Question for DU musicians. Would you rather:

[Redstone]

A) Starve; or

B) Take a job as one of those doofuses in the Applebee's commercials?

Redstone

(Yes, I'm actually watching TV tonight with the Little Guy because Mrs R is not feeling well and went to bed early.)

[Floogeldy]

1. You have no idea how complicated that question is, to me.

Suffice to say that I was a professional musician for years and years without the absolute necessity to support myself.

I become inundated with mixed feelings of guilt and gratitude just thinking about it.

:smoke:

[Redstone]

7. Hey, I made my living as a musician for a while, too. And that was ALL

I did; no "day job" to fall back on.

But I'm a pragmatist. When the "awl boom" in Houston went away (this was the 1970s) and competition for gigs got harder, I bowed out and let the better musicians than I was stick with it, and went back to a "day job."

Yes, I'm not complaining and yes, I'm admitting that there were a WHOLE bunch of better musicians than me in that city at that time. I just got lucky in a "seller's market" for a while.

I can't tell a lie.

Redstone

[ALago1]

2. Funny. I've asked myself that same question.

Those commercials are painful to watch and I'm glad I'm not the only person who thought to themself "Why on earth would someone prostitute themselves that way?"

So, to answer your question, I absolutely wouldn't participate and would choose starvation. I love and respect music that much.

[Redstone]

13. Amen.

Redstone

[Whoa_Nelly]

26. Those two Applebee's guys are like a Kingston Trio Revival minus one

While I'm a musician, it's mostly just been for my pleasure and sharing/playing with friends. Also, playing Classical piano doesn't get one too far in life unless you have mega talent and an angel to financially back you.

So, onward and upward, and meanwhile am following my artistic passions in creating artwork, interior design and photography whenever I can.


I believe it's important to keep following and living one's passions as much as possible, even when it's not the prime source of income. I figure it's OK to supplement financially as long as I get to be in the moment time and again with the passions that I so enjoy.

[Redstone]

29. "Kingston Trio Minus One?" Brilliant. You've captured their essence.

Redstone

[ALago1]

33. I agree 100%

Nice avatar, btw.

[jpgray]

3. You mean the ones singing "modified" old R&B to corporate food imagery?

I don't face the choice so I couldn't say with any authority, but at this time I'm thinking "fuck no"

[Redstone]

5. I'm thinking that you're right. I'd rather pump gas. Hey, wait, that's not

option anymore either, is it?

OK, I'd rather be a busboy at Applebee's than endure the public humiliation of singing on one of their commercials.

Redstone

[jpgray]

6. Say you'd rather be a tip-jar toting food-runner

Then we'll get ourselves a -real- Lounge thread. :patriot:

[Redstone]

OK, I'll say it. Let the fun begin.

Redstone

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Would you rather starve or sing the Pepto-Bismol jingle?

Would you prefer to do a little dance where you slap your ass while singing about diarrhea, or live in a cardboard box under a freeway overpass? Tough choice...

[Redstone]

18. I'll take the refrigerator box, thank you. At least I'd have my pride.

Redstone

[flvegan]

8. That's easy.

Take the Applebee's job. I figure that when I'm interviewed, or posting in my blog, I'll create marketable controversy by not only stating that Applebee's is (oh, I don't know) "just another exploitive regime responsible for the destruction of environment and the open abuse of animals, all in the name of making a buck." Oh, and I'd use the word "fascists" a few times too.

Then, when Applebee's (fucking fascists) sue me, I'm getting the mad publicity. Next thing I know, I've got Geffen and Warner B knock knock knockin on flvegan's door (that's right Dylan, I stole that too).

Axl Rose WISHES he had my mad "dude looks like a psycho" skillz. Puh-leeeze!

Excuse me...I need to go register applebeesisafuckingfascistregime.com...

[Redstone]

9. Argh! You had to bring BLOGS into the equation, didn't you?

That opens up a whole 'nother can o' whoop-ass...

Redstone

(PS: That was REALLY fucking funny.)

[flvegan]

10. So long as I get the street cred

that calling the Applebee regime a bunch of fucking fascists brings. I'll redeem myself by getting photographed giving that K-Fed dick a piledriver at the Troubador.

When I'm partying at the Playboy mansion with Hef, Redstone is welcome to join me.

[LeftyMom]

11. That sounds unwise.

I hear Mrs. Redstone is one of those small women with attitude. Come to think of it, I think you know a woman who fits that discription. ;)

[Redstone]

14. Uh, actually she's five-eight. Not small. But with attitude, yes.

But she's a good sport, and wouldn't mind me going to the Mansion if it would advance my career. Not that I would (see my other post about this).

Redstone

[LeftyMom]

15. Where did I get it in my head that she's small?

Who knows. My apologies.

[Redstone]

16. No need to apologize. You probably saw a picture of both of us, and

forgot to factor my height (6' 4") into the equation. It happens.

Redstone

[LeftyMom]

20. Probably

I had no idea you're that tall.

[Redstone]

22. I am. I was leaning on an upright piano in this picture:

Redstone

[Redstone]

12. Thanks for the invitation, but no thanks.

Fake tits give me the heebie-jeebies. You know what I mean? It looks like they have bowling balls stuck up under their blouses...WAY too spherical.

You and Hef can have my share. I'll drink your drinks while you're busy fondling.

Redstone

[flvegan]

17. It's all about the pix.

No touching the fakies (uh, no...thanks, really). It's about BEING at the home of the Hef. All the better for my music career (for goodness sake, Fred Durst practically lived there, and look at him). We're too cool to buy into that whole Playmate thing.

Besides, I need a Head of Security. I read that you're a master with a pool cue...

[Redstone]

19. Who the fuck is Fred Durst? Furthermore:

Me? Security? You must like paying liability-insurance premiums.

"Mace first, ask questions later."

Redstone

[flvegan]

21. Well,

Durst is the frontman for Limp Bizkit. 'Nuff said, I think.

Hey, liability and lawsuits is money in the bank tabloid fodder, right? Hell, you go all loose-cannon Sean Penn, and I'll be selling out every stadium faster than you can say "U2 tours with Springsteen" since it's all about the hype.

[Redstone]

23. I've heard the name "Limp Bizkit" from my 21-year-old son, and am

pretty sure that the name is about all I want to know.

(Furthermore: Me? Loose cannon? I didn't put but four, five people in the hospital when I was playing country music for a living down in East Texas. And they started it. Really.)

Redstone

[flvegan]

24. Like I said...

you're perfect.

Plus, at 6'4" you'll tower over me.

Of course they started it. Any police report I'm sure will back that up.

[Redstone]

25. Oh, no, the cops wouldn't DARE go into some of the places we played,

especially in Beaumont. The police there were great believers in Darwinism, back then.

It may be different now.

Redstone

[flvegan]

27. You know what they say...

If there's no paperwork, it never happened.

And witnesses, well...you know.

Bet you're popular around a campfire, so many experiences to speak of.

[Redstone]

28. Some day, I'll tell you about the Moose Turd Pie.

But not tonight.

Redstone

[kiraboo]

30. I wouldn't starve, because I have other resources

to fall back upon. So in present circumstances I'd refuse to work in an Applebee's commercial. But if had no alternative but starvation, I'd have a dirrerent perspective & would probably take the job as representative of that shitty restaurant.

[RandomKoolzip]

31. I'd sell my cock and balls to make a living as a musician.

I don't care if it entails playing weddings or selling out or debasing myself thoroughly in the process. All I've ever wanted to do was play music professionally, and I've been doing it semi-pro for most of my life. I'd love to be able to quit my job and just play music - ANY music, as long as it paid the bills.

Sell out? Sure! Name the time and place, and I'll be there.

[leftofthedial]

32. I've been on both sides of that fence at different times

Right now, the only line I won't cross is performing "God Bless the USA" or doing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch at a ballgame.