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