Some awesome words from Robert Nicholson "Blasko" of Ozzy

5string5fingers · #1 03-06-2011, 02:05 PM

Was reading a magazine with an interview with Blasko from Ozzy, and he said something I found very valid, and important.

"You know, a lot of people think it's all about chops. I'm not saying it's not about chops-you have to be able to back up your B.S. with some serious skills. Chops may help you get your foot in the door, but it's more than that. When it comes down to it, you're only onstage an hour or two a night. It's those other 23 hours, of the day that people have to put up with you. So your chops are really only good for that one hour. The other 23 hours are about personality. My being reliable and professional is key; I show up on time, I know the songs, and I don't strap people up for tedious B.S. I've seen countless dudes lose great gigs for being a prick. If the singer's name is the one printed on the concert tickets, the rest of us should just be happy to be there. It comes down to luck, timing, being cool, and knowing your place in all of it."

Some wise words if you ask me.

Thoughts?

bassteban · #2 03-06-2011, 02:08 PM

Agreed.

fdeck · #3 03-06-2011, 02:18 PM

How the greats do it:

Step 1. Develop great chops and musicianship.
Step 2. Insist that chops don't really matter.

How the amateurs do it:

Step 1. Insist that chops don't really matter.

5string5fingers · #4 03-06-2011, 02:21 PM

I understand what he's saying,and he makes a valid point, but a band isn't going to higher you just because they think you're a nice guy. he's right, you have to back up your BS. There's no denying that having the chops to play is important, it may only be a few hours you use them, but those few hours are when you make your money.

**rhino333** · #5 03-06-2011, 02:53 PM

I always feel that I get paid for the times I'm not on stage. The practice, the travel time, etc.

Chops can get you in the door, but I've seen many guys with awesome chops not get the gig because they're jerks. The best one I know is a great singer who's annoyed so many other musicians, that he can't keep the better ones. He's burned them all. That makes his pool of talent less and it shows in his band.

As a bassist being good is a definite benefit because it seems (at least where I am), everyone needs a bass player and the better you are, the more calls you get. But I also know that in my music community that if you're good but a real problem to deal with, people know it and the opportunities are less.

bassteban · #6 03-06-2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5string5fingers

...a band isn't going to hire you just because they think you're a nice guy.

Probably not, but I could see them replacing you if you're a complete D-bag. It is a people-oriented business.

5string5fingers · #7 03-06-2011, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

Probably not, but I could see them replacing you if you're a complete D-bag. It is a people-oriented business.

You're right, it goes both ways, but I wonder at what point does one matter more than the other. To me I would think that you would need both,but skills on the bass,and people skills. One really shouldn't be stronger than the other,you should set standards high for both.

However, I'm pretty sure I didn't get a gig at one point because I'm generally a shy person, and take some time warming up. However, I don't completely blame myself as the band only talked amongst them self, and the only two people who even recognized my existence was the singer(who had contacted me) and the lead guitarist. I personally feel it goes both ways.