in and move gear. Oh the garage I have a few of those demos in my repertoire…Brad you always bring a sweet sweet remind of my days of musical yore..

[@badbrad]

Packing not the picking...I got to remember that. That is a good one!

[@DanielleEmberley]

I go to a few open mics per week. I would guess that average age must be over 60.

[@badbrad]

Wow

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

​😶 im 53

[@badbrad]

@@jesusislukeskywalker4294 I salute ya both!

[@m.hughes2521]

Good work Brad. Your efforts are appreciated.

[@badbrad]

I appreciate you!

[@scottfromsouthcarolina3185]

My college friend had a garage band. They practiced in the basement of a carpet store when it was closed. The whole plaza was closed at night so he could crank up the Marshall. One of the band member's Father was the Manager.

[@badbrad]

That's how you get away with it.

[@DanaDeerwester]

I find that you inspire me to play 🎸!

[@badbrad]

I am so glad! I need to play today.

[@MLCDelux]

You make so many great points and brings back the best memories, thank you.

[@badbrad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MLCDelux]

@@badbrad My mother would drive me with my Yamaha Strat copy & my Gorilla amp over to my buddy Rick’s house on Saturday afternoons when I was 14-15, Rick had a drum kit but no cymbals at all so he fashioned a pan from the kitchen as his hi hat. I put that Gorilla amp up on a chair & we had a blast while his folks were gone. We had one original song and that was all, it was called “Want You” we played it over and over… It was the classic Joes Garage tale, his dad helped him acquire some real cymbals, I bought myself a Randal Head & a 4x12 cabinet. We never made it out of Ricks Basement but down the street from my place in W St Paul was a music store called Rock Guitar. I took lessons from a Absolute shredder called Todd, he played like Malmstein meets Al Di’meola, he was in a Metal band called The Regime, the would practice at the shop at night, it was 1988, me and my friends would loiter around there and rock out, the band didn’t mind at all, they played awesome covers, Judas Priest Green Manalishi, Ozzy… but their original songs were the best, I knew then that I needed to be in a band, I wanted to feel that loud vibration… I soon realized that I could end up stuck in that suburb if I didn’t get out so I planned & saved & practiced and worked 2-3 jobs and moved to Southern California right after graduation,, this is getting too long Brad but if you’re still reading I’ll jump way ahead because I couldn’t get anywhere with music for the longest time, sadly the dream was fading just like metal faded. Mid/ late 20’s living in Santa Cruz & desperate to find some serious layers before life got away from me, one day , just driving around in the rain, I said a prayer , I asked God to help me find musicians to play with. Hour later I parked and walked into a bar I didn’t know called the Red Room, packed happy hour , I was waiting for a drink and a guy next to me started chatting me up , he was funny and I told him I was there to hopefully meet a drummer or a bass player, he said “I play bass & my roommate is a drummer”, it took a month to finally meet up and jam, we had something very special immediately and we all knew it , didn’t expect it, the sound was Different than we had planned for, it was trippy and we knew we had to see where it would lead us, original songs were almost writing themselves, we were rehearsing 2-3 nights a week, Two bass players later we played our first gig, then a few parties, then a few dive bars, got on a regular circuit in Santa Cruz, some regular 4-5 set tourist gigs and finally bigger clubs like The Catalyst while playing in and around SF… I turned 30 and we had booked our first tour from San Diego to Seattle, from there we never stopped, SD to Seattle to Spokane through Montana, down through CO , Idaho, Utah & New Mexico, starting over again in SD without stopping , always adding new towns and cities rip we decided to tour all the way to NYC , playing 5/6/15 nights in a row and getting tighter & Tighter, I know it sounds cliche but that special feeling we had in the very beginning was getting more intense, we had something special & different, we could read a room and perform accordingly until we gained the trust, we could play it safe but when it was time to really show what we had , people would be calling their friends to come down and check us out, they would see our schedule and show up in the next town , blew our minds… Made it to NYC for a Tuesday night showcase gig in the middle of 8 bands, sound guy was a jerk, we had to play through their back line… 45 minute set, suddenly the place was packed and we played one of the best sets of our lives. Not one photo from the gig but we sold every last t/shirt and every last cd we had. By the time the next band started the place was nearly empty and the club wanted to book us for a weekend. That was 9/06/01. My first time in New York so that day we went to the World Trade Center. Just 5 days later the world would change forever and not in a good way if you’re in an unknown touring band in a van…I will end this by saying that we heard it all happen on the radio on the road heading back west by then and nearing Omaha, smoking a joint and tripping out on what happened and we had just been there… when in our rearview mirror, I promise on my life this 100% true, 5 or 6 vehicles were coming up on us pretty fast and there was no other traffic, these were black SUV’s all identical with flashing lights and dark tinted windows, they blew past us… 15 minutes later as we’re almost to Omaha, the voice on the radio said “President George W Bush has just arrived here in Omaha at the aviation center. Not weird at all right? POTUS passed us on the road on 9/11/2001. That band was called Liquid Foundation, we played our last show in Great Falls, October, 2002. I’ve played in a couple bands since then but nothing will ever come close to that entire experience, I would do it all over again without giving it a second thought. Learning how to play an instrument and then learning how to entertain people with it is something that no one can ever take away. God bless you and never stop rocking!

[@robertmellang6998]

I was my first basement band in 2015. I was 59. The basement band I am in now hasn’t played since June. I posted our band on my channel. I am back to playing in my little studio. I will probably find someone to play with again.

[@badbrad]

Life is about the journey not the destination so you are on your path.

[@robertmellang6998]

@@badbrad ✅⭐️😉👌🏻

[@fumanpoo4725]

Parents...no matter how horrific it may sound, encourage your kids and their bandmates to rock. It's a blessing...😊✌️

[@badbrad]

It is indeed.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

I thought I was the only one that thought this. You used to be able to hang around the storage sheds and listen to bands, make friends and connections ect, and I don't see that anymore. I don't hear any bands in neighborhoods either. Of course, I don't hang around storage sheds or drive around neighborhoods either BUT The times I have, there were no bands. During my time in Nashville over this last weekend, their were several acts playing on Broadway. MOST of them could have used some time in the shed.

[@badbrad]

Yeah a lot of those bands down town are filled with guys who learned how to play but maybe not as much experience playing with others or on stage.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@badbrad DOOOOOODD! I remember that you had to BRING IT, IF you even got a gig in town. I really expected better. My friend that was with me who isn't even remotely a musician, said it first. It was terrible. It is bad when your hometown guys are outplaying the Nashville gunslingers at a very prominent bar owned by one of the country superstars, knowwhatImean?

[@1969Donovan]

When we were kids we practiced at each other's houses, when we got good enough we played outdoors parties in back yards swamped with kids. Much like VH. I hauled full stack Marshalls in peoples back yards, we lived in the country so no one cared about the noise. Towards our senior year we were playing the school dances. Played gigs in the local pack on weekends, even got some of the older generations to show up to hear us. I'm an 80s kid.

[@badbrad]

Man I love to hear it!

[@jerrybuck790]

Spot on Brad!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@RockinRichy]

Brad, my first bands were in living rooms. First get-together we did "I'm not Your Stepping Stone" and "Heart of Stone," which though my older brother had the early Stones LPs, I had never heard. Amazing how those little snapshots still stay in one's head. Rock on, Brad

[@badbrad]

Very cool!😎

[@darthregulus]

Yeah we started in our parents living rooms, then we got kicked to the garage, in Florida! We were beasts on the instruments over time developing our style in that hot garage!

[@PaulLoughrin]

Thanks Brad!

[@PaulLoughrin]

Yea, man, I remember my first band in 1995, actually. Not 1996, as I stated in other comments in other videos. Our first gig was in 1996. So, I remember, beginning my short hard rock/metal singing part time career, in a barn near Madison, WI! We were called Pull Toys, lol. We played mainly 70's and 90's cover tunes. No originals. We would freeze in the winter, and also had a kerosene heater. It took us a year to practice for that first gig at a C. C. Rider party, in June of 1996. My first gig ever. It was outdoors. I'm glad I sang well! Great memories.

[@badbrad]

Man amazing our memories are so similar the smell of kerosene and the sound of music. Hard to beat.

[@PaulLoughrin]

@@badbrad 💯

[@deantrovinger4194]

These “Biker Bars,” are paying better than local restaurants these days, and we are doing these on Sunday afternoons inside with air conditioning!

[@badbrad]

Gotta love a gig that pays well and has air.

[@rockindavebyron3960]

Hey Brad, hope all is well & you guys didn't get that much damage from storm/Hurricane Debby. I agree with you 100%, this new generation hasn't had the pleasure of what we had back in the '80's being in bands. Not only did we have garage/basement bands back in my home city Chicago, but we also had monthly/hourly rooms we'd rent in old abandon warehouses, it really was a GREAT time to be a musician because we had to work harder, I think that's what made us so good because we had to be, everything was right on the spot, that's how we'd practice for shows. And as recording went, it was punch in/out, no cut & paste, when you have to work harder, you become better, just the way it is!!! GREAT VIDEO BROTHER, YOU ROCK!!! One day soon we'll come up by you & do a show & see if we can jam together, be safe Brother, Rock On & God Bless.

[@badbrad]

Man that sounds great. Best to you!!!

[@StratBurst92]

I played bass in a few garage bands in the early 70s. Great times and a lot of fun even though sometimes we sucked.Looking back it was one of the best times in my life. Gloria by Van Morrison & Them was always a staple. At 70 I still play my precision bass every day.

[@badbrad]

I think the P bass is the best sounding electric bass ever created.

[@StratBurst92]

@@badbrad 100% Agreed. Nothing else growls like a P Bass.

[@badbrad]

@@StratBurst92 They are the best...

[@stephenpizer5666]

I'm still doing the garage thing 😂and still trying to play out live at 59 not trying to be a Rockstar just still love playing live and getting there reactions. Great. Content Brad

[@badbrad]

Rock on! I salute you!

[@rockinrollshow1]

good talk i agree i feel the internet has done good/bad to society

[@badbrad]

Yes it is both....

[@dathorndike4908]

Back in my twenties I worked for record labels in New York City. I was at shows all the time, hanging with the musicians backstage. I did some roadie work for a band called The Damnwells. Got to tour a bit with the band in the Northeast. Met alot of cool rock stars that I had idolized. I could never play an instrument, but my obsession with music motivated me to be part of that lifestyle through my talent for photography. When you are a music junkie like you are, you just want to be immersed in it any way you can.

[@badbrad]

Absolutely!

[@DeadWeather4u]

I love your videos. Unfortunately, I was very shy, and introverted; I never had my own band. Which is kind of sad, because a lot of you here have been in *several* bands, living the dream. I will say, that the few, rare times I got to play with other bands, or jam live with someone, playing with a drummer… just the few times I was lucky enough to do so, those are some of my fondest memories, because of how educational and impactful they were. I learned (and felt) more in those few hours than a lifetime of NOT doing that.

[@DeadWeather4u]

One of the things I learned was the enormous potential of shared energy, when the motors generating that electricity are in pursuit of something magical in the distance.

[@badbrad]

It is all about shared energy! It's never too late, get out and jam!

[@TheBassManimal]

We are still here!!!!!!! Much to my wifes disappointment 😂 My band Luv Muscle is a group of guys born in the 80s (1985 for me) ive listened to and played classic rock my whole life. We started in a garage and still rehearse in a garage now and then

[@badbrad]

That is awesome! I salute you!

[@harrykelley7131]

Great video brother, I was there. Best time of my life.

[@badbrad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@GregoryCrawfordMusic]

Hey Brad, Always enjoy hearing from you about what's happening out there. A phenomenon that I've noticed from where I sit : there are so so so many musicians out there ! Hundreds of guys and gals now days are equal in skill (if not creativity) to the great guitarists I admired and emulated as a teen in the 1960's. In 1970 when the band I was with played Grant's lounge six nights a week for months here in Macon Ga. , there were probably fewer than a dozen pro level guitarist here then. Gigs were plentiful and paid very well. Now, I bet there are several hundred good guitarist here ! I can only imagine how "crowded" things are in places like Nashville today. Mr. Ed Steely, the musician's union president in Macon, was known (and loved) for enforcing the 50 dollar per gig minimum for side men at the time. A young fellow could litteraly support a family on that at the time ! Been playing in bands since I was 13 years old, and the scene is so utterly different now days. And let me say, listening to this episode , playing with the guys in high school definitely helped me to be ready for adult life. Money, logistics, H.R., girl friends.............all that stuff. Certainly kept me out of trouble. Have soon cool photos from the day . Peace to you Brad

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed things have changed a lot. We gained a lot of knowledge doing h it the way we did back I the day. But nothing stays the same.

[@-whiskey-4134]

I miss being in bands. From the ages between 14-26 I was always playing music with people. Whether it was an actual band, or just jamming with buddies. We did it for the music and fun. We never cared about fame and fortune. It was simply about the music and expressing ourselves together. I’m 31 now, since moved to rural FL with not much around. But my wife decided she wanted to learn music and start playing with me because she sees how much fun I have.

[@badbrad]

Man that is the greatest.

[@1953MMike]

All of us started in garage bands. It was the first time I got thecops called on me for disturbing the peace!😮

[@badbrad]

Man been there done that. Memories.

[@SixStringRacer]

Dude, what a cool video. I had no idea you were a Williamsburg dude. I went to Denbigh High in Newport News. My older siblings went to Walsingham Academy. I went to a dance there and saw some band, could have you!!😮 Victor Wooten was a year ahead of me, i graduated in 83. He was such a cool dude. His family band The Wooten Brothers played at our high school talent show thing. They were so good. Did you know Randy Peterson? He was the shredder back in the day at my school. Cool dude so much talent. Great channel bro, love it. Can relate to so many of your stories. 😎🤘🎸🌴

[@badbrad]

Thanks so much. Did not know Randy. Appreciate you watching my channel.

[@MrRacket991]

Brad sounds like the L.A. FM disk jockeys back in the '70s.

[@badbrad]

I was def. inspired by those guys.

[@geralddoyle5131]

Bravo! Been there. Thanks

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@ezzzzrrrs7646]

Greeeeaat vd man enjoyed the whole way thru..... Pretty much just everything was changing back then messin w music & othr stuff.... we got Internt / cell phones etc.

[@badbrad]

Yeah things changed quick.

[@dathorndike4908]

Part of the problem these days that there are so many restrictions on noise. Going into the garage and banging it out usually will result in angry neighbors shutting you down. Plus, less people have access to places to practice now. As a vocalist myself, I live in large city and still have had an impossible time trying to find a practice space.

[@badbrad]

Great point!

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Maybe the good thing today is that families either form bands with their kids or send their kids to a band camp or school. That's cool and they have the "cute factor" going for them. But what happens when they grow out of their cute phase? You're right Brad - the staying power is in sticking it out through thick and thin: Being so united that the band is committed to pressing on when others say "You guys are s**tty!" Or "Paid?!? You want us to pay you kids?!?" It was tough back then - no Internet so no chord/lyric charts that you could download, and of course no iPad or other tablet to keep your library of songs. It was drop the needle on the record and learn the song by ear. And MEMORIZE it. But it taught us how to learn songs; to train the ear and coordinate with the hands so you know where the chords are on the guitar. Great vlog!

[@badbrad]

Great Post!!!

[@mikeb5372]

Where i live there are still a lot of garage bands, or bar bands but mostly 40 plus year old people. The frustrating thing for me has been that almost none of the musicians I've played with are creative, they don't do original music and are resistant to doing original music. Almost everyone are, to quote someone i knew said, "cover queers" lol. Finally now i have a band that wants to do originals. Unfortunately we're all too old to go very far with it.

[@badbrad]

Still keep the dream alive. Play what you feel.

[@tonyclaws6100]

We had to hone our skills in the garage. The kids of today would never understand. Lack of internet created character!

[@badbrad]

Yes character builders

[@rickeguitar9086]

Hey Brad, In reading the comments below, I think we need to think of a way to create a virtual band right here! I think we all paid our dues on the road, could this be a place for those of us that are now in this stage and can build a virtual band, or bands?

[@badbrad]

Man I hear ya.

[@MrmelodyUs]

We've got to take it to the toppermost of the popper-most!

[@badbrad]

That’s it!

[@DreidMusicalX]

After 2008 I had my last gig with the last meth head and alcoholic I was willing to put up with. The era was just perverted with that crap everywhere.

[@badbrad]

Man I hear ya.

[@InFRA_BLaKK_AMBRA_isTrueMetal]

SO TRUE, I mean I wasnt Much of a Drinker, especially when I would be wanting to be Playing Guitar skillfully, Like at a Rehearsal or Live Gig Performance, but I do know I was that kinda Band Member trying to act like I wasn't at all Addicted to "the Gakk'idge/Crystal/Meth,... kinda ridiculous how obvious I was, but I was a Chill Non Combative Tweaking Band Mate. generally obsessed with my Raging Amp & Live Tone .. ...listening, making minute adjustments on the fly, just a Total Geek Squad style Guitar & Preamp Pedal Equipment Nerd etc, I used to be So into Hearing My Live Rig, me thinking I'm like a Audio Archivist Recording Live Rehearsal & Gigs for King Diamond Guitarist's Andy LaRoque or Pete Blakk Isolated Blazing Live Soundboard Guitar Tracks, so I was Trippin on my "All About "the AMBRA Show!" Visions Of Grandeur Guitar Fantasies, because I don't think I'm quite at that King Diamond Andy LaRoque & Pete Blakk level per se' .....but it's interesting where I've always had my Bar Set..

[@ddmd80]

‘Love of the week’ 😂 It happens!

[@badbrad]

Stuff happens when you party naked.

[@michaellandreth1392]

The "Garage Band' term pretty much came from or got a huge boost at least from Jan Berry's first Duo Jan & Arnie's hit Jennie Lee in 58. Jan had recorded the song in his Fathers Garage he let Jan set up for doing Music. Giving Jan the Ampex Tape recorder gifted to him by his Boss Howard Huges. The story of how Jan & Arnie made a hit record in a Garage was told repeatedly in Music publications , radio and TV.. Later of course it became Jan & Dean. After Jan's accident in 66 Dean recorded an Album "Save for a Rainy Day" in Bassist Joe Osborn's Garage Studio. So pretty much "Started in a Garage. Ended in a Garage"

[@badbrad]

Wow I didn’t realize all that. Great story.

[@keithelmo]

Wasn't Bruce Hornsby a local guy too you? I remember the garage band days. Hung out with them all the time. Great fun. Then the first show at some party or local bar. Good times.

[@badbrad]

He was quite a few years older than me but did meet him once. His parents use to frequent my family’s restaurant

[@markellis7847]

Off topic but an amusing old BB vid came up in my feed where he had to prove his hair was real. I too have had occasion to reflect on Brad's great head of hair, which, unfortunately, I don't have anymore.

[@badbrad]

I get trolled for my hair alot. Sometimes I think it would be easier to have less.

[@randommuiscchannel1049]

I'm 63 with a garage band gigging for the past 3 years around San Diego

[@badbrad]

That is awesome!

[@randommuiscchannel1049]

@@badbrad We literally rehearse in the drummers garage! He's another old school dude that brings the sauce!

[@badbrad]

That is awesome!

[@nickroth7446]

I played a few gigs in the green room at git

[@badbrad]

Wow very cool!

[@danhoopes507]

No chicks at the practice room was a rule. Beer and 420 was ok..fights..friendships..1979 was a great time for us. Marriage...kids..life made most quit. Me...i had it alk and still play out today.

[@badbrad]

Those are solid rules.

[@brinsonharris9816]

Chicks were allowed at my jam sessions, but they had to be into it and contribute. Grab that tambourine and shake it. Nothing worse than somebody’s new squeeze just standing around looking bored. Vibe killer. It also meant the guy wasn’t going to be into the session, and was just killing time before their plans for later.

[@philovance1940]

Hey Brad funny you should mention The Sundowner. Seems like all the places I’ve lived there was a place called The Sundowner. Always had a notorious or shady reputation. Usually a Strip Club or biker bar or both. It’s a shame. As a teacher jr. High students I don’t see kids getting into bands anymore. When I was coming up, young bands were everywhere. You could cobble together an evening music with 2-3 bands eager to how their stuff.

[@badbrad]

Man I hate to hear that.

[@rjvanhook5996]

im 59,in my first band right now fun, fun ,fun! comaradery is pricless😊

[@badbrad]

I salute you!

[@HughRailey]

Remember Pete Best didn't see a future in that music thing . Being a Butcher was something solid .

[@badbrad]

He would change his mind now

[@masterspin7796]

I started in a garage and it's cool for a while, but one bad apple can ruin it doesn't matter if they live 3 blocks away the cops back them up...we finally had to rent a place to practice and that had its cop moments too...35+ years of rock and the cops had a hand in it the entire time.

[@badbrad]

Man I hear ya there

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

Brad- Hi. Do you think eventually you'll interview your old music buddies? And others?

[@badbrad]

Yeah I think so just got to block out the time with my family schedule. That’s the hard part.

[@craigsolomon4783]

This is important Cultural teaching to the present generations,you get better when playing with others,learn lessons that help you in life..........

[@badbrad]

So true!

[@yasmanjack]

I upload your KZbin video on my fb site so that my son who lives in Vancouver Canada could watch and join. When he went to watch a message came up: "Not available in Canada." Crazy what next! Thought it would be good for you to know. Just Jack

[@badbrad]

Man I had no idea about that. Crazy.

[@yasmanjack]

@@badbrad I knew you would appreciate this tip. Crazy is right. Canada is next door to the USA and yet I can watch it here in Austria.

[@badbrad]

@@yasmanjack I've got a couple Canadians that watch the channel so...that is weird.

[@yasmanjack]

@@badbrad That is good to hear. I was thinking about that Drummer in Ontario, who copied your method, that he must be watching your KZbin videos as well. Maybe it has more to do with me posting your KZbin vidios on my fb site here in Austria, that caused the clich. I will ask my son in Canada to go to KZbin and watch one of your videos. I am confident that he will message me that it is working and not and not a problem in Canada. I will give you an update when he gets back to me. Thanks

[@badbrad]

@@yasmanjack Much appreciated.....

[@darthregulus]

I miss the days we were shredding in the garage! These kids don’t know the power of being in a band!

[@badbrad]

It was some of the best days of my life.

[@darthregulus]

@@badbradabsolutely!

[@RockinRichy]

"To the toppermost of the poppermost!"

[@badbrad]

Yes!

[@johnpatmos3778]

I’m down ! where’s the garage I’m comin!

[@badbrad]

My garage days are over I’m afraid.

[@johnpatmos3778]

@@badbrad Are there any garage videos on the internet! It could be a viral genre in my opinion! But what do I know I’m just a Rocker with some songs I’ve written and no one has had a chance to decide if it’s viral or not!? Like one of my favorites:”The Coronavirus Serial Killer!”😷🤧🤒

[@badbrad]

@@johnpatmos3778 The whole Garage thing could be a viral video concept.

[@johnpatmos3778]

The thing , in my opinion, with this internet style of media is that there’s a different way of catching audiences attention much differently than the past!

[@johnpatmos3778]

It’s just the artists job to figure out how to get that attention! I’m just a karaoke nut with just as much guitar skills as some other low skilled guitarist and singers who got lucky with a one hit wonder or a style that caught on like the Ramones! I’m Stickin with Ozzy who got me through the mean streets of Cranston Rhode Island’s biggest Hazmat truckin facility day in day out for nine years!

[@annalisagentile6028]

You can meet your love for the week. Lol

[@badbrad]

lol

[@TheSolfilm]

From a 40 years old Swiss guy that tried to make music in a band before I must say this: I can't speak for everyone but in my area, it's quite difficult to put up a band. First, imagine you want to play in a heavy metal band; You got a find the musicians but it's very difficult to find folks nowadays. Of course you can find a loooot of guitar players but go find a decent bassist and a good drummer.... not that easy at all. Imagine you manage to get the musicians. Now there's the major problem. Find a place to rehearse. It used to be easier before. Now if you find a good spot and mention the fact that you want to play mus/!!! You're being stopped right now by a big "NO" !!! So you manage to find to share a place to rehearse but you can only go there once a week. Okay... so you rehearse and you want to find a gig. Another problem. Music venues are not what it was anymore. Yeah you got concert places where you can go see Megadeth, Opeth or whatever but for the little local scene?? Not anymore. Well.... you manage to find a place anyway but it's a little bar and when you explain to the guy that you play with hi gain distortion and a drum kit.... yeah, that's not what he expected. So what do you do ??? You do an acoustic session ? You do a cover acoustic session with a cajon ?? You could but then again, you realize that you can't play heavy metal that easy nowadays. You adapt or yo become a country pop type of band.

[@badbrad]

Man you speak the truth!

[@gener2842]

The sundowner was in Tujunga. Very much a biker bar.

[@badbrad]

Yessss!!!

[@edsanders9605]

All the garage bands are busy making loops on "GarageBand"!!!

[@badbrad]

Ha ha yes!

[@mikesteelheart]

Because at the end of the day everything in life comes down to effort = rewards. Back in the 90's and 00's if you spent hours rehearsing in a garage band you had a shot a battle of the bands, making money and getting girls. Nowadays nobody will care, all the hot girls will just be looking down at their phones at the latest "flavor of the day" music video, social media or whatever (if they come at all). They won't throw themselves at you after months of practicing cause you're a "bad boy artist" like in the 90's and 00's.

[@badbrad]

I don't know....the stage is the ultimate aphrodisiac.

[@mikesteelheart]

@@badbrad I look like a young Clooney and can sing Whitney Houston yet still live with my parents. I'm even cuter than Taylor Swift and twice as talented yet no $$$ my way. I can sing "Ready For Love" by Bad Company like 90% even as a lower baritone...

[@marksavage1744]

You.should've experienced the 60s and 70s!

[@badbrad]

@@marksavage1744 I got a small taste of the 70's...it was pretty glorious.

[@countvlad8845]

Where did the Rockers go? Into the retirement homes. And the ones that can't afford a retirement home took over Mommy and Daddy's house and are pretending it's 1973 all over again. The arthritis is acting up, the drugs are running out, and nobody has washed their clothing because the TIDE detergent was mistaken for a box of cocaine and the box is now empty. Some of these stalwart rockers are having an identity crisis because they were told to go into Blues and Country, but many wouldn't compromise. No. It's rock or nuthin. It's going down in a blaze of arthritic glory, it's having your leather pants chewed on by the dogs because they haven't been fed in months, it's having your ex-girlfriend over to wash your stink away and clean your dentures and cut your hair and give you cigarettes and find batteries for your hearing aid. Yes, rocker glory is written large on all of this behavior because that's what rockers do. Especially, now, when they need the courage of their convictions to face an almost certain brutal and dismal future. They have to stand up for things, even the ones in the electric wheelchairs. It's time to face the decisions they made going through life. It's time to be ROCKERS!!!!

[@badbrad]

Hilarious post.

[@countvlad8845]

@@badbrad Thank ye kindly.

[@madmusicianmagician]

It's depressing these days since covid lock down everyone is afraid to be in the same room having to be 6 feet apart and with chin diapers on ever since 9/11 our sense of security has gone to an Orwellian 1984 society where big brother watches your every move calculating your next steps to make sure you fall in line

[@badbrad]

Strange days indeed.

[@jezzbass1826]

Yeah … played in bands had groupies girls carrying my guitar handing me plectrums when I dropped them.. kids gotta get out there confidence building character building… my mum met my dad when he was a guitar playing saw him with two girls smoking a cigar though flash sod but married him for over 40 years that’s what music can do

[@badbrad]

Man you know it. Excellent post. Your here because someone got out and played music live:

[@Materva-hv6sz]

We tortured our neighborhood so much we were forced to rent a storage unit and practice there at night. That was the 90's during the grunge age. Then we would go to the lead guitarist's house and eat pizza and drink beer while watching MTV. If it was the weekend we would end up getting smashed and dancing at the alternative/punk bar. Maybe even hit the strip club. Without a doubt the best years of my life

[@badbrad]

Man what a blast!

[@rockinrollshow1]

early 80's you could go anywhere to watch live music

[@badbrad]

Yes indeed.

[@GaZonk100]

and any night - we played a regular Wed night in winter at this place and it rocked - but that was 1988 (help!)

[@Souldoubtrocks]

You knew you were on the right path when the neighbors called the cops to shut you down and the cops would have you play a few tunes and then apologize for having to shut it down. Invariably they would leave and tell us see you next time.

[@badbrad]

Lol

[@bolt4694]

Garage bands take time, practice, effort, musical talent and a real instrument to play. Today's kids are lazy and don't know what real music is.

[@badbrad]

You May be right….

[@Instramark]

Brad, what was the name of the restaurant your mom ran? I used to play at the Greenleaf, ring a bell?

[@badbrad]

I use to go to the green leafe. Old Chickahominy House.

[@Instramark]

@@badbrad How about that?