When people ask me what I do for a living I simply say, “I’m a Rockstar”. Just kidding! I do find it pretty comical to say that because the term “Rock Star” is pretty badass!
I’m certainly no Jon Bon Jovi or Axl Rose, I get paid to travel the country and sing. I’ve never been paid millions of dollars or flown on a private jet. It was a commercial airliner!
There aren’t any stalker fans who come to every show, well maybe a few. Okay, I’m done trying to downplay this already, my job is AWESOME! That’s what everyone thinks I’m sure, but the truth is a little less glamorous.
The traveling can be grueling. The closest gig I play is an hour away from my home. The farthest gig I play is 4,508 miles away in Anchorage, AK (that was on that commercial airliner).
A vast majority of the gigs include an 8 hour car ride crammed in a van with six dudes. I get my own room sometimes, but typically I have to bunk up with one of the guys(separate beds of course).
I have a 2-year-old son and leaving him is never fun. Even though I get to spend five solid days with him during the week, it sucks to have to leave him for even two .
I do enjoy getting glammed up for my shows. What girl wouldn’t? On the regular it takes me about two hours from start to finish.
My “look” includes: a full face of makeup, clip in hair extensions (that give me a headache), a sexy cocktail dress, over the knee high-heel boots (that destroy my feet), and extravagant jewelry.
My band puts on a high-energy rocks show that lasts 4-5.5 hours. We play to a click track, sequenced keys, and all wear professional in-ear monitors. The click and sequences mean there is no margin for error. None.
This can create some stress because who wants to screw up the beginning of “Don’t Stop Believing”? Not me!! I wish I could say this has never happened, but even Steve Perry probably messed up a time or two.
This is “band life”. I AM a Rock Star, and it’s a badge that I wear proudly. The rush I get when performing in front of 5,000 people is pure ecstasy, but it’s not for the faint at heart. It takes a lot out of me.
Every time I walk on that stage I give up a piece of my soul.
Comments (2)