The Truth: The Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle is a Myth

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In this video, I break down the myth of the "Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle" and expose the reality behind the music industry's most glorified image. 🎸 For years, we've been sold the idea of endless parties, fast living, and glamour, but the truth is far from what you see in the movies.
From my experience touring and playing in the music business, I reveal the harsh realities of life on the road-long hours, exhausting schedules, and the mental and physical toll it takes. The "Rockstar Life" isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and it’s time to separate the truth from the myth. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or someone chasing a dream, this video will open your eyes to what life in the industry is really like.
#RocknRollMyth #RockstarReality #MusicBusiness #TourLife #TruthBehindTheMusic #RocknRollLifestyle #GuitaristLife #MusicIndustryTruth #MusicianStories #ExposingTheMyth #TouringMusician #RocknRollTruth #BehindTheScenes #LifeOnTheRoad
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[@dwaynejones1146]

No lies detected....I have seen guys with leased homes, leased cars and leased jewelry on the road all to impress people they don't really know.....I am blessed to have had a wife, children and a 300 acre farm to come home to instead of being a part of some of the madness I saw around me.

[@badbrad]

Man you ain't lying.....The industry fronts dangling that carrot and the artists front like they are rollin.....Hard truths

[@thebadcat69]

I see a lot of people in general these days with leased homes and leased cars all to impress people they don't really know. A lot of people live beyond their means unfortunately. It's only going to get worse for more people with the way the economy is going. I live on several acres myself in a rural area and I enjoy it.

[@Acemechanicalservices]

Aging black leather and hospital bills And tatoo removal and dozens of pills Your liver pays dearly now for youthful magic moments But rock on completely with some brand-new components Cake - Rock and Roll Lifestyle

[@badbrad]

Wow very true

[@jonani3]

My God, this is so, so true!! I only played in touring club band from 81-86 in my early 20s. These were the days when a band would play at a club for 3-4-5 days in a row, pack up drive a few hours down the road, and do it all over again. At that age, you could do it, but I still burnt out. Never having any money gets old really quick. We played roughly 50 weeks a year. I got out, got married, and had 3 kids, divorced. In the early 90s , I got into the IT world. Worked for big companies, IBM, GE Capital, etc. In 1997, I started attending church, and my musical background came in handy. Since then, I've played weekly in a worship band, and it has been extremely rewarding. One thing you didn't speak about Brad is the lack of proper healthcare coverage. I have seen so many times when musicians get injured, sick there has to be a benefit concert or go fund me account created to cover those extrodinary expenses. Thank you for this wake up call to budding young musicians.

[@badbrad]

Man you are so right....there is no healthcare for touring musicians....

[@crucifiddle]

You're absolutely correct. There's no health coverage for the vast majority of musicians. And there's no calling in sick either.😋😋

[@spentron1]

There is a little thing called Obamacare now.

[@MrGrand2000]

Is that the Moe three stooges wig?🤣🤣🤣

[@kevinoconnor2921]

I learned this 30years ago when Eddie Money was renting an office at the company I worked for. We went out to smoke a cigarette in the parking lot. I commented to him "I like your Porsche over there." Mr. Money responded, "Thats not mine. Mines over there. Im married with 5 kids." He proceeds to point to the beat up Volvo station wagon.😅😂🤣

[@badbrad]

Wow!

[@giblespaul2001]

@@kevinoconnor2921 Good one!

[@lindaellen808]

Perhaps he could of afforded one if not so many kids?

[@mikesteelheart]

In 1994? Yeah he only really had 2 big hits and probably blew all his $$$ on the 80's high life...

[@robertmellang6998]

When you’re young it’s fun to run with the guys. Even if yer not in a band. When you grow up it’s fun to play the guitar. In the end we all depart. I get my new Gibson Les Paul Studio tomorrow. Playing guitar is fun. Life is tuff. Have fun.

[@badbrad]

Have fun with that guitar. That is what music is all about.

[@brucifer0]

The new LP Studios look sweet

[@nikoratysgr]

Gettin' old Gettin' grey Gettin' ripped off Underpaid Gettin' sold Second hand That's how it goes Playin' in a band Haha ain't that the truth. I hurt my back really bad last gig, while lifting a drum hardware case to our van. And that was before the load in. Soldiered through the gig with no painkillers, nothing. Just the adrenaline. Being the frontman and the lead guitarist I just can't fail, no matter what. Played and sang pretty ok. Load out and drove home. Next day the pain hit me. Literally could not walk for a solid week. That's the real Rock n Roll lifestyle - Pain. I'm 33 and I sure ain't 18 anymore. :) Just found your channel and love the stories! Cheers! :)

[@badbrad]

Oh man I have had a lot of days like that one my friend. Take care and keep rocking. Thank you!

[@darthregulus]

I learned early in my short career as a rock musician and did a 180 deg turn, quit my bands, and finished university. Now I am a PhD in Computer Science. All of my fellow bandmates got signed after I left the scene, and I was kicking myself for the longest. But now I found out a couple of them are unfortunately dead and the rest owe the record companies thousands of dollars, and have to repay the contract working regular boring as jobs. Now I know I made the right decision. The myth of the rock n roll lifestyle is a total lie. From what I see, it’s miserable. If Jane’s Addiction are miserable, you can imagine how bad it is for small touring bands today. Yeah I am good.

[@badbrad]

You made the right call.

[@darthregulus]

@@badbrad Thanks Brad, I am glad I found your channel, I am subscribed! You have tons of wisdom that is needed, even for guys like me who are no longer playing professionally, but bear the scars. I highly recommend your channel, I will spread the word.

[@JamminClemmons]

**THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS!** Iron Maiden (just yesterday), announced their 45th year tour, playing nothing but songs from their first LP, "Iron Maiden," to "Fear of the Dark." That's 1980-1992. I'm searching for tickets! All those blokes are millionaires, with nothing to prove but rocking the roofs off, while all in their 60's....the oldest being Nicko McBrain (drummer) who's 72 years old. Bruce Dickinson was a licensed airline pilot and flew the band around the globe. He also survived throat cancer (although he never smoked). Nicko (a non-drinker) also braved thru a stroke which left his right side paralyzed (he recovered).

[@robertbuffalo8287]

I did the same thing and earned two degrees Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering. I still play everyday and have great equipment and a studio. What I hated most was dealing with bandmates problems.

[@jackb348]

@@JamminClemmonsMaiden worked hard and ran it correctly from the get go. They worked regular jobs for a few years until it took off.

[@jacklbrt]

I worked for some years in the music industry a couple of decades ago and came into contact with a band, King's X. These guys have put out 13 albums and are still around, touring. They told me that they were on the road for most of the year, every year, and all said and done, they were making about 35K a year. About the same as an ok paying job, at that time, doing most anything else. What they told me was that they were traveling salesmen.All that travel and grind, and they were making less than I was. During my time in that job I learned about the "myth" from guys that were out there doing it, day after day, week after week, year after year. They're still out there doing it. I guess that's good because they've survived. But is it? I hope for their sakes that it is.

[@badbrad]

I hope so to.

[@brucifer0]

I saw Kings X in the early 90s amazing show! The small club was only at about half capacity. Surprised me because in my mind they were huge.

[@badbrad]

@@brucifer0 an incredible band that has struggled over the years....

[@kerrybarnes7289]

I learnt fast after doing the life style for a short time, that the money was working in the Studios.

[@badbrad]

For some yes.

[@kerrybarnes7289]

@@badbrad Agree, but that has changed now Brad.

[@rooster141]

It hit home for me in the 80s when Andy Timmons went to play with Danger Danger. Local boy with a famous national touring band. Figured he’d come back in town a bazillionaire driving a Lamborghini. He came back home, played the same shitty clubs my band did, and was driving a Nissan Pathfinder.

[@badbrad]

Man...that is the truth when the tour is over...you end up right back where you were.

[@RockAndDoubleBassWithAaronJoy]

Ted Poley lives in a little house and has numerous side jobs. These are not millionaires.

[@gregoriyefimovichrasputin4931]

As a giging musician/sideman,I always tell everyone I was brainwashed by MTV. I say jokingly but It's close to the truth.

[@badbrad]

This YES!

[@randallbargar348]

A band I was in opened for Quiet Riot. During soundcheck I got to talk to the bass player for a minute. They had just flown from California to the East and he said he was beat up. I mentioned sounds like a caffeine type day. He looked at me and said "No I need sleep". Pretty well sums it up.

[@badbrad]

Oh man I know the feeling.

[@SashaRose-d9l]

Duff from Guns n Roses said they had to keep adding dates & tour for the Use Tour Illusion Tour just to try to break even which I don’t think they did. A lot of it was they started charging the band for Axl’s antics, hours late show starts, etc. it’s rumored that’s why Axl & Slash “mended fences” & went on tour 2016 & on, money. It’s documented Axl had refinanced & borrowed borrowed borrowed money off his Malibu mansion to maintain his life. They were actually broke so here comes the tour….

[@badbrad]

Yep I don't doubt that at all.

[@jackb348]

There was an interview with Tracii Guns prior to GnRs reunion stating this fact.

[@flatrounds]

Great stuff, Brad. So much truth and wisdom being dropped here. My life is set up so that I don’t have a lot but I have enough to get by and I don’t have anyone demanding anything of me. I just make music the way I want to and share it with anyone who likes it. That’s being rich!

[@badbrad]

🫡

[@LeslieFlowerChildOfGod]

Good Morning ☀️🏝️🌊 sipping Coffee with Brads rock & roll lifestyle philosophy. Moms tale of Sid & Nancy when I was little scared me of that lifestyle for awhile. I was a late bloomer only dabbled in that in early 90’s-but I couldn’t juggle working days & being out all night. My BF for years back then worked as a popular & extremely well paid club DJ then, so that was the extent of my exposure. He still works days & evenings & records tracks for XM shows etc.. I was so blessed to be his & his wife’s babysitter for about 10yrs.(sometimes so the parents could get sleep or privacy for a recording) It’s rough, but pays the bills.

[@badbrad]

Very thankful that you tune in. Great perspective you have. Thank you!

[@douglasnielson8250]

Professional musicians are hard working people. They rarely get any vacations and miss out on a lot of family stuff. Some manage to make a good living. Many drop out and do something else because it’s easier.

[@badbrad]

Very well said.

[@TheFeelButton]

Sex, drugs and Rock-n-Roll...live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse are the two rallying cries I remember. You weren't supposed to make it to this age Brad! Glad you did! Cheers!!

[@badbrad]

I am glad I did!

[@giblespaul2001]

That’s why I have always had a job to rely on. I would say I am a serious hobbyist musician. Have the luxury to play about 6 times a month sleep in my on bed at night in most cases and supplement my income nicely. I still am having lots of fun playing music and acquiring gear but seem to be settled and happy with the essentials. I have went through amps, guitars and all other gear more than once. So most gas has subsided. Most gigs are fun but every now and then you get a bummer. Life seems to be good right now. BEWARE things can change quickly.

[@badbrad]

I hear ya bro!

[@CaptHiltz]

Be generous with your status. If you're making money, you are a part time musician and don't be hesitant to tell people that.

[@giblespaul2001]

However I have some friends from my small town that I grew up with that have been in the music business since the 90’s and still currently tour and now flying out on most Wednesdays and returning home on Sundays. That is their way of life and I have heard all their tales good & bad. I have never envied their lifestyle. However I have been to a lot of their shows and love to watch the hometown boys turn into the RockStars! Then go back home and be just like the rest of us.

[@giblespaul2001]

@@CaptHiltz Correct. That’s all I ever want to be.

[@thebadcat69]

Always a laugh and a smile with Brad.

[@badbrad]

This one not as much!

[@thebadcat69]

@@badbrad lol. I know.

[@JesterMax24]

I honestly cant wrap my head around something like the black album tour. All the hangovers, comedowns, press, crowds, pressure to be on and present night after night...

[@badbrad]

It can all be too much very quickly...it's a wonder they survived.

[@ronwilliams1094]

I can only imagine where we’d be if Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, etc. knew their worth and fought for what was fair monetarily instead of being taken advantage of. The music industry would have taken a way different path than the ‘indentured servant’ signed artists have come to know throughout the years. 😢

[@badbrad]

Perhaps so

[@wordup897]

I haven't been to concert in many years. Recently a band I like was coming to town. They were never huge but got kind of big around 1990. I went online to check for tickets - they started at 250 for the upper balcony to 900 near the stage. When I was young the big bands were $20 to maybe 40 for front row. I learned it's not the bands that jacked up the prices, but Ticket Master who owns the "rights" to ticket sales plus the venues. The corporate state is corrupting everything from tickets to cars to media to housing to food. It's currently going bust and I can't wait to watch it go down.

[@badbrad]

Man it seems all we do is get further into the hole.

[@jacobramseyer5275]

That's what happens when the Mafia creates the business model.

[@badbrad]

seems so.

[@douglasnielson8250]

The record labels ran on the MGM model. Keep the talent in debt. You might have the house and the car but you owe the label another two albums and a tour.

[@badbrad]

indeed.

[@silverwings1843]

Ah yes!!!!! The Helter Skelter Road Trip: Drugs and alcohol screw ups. Unfaithful girl friends and wives. The hotel world. Dishonest club and arena managers. The constant disagreements. Guys getting homesick or pissed off and going home. Come home and you have less money than when you left. And the incredible Fights!!!

[@badbrad]

Man you know it!

[@Vermonster23]

One of my friends played for an indie band. In Europe, they were full-blown Rockstars, in America they were just getting by they didn’t have day jobs, but they were not rich. My friend would always return with a European girl and that lady would leave him in a couple weeks because they would be sleeping in cars…

[@badbrad]

Oh man.

[@JesterMax24]

I don't know still sounds OK to me

[@4dmind]

I could tell some stories, but I will just say - yep, I got out of the profession at a young age. It is a terrible life style.

[@badbrad]

Man you know it.

[@oblivianation9759]

Obviously Brad wasn't invited to any PDitty parties.

[@badbrad]

Thankfully no

[@markt.681]

@@badbrad Ditty indicted on racketeering, sex trafficking, and conspiracy charges. Just a bit more than just rock and roll.

[@citizenGman]

​@@markt.681wait, what? You mean there is such a thing as conspiracies? It's not all just theoretical? Who knew? Someone better tell all the sheep.....😂

[@JesseBatesDrums]

Awesome ..That last part was Heavy & Real.

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@douglasnielson8250]

The strongest hand I ever shook was Eddie Van Halen’s. He had the iron grip and he had the sort of build a working man has. I grew up around brick layers and Ed had that kind of vibe to him. In shape but chain smoking. Sadly the cigarettes and booze took him. Heavy smokers usually go in their 60’s.

[@badbrad]

Yeah he had a working man's grip I am sure of that.

[@douglasnielson8250]

@@badbrad It takes a lot of hand and finger strength to play the way he did. Listen to him play unplugged. He just hammers the strings with his fingers. It’s actually really percussive. It’s like the hammers in a piano. Years of that built those hands.

[@keithroute8906]

Correct all the way. Rip offs, drugs, alcohol, failed marriages, piles of shows, getting older, it is lie to 99.9% of the rock stars.

[@badbrad]

indeed

[@tonyclaws6100]

The Scott Weiland story, so sad. Such a talent.

[@badbrad]

Very sad.

[@thebystander3949]

He was my favorite growing up. Very sad. So talented and so many demons.

[@JesterMax24]

Thought he might be referring to the DeLeo brothers. One of the best of their era, imo.

[@fumanpoo4725]

Sex, drugs and rock and roll all too often ends in STDs, addiction and hearing damage. Moderation in all things so you don't end up crippled or dead.

[@badbrad]

Indeed

[@99percentirish64]

Thanks Brad. Yea, man, the truth.

[@badbrad]

Thank you brother!

[@douglasnielson8250]

Now you have Live Nation buying up venues and they have sticky fingers.

[@badbrad]

Yeah not good

[@deanbeilke5783]

I think every young musician needs a reality check before their dreams get too big. They should all ask themselves if they are playing for the love of music and the innate need to be creative, or are they trying to become famous rock stars? If they are in for the love, they will always want to play, whether they come home with $50 or $5k for their night of work. If you don’t have sky high expectations to start, you can be a working musician that only gigs in your tri-state area and be happy. Marry a girl with a decent job that can put you on her insurance, and you can play music for a living instead of going to some god forsaken job that you hate and you are nothing but a number to that corporation, which only allows you time for a few gigs a month. It’s all about realistic expectations.

[@badbrad]

Very good advice.

[@rlawrence71]

Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Yngwie seemed to have carved out a niche market and following to build a really nice career with minimal consequences. They lead seemingly clean lifestyles, have a good work ethic, and have managed their money well. This is pretty rare I'm sure. They still have to go play well into their older years though.

[@badbrad]

Everybody needs cash....

[@ccthree329]

Anyone who had 15 mins of fame and made close to a million in the 70s or 80s, if managed and invested right would of been fine for life but most did not. Buying 5 sports cars and a mansion back then put people into debt counting the next record would be as good as the one that got you noticed. The Ego writes alot of checks that humans cant cash unfortunatly at any level. Musicians are like drug addicts who cant stop playing in most cases yet alone manage what they do, especially when young.

[@badbrad]

Very true

[@JohnCoenJr]

Man, Brad, you should’ve been around years ago telling these stories when we were all being fed these lies!!!!! How did we all fall for it? Everybody who wants to be a rockstar should have to watch this video. Wow, Brother, WHAT A TERRIBLE NIGHTMARE OF A LIFE!!!! It’s like Groundhog Day!!! Thank you, Brad for sharing and giving us a dose of reality. I guess I will continue to enjoy playing with my buddies close to home and just enjoy playing. That’s why we wanted to be rockstars anyway was because we wanted to enjoy our jobs. Nobody ever told us the realities of the “ Rock-n-Roll Lifestyle” though!!!!

[@badbrad]

You made the right call. Thank you for tuning in.

[@rrrobeltnest7295]

Perfect story Brad reminds me of the band from the 60s. I think it was faces.two of the members hung themselves. This needs to be told great story.

[@badbrad]

Was it bad finger?

[@mrufino1]

@@badbradyes

[@bjhendrickson6205]

Brad you are a voice of reason! You tell it like it is!

[@badbrad]

Thank you

[@a_dubs_]

The band is Cake. They wrote Rock n Roll lifestyle. Circa 1994

[@badbrad]

Thank you

[@jeffmorris739]

REO Speedwagon's reconning day was today. Kevin Cronin, and his bass player Bruce Hall were at irreconcilable differences because he could no longer perform due to a bad back. They should have never been on the road as long as they were. They should have been financially solvent but they were not. It's over. In their 70's on the road. What the heck? Thanks Brad.

[@badbrad]

Yeah 70 on the road playing rock music is kinda crazy...

[@lowdownfender]

Tempted by the fruit of another … (song Tempted by Squeeze )

[@badbrad]

Indeed! Great song

[@petercena9497]

R.E.M. made no money until they had the clout to get a new record deal. Works out for some, but only a few.

[@badbrad]

Indeed

[@NikosKatsikanis]

you might have Churches asking you to be a visiting speaker 🎉🎉

[@badbrad]

I am down with that.

[@scottblack9213]

We've only one life, if that means a band like Kings X can deliver so much joy to the world, and have a roof over their heads and have food in their belly and be able to express themselves, a life well lived, through their art, then they're winners. You can't take any possessions with you when you're six feet under.

[@badbrad]

Well said

[@lieutenantdan2217]

Hell yea Mr.Brad ❤

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@amosjr4]

Whoa!...Extremely brutal reality...WHAP!!...Right in the face...Thank you,BB

[@badbrad]

Thank you!!🙏

[@Rob9mm]

I do recall Roth claiming he didn't make much in the early days.

[@badbrad]

Facts

[@Rob9mm]

@@badbrad Thanks for this vid Brad, now I don't feel like I missed anything!

[@citizenGman]

All a woman has to do, to win the lottery, is marry the right guy. Set for life, with no effort required.

[@philyeary8809]

And lots of parasite women are waiting 😂

[@badbrad]

That's not easy either.

[@larryjackson6075]

Just divorce, alone, can significantly negatively effect people, irregardless if they're a rock star.

[@badbrad]

absolutely

[@lindaellen808]

Need to choose decent women to start with.

[@bpabustan]

So really the question is: how do you make a living as a professional musician?

[@badbrad]

very true.

[@danadeerwester8294]

Tim Pierce said don't let your A&R person take you out to lunch because you are paying for it!! Good Vibes Bad Brad

[@badbrad]

Indeed!!!

[@jackbyrd4921]

I had a dream of rock and roll life lucky for me I never came close to it. The dream it was just a dream all my heroes as I said so many times are now ghosts .I'm certain if I went that path I would be one too . Sadly most of them just wanted share their music with the world. You just can't win.

[@badbrad]

It is sad.

[@Ryan-KushLifeDragons]

13:25 - beautifully put. Round and round you go.

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@markjohnson6485]

So true on tour everyone has their hand out …..

[@badbrad]

Indeed.

[@jupitermoongauge4055]

I've never cared about the rock n roll myth. I love rock n roll for the music, not for the bs surrounding it. Not only does the rock n roll myth destroy lives, marriages, people, it destroys the music itself. The rock n roll greats and originators weren't pursuing the myth they were pursuing the music. Of course, that all changed around the early eighties and on when people began to put more effort into the lifestyle than the music itself.

[@badbrad]

I understand....

[@Postmortumaz]

Im still here. Many rock stars just croak way early. It's a lot healthier to just be a couch shredder.

[@badbrad]

Seems so.

[@RockAndDoubleBassWithAaronJoy]

I know a huge rock pianist. Huge. He doesn't have a manager to save money. He uses a fake e-mail. If you see a manager's name its like his first pet and home city. He also rents out a room in his house to help. I know this, cause I knew his renter. I know another guy, who has been on MTV and toured the world. He sent me something with his home address. I googled. Its just a small house, very small, 2 bedrooms, single floor, and he has numerous side gigs and a working wife. I've known others with less than glorious lifestyles. If you start to pay attention you'll see this come through in the fact they have one stage outfit for the last decade, and only do weekend warrior type gigs cause they are working a job. Its all fake. The rock life is all fake.

[@badbrad]

You know it....

[@jimmi3376]

I was signed in the 80s, another Hollywood band, never made a dime. started driving a tour bus and im one of the highest paid people on the bus. that being said bands don't drive and park their cars at our bus yards, we pick them up at various places run Nashville most times.

[@badbrad]

I was out at Diamond Coach and we always parked in the lot....

[@defcrew7435]

Every beast in the jungle knows there are two rules to survival-fight and flight. Knowing when to get out of whatever you’re doing when the time is right is essential to self preservation. Lots of people are victims of their own hubris. As to the record companies “ripping off” people a friend of mine in the biz once said: At some point everyone was in agreement. As they provide your hotel, limo, whatever only a fool would think that is being provided for free. It’s the “cost of doing business.” While Col Tom is always held up as the example of the swindling puppeteer you have to ask yourself, “Where would Elvis have been without him.” The collective wisdom of all humanity can be summed up in one phrase-there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

[@badbrad]

Very true...great post.

[@CHillTennisEntertainment]

Such an interesting topic! Thank you for your insight, Bad Brad. I always look forward to watching your videos! :D

[@badbrad]

It is very much appreciated. Thank you!

[@CHillTennisEntertainment]

@@badbrad Yes. Thank you for what you do! It's really interesting, I'm not a former musician, but I am a former tennis coach & recreational tennis player and I see a lot of similarities between the rock and roll lifestyle of the musicians and the pro tennis ladder. It's a grind in either case and it gets much harder, as you get older.

[@revrocks]

David Lee Roth seems to have played his cards right. Never married, would disappear into the Amazon jungle or somewhere else far from the toxic lifestyle when they came off tour. Put out an autobiography before anyone else was doing it to make money outside the record company’s reach, etc.

[@lindaellen808]

Plus podcasts. and solo career.

[@terryspeer3507]

"It's more dangerous than bull riding "

[@badbrad]

Yes!

[@RoseCityMusicClub]

Brother, you are one hell of a storyteller obviously you can play guitar or you wouldn’t have gotten to do what you’ve done which is a huge blessing but I just have to say…. The storytelling is nice.

[@badbrad]

Thank you so much!

[@scottblack9213]

Lots of frontmen from bands have cut loose from their band and management. They're going out playing acoustic sets in bars and very small clubs for 2k CASH. Their girlfriend or buddy drives them around, takes the door and settles up. They do 50 shows a year, thats 100k cash on a very small overhead budget. In paper, no transactions. The club owner makes a killing on the bar.

[@badbrad]

Interesting

[@scottblack9213]

@@badbrad it's happening with a lot of U.S acts touring Europe and the UK. Still a very loyal market.

[@guitardude1981]

I remember the van halen million dollar debt. Saw that 1st tour. They opened for Montrose and Journey.

[@badbrad]

pretty wild story

[@guitardude1981]

@badbrad The only thing coming thru the pa was vocals and drums I remember. Eddie was loud enough off stage volume. He had 10 marshall 4×12 cabs and his Iconic marshall olexi plus numerous marshall heads. Michael Anthony was running 6 ampeg heads with 9 ampeg 8×10 cabs. They were playing old Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. 3500 capacity

[@RockAndDoubleBassWithAaronJoy]

According to his bio Sammy Hagar never made any money from Van Halen. He made all his money from his side gigs - like his bar and bike store.

[@badbrad]

I find that a little hard to believe.

[@bradhardisty1652]

Apparently Van Halen's first contract was really shitty. Ted Templeman got his chunk on sales being a staff Producer, but, on the flip side they had one of the top stateside producers in the business and the quality in recording is still there. I'm sure the renegotiation was a way better deal and Sammy was part of that. Dave probably branched out when he decided to get his own deal thinking it would be more lucrative and not risking not getting a new deal with Warner Brothers. Obviously, Warner Brothers didn't renew with Dave after that first deal because he faded before the 90s. Van Halen was with Warner Brothers the whole cycle until they went on semi-permanent hiatus and then the reunions they were off Warner Brothers. I did get the Van Halen Japanese vinyl 45s box set that had all the Japanese covers and was all singles released under Roth. It was released under Rhino Records which is a Warner Brothers subsidiary.

[@badbrad]

Most artists first contract are abysmal....

[@danadeerwester8294]

Thanks!

[@badbrad]

Thank you Dana very much appreciated!!!

[@Timtime67]

Randy Rhodes made 400 a week back in the day. He wrote the riff to crazy train. His mom sued after he died.

[@badbrad]

wow....

[@Timtime67]

@@badbrad I just saw an interview with his mother.

[@DanielCastillo-cn3pp]

1978 absolutely. Van Halen, especially King Edward Van Halen ruled... I was 12 years old than

[@badbrad]

He was the man!

[@Greenjagsurf]

Consider all the "fame and money" but you got these famous stars addicted to drugs, suicidal, divorced, few friends, ... Gee, doesnt sound so great to me.

[@badbrad]

Not too good...

[@SeeCSeesCC]

❤ yeah all the glamour lol.. I felt lucky that we were able to pay our rent and live off of being working band.

[@badbrad]

Sometimes that is all you can hope for.

[@SeeCSeesCC]

@@badbrad and I was darn grateful for that truth! I felt really blessed to live a kind of a life most dream of. I had a few spin outs, but mostly made my way. I thought that was a win. I hope you, Misses Brad and sweetMia are well today.

[@michaelr.4878]

I think the craziest and still current example of this is today's rap guys. They spent and flaunt all of this money...yet, common sense tells us that they really aren't making that much money. Live rap isn't a really profitable thing..and aside from a select few guys, most of them play clubs of under 1000 ppl. But if you think about it..these rappers are the last guys to really go after major label deals...like, you don't hear about many super successful independent rap labels. So what does that tell you? The money that these guys are blowing is all advanced money that they will never be able to pay back..and then they are stuck. If you go back and look at the 'history of rap'...a TON of the biggest names have all had IRS/tax issues. For the record, I hate rap music and I hate what it has done to influence the young, susceptible and often, not so bright young people. The 'everyone want to be a thug' garbage has to stop.

[@badbrad]

Alot of truth here...

[@playalot86]

Damn… 🪦

[@badbrad]

🙏

[@jercetti5763]

How did The Rolling Stones made it through all these years?

[@michelleneeds4165]

The Stones are one of the few exceptions that make the rule. All the sidemen don't make Mick and Keith money. Mr Brown sugar himself Bobby Keys learned that the hard way, cussing out Jagger, he was skint and playing dives by the end of the week and wasn't allowed back for decades.

[@badbrad]

Yes different income bracket

[@TheBassPlayer100]

Mick and Keith as principal songwriters made the money. Bill Wyman will tell you he was broke until the 1970s and they changed management. And even then it was tough for several more years. We all bought into the myth. The music biz is a giant scam. Always has been. Getting married is a giant scam. The state rewards one partner in the contract for breaking said contract whenever they “feel like it.” Work on yourselves gents. Save your money, exercise, save your seed, play guitar. Know peace.

[@petercena9497]

The Stones made very little money in the 60s. Not for themselves anyway.

[@scottblack9213]

I really like your channel. If you could give us a video on your opinion of the Scott Weiland's life and inter band dynamics. Would really appreciate your thoughts on his life.

[@badbrad]

Oh man what a topic

[@Daneiladams555]

deep and dark bad brad, I like it

[@badbrad]

Indeed

[@tjsmith3741]

Have a nice day 😊

[@badbrad]

Thank you.

[@matthewhanhauser5993]

Brad can u talk about Satanism in the music business

[@badbrad]

seems to be more of that in Pop music these days....

[@luckysevens.AltRock8]

This one was Doom and Gloom

[@badbrad]

Truth sometimes is.

[@frostedhead]

I known a band that got paid per diem to do a show. They were known in the 80s.

[@badbrad]

Wow

[@Ryan-KushLifeDragons]

New subscriber due to your perspective and how it is relayed for those not in this world to understand. Could you speak on if there is a “Diddy” in this industry? I’ve been seeing more videos on the SA that rockstars endure to make it.

[@badbrad]

I can't speak of one that I know of. But I will be watching...

[@Ryan-KushLifeDragons]

@@badbrad there’s a few videos out on Jami Lane and Steven Adler. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqzk36Erqppqrcsi=JDGa9DVfOV-ky74R

[@Ryan-KushLifeDragons]

@@badbrad kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKLKdKWBqr2il9ksi=vbU2wLz9yjubeBmE

[@Ryan-KushLifeDragons]

@@badbrad kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4OpYaV4qZyVnMUsi=WSVwi1IonxArvOf4

[@farmboypresents9977]

Eddie van Halen did make it! We all make it in the end..

[@AllTenThousand]

Well, yes, but its a little like saying you are a banker. 99% of people working for banks drive hondas, the executive class flies lear jets. No shame in that. Van halen having to put out two lesser albums in a year to eat is a crime, though.

[@badbrad]

true.

[@ibuiltthesky]

ASMR: Rockstar wannabe Reality Check 🗣️🫣

[@badbrad]

Yes!👍🏻

[@prd004.2]

The moral of the story… don’t get married and you’ll never have an ex wife take half your $h!t

[@badbrad]

He did have that going for him

[@frostedhead]

Ask Prince about that.

[@wyganter]

Did Prince have financial problems? I thought his downfall came from painkiller abuse due to chronic hip pain. And he couldn’t do hip replacement surgery because of his Jehovah’s Witness faith.

[@lindaellen808]

Who wants to be a factory worker?

[@badbrad]

the grind can be hard either way...

[@glenncivale6824]

Love the truth man!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@rharan1]

Keep it coming

[@badbrad]

Will do!

[@jameswinfield1721]

What about the personal chef on the road ? :)

[@badbrad]

Only headliners travel with a personal chef/catering....if you're a mid level act it's just not doable.

[@terryspeer3507]

I've seen it first hand....

[@badbrad]

Me to...

[@scottdunn9087]

Great vid Brad!

[@badbrad]

Thank you!

[@lindaellen808]

Why do they not all have a pre-nup in place if so many divorces and make better choices of wives who are not gold- diggers in the first place , eg.their fans who adore them get to know them and not put up barriers to keep them away.

[@badbrad]

because love doesn't think rationally.....

[@jimmyhunter2799]

lookin in the lens…. you are connecting with your view KUDOs…

[@badbrad]

I'm trying thanks Jimmy.

[@stuartdavies4054]

Is this the song "Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle" kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHO6Z3aMpq-Bmrcsi=GGEO4hDGTCjX5KRE

[@sv-yh3mq]

Cake- and I like that song.

[@badbrad]

thank you