Hey Bob.

Kenny Lee Lewis here from the Steve Miller Band.

I loved your Navy Seal analogy to the music business.

When I go do honoraria speeches at universities and music schools about the entertainment business, one of the first things I do is ask the class who loves music. Of course everyone raises their hands. Then I ask who wants to have a career in music, and around half raise their hands. Then I ask who wants to be a musician or a songwriter, and around a third respond. Then the last question is "who here today is determined to make a living as a musician, songwriter or an entertainer?" Usually around 10 to 15 % of the class raise their hands. Then I exclaim, "Why in God’s name would you want to do this to yourself and your families! You’re going to break everyone’s heart, and if you make it, you’re going to be an asshole, an addict, you’re going to leave your spouse and kids, and probably die in a pauper’s grave!"

Of course everyone is shocked and was so looking forward to me romanticizing the life of a rock star to pump up their dreams. After everyone settles down, I then take them through the paces of what would metaphorically be basic training in boot camp. You are right on the money. The weaklings and posers will fall first and only the ones with true character and humility will even have the opportunity to try and fail at doing this insane business.

I am working on an instructional video right now on how to play in a hit rock rhythm section but most importantly, how to "HANG" with other musicians which in my opinion is about 90% of how far one will go in this business. You should see the looks on their faces when they realize that it’s more about the hang than the appearance, the material or all the chops they can come up with. They really get bummed. By the time I’ve worked them all over for an hour, maybe 3 or 4 people will come up afterwards to thank me and say that they "got it". Two are lying and another is just stoned, dig?

I just got back from a three week tour with Miller with Greg Allman opening. Talk about two beat up vets! It’s just amazing what some people will do and sacrifice just to be up there on that doggone stage. Obviously, they both deserve it.

Peace

Kenny Lee Lewis
www.kennyleelewis.com
www.stevemillerband.com
www.hangdynasty.com