Post by "The Freq" on Oct 19, 2009 14:29:44 GMT -5
1. Glen "the Freq" is a moron.
Yeah, sometimes but we all are at some point in life
2. Glen "the Freq" is a prick to work with.
This one has been going around for years. Since I started running
my own bands decades ago, I hire and yes fire people. I fired a guitar player way back and since then, he's found great enjoyment in flipping tables in calling the kettle black, so to speak. This person got fired because I needed a guitar player for road work and in a time frame of 10 days, he could not learn 10 songs for an audition. When it came time to audition he hacked his way through 3 songs and didn't know the rest of them. Let's just say he blew it. Today, no one even knows he played guitar because he just couldn't pull his weight. He hides behind a keyboard throwing digs on local forums. Since then out of spite from his own doings, he dislikes me and the "Glen is a prick to work for" started there. I know it and now you know it. I have fired others and I have hired others. It's like any job, if you get sacked, you will be bitter, that's just how it is, but there is always 2 sides to every story.
Another story is of me wanting to fill a guitar player spot in a band.
We were learning "Last in Line" by Dio. There's an intro to it and it's a bit tricky timing wise. There were 2 guitarist in this band, one was brand new and feeling things out if he wanted to join. We started the song, but the intro was stumping the guitar players. They were trying to "feel" it out but numerous attempts it was getting no where. So, being a drummer and knowing how to count musical notation I told them, this is how it's counted.. "1 e + a 2 e + a.. and the accent guitar shots connect on say 3 and 4..
Well, after that, the guitarist left and never came back. Rather than LEARN how to count music which most kids do during lessons these days, he split.
The rest of the band adapted the count and played it easily every time afterwards. I truly wanted this guitarist in my band but he took my advise as a "control" factor when really, I was doing my job as a drummer and helping him with timing. Today, I'm sure he counts all the time with computer recording software but then, he was pigheaded and has hated me ever since. He was playing in a few local bands up until a few years ago. I still think he's a solid musician though despite stubborn attitude.
So, I was slammed for knowing how to break down a song in music notation. ;-) Punished for something I knew and he didn't. The Glen is a prick story went to the next level from there.
3. Has The Freq ever been fired?
As a musician or on the work force? No. Never.
But there's always a first time. ;-)
As a band... Yes. My band Frequency was fired from the Canadian.
Anyone who says I was fired made it up.
4. When did the Freq become so MISERABLE?
That's easy. I remember exactly when.
I took 10 grand of my life's savings and financed a band
called Genghis Khan that I was in. (1991) I bought a Chevy van and
a huge Chev tour bus, rented a huge P.A. system and hired a singer from St. Catherines, and had him live at my place. Of course he was broke so I had to feed him too and pay for his trip up.
Top that off with huge insurance costs and commercial license plates on these
vehicles only to have the guitar and bass player prick out
and quit after only 6 months on the road leaving me with the tons of debts.
The guitar player and I have since reconciled but the bass player
"Mike Manerino" can jump off a cliff for all I care. I heard
he lost his hair.. GOOD. That's a small bit of payback |O|
Mike use to always complain that he needed money. He lived
at home and had an amp payment. That's it. That's the excuse he used when he left my band. Only good thing about Mike was his mother. She was a complete sweetheart. Hey Mike if you read my forum.. you owe me 10 grand! I'll take it in cash please.
Another good one is when my band Dirty World entered the Eastgate battle of the bands and we hired a singer just for
this. He's a good singer just unreliable. The day before
the show, the singer vanished leaving us to hold our balls.
Being that my motto is "I Never Give Up".. the guitarist and I
learned as much vocals as possible the night before and played
the show the next night. We didn't make it past the first round
but we didn't give up. It wasn't that we were horrible. We sounded good. I have a tape of the show. The fact was, the other bands were better.
4. Is the Freq a Horrible Singer?
Yes. I sing lead if I have to but I stick to harmonies.
I have a good ear, just not a good voice.
5. Is the Freq a Crappy Drummer?
I've been told I suck many times on the drums and in some
cases I would agree. Years ago when I started I was told
I have no feel, too technical, bad meter, too big of a drumset,
too busy, too much of a perfectionist. So, I didn't crawl into a closet and die. I took that
criticism and worked on it.
Now they say, glen is too loud, he doesn't play the songs perfect,
he does do enough playing in the song, his playing is too stiff, he needs to loosen up, he can't play simple, he doesn't smile when he plays. |O|
I think I'm just an average drummer. There are far better players in town and, yes I'm aware of them.
This is a funny story. I got noted for playing these complex songs
with a band called Ghengis Khan that had tons of drum, guitar and bass notes in the material we played. Some people lock that vision in their heads and rumours start. Fast forward to my band Flat Stanley. I was playing a bar with them a few years ago and another drummer named Glen from a band Bangers and Mash was in the audience. He basically told, unknown to him, a friend of mine that this was his first time seeing me play and expected more. |O| Some people just think I should overplay in ever song where others think I over play when I'm not. I just thought the comment by him was funny.. Damned if I do, Damned if I don't.
6.Why doesn't the Freq Socialize?
First, I don't drink and don't smoke. I don't do drugs. I never
have and I have no interest in it. I also have no interest in seeing people "transform" into something else when they're under the influence of such things. If I do socialize, it's to see a band or concert but I don't go to parties. I don't like feeling like an outsider in these certain cliques. I am quite happy at home studying music, spending time with my wife or restoring hot rod cars or cycling. I get the most out of that. I truly hate seeing fellow musicians self destruct under the influence. Some are pushing the limits of their life and that's sad.
7. Why did the Freq start his forums?
I simply love music, creative writing and art.
I thought blending them all would be fun and that
combining them all would be a good experience. I was wrong |O|
8. Does the Freq hate other musicians?
You bet. There are some really sick people in this city
and unfortunately, some of them are musicians.
I've had a lot of gear stolen over the years and one time
I joined a band that had microphones that were actually
the ones stolen from a P.A. system I had rented to another
band at the old VIC years ago. Huge P.A. Stuff got peeled
from the bar from this band. They signed a contract and had
to pay for the stolen stuff and the insurance I had on the rig
covered a lot of it. I walked in to audition for this new band
and low and behold, some of my gear was there. How did
I know? The mics were rare AKG mics that I bought out of town. 7 in total. I engrave codes on all my gear. I saw the mics, as one was on my drumset for the audition, unscrewed the wind screen on it and my code was engraved in it. In that situation though,
they could have bought the gear from whomever. They were in the possession of the stuff but by then, it had been a few years after the theft and I was covered money wise. I didn't stay with the band but I told them the mics were mine. They were shocked to say the least when I showed them the engravings.
Yes, there are others I hate but only a few but the reasons are there.
9. Has the Freq ever been Pissed off on stage?
Yes, a few times. I had a singer tell a racist joke
on stage one time and I stopped the band cold at that point
and dragged the guy outside for a bit of "reconditioning" haha
Playing with drunk musicians is not fun and it's happened a few
times over the years. I don't relate to that sort of thing very well
and it usually pisses me off. If it happens more than a few times, you're pretty much FIRED! I don't mind the band having a few drinks on stage though.
I am anti-drug and it's really hard for me to not get pissed off with that sort of thing. I really have to bite my tongue and let people live their lives when they're involved with it but I find it difficult. I just want to play music and I hate the baggage that comes with it sometimes. I tolerate a lot for the sake of playing in good bands.
That's probably wrong but in this day in age, you have to bend a little. I am really against drug use.
10. Why is the Freq so Opinionated
That's easy. There have been so many back stabbers in my
life that I came to the conclusion that the best way to get information is directly from the horses mouth or forum in my
case haha. The behind the back whispering and rumours are
just so redundant. Just ask and I shall tell you. I've seen so
many things get blown out of proportion that I finally said I'm just
going to tell it like it is. It pisses people off but at least I know I can sleep at night knowing I told the truth and how I feel about something or the situation.
Has the Freq ever been arrested?
Yes, I find a squad car quite comfy actually |O| Kidding.
I did unfortunately clobber a guy many years ago when he
attacked my drumset in a bar and we both got arrested.. charges were later dropped. Yes, the Freq
is not a pussy who only types. |O|
I was also arrested for street racing.. oops.. that was when I
was young, really young. Base Line use to be an after hours drag strip with painted lines and everything. Not legal of course.
I won the race in my old '68 T-bird against a red Chevelle. Prize was a ride in a paddy wagon |O|. The parting gift was some nice points on my license.
I was also arrested for theft. A funny little tale about how a loving
family member can be when they don't get their own way and will do anything it takes to make it their way. Nothing came of that of course but it was an enjoyable experience. |O| Yes, I hate this family member.
11. Can the Freq cook?
Yes, I was actually a cook at the old Moviola Cafe years ago.
I miss their food *sniffle*
12. Is the Freq Married?
Yes, I've been with the same gal for nearly 30 years. She is also a drummer and a far better musician than Keith of Cheezie Smurfy will ever be ;-). For years, many on forums thought I wasn't married because I never stated that I was. They just assumed I was single. That fact is, no one ever asked me.
My wife does all the drumming for my bands sound checks.
She doesn't like audiences but sound checks are fun for her.
13. Why do some not like the Freq?
I'm a complicated person to get to know. That's my best answer.
My wife has had 30 years of getting to know what I'm like. Few rarely have that much time to figure me out. I am a perfectionist with most of what I do. I don't know why but my brother is the same way. He was also a musician and he had the same good and bad effects on others like I do. I also need to know the answers to every damn thing but I've found out that drives people bonkers when I press for answers. That goes for how things are made down to how you feel. I also know what I want to hear when I'm in a band situation and I am ruthless to achieve that in most cases which drives other musicians nuts. I am a little bit off center in that I like to do things in a unique way.. I hate following the norm.. Know what I mean? I will not start a band that sounds like another band. I strive to make it different in the style or the music we choose to play. That really irks people because I really try to get musicians to pick songs that aren't hits to play or underground songs to play haha. Plus, I'm very verbal and years ago, I had little patience for excuses by musicians that didn't want to work. These days, I just focus on myself and do the best I can. If the others want to bomb on stage so be it but I'm not going down with the ship |O|. The biggest reason I'm not liked is that I never go away. I'm always in your face no matter what I'm doing. A lot of people hate that. That's part of my nature. My brother is similar.
I'm like a giant mosquito that just won't let up.
14. Why do some want the Freq to fail?
In my opinion, they don't have creative lives and when I enjoy
something and post it, they have to bring it down so their lives
sound worthy. I personally don't care what they do with their
lives or music careers. That's the basic fact. I enjoy thinking about
my own life and trying to make it evolve. Why worry about the next guy. That's why The Freq is different than some of these critics. They seem to worry about what I say and it affects them in a negative way. I just don't think that way at all. I'm totally on the outside of the box. It's the dumbest thing to worry about what others think of you because in the end, you're the one that has to make a decision on your direction. You don't have to listen to me at all. You control your own life. If you want to spend it trying to bring me down but at the same time, not evolve, all the power to ya. You won't have much to show for your life. Me, I do as much as I can in a day.. play music, write music, write on blogs, create art, and a vast amount of other things. I just can't worry about some small person bad mouthing me with little words. ;-)
It's just comical and I always get a laugh when I hear of someone that thinks I'm a goof.. I am a goof. You don't have to tell me. I'm proud of it. Now what? sheesh.
15. Will the Freq Live on?
YES, I will live on for a little while anyways. ;-) I have a lot of things I want to do yet. I definitely want to live long enough to hear the new Cheezie Smurfy album that's for sure and give a preview here.
OOOH. I can hardly wait.
PART 2
16. What is the Freq's Biggest Blunders
Hmmm.. There have been many. I guess leaving
the band Rainhorses instead of waiting to regroup
was a big blunder. The band was doing great business but
the band just wasn't happening at the time with the singer
in school. The band could have probably got signed with
the interest it was receiving. Impatience got the best of me
Losing my best friends Brian and George because of my determination to make it was a bad thing. We're still friends
but it's not the same as what we had.
17. Who do you trust Freq?
Not many. People abuse that word and what it's about.
Most are not trustworthy in the least but they will turn blue in
the face to try and make you believe it is. I've just found that most
lie to benefit themselves. Related to topic #4 to get the drift of what happens when you trust someone and they screw you.
18. What is your favorite band that you've been in?
My favourite band to play in was "The Crank Shop"
both on a playing level but also on a creative level.
It helped me realize that it was time to develop my
own style as a drummer.
Rainhorses would be my second favourite. People loved
that band and it was a great blend of musicians.
19. What are the Freq's regrets?
Easy. I wish I'd left the Sault and never come back.
I came back though |O| I also wanted to go to Berkley
and even studied their entrance to the music program
but went on the road instead.... STUPID!!!!!
I also regret wasting my time
with certain bands and musicians who actually become
more of an anchor than a benefit. We all experience that
though.
20. Does the Freq respect anyone?
Of course. outside of my wife, mom and aunt,
my friend Alan most definitely. We are complete
opposites but since I've known him which has been
since the 70's, he's exposed me to things about
the world I never knew before. He's a great musician
and he has taught me a lot about music and life in
general. I respect people for different reasons though.
Others include
Tony K. one of my guitarists who is probably the most
amazing individual. I've never witnessed someone who
could multitask so many things at one time in his very
complicated life and pull them off so unbelievably well.
He just impresses me all the time. He's also a fabulous
gutiarist.
Rav for the simple reason he is on his own agenda and
no one will derail his objectives.. We have a lot in common
even if others don't agree. He just doesn't take any shit.
Gary H. owner of Grooves Music. Absolutely a fabulous
musician, focused individual, intelligent, honest and totally
about family. I've never met a nicer individual.
Don Jacques. I'm saying his full name because
more people should be as nice a person as he
is. No ego, no hatred in him at all and a very
talented musician. He has gone through so
many hardships and yet he walks out with such
a positive outlook on life, it's amazing. I wish I
could be more like him.
Wives and girlfriends. No one has to put up with
more B.S. than spouses and or girlfriends (boyfriends)
when living with musicians. It's a bees nest of odd
behaviour and moods. It's mind boggling to most
but if you can create a balance like I've achieved, it
can work out great. It's not easy for them that's for
sure and at times, I'm sure they want to scream but
they give so much moral support to get you through bad
times and in my case, be critical when need be.
There are a few more. :-)
21. Who are those the Freq does not respect
|O| This is easy and I know there will be a lot of sulking and b*tching when I say who.
Keith from Cheezie Smurfy. I'm not sure why attitude has to be in the forefront with this guy. If he would have just worked at his craft without the lip action, I may have had a totally different take on him. He taints any good advice he has with a c**kiness that really hurts people. Maybe he doesn't understand it but it does in fact happen. My forum is a test of sorts to show what words and mouthing off can do to someone. It pisses him and his band off. Now they see what he and his band have done over the years with their attitudes to others. Of course you and I both know they'll deny it rather then shake their heads, look in the mirrior and realize that they did in fact shit on people. The first time I met this band, they dumped their attitudes on me and from that day on, they have not changed. There is absolutely no need for it. People like this should remember when they walk on someone. After their little attitude showcase, I sketched the "infamous" condemns on their poster that I got from their gig that night. That poster was put on my wall in my jam room as a reminder of how big of a bunch of dickheads they were to me and my band that night. It was simply "Cause and Effect". Your attitude (and more) caused my dislike of you.
Dale C. He's a great singer, probably one of the best to come out of the Sault but as a person, sheesh. I don't think I can even describe the wake of illusions he's created over the years. Sadly, I don't think there is one person that likes him. I've not met anyone.
He could have gone on to great things but for some reason he trapped himself within his bullheadedness to be superior in every project. Problem was, he never had a game plan.. He just winged it all the time and unfortunately, some followed and paid the price. I have few good memories of the bands with him but the bad always smothers the good. I can honestly say I could never trust Dale. I will never forget the lie about the screwdriver shoved through the bass bin speaker story with the band Southern Guns. Priceless. ;-)
Phil G. It's strange how some people just grow up to be an idiot.
Here is the perfect example. He is also the perfect example of how someone can make a mountain out of a mole hill and end it all by hurting the wrong person. Obviously, there is something odd going on within him but that's my opinion. If you like him. Great. I don't. The gears are turning in his head but some of the gear teeth are missing or broken. I will never understand how someone with a great job and family could make such an ass out of himself. With me, you expect goofy out of the ordinary stupidity, but this guy, turned to violence and in my eyes, something to watch out for. Again, that's my opinion.
Mr. Cooper.. organizer of the Blues Jazz Festival. What other word can I use but "RAT". He ripped off so many local musicians it made our heads spin. A sham. that's all it was. Sadly, he's not the first. A local country guitarist/ singer pulled a similar sham off years ago to get money to record an album. The album never got made and the money was spent booze and whatever else. I'm probably one of only a few that remember that deal. I have zero respect for either of these guys.
Anonymous posters. I have no respect for the whole idea of hidden identities. To me, it's a way of saying "I'm a chicken shit"
when you attack someone on a forum under assumed names.
Everyone and I mean everyone knows who I am on forums. I made that clear on my very first forum. The plain point is, I have nothing to hide. Throwing hand grenade posts at people, pissing them off and hiding behind a false name and giggling at their computer while retaliation happens has always been a sick minded thing. The only defense is to screen membership and or disallow posting in some cases like I do here. I've caught quite a few on Soonet with bogus names trying to cause shit. Alex T. for one. Yeah, another local musician.
eh Alex? You're my poster child for this. He had 2 names on Soonet. One "I'm so innocent" character and the other "I'm going to cause shit" character. That way he could shit on whomever he disliked... me being one and then he could be a sweetheart to the women as the other. Dumb people don't understand that each identity on forums and emails have a computer paper trail back to it's creator. It's so easy to find out if 2 forum names have the same home SO DON'T DO IT! And people wonder why I don't TRUST people like this. He is not alone in this concept. I know of many others. Shall I name them? A lot of them are musicians and some have even tried that bullshit here. I know who you are. It's a sick thing. And people wonder why I'm so verbal... Now you know one of the reasons. I learned that if you don't have the balls to say a statement without your real name attached, it means nothing and thus won't be posted. If you can't believe in your own statement by putting your name on it, how do you expect others too? yes, in the early days, that kind of thing caught me off guard but like anything, once you get a handle on it, you can control idiots like that. I have zero respect for anonymous posters like that.
Sadly, I don't respect my older sister. In one way she caused me a lot of grief but once she was out of my life, a better world opened up so in an ironic twist of fate, I should thank her. Family can be great or the worst at times to help deal with life's problems. My sister turned out to be the worst. I made mistakes and learned from them. Eliminating bad seeds from one's life has to happen unfortunately. We're probably better off without each other |O|
I had no choice in the matter but it worked out for me. ;-) As for her, I don't care anymore sad to say. Is that cruel? Maybe but lack of communication caused a problem and to me it could have been fixed easily had communication been used. She didn't and thus we are living different lives now.
Want more?? haha
Yeah, sometimes but we all are at some point in life
2. Glen "the Freq" is a prick to work with.
This one has been going around for years. Since I started running
my own bands decades ago, I hire and yes fire people. I fired a guitar player way back and since then, he's found great enjoyment in flipping tables in calling the kettle black, so to speak. This person got fired because I needed a guitar player for road work and in a time frame of 10 days, he could not learn 10 songs for an audition. When it came time to audition he hacked his way through 3 songs and didn't know the rest of them. Let's just say he blew it. Today, no one even knows he played guitar because he just couldn't pull his weight. He hides behind a keyboard throwing digs on local forums. Since then out of spite from his own doings, he dislikes me and the "Glen is a prick to work for" started there. I know it and now you know it. I have fired others and I have hired others. It's like any job, if you get sacked, you will be bitter, that's just how it is, but there is always 2 sides to every story.
Another story is of me wanting to fill a guitar player spot in a band.
We were learning "Last in Line" by Dio. There's an intro to it and it's a bit tricky timing wise. There were 2 guitarist in this band, one was brand new and feeling things out if he wanted to join. We started the song, but the intro was stumping the guitar players. They were trying to "feel" it out but numerous attempts it was getting no where. So, being a drummer and knowing how to count musical notation I told them, this is how it's counted.. "1 e + a 2 e + a.. and the accent guitar shots connect on say 3 and 4..
Well, after that, the guitarist left and never came back. Rather than LEARN how to count music which most kids do during lessons these days, he split.
The rest of the band adapted the count and played it easily every time afterwards. I truly wanted this guitarist in my band but he took my advise as a "control" factor when really, I was doing my job as a drummer and helping him with timing. Today, I'm sure he counts all the time with computer recording software but then, he was pigheaded and has hated me ever since. He was playing in a few local bands up until a few years ago. I still think he's a solid musician though despite stubborn attitude.
So, I was slammed for knowing how to break down a song in music notation. ;-) Punished for something I knew and he didn't. The Glen is a prick story went to the next level from there.
3. Has The Freq ever been fired?
As a musician or on the work force? No. Never.
But there's always a first time. ;-)
As a band... Yes. My band Frequency was fired from the Canadian.
Anyone who says I was fired made it up.
4. When did the Freq become so MISERABLE?
That's easy. I remember exactly when.
I took 10 grand of my life's savings and financed a band
called Genghis Khan that I was in. (1991) I bought a Chevy van and
a huge Chev tour bus, rented a huge P.A. system and hired a singer from St. Catherines, and had him live at my place. Of course he was broke so I had to feed him too and pay for his trip up.
Top that off with huge insurance costs and commercial license plates on these
vehicles only to have the guitar and bass player prick out
and quit after only 6 months on the road leaving me with the tons of debts.
The guitar player and I have since reconciled but the bass player
"Mike Manerino" can jump off a cliff for all I care. I heard
he lost his hair.. GOOD. That's a small bit of payback |O|
Mike use to always complain that he needed money. He lived
at home and had an amp payment. That's it. That's the excuse he used when he left my band. Only good thing about Mike was his mother. She was a complete sweetheart. Hey Mike if you read my forum.. you owe me 10 grand! I'll take it in cash please.
Another good one is when my band Dirty World entered the Eastgate battle of the bands and we hired a singer just for
this. He's a good singer just unreliable. The day before
the show, the singer vanished leaving us to hold our balls.
Being that my motto is "I Never Give Up".. the guitarist and I
learned as much vocals as possible the night before and played
the show the next night. We didn't make it past the first round
but we didn't give up. It wasn't that we were horrible. We sounded good. I have a tape of the show. The fact was, the other bands were better.
4. Is the Freq a Horrible Singer?
Yes. I sing lead if I have to but I stick to harmonies.
I have a good ear, just not a good voice.
5. Is the Freq a Crappy Drummer?
I've been told I suck many times on the drums and in some
cases I would agree. Years ago when I started I was told
I have no feel, too technical, bad meter, too big of a drumset,
too busy, too much of a perfectionist. So, I didn't crawl into a closet and die. I took that
criticism and worked on it.
Now they say, glen is too loud, he doesn't play the songs perfect,
he does do enough playing in the song, his playing is too stiff, he needs to loosen up, he can't play simple, he doesn't smile when he plays. |O|
I think I'm just an average drummer. There are far better players in town and, yes I'm aware of them.
This is a funny story. I got noted for playing these complex songs
with a band called Ghengis Khan that had tons of drum, guitar and bass notes in the material we played. Some people lock that vision in their heads and rumours start. Fast forward to my band Flat Stanley. I was playing a bar with them a few years ago and another drummer named Glen from a band Bangers and Mash was in the audience. He basically told, unknown to him, a friend of mine that this was his first time seeing me play and expected more. |O| Some people just think I should overplay in ever song where others think I over play when I'm not. I just thought the comment by him was funny.. Damned if I do, Damned if I don't.
6.Why doesn't the Freq Socialize?
First, I don't drink and don't smoke. I don't do drugs. I never
have and I have no interest in it. I also have no interest in seeing people "transform" into something else when they're under the influence of such things. If I do socialize, it's to see a band or concert but I don't go to parties. I don't like feeling like an outsider in these certain cliques. I am quite happy at home studying music, spending time with my wife or restoring hot rod cars or cycling. I get the most out of that. I truly hate seeing fellow musicians self destruct under the influence. Some are pushing the limits of their life and that's sad.
7. Why did the Freq start his forums?
I simply love music, creative writing and art.
I thought blending them all would be fun and that
combining them all would be a good experience. I was wrong |O|
8. Does the Freq hate other musicians?
You bet. There are some really sick people in this city
and unfortunately, some of them are musicians.
I've had a lot of gear stolen over the years and one time
I joined a band that had microphones that were actually
the ones stolen from a P.A. system I had rented to another
band at the old VIC years ago. Huge P.A. Stuff got peeled
from the bar from this band. They signed a contract and had
to pay for the stolen stuff and the insurance I had on the rig
covered a lot of it. I walked in to audition for this new band
and low and behold, some of my gear was there. How did
I know? The mics were rare AKG mics that I bought out of town. 7 in total. I engrave codes on all my gear. I saw the mics, as one was on my drumset for the audition, unscrewed the wind screen on it and my code was engraved in it. In that situation though,
they could have bought the gear from whomever. They were in the possession of the stuff but by then, it had been a few years after the theft and I was covered money wise. I didn't stay with the band but I told them the mics were mine. They were shocked to say the least when I showed them the engravings.
Yes, there are others I hate but only a few but the reasons are there.
9. Has the Freq ever been Pissed off on stage?
Yes, a few times. I had a singer tell a racist joke
on stage one time and I stopped the band cold at that point
and dragged the guy outside for a bit of "reconditioning" haha
Playing with drunk musicians is not fun and it's happened a few
times over the years. I don't relate to that sort of thing very well
and it usually pisses me off. If it happens more than a few times, you're pretty much FIRED! I don't mind the band having a few drinks on stage though.
I am anti-drug and it's really hard for me to not get pissed off with that sort of thing. I really have to bite my tongue and let people live their lives when they're involved with it but I find it difficult. I just want to play music and I hate the baggage that comes with it sometimes. I tolerate a lot for the sake of playing in good bands.
That's probably wrong but in this day in age, you have to bend a little. I am really against drug use.
10. Why is the Freq so Opinionated
That's easy. There have been so many back stabbers in my
life that I came to the conclusion that the best way to get information is directly from the horses mouth or forum in my
case haha. The behind the back whispering and rumours are
just so redundant. Just ask and I shall tell you. I've seen so
many things get blown out of proportion that I finally said I'm just
going to tell it like it is. It pisses people off but at least I know I can sleep at night knowing I told the truth and how I feel about something or the situation.
Has the Freq ever been arrested?
Yes, I find a squad car quite comfy actually |O| Kidding.
I did unfortunately clobber a guy many years ago when he
attacked my drumset in a bar and we both got arrested.. charges were later dropped. Yes, the Freq
is not a pussy who only types. |O|
I was also arrested for street racing.. oops.. that was when I
was young, really young. Base Line use to be an after hours drag strip with painted lines and everything. Not legal of course.
I won the race in my old '68 T-bird against a red Chevelle. Prize was a ride in a paddy wagon |O|. The parting gift was some nice points on my license.
I was also arrested for theft. A funny little tale about how a loving
family member can be when they don't get their own way and will do anything it takes to make it their way. Nothing came of that of course but it was an enjoyable experience. |O| Yes, I hate this family member.
11. Can the Freq cook?
Yes, I was actually a cook at the old Moviola Cafe years ago.
I miss their food *sniffle*
12. Is the Freq Married?
Yes, I've been with the same gal for nearly 30 years. She is also a drummer and a far better musician than Keith of Cheezie Smurfy will ever be ;-). For years, many on forums thought I wasn't married because I never stated that I was. They just assumed I was single. That fact is, no one ever asked me.
My wife does all the drumming for my bands sound checks.
She doesn't like audiences but sound checks are fun for her.
13. Why do some not like the Freq?
I'm a complicated person to get to know. That's my best answer.
My wife has had 30 years of getting to know what I'm like. Few rarely have that much time to figure me out. I am a perfectionist with most of what I do. I don't know why but my brother is the same way. He was also a musician and he had the same good and bad effects on others like I do. I also need to know the answers to every damn thing but I've found out that drives people bonkers when I press for answers. That goes for how things are made down to how you feel. I also know what I want to hear when I'm in a band situation and I am ruthless to achieve that in most cases which drives other musicians nuts. I am a little bit off center in that I like to do things in a unique way.. I hate following the norm.. Know what I mean? I will not start a band that sounds like another band. I strive to make it different in the style or the music we choose to play. That really irks people because I really try to get musicians to pick songs that aren't hits to play or underground songs to play haha. Plus, I'm very verbal and years ago, I had little patience for excuses by musicians that didn't want to work. These days, I just focus on myself and do the best I can. If the others want to bomb on stage so be it but I'm not going down with the ship |O|. The biggest reason I'm not liked is that I never go away. I'm always in your face no matter what I'm doing. A lot of people hate that. That's part of my nature. My brother is similar.
I'm like a giant mosquito that just won't let up.
14. Why do some want the Freq to fail?
In my opinion, they don't have creative lives and when I enjoy
something and post it, they have to bring it down so their lives
sound worthy. I personally don't care what they do with their
lives or music careers. That's the basic fact. I enjoy thinking about
my own life and trying to make it evolve. Why worry about the next guy. That's why The Freq is different than some of these critics. They seem to worry about what I say and it affects them in a negative way. I just don't think that way at all. I'm totally on the outside of the box. It's the dumbest thing to worry about what others think of you because in the end, you're the one that has to make a decision on your direction. You don't have to listen to me at all. You control your own life. If you want to spend it trying to bring me down but at the same time, not evolve, all the power to ya. You won't have much to show for your life. Me, I do as much as I can in a day.. play music, write music, write on blogs, create art, and a vast amount of other things. I just can't worry about some small person bad mouthing me with little words. ;-)
It's just comical and I always get a laugh when I hear of someone that thinks I'm a goof.. I am a goof. You don't have to tell me. I'm proud of it. Now what? sheesh.
15. Will the Freq Live on?
YES, I will live on for a little while anyways. ;-) I have a lot of things I want to do yet. I definitely want to live long enough to hear the new Cheezie Smurfy album that's for sure and give a preview here.
OOOH. I can hardly wait.
PART 2
16. What is the Freq's Biggest Blunders
Hmmm.. There have been many. I guess leaving
the band Rainhorses instead of waiting to regroup
was a big blunder. The band was doing great business but
the band just wasn't happening at the time with the singer
in school. The band could have probably got signed with
the interest it was receiving. Impatience got the best of me
Losing my best friends Brian and George because of my determination to make it was a bad thing. We're still friends
but it's not the same as what we had.
17. Who do you trust Freq?
Not many. People abuse that word and what it's about.
Most are not trustworthy in the least but they will turn blue in
the face to try and make you believe it is. I've just found that most
lie to benefit themselves. Related to topic #4 to get the drift of what happens when you trust someone and they screw you.
18. What is your favorite band that you've been in?
My favourite band to play in was "The Crank Shop"
both on a playing level but also on a creative level.
It helped me realize that it was time to develop my
own style as a drummer.
Rainhorses would be my second favourite. People loved
that band and it was a great blend of musicians.
19. What are the Freq's regrets?
Easy. I wish I'd left the Sault and never come back.
I came back though |O| I also wanted to go to Berkley
and even studied their entrance to the music program
but went on the road instead.... STUPID!!!!!
I also regret wasting my time
with certain bands and musicians who actually become
more of an anchor than a benefit. We all experience that
though.
20. Does the Freq respect anyone?
Of course. outside of my wife, mom and aunt,
my friend Alan most definitely. We are complete
opposites but since I've known him which has been
since the 70's, he's exposed me to things about
the world I never knew before. He's a great musician
and he has taught me a lot about music and life in
general. I respect people for different reasons though.
Others include
Tony K. one of my guitarists who is probably the most
amazing individual. I've never witnessed someone who
could multitask so many things at one time in his very
complicated life and pull them off so unbelievably well.
He just impresses me all the time. He's also a fabulous
gutiarist.
Rav for the simple reason he is on his own agenda and
no one will derail his objectives.. We have a lot in common
even if others don't agree. He just doesn't take any shit.
Gary H. owner of Grooves Music. Absolutely a fabulous
musician, focused individual, intelligent, honest and totally
about family. I've never met a nicer individual.
Don Jacques. I'm saying his full name because
more people should be as nice a person as he
is. No ego, no hatred in him at all and a very
talented musician. He has gone through so
many hardships and yet he walks out with such
a positive outlook on life, it's amazing. I wish I
could be more like him.
Wives and girlfriends. No one has to put up with
more B.S. than spouses and or girlfriends (boyfriends)
when living with musicians. It's a bees nest of odd
behaviour and moods. It's mind boggling to most
but if you can create a balance like I've achieved, it
can work out great. It's not easy for them that's for
sure and at times, I'm sure they want to scream but
they give so much moral support to get you through bad
times and in my case, be critical when need be.
There are a few more. :-)
21. Who are those the Freq does not respect
|O| This is easy and I know there will be a lot of sulking and b*tching when I say who.
Keith from Cheezie Smurfy. I'm not sure why attitude has to be in the forefront with this guy. If he would have just worked at his craft without the lip action, I may have had a totally different take on him. He taints any good advice he has with a c**kiness that really hurts people. Maybe he doesn't understand it but it does in fact happen. My forum is a test of sorts to show what words and mouthing off can do to someone. It pisses him and his band off. Now they see what he and his band have done over the years with their attitudes to others. Of course you and I both know they'll deny it rather then shake their heads, look in the mirrior and realize that they did in fact shit on people. The first time I met this band, they dumped their attitudes on me and from that day on, they have not changed. There is absolutely no need for it. People like this should remember when they walk on someone. After their little attitude showcase, I sketched the "infamous" condemns on their poster that I got from their gig that night. That poster was put on my wall in my jam room as a reminder of how big of a bunch of dickheads they were to me and my band that night. It was simply "Cause and Effect". Your attitude (and more) caused my dislike of you.
Dale C. He's a great singer, probably one of the best to come out of the Sault but as a person, sheesh. I don't think I can even describe the wake of illusions he's created over the years. Sadly, I don't think there is one person that likes him. I've not met anyone.
He could have gone on to great things but for some reason he trapped himself within his bullheadedness to be superior in every project. Problem was, he never had a game plan.. He just winged it all the time and unfortunately, some followed and paid the price. I have few good memories of the bands with him but the bad always smothers the good. I can honestly say I could never trust Dale. I will never forget the lie about the screwdriver shoved through the bass bin speaker story with the band Southern Guns. Priceless. ;-)
Phil G. It's strange how some people just grow up to be an idiot.
Here is the perfect example. He is also the perfect example of how someone can make a mountain out of a mole hill and end it all by hurting the wrong person. Obviously, there is something odd going on within him but that's my opinion. If you like him. Great. I don't. The gears are turning in his head but some of the gear teeth are missing or broken. I will never understand how someone with a great job and family could make such an ass out of himself. With me, you expect goofy out of the ordinary stupidity, but this guy, turned to violence and in my eyes, something to watch out for. Again, that's my opinion.
Mr. Cooper.. organizer of the Blues Jazz Festival. What other word can I use but "RAT". He ripped off so many local musicians it made our heads spin. A sham. that's all it was. Sadly, he's not the first. A local country guitarist/ singer pulled a similar sham off years ago to get money to record an album. The album never got made and the money was spent booze and whatever else. I'm probably one of only a few that remember that deal. I have zero respect for either of these guys.
Anonymous posters. I have no respect for the whole idea of hidden identities. To me, it's a way of saying "I'm a chicken shit"
when you attack someone on a forum under assumed names.
Everyone and I mean everyone knows who I am on forums. I made that clear on my very first forum. The plain point is, I have nothing to hide. Throwing hand grenade posts at people, pissing them off and hiding behind a false name and giggling at their computer while retaliation happens has always been a sick minded thing. The only defense is to screen membership and or disallow posting in some cases like I do here. I've caught quite a few on Soonet with bogus names trying to cause shit. Alex T. for one. Yeah, another local musician.
eh Alex? You're my poster child for this. He had 2 names on Soonet. One "I'm so innocent" character and the other "I'm going to cause shit" character. That way he could shit on whomever he disliked... me being one and then he could be a sweetheart to the women as the other. Dumb people don't understand that each identity on forums and emails have a computer paper trail back to it's creator. It's so easy to find out if 2 forum names have the same home SO DON'T DO IT! And people wonder why I don't TRUST people like this. He is not alone in this concept. I know of many others. Shall I name them? A lot of them are musicians and some have even tried that bullshit here. I know who you are. It's a sick thing. And people wonder why I'm so verbal... Now you know one of the reasons. I learned that if you don't have the balls to say a statement without your real name attached, it means nothing and thus won't be posted. If you can't believe in your own statement by putting your name on it, how do you expect others too? yes, in the early days, that kind of thing caught me off guard but like anything, once you get a handle on it, you can control idiots like that. I have zero respect for anonymous posters like that.
Sadly, I don't respect my older sister. In one way she caused me a lot of grief but once she was out of my life, a better world opened up so in an ironic twist of fate, I should thank her. Family can be great or the worst at times to help deal with life's problems. My sister turned out to be the worst. I made mistakes and learned from them. Eliminating bad seeds from one's life has to happen unfortunately. We're probably better off without each other |O|
I had no choice in the matter but it worked out for me. ;-) As for her, I don't care anymore sad to say. Is that cruel? Maybe but lack of communication caused a problem and to me it could have been fixed easily had communication been used. She didn't and thus we are living different lives now.
Want more?? haha
