Don't get me wrong I've had a great run all these 50+ years due to music............but the passion and drive sometimes is an up & down feeling due to the burnt out syndrome, too much performing live can cause, or maybe you think the audiences are changing & not in your favor, DJ's, younger crowds, getting older,....and you need a break from it all.....or try other avenues of music, recording, writing, creating, playing or buying a new instrument, or new way of doing your act, playing with others for a change,......or maybe just sitting home and playing in your room. When you start saying FOR WHAT? weird feelings start to set in,...how you cope is an individual thing. Times change even for a performer....

Have to agree with most of it.

Good topic Donny, and I have quite a few thoughts about it; but right now I've got to go watch the premiere of MARS (which I've already booked a flight to since the election ).

chas

Donny,
I was in a similar situation up to about 2 months ago. I had been playing social clubs frequented by mainly mature people. I played as one half of a duo, a singer/bandleader and myself on keyboards. The guy I played with (he hired me)did all the singing and would not allow me a chance to do some singing.He sang very old school whereas I would be be singing more up to date stuff. We were getting regular work and earning enough money for the past 7 to 8 years. I eventually could take no more, the music was dreadfully stale and predictable, my playing began to disimprove. I eventually "pulled the plug" I could take no more. I now feel a free man and other musicians are starting to ring for stand in work. My plan is to become a OMB doing the music that like at venues that I like.I want to play with other musicians.
Donny, you need a change but not another new keyboard. Seek out new music avenues, move around other musicians and try new ventures.

Good luck Donny

Donny, you need to diversify - I have lots of hobbies now, sailing, photography, girl watching ;), and just recently, drones. Yep, I bought a drone, one that has a camera, though not a very good one, but it will do stills and videos, and I'm in the process of learning how to fly it without experiencing hard landings.



I remember when you spent hours on the Jersey shore's beaches with a metal detector, which is something that can be quite rewarding because you not only can find neat things like diamond rings, but also get to watch the gals in their skimpy bathing suits.

While music will always be a part of my life, there has been times when I look at that keyboard on the stand, turn it on, then just turn it off and go out on the deck with my long lens camera to shoot photos of birds and deer.

Good luck, old friend,

Gary

I guess its the flow of things, interest allways going up and down with allmost all things you like to do.... but as its like a sinus or a wave, imterest will allways return to add another peek...

In general, to much of something is never good, and only concentrating on a single thing never works either on the long run...

Thanx everyone for all the input, really appreciate it. I see that I am not alone. Gary exciting that now you've added Pilot to your resume too looks like alot of fun and yes Metal Detecting is and has always has been my Hobby of Choice unearthing history is very exciting in so many ways I love it! Hey I started performing on stage when there wasn't any FM radio lol...
My talent as a Pro singer and KB player will always be inside me its the passion to share it that comes and goes. Maybe too much technology is the culprit who knows? At 64 Sometimes I get more excited to go watch others perform and look back on what I've done as the torch gets passed along. Right now I still have the luxury to pick and choose my jobs without being forced to financially that's a good thing. Anyway just do what makes you happy in life it's a big world out there explore it and enjoy it!! Happy Holidays to Everyone & Your families.

I just read this thread having played about an hour ago for an Alzheimer’s group. What a fun group, with a positive response. I’ll quit the day I join them.

I have always been eager to do my next show, but I have always had the luxury of playing when and where I wanted. That is far different than many of you that have had to battle weather, snotty young AD's, and lousy venues because you were putting food on the table. I admire you old war horses, and can see why you can burn out. An old time musician told me something 50 years ago I will never forget. He said when your music becomes a job, quit.

Really interesting topic. In music. As in most all aspects of my life, some days are diamonds, some days are stones.
Eddie

Every time I fell "burnt to a crisp", I run into that wonderful "game changer" tune that makes it all better.

"How Do You Keep The Music Playing?", "A House is Not A Home", "Masquerade", "A Song For You", ""Song for My Father", "Love Won't Let Me Wait", "The Christmas Song", "When Sunny Gets Blue", "What are You Doing The Rest of Your Life?"......there are a lot more.

Every time I was ready to call it quits; at least for a while, I heard one of these gems and I was as hooked as ever.


Russ

Cut down from 500 + to 250 max, per year. Allows more time to develop new songs, which is my key to prevent boredom. Getting, exchanging gear is always exciting too.

I treat each performance like the Broadway performers do ... 1 at a time, 8 times a week ... well, I'd LIKE to be doing 8 shows a week, but we'll see. maybe again, someday. My approach, however, is the same -I treat each show with the newness, and uniqueness it deserves, and I remind myself that what I do is a privilege, not a right. Music called ME to perform, not the other way around. I just answer in tune.
Everyone, in every job can face burnouts. Sometimes we just need to step back, refresh, and renew ourselves ... then go on. Don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't beat yourself up for changing, or watching the business change around you. Look at the differences between Johnny Carson and Jimmy Fallon - it's just the times ... they are a changin'. (right Bob?)
I'm fortunate that I've been able to music my career for my entire working life. It's changed, I've changed, and I've worn may hats doing this crazy job that I love.
Donny, you've been blessed the same, and now, your environment has changed around you. You've had a lot of curveballs thrown at your this "at bat" but there are at lest 2 more outs ... wait for your pitch, my friend. Wait it out.

Well said Uncle Dave,

Donny, Move your program around a bit, putting a few new numbers in and give some of the older"music stock" a rest for awhile, you will be refreshed and will be straining the leash to get back. In the past whilst working with a band and it got boring, by having a good rehearsel and adding a few popular numbers always worked wonders for us.
Do not retire, you have at least 10 years playing and singing ahead of you.

Frank