First, BOO, I'm REALLY glad you are back....hilarious stuff!

Speaking of entertainers, I think you've missed your calling...BIG TIME! (At least, Saturday Night Live could use you as a head writer).

On this installment of the "musician (purity and skill are the only significant factors) vs. entertainer" (play tin cans...whatever, to get over) fiasco, I think it comes down to primary focus.


The worst entertainers (me, by a long shot) concentrate on what they can do....practice...practice...practice. They get better...so good that they play themselves out of a job. They work for nothing. They become resentful of the success of the "bubble gum" players, who they think have sold out and play crap, often using tricks to hide lack of talent. Or, they "sell out". To a certain extent, I've done that, and I'm not proud of it. But the "bread" is so good, I just hide my head on the way to the bank.

Likewise the entertainer concentrates on the entertainment aspect and, in my mind, at least, does not try, or puts musicianship on a back burner. I have to remind myself that
it is that individuals choice (or maybe, the limit of their skills).

Because of their choices, each claims that they made the only true choice. Musicians look down on the folks who use "gimmicks" and entertainers say the purist is a dying breed who is destined to starvation.

I'm guilty of position number 1. I think that some of the "entertainers" here are pretty lame in the musicianship area. Maybe it's just that they concentrate completely on the "show" and think that being able to play is unimportant. Or, maybe they can really play and simply believe it's not worth the effort.

Whatever. I'm thinking we'll never agree on the fundamental issues. I'll NEVER use a chicken hat, MP 3's or sequences of any kind. Donny and others will think I'm out of my mind and destined to starvation (believe me, one look at the waistline and you'll know that ain't happening anytime soon).

My choice is the right one for ME and me ONLY. Donny's choice is right for him.

But, we can still enjoy our time here, talking about tunes, equipment, gigs, etc.

I'd jump on his bandstand in a heartbeat. I LOVE to back others, and spent 15 years backing one of the best and funniest entertainers in this area.

I wouldn't (and couldn't) do what my partner Preston did, but, playing off of him as straight man, I had a ball.

Next year, this same argument will come up. I'll be "locked at the hip" with Chas and Diki. Donny and others will be in the opposite corner. BOO will be circling in the ozone somewhere, breaking both sides up (actually, he's a GREAT musician and I welcome him on "our" side).

And, you know what? If we stay courteous, it will be a HEALTHY dialogue, addressing fundamental issues relative to the music business.

The best thing is to define where we are on the spectrum, and make the best of it. That means that purists starve and pure entertainers sometimes show their A****. We're ALL somewhere in the middle of this spectrum. The trick is to make the most of our choices. And, there are compromises for everyone, regardless of your position on the "grid".

Keep up the commitments, all. State your beliefs when the subject comes up (and, believe me, it WILL), but do it with
courtesy and kindness.

After all this time, we owe it to each other, don't you think?

Best to all,


Russ (group hug) Lay