Post by "The Freq" on Jul 9, 2012 12:15:26 GMT -5
Ok. This is getting pretty pathetic folks. Most people who know me understand that I have ZERO tolerance for drunk drivers or drug addicts who just can't get their shit together. This past year, we have seen a number of our local musicians nailed for drinking and driving or what I like to call, being idiots.
Today, we add yet another talented musician to the idiot list. It's one thing to drink like a moron but to get in a vehicle and drive while being drunk puts you in a whole new ball game. Just imagine if you ran over someone's child on a bicycle or ran a family off the road in their car. Could you live with that?
It's going to happen mark my word.
So, new to the list of local idiots is Sheldon Michael Jaaskelainen, high profile fiddle player for bands like the Rising Tide, Boot Hill Crooners and numerous other projects.
I mention his name because it is listed on all local news media sites so it's not like I'm pulling the name out of thin air. Sheldon was arrested for DUI in his red Ford Van. Sheldon has joined the likes of Jim O'leary and Tim LePlante who also made the idiot list in the past. It's been a stellar few years for musicians with addictions but also ones breaking the law in general. Two local drummers Jack Fuller and Randy Tucker were nailed for theft of food and makeup.. Duh! ... They were also listed on local news sites.
Now, it is my opinion that the alcohol and drug abuse amongst our local musicians has hit a new high and again I say, SEEK HELP before you kill yourselves or more so kill someone else. You can cut my opinions down or me in general but the fact remains, you need help. I don't drink, or do drugs so I suggest you try my way of life for a while to see if you have the balls. You do not need crappy chemicals to have a happy life nor do you need that stuff to be a musician. Hasn't music history taught you assholes what that garbage can do to you or how it hurts the people around you?
So now instead of getting praise for the years of talent and musicianship you are now known as drunk drivers, druggies or thieves. What a legacy!!!
2 of the people on this list have destroyed their relationships, one is constantly screwing up with the law so it seems these clowns are not learning their lesson. This list doesn't even cover the ones that haven't been caught and continue to play fates hand. My ex bass player in Wishbone is another who had problems with booze and drugs and also stole money from me from a gig. All I can say is "what a waste of talented people".
As much as you piss me off and other people, there is hope for you but it is up to you to want it. People like me who have to deal with other peoples addictions within a band put up with a hell of a lot of crap while the drunks and druggies slime their way through a situation ruining everything in their path. Does this sound too harsh? No!! Until you've experienced these problem musicians in a band situation like I have, you don't understand the bullshit you have to go through. I've even been in situations where we've had interventions but these people just want to be idiots. So, when I hear of people getting nailed for their screwups like the people I mention in this post, I say first, you're a moron and secondly, get help because you're wrecking your life and other peoples lives.
For a lot of these musicians, the signs of their demise were easy to see and rumours around town tell the story. Yes, there is a lot of truth in local rumours. Sheldon's story is sadly one a lot of us knew would happen.
The shame list should have at least another 30 names on it just from musicians I know but until they get arrested, I won't mention names. The truth is, others I know are full blown alcoholics and drug addicts and it's only a matter of time before we see their names on Police Beat for some type of blunder.
STOP DRINKING AND DRUG USE you stupid morons!!
The Freq
Today, we add yet another talented musician to the idiot list. It's one thing to drink like a moron but to get in a vehicle and drive while being drunk puts you in a whole new ball game. Just imagine if you ran over someone's child on a bicycle or ran a family off the road in their car. Could you live with that?
It's going to happen mark my word.So, new to the list of local idiots is Sheldon Michael Jaaskelainen, high profile fiddle player for bands like the Rising Tide, Boot Hill Crooners and numerous other projects.
I mention his name because it is listed on all local news media sites so it's not like I'm pulling the name out of thin air. Sheldon was arrested for DUI in his red Ford Van. Sheldon has joined the likes of Jim O'leary and Tim LePlante who also made the idiot list in the past. It's been a stellar few years for musicians with addictions but also ones breaking the law in general. Two local drummers Jack Fuller and Randy Tucker were nailed for theft of food and makeup.. Duh! ... They were also listed on local news sites.
Now, it is my opinion that the alcohol and drug abuse amongst our local musicians has hit a new high and again I say, SEEK HELP before you kill yourselves or more so kill someone else. You can cut my opinions down or me in general but the fact remains, you need help. I don't drink, or do drugs so I suggest you try my way of life for a while to see if you have the balls. You do not need crappy chemicals to have a happy life nor do you need that stuff to be a musician. Hasn't music history taught you assholes what that garbage can do to you or how it hurts the people around you?
So now instead of getting praise for the years of talent and musicianship you are now known as drunk drivers, druggies or thieves. What a legacy!!!
2 of the people on this list have destroyed their relationships, one is constantly screwing up with the law so it seems these clowns are not learning their lesson. This list doesn't even cover the ones that haven't been caught and continue to play fates hand. My ex bass player in Wishbone is another who had problems with booze and drugs and also stole money from me from a gig. All I can say is "what a waste of talented people".
As much as you piss me off and other people, there is hope for you but it is up to you to want it. People like me who have to deal with other peoples addictions within a band put up with a hell of a lot of crap while the drunks and druggies slime their way through a situation ruining everything in their path. Does this sound too harsh? No!! Until you've experienced these problem musicians in a band situation like I have, you don't understand the bullshit you have to go through. I've even been in situations where we've had interventions but these people just want to be idiots. So, when I hear of people getting nailed for their screwups like the people I mention in this post, I say first, you're a moron and secondly, get help because you're wrecking your life and other peoples lives.
For a lot of these musicians, the signs of their demise were easy to see and rumours around town tell the story. Yes, there is a lot of truth in local rumours. Sheldon's story is sadly one a lot of us knew would happen.
The shame list should have at least another 30 names on it just from musicians I know but until they get arrested, I won't mention names. The truth is, others I know are full blown alcoholics and drug addicts and it's only a matter of time before we see their names on Police Beat for some type of blunder.
STOP DRINKING AND DRUG USE you stupid morons!!
The Freq
