Hello Ray, Was just wondering how you get the gigs you get. How did you get the Halford gig? I hear these stories about hundreds of guys showing up for an audition. Any stories you care to share. BTW, loved your work with Halford!

Glad you dig the Halford stuff. It was a blast doing that gig and hearing Rob's vocals each night.
Anyways each gig is different but as for the Halford gig I was recommended for an audition. I was touring with Gary Hoey at the time and Rob's manager came to see me play. He didn't call for awhile and when I called him to see what he thought he said I wouldn't fit in stylistically. I convinced him that what he heard was what was required for the Hoey gig and that for Halford I would AND could play what he needed. I soon had my audition and 2 weeks later was on tour.
I mentioned the part about the "style" of playing because I think it's VERY important to play what the gig calls for, no more - no less. Rob never heard me slap or solo nor would he probably dig it. I gave him what was needed and did it the best I could.
The best advice is to network as much as possible. Nowadays the internet is great for letting people see and hear you play.
It's important to always be professional, on time, good mood, etc so that other players speak highly of you.
Quick story: I was once doing a country gig (yes, country..LOL) and one night I was playing sloppy and just not giving a **** about the gig in general. On the 1st brake a guy came up and introduced himself and said he was visiting family from out of state, heard I was playing (he new me from a bass mag) and came to check me out. Man did I feel stupid. I was taught then and there that you never know who's in the audience when you play and you should treat each and every gig the same whether it's 10 or 10,000 people.
In the end just be yourself and play your best.
When you do land a "big" gig let me know so I can get some passes!!!
Best!

Thanks for the response and your insight. To be truthful, the first time I had heard you play is with Halford and I was really surprised to find out that you are mostly known for your slap style of playing. You surely adapted to the role of 'pounder' with Rob! That had to be a great gig especially working with Bobby in the rhythm section. What a KILLER drummer! 'Into the Pit' surely rates as one of my favorite metal songs ever. You guys really created a wall of sound there, and the whole Live Insurection album.
Gary Hoey is coming to my town in a few days. Are you on the tour? If so, I'll stop by and shake your hand. You, my friend, are truly a pro.

[QUOTE=rayriendeau;4982858]I was once doing a country gig (yes, country..LOL)QUOTE]

That is so cool! I came to bass from playing jazz saxophone for a long time and all of my friends give me a lot of crap because I am playing bass in a country band. Music is music to me, I enjoy it all.