A Journey Through 43 Years of Music: From Riverside to the Major Stage

Music has been an integral part of my life for 43 years. Starting in 1980, I have been a music artist for three decades, navigating through the twists and turns of the music industry. My journey began in Riverside, California, where I declined an offer that would have taken me away from my band. This decision proved to be a significant turning point in my career.

Turning Point in Riverside

Back in 1981, when I was around 18 or 19, I caught my first break at a venue in Riverside, California. However, the offer only included me, not the rest of the band. With the band members' support, I decided to turn down the offer, believing it would be a betrayal to my bandmates. A few weeks later, one of my bandmates suggested I reconsider, saying that if the band couldn't make it, at least one of us was signed. Around two weeks later, I was invited to a fancy restaurant in Los Angeles for a meeting that arranged a contract that suited me.

Bitter-Sweet Moments of Recognition

The meeting was a complex moment of joy and sorrow. The joy stemmed from the recognition that I was a good enough vocalist to secure a contract with a major label at the age of 18. However, the sorrow was palpable, as my band wasn't involved in the process. Being green to the music industry, I learned just how the industry works—a life-changing experience that I do not regret in the slightest. This experience marked a significant milestone in my career, inspiring me to continue 'rockin'.

Early Beginnings as a Bass Player

The story of my musical journey doesn't just begin in Riverside. In 1968 when I was 21, my mother gifted me ￡50 for not taking up smoking. I used the money to build a custom cabinet for an 18-inch Celestion speaker and obtained a Selmer Treble/Bass 50 amp. This marked my beginning as a bass player in the band.

Enduring Career in the Music Industry

I have been in bands almost constantly since 1968. Notably, since 1980, I have always been the oldest member of any band I've been part of. Over the decades, I've gone through many basses, amps, and cabinets. However, at the tail end of my playing career, I've finally found the perfect combinations for various scenarios.

Summing Up the Journey

In terms of pure band years, the tally is about 40 years. But if we include my acoustic years, leading a rock band and being a session musician, the total adds up even more. In the various roles I've played, including lead vocalist, percussionist, and bass guitarist/backing vocals, I've managed to contribute to the music industry in diverse ways. My journey through 43 years of music serves as a testament to perseverance and dedication in the ever-evolving world of music.