Finding the truly gifted is a rarity that happens once in every 20 years in pop or is 50 years, I leave that to you.

Some time ago several members of what we feel to be top class groups from the past who are still brilliant on stage and still touring in personal interviews with radio Dj’s were asked if they would ever have tackled going a talent show.

The overwhelming response was no, the reason why is ‘we can’t sing, we can barely string together 4 chords to rock let alone sing’. Of the competitions the only criticism levied is that ‘the youngsters hadn’t time to learn the craft or build up a following the hard way with gigs’. The latter here being the advantage gained via the long and winding road. A concern was also raised about the length of careers during which all of these ageing rockers voiced ‘it is a fallacy to believe that any one of us could have a long time in the spotlight, that part is always short. Furthermore, what is truly important is that an artist carries on afterwards in whatever way possible this could mean touring, or doing festivals and all manner of small to large scale gigs’. Also voiced in connection with career longevity was the ‘greater importance you must give to your fans and not yourself, that sadly is learnt through adversity, and being constantly aware of all that is happening in your industry.’

Maureen
Newcastle.