For those I've TRULY offended, I am sorry.

Yes, a few 'got it' and many didn't. That's my fault for having an underdeveloped skill with smileys (where DOES Ian get all those cool ones?)

I don't want to rehash old news, nor open new wounds, so I'll be brief.

To take the topic more seriously (from the initial post, I was under the impression this might be a lighthearted thread, my mistake!), let me say I already consider myself, and anyone who loves music, and music making successful. Many's the member here who now plays full time, and few look at previous occupations with as much love. THAT's success.

Success for me will be keeling over and passing on in the middle of a great tune! It might not be much fun for the audience, but 'apres moi, le deluge'!

But, if I linger a while, on my deathbed, my fondest memories will probably be of the great musicians I have had the privilege of playing with, and NOT what my favorite arranger was...

Heck, from some of these posts, it probably can't come soon enough for some