Why I've NEVER toured the USA! | Friday Fretworks

The real reason I've never toured the USA...until now!
USA Tickets: www.thecardinalblack.com/tour...
Live at The Memo Pre-Order: lnk.to/LiveAtTheMemo
My Line 6 Helix Preset: www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk/hel...
Tabs & Backing Tracks: www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk/tabl...
PayPal Tip Jar: www.paypal.com/paypalme/Chris...
Key points:
0:00 Intro
0:07 JAM! (Cardinal Black - On My Own)
1:43 USA & the UK
2:39 'Bands make their money touring'
3:36 Visa application process
5:14 Visa application costs
7:19 Travel costs
9:58 Things are looking up!
11:31 JAM! (Cardinal Black - Warm Love)
/ chrisbuckguitar
/ chrisbuckguitar
/ thecardinalblack
www.chrisbuckguitar.co.uk
www.thecardinalblack.com

[@samuelhatman8995]

Hmmm.... 534 miles south west of me in Nebraska, 71 years old. Never miss a KZbin post. Not a smart drive for an old guy. As an American, I apologize for the cost of doing business with U.S.A. Nebraska will love you. You'll pack that open air Mall and I'll pray the weather is nothing less than stellar! Ummm... I never say never... these old bones may just take a drive to see you. And massive understatement: Thank You Cardinal Black Playing and sacrificing for us is huge in my heart.

[@PlayingwithFireOmaha]

Drive down to Omaha and I'll make sure you are on the preparty and backstage guest lists. I'm 77 and have flown and driven thousands of miles to see this band perform. Their live show is 500X their videos. They are superb. Think the Rolling Sones in 1964! I was there so know. Jeff Davis

[@user-tg5bz1ve3g]

killer bass line on the opening clip

[@robhamilton5057]

i thought that too

[@Momentum88]

Same! Sam laying it DOWN!

[@LUKE_LINDGREN]

Truth. 🤘

[@nickmanory1843]

I bought tickets to the nashville show and am flying there to check you guys out. looking forward to it.

[@harrybryan9633]

See you there!

[@benallmark9671]

Nice !

[@RandalSmith]

I’ll be there as well. Look for the old guy wearing the Gibson shirt.

[@donaldslage]

See ya there

[@chrisshaw6451]

BLOODY HELL CHRIS!!! That's a HORRENDOUS cost to you guys to play the US for just 3 shows. I sincerely hope it all goes pretty much to plan, is a roaring success for you all, and turns out to be thoroughly worth all the trouble? On the plus side, I've been singing your praises to my Neice EMMA, who lives in LA, and strongly encouraging her to get tickets to your Troubador show. I hope she listened to me? Best of luck to you and the guys Chris. 👍❤️

[@hoboroadie4623]

I remember how Hollywood clubs kind of pioneered punitive booking policies way back in the day. I can't afford to go out on the sidewalks there nowadays, but I suppose that there are several dozen people in the County there that probably could afford to, at least a few times a year. Good luck 👍

[@garydmercer]

Welcome to the U.S.A. Chris!. So nice to hear your fantastic guitar solos. I hope you have a great visit and experience here.

[@JohnDrewVoice]

I was around when the Beatles began the British music invasion in 1964 by appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. The Ed Sullivan Show financed their trip to the States. I already had the 1963 Parlophone album "Please Please Me' that my father had brought home to me from a business trip to England. So I was already quite familiar with the Beatles before their music erupted on U.S. rock radio stations. (My older sister received "With the Beatles.") The next year, my parents and I were living in Cheshire, and I became immersed in the era's music revolution. Radio Caroline North and Radio Luxembourg were my constant nighttime companions... when I wasn't out at one of the local teen clubs with my girlfriend Jennifer. All this is to say that the music business has dramatically changed since the mid-60s, and I imagine that finding a sponsor for a U.S. tour is immeasurably challenging. I wish you a safe and enjoyable tour and sold-out performances.

[@georgemoore7231]

Holy Cow! I never realized how expensive it is for bands outside the U.S. to perform here, especially the administrative costs associated with obtaining a Visa! Thank you Chris and the band for your endurance and patience with that process. Hope to see one of your performances here and hope someday you can all return and include some shows in Chicago.

[@BluesRockReview]

We will see you in Omaha at Playing with Fire as we'll be providing coverage of the entire festival and look forward to your U.S. debut. Hats off to Vanessa and Jeff for making it happen.

[@philday5543]

Bluesfest in Australia You would pack shows out Samantha Fish, Buddy Guy and Kingfish play to sold out venues

[@MarkPilipczuk]

For the folks thinking this is unusual, it’s been this way for many decades. It’s also not different than other lines of work. I’ve spent weekends putting together documentation from the corporate side just to get a Canadian the right visa to be able to work in the US. I want Cardinal Black to come to the US so I’ve been purchasing merch from them from their UK website to fill their coffers. When the new album comes out I’ll buy a physical copy as well. Will it get them here to Virginia? Not alone. But if we all buy as much as we can from them, it helps.

[@erikadegroot1774]

I was speechless and had deep furrows in my brows during the entirety of this video. But going through the eye of the needle for the U.S. shows had to be done; this is how to get your music out there even more. I salute the band's dedication and tenacity (a few of the reasons I'm crazy about Cardinal Black) and kudos to Jeff and Vanessa indeed.

[@Furtheronmusic]

Brilliant honest video Chris. I hope people reading this realise that if you want an artist you like to carry on producing music then BUY THEIR MUSIC! Don't just stream it. I've preordered your new live CD direct from your website and much of my recent music is physical cd or vinyl that I get from as close to the artist as I can ie their website or preferred retailer.

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

Choice is king.

[@ellesbailey]

So great to hear you talk so frankly and clearly about this Chris ! It’s the reason why I haven’t been back over since my visa expired ! Good luck for the trip - mega stuff ! And yay to Jeff and Vanessa xxx

[@danielniewoehner6235]

Thanks for the reality check on the costs. Too bad you can't make the drive up to Chicago...

[@timchalmers1700]

Ack!!! Absolutely amazing to see how the costs add up. Many thanks to Vanessa and Jeff !!!

[@michaelschneider7590]

Thank you for this very interesting and candid behind-the-scenes episode! I empathise, having been recruited from Houston to London in my 50s. That eastbound route is very complex and expensive too! But worth it, in the end. The good news, hopefully, is that having done all this paperwork you’ll now be free (costs aside) to tour the US more in your future. To be honest, the cost of food and lodging are higher in London than nearly all US cities. Congratulations on your sell outs, and hope you’ll return with a visit to Houston in the future! (Great intro and outro too!!)

[@BluesRunnerJFQ]

Come to Argentina, here you don't need a visa and you will fill stadiums with the best crawn in the world

[@romestant]

looking forward to the Nashville show and the merch table to help a bit !

[@jodybland3226]

Damn Chris, all you have to is tell us where to send it and we'll have more food that you could ever eat at your door. Don't you know that cooking for our guests is a big thing over here? Especially in Nashville man...home of some of the best BBQ on Earth!

[@forester057]

He’s probably vegan lol. Plenty of vegan poison in Nashville. Not so much Nebraska. It’s beef or pb&j. I’ll take the beef. It’s what humans were adapted to eat (they didn’t eat plants during the ice age).

[@masonwright754]

You guys are awesome. Driving 5 hours to see yall in Nashville. Wish I could support you in more ways but even just getting to see your show in person will be once in a lifetime!

[@snidelywhiplash]

I saw the announcement for Omaha and got all excited! BTW, it's about 750 miles by road from Omaha to Nashville. Eleven hours if you take minimal breaks. Pack snacks.

[@ckturvey]

I'm glad your coming to the US and I hope its will be one of many! I'm too far away to make the trip from Florida but I'm sure it will be amazing. You're "Couple of 100 miles south" comment regarding your rental cars grabbed my attention. The Omaha to Nashville drive is more like 737 miles, slightly longer from Inverness to Land's End! That is one of the surprising things about the US is just how far apart things are! Safe Travels!

[@chriscooks9850]

Those requirements are crazy!!!!!!!!!

[@timrod1984]

Myself and my friend Heidi are going to the troubadour show in LA. Heidi is flying down from Alaska. Then we are driving from the inland empire to make the show. We get the expense part quite well. I believe you far under budget on the food. Even with cooking at the rental house.

[@mjf1036]

Two Tix have been secured! 🎉 See you in Nashville. Traveling from Florida for our first Cardinal Black. 😊😊

[@nowgearthis]

Can’t wait to see you all at Playing with Fire!

[@judih.8754]

Hopefully you'll be able to make it to a New England venue next trip. Wishing you all the best of luck, rock on

[@terrycline8689]

Got our two tickets the moment we heard about this. But what a video....sheesh.....what a frickin' pain, so sorry y'all had to go through this. Wish you could stick around (once you're here, right?) and cram in a bunch more shows. At any rate, see you and the band in LA!

[@jasonkucerik9225]

This is very eye-opening! Thanks for this video! Excited to drive up from Kansas City and see y'all in Omaha!

[@Robert32064]

I hope the shows are the best ever. Enjoy your visit.

[@teodelnorte]

That is absolutely insane mate. Criminal what musicians have to face now in addition to all the streaming services exploiting artists. Saw you boys in Cork last year, was a great gig and night. Best of luck in the States to all of you

[@marcospiezia]

That’s nuts man! I’d have never imagined it was so expensive and complex to head to the US 😮

[@Mars-mr3om]

Good luck on yalls mini US tour, hopefully its a big success and yall come back on a bigger tour.

[@jimpowers9553]

Sorry about the cost of coming over here. Just get over here….now! We are all waiting for you mate.

[@davidarca4386]

Your music always brings me fresh waves of hope!

[@kevinmac59v2]

Chris!! ANOTHER Great Vid! I am so exited that you are coming to Omaha!!!!! Hope to shake your hand!

[@Kevin-the-Just]

Oh man, it shouldn't be that hard. I really hope it goes well for you over there. At the very least I hope you break-even. You deserve bigger and better things.

[@jorgex9789]

Awesome, I am happy to see you are playing Nashville. (I guess I missed the original announcement for the Basement) I just bought my ticket.

[@congabrain]

Im flying to LA from San Francisco area and can’t wait to see you guys rock the house at the Troubadour!!!

[@mark-russell-music]

Hey Chris Buck … next time you cross the pond you should add some dates in Canada. As a Commonwealth country the visa situation would be cheap & cheerful!

[@vomact1052]

Thanks for the break down Chris. That's appalling! Still hoping to someday see you in New England!

[@GitShiddy]

This is a great explainer for every Canadian (Australian, Brazilian etc.) who curses that, even for the largest bands/musicians in the world, unless they're born in that country; all you get is 3 shows...tops.

[@leokrissandy5579]

hope the mini tour leads to bigger and eventually a world tour, can't wait to see you down here in south east asia

[@Brianemersonpt]

This is insightful, thank you for sharing Chris. I routinely complain about the cost of concert tickets, I had no idea it’s so expensive for bands to play out.

[@seanflannery777]

Fantastic bass line/playing on that live track!

[@jginther1981]

I believe this would have been way harder before the Internet. As an American I'd be hard pressed to spend money at a venue on an unknown musician. Thanks to the internet I've seen how talented you are, and would gladly pay for a show.

[@michael1]

Exactly. Which is what quite a few commentators seem to be missing when they're comparing this with Mexicans entering America. Mexicans entering America are a boost to the economy because they do menial jobs the locals don't want to do for less money than the locals would work for - and the only people who are generally unhappy about this are Americans who can't do anything other than menial work themselves. Whereas if you let any and all would-be bands into the country (a) Most of them wouldn't make any money, (b) There are just as many wannabee musicians already in America who, yes, very much would like their band to be popular and to be rock stars too. Who wouldn't? Why should America go out of its way to make Chris Buck famous in the USA? Or anyone else from the UK? It seems reasonable therefore for them to check that you've already achieved that status, to some extent, before giving you a visa. It's always tragic when someone decides they're a musician or an artist as though they're entitled to do that thing. If you can't make money doing something and you don't have other gainful employment then you're just unemployed. It's like the infamous laughable thing on the chase or pointless contestants who tell Bradley and Alexander when he asks what they do "I'm an actor and I work in Tesco" - well, you work in Tesco - you'd just like to be an actor. Whether you learned to play the guitar as a kid or not is immaterial. No one has any right or entitlement to be commercially successful as a musician. There's no requirement for governments to make music pay. It's bad enough that they take taxpayer money to fund theatre and opera that no one wants to see - literally taking from the poor to give to the rich. And there are literally thousands of perfectly skilled musicians - it's not a rare resource. The number of musicians there are far outstrips demand. Which inevitably means that most musicians are going to have to do a different day job and come to the realisation that they're not a musician - at least not in the sense that they make money doing it. Buck, of course, may well be making it pay, kudos to him, but spare us the sob story about how difficult it is. I mean if you preferred it when Welsh musician meant you worked in a pit 12 hour shifts and sang once a week in a choir go and try that. Your life is cushy. "Guyz, you think your life is tough? I had to fill out a form!" Jeez. If you want money to pay for a tour, well that's what the record company was for - someone who was prepared to take the risk funding n different bands on the hope that one or two would get a return on that money they risked. The musicians, meanwhile, wanted to sit on a private jet shagging groupies, getting high on cocaine and then acting like it's them that should be paid - and if they're not popular and their album or tour fails they blame the record company. If they are successful they cry to their fanbase they didn't get paid enough - well what did you do? Getting paid more than most of those fans, wanna swap with their day job? Thought not. Maybe they see now why switching from a record company to youtube isn't such a win because youtube aren't willing to risk $$ touring a band around the states on the off chance they might make it over there. So they have to find the money themselves? Why cry to us about that? Now you realise what a record company did and why they wanted the biggest %age of the deal - because they took the risk, they spent all this money and went to all the effort.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

⁠@@michael1​​⁠…seems like you had a lot that you wanted to get off your chest so far be it from me to get in the way of that but it’d be remiss not to point out for future readers’ benefit that any money record companies speculate on a band is/was recoupable. It’s just a loan, invariably on unfavourable terms, that you have to pay back. Honestly, you lost me at a lack of understanding for investment in the arts - there’s a lot to unpack in your comment but as a band that regularly tours Europe and sees the infrastructure created by those that invest well in their arts, the gulf between the countries that see its importance and those don’t is stark. “Those who can do, do. Those that can’t…leave rambling comments about groupies, drugs and private jets”

[@michael1]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar Well of course they get the money back. That's what investment or business is. Do you think bands should keep all the money earned and just thank the people who funded the band or something? Send them a card at christmas? You can argue about the accounting in general and who should get what, but, as I suggest, the band is the easy part. Getting popular and all the business side is the difficult thing - and that's why it's rewarded higher. The risk they take is higher. Clearly since you replied with a rambling comment you consider yourself someone who can't. TBH I think it's perfectly possible for someone to do things and post comments - do you really not? Or was that just your way of expressing butthurt and trying to be snide? It didn't work because I don't have your ego to bruise. Not sure why you took it so personally. Ironic too that the idiom is typically those who can do those who can't teach - which in guitar terms would suggest you don't think either Joe Satriani or Ted Greene or Guthrie Govan can do? Really? Sounds like a ridiculous notion.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

@@michael1​​⁠​​⁠Not offended/butthurt etc. Just a little confused at an eight paragraph comment that included the Mexican border, record labels, the Chase, the Welsh, the Visa process, drugs, KZbin, Tesco etc etc. Anyway, let’s leave it there - you seem to deal exclusively in paragraphs and as we’ve established, I have forms to be filling in 😉

[@michael1]

@@ChrisBuckGuitar Jeez. I imagine you'd break out in a sweat if you ever saw a book. Go and lie down in a darkened room.

[@SenseOfWonderMusic]

Insane! Well, looking forward to Nashville, and will spend some extra time at the merch table...

[@ryanjohnson9121]

Can't wait to see you in Omaha Chris! Bringing the whole family down from South Dakota to see the show! Thanks for playing a Midwest City!!

[@Mr.Owl9]

Thank you so much for your efforts to get your band to States, I certainly hope you enjoy your time here and do hope you at least break even...Have a safe trip.

[@Momentum88]

I’m so thrilled to hear that you’re finding a way. I really hope to catch you on the next visit. Cheers 🍻

[@jameslovie]

Glad it all worked out and best of luck for the US tour! 🙌🎸

[@jakubpodesva9802]

That YEAH! YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH... after your Warm Love live solos is like it was written there because of the solo. This is fire! :)

[@SingSurfStrum]

Fascinating, thank you for sharing. Good luck

[@mikeatl4953]

Safe travels!

[@desmondtutu7916]

Godspeed and safe travels Chris!

[@wm.b.bowman2634]

Wish I could see you in LA (I only live 40 miles from your gig)…but I’m having surgery on the 16th and will still be in the hospital even as your lighting up the Troubadour! Cheers…turn it up loud enough for me to hear you from Orange, Calif!

[@user-og782]

If you've never seen Nashville you'll fall in love with it, it truly is the city of music. have a good trip.😊👋🎸

[@forester057]

Agh I hate cities. Went and saw Guthrie Trapp at his dive bar thing. Enjoyed the state park we stayed at more than that congested mess of tourists.

[@johnnybillyeager6703]

Me and my buddy bought Nashville tickets and we can’t wait!

[@corkbour7708]

Incredible and an eye opener to understand what it takes to provide something others would enjoy. I can only hope it will be worth the effort

[@linheitzig9227]

i can only wish I could see one of your shows while you were here in he U.S. Good luck guys, have a great tour.

[@Mr3sambo3]

Stunning intro!

[@PaterCap330]

I’m from Omaha - I plan on being there. I’ve been telling anyone who will listen to go and check you out. I’m pumped.

[@dennismcquoid9751]

That's crazy!

[@mantashaft]

The Troubadour is a but of a hoof for me but it’s amazing.

[@MashaT22]

NYC next please! There are amazing venues that won’t cost you a crazy amount of money. Might I suggest Lehman College in The Bronx?! Don’t let lore put you off about the safety of The Bronx - most neighborhoods are actually nice. I lived in The Bronx, went to school and worked at Lehman for years. Lehman has two sized venues, staff, and all the pro audio equipment/systems you could ever ask for. Lots of big A-listers and world-class artists perform there regularly. There is also parking and it’s accessible by bus and train (like half a block away). Queens College or Brooklyn College are also okay options in NYC too, but they aren’t as nice venue-wise, won’t offer the same quality audio equipment/systems (though they’re still plenty great, just maybe not as up to date from what I’ve heard), and not quite as accessible by public transit (Queens College has no train accessibility and longer walking distances). They also might cost a bit more based on what I’ve heard, but it’ll still save you plenty. I’m telling you, Lehman offers world-class venues on a major budget. Anyway, please check out public Colleges, not just in NYC but elsewhere too. They’ll really cost a lot less to book - even the cost of tickets won’t be as much because the theaters on many colleges operate as non-profits and pass the savings along to ticket buyers. It makes a great show accessible to more people, AND it helps educate the students who are overseen by faculty that are running everything. It’s just a major win all around. Public universities and colleges could really be a win for you and everyone who wants to see you. I’d recommend looking at them anywhere you wish to tour. Bands want to go to all these famous venues, but that’s not so easy monetarily. Don’t scoff at using schools with pro-venues. It really is a win all the way around for the band, fans, and students/faculty who help make everything happen on a pro level as part of their education.

[@madbrowndog4887]

A couple of observations: 1. Clearly, the US government doesn't want you there (despite what your legions of US fans might want). 2. The voice you give to that Revstar is sublime. If you never played any other guitar, I would not complain. 3. The interplay between guitar and bass in the quiet part of the On My Own solo was simply beautiful.

[@DrDespicable]

I'm in L.A.! I hope I can make it, but I'm having some health and housing issues. And just realized, your show here is a week before me birthday! I hope to meet you, you inspire me!

[@chrishill264]

Can’t wait to see a show here in the states!!!!!

[@thepostapocalyptictrio4762]

Thank you for coming to Tennessee. It should be a great show in Nashville. This has been a real eye opener on the costs of touring.

[@scottt9382]

We are lucky to have you coming the US.

[@ToddTheJoker]

Would love to see you come to Canada sometime too!!! I would definitely be there!

[@yingnanwang9304]

I think the best solution is firstly touring with other established artist like Slash instead of on your own, or maybe try to get on a late night show. You guys deserves wider famous.

[@sheldonkorpett1708]

Good luck

[@poornoodle9851]

Hmmm…seems like it would be more cost-effective to fly the US fans to the UK…hope the shows rock!

[@stickman55100]

I’ve been waiting to see you and Cardinal Black since you reformed and suggesting that you visit the States and specifically, L. A. The Troubadour, as you’ve so correctly stated, is one of the most iconic clubs in the States. It’s just killing me that I’ll be out of town when you’re here and I am so sorry about that. Wishing you a great tour and performance.

[@KozmykJ]

Good luck with your exploratory foray. 👍

[@Vance-sn7ei]

Sorry about the crazy prices. I had no idea. I wish you the best.

[@pardop5628]

wowww I did not have a clue. Really interesting! keep up with your amazing music :)

[@grinkashman7884]

Wow, that's crazy!

[@gbarge4]

Man, Chris, that was a sobering description. I join in the apologies for all the expense and red tape but do hope this experience leads to more and more lucrative tours for you in the USA. It's funny how one of our national pastimes is identifying with our ancestral lands. (mine happens to be largely Welsh) And yet we make it difficult for what is essentially a business trip for you. I hope to see you sometime soon, even if we must travel to the olde country to do it. God speed.

[@jeremycoleman318]

I've been following you since 2016 and I'm excited to see you are coming ti the states. I can't make any of the shows but I'm sure I will in the future.

[@martydibergi5228]

Chris you have Your Own Guitar Voice❤

[@DDE_ADDICT]

I am ready to see you guys in the Toronto area.

[@johnhociej]

Eye opener.. it all looks so effortless on the computer! Hope it goes well..

[@bradrehn1007]

I recently read an article on Dweezil's latest FZ tour... operating costs average $10,000 per night. And remember, that's US citizens touring the US, so there is no border, passport... cost.

[@calwells5612]

My band had the good fortune of headlining at the Troubador a couple times way back when. Sell outs. Great memories. The owner was, shall we say, interesting (or at least he was - can't believe he'd still be with us, but you never know). Still, a great experience. Made maybe a couple hundred bucks (don't remember exactly, but it wasn't much). Sounded great in there. Wish I could experience that again, but time does have a way of moving on.

[@brocluno01]

Good luck, and I hope all goes to plan !! USA is getting quite spendy for those of who live here too ... 🙃

[@stauffrt2]

Chris… you’re my favorite guitarist of your generation and I will happily pay to see your shows and buy merch. (One down, many thousand to go)

[@weschilton]

I live in LA and if I had space for 6 guests I would gladly put you up at my house so you could save money on that Airbnb.

[@mb3799]

See you in Nashville!

[@plasmaBrain]

I got my tickets a while ago. I am sorry that’s it is such a nightmare. As a professor, with a number of international researchers in my lab, I get to see the US shoot itself in the foot regularly with these visa issues. Again, sorry. Looking forward to seeing the show!

[@Zavijava1]

What a pain ...Thanks for revealing the sure stupidity of the USA bureaucracy...unbelievable.So glad you guys are doing it but what an investment.All the best and hope it goes great!

[@TheSuperspyk]

You and the rest of the band deserve ALL the success this world can give you. Still hoping I can grab tickets to see you in Cambridge in October, so I can say I’ve seen you guys before you start selling £150 arena tickets haha

[@thejonathandoan]

Here's hoping you will SOME DAY be able to travel to Austin, TX, and I can attend the show. Baby steps, but we can dream!!

[@schloott]

see you in nashville!

[@ShadeHope1969]

Basement east baby. im two hours from there but my daughter lives there and I play there all the time.See ya there Chris. Freakin Awesome !! Big Fan,longtime follower,didnt think I would ever see you, just cool as hell man,Thank you..

[@rumsfield78]

@chrisbuck get The Great Affairs to open for you guys in Nashville! Would be a great bill!

[@gregheywood1344]

You guys should fly into Mexico and walk across the border....would be much cheaper ;)...but in all seriousness, its brutal on musicians trying to tour. Joey Landreth outlined similar hurdles when trying to do shows in the USA.

[@marais888]

Living through this experience should give you a great blues song! Repeat after me "I'm not a Blues Spy"

[@yingnanwang9304]

Regarding the cost, you guys need to bring enough merch to the US shows, so everybody back home with 3 tees and your guys visa fee is covered, win win