When you're with a group of semi-psychotic people, you kind of lose track of reality; it's almost like being in some sort of cult or something. -Tommy Ramone Now I’m a rock-n-roll angel, earned my wings, easing out over the graveyard in the middle of the night. Everyone leaves things behind. For me, it was the music. The band. I left it behind, I don’t know why. That’s the other thing/ you don’t know why you do things a lot of the time in this life. But that’s also how you know you’re on the right track. If you are still maintaining a lot of who you were 20 years ago or whatever, you are probably all kinds of bent inside. That’s not science, it’s just me saying it. But I say that because I feel like it must be true.
As always, I applaud your raw honesty. Your bird’s eye view of the highs and lows of band life give a glimpse of the emotional cost of being a musician. It takes a strong person to stick with it, but a whole other kind of strength to know when to leave. We can’t possibly be the same at 50 as we were at 20, perhaps thank the universe for that. You were in a phenomenal band, and it’s good to read that you can look back with pride. Allow your writing to help you process it all and lead further down the road on this part of your journey.
Jan 26·edited Jan 26Liked by Serge Bielanko, Arle Bielanko
In the late 70's early 80's I used to follow this Long Island Band, The Stanton Anderson Band. Back then there were all these large LI clubs. It was the days of Twisted Sister, Zebra and Stanton Anderson. I thought of them this week beause I went to see the Marshall Tucker Band. The last time I saw Marshall Tucker was April 1980, because Stanton Anderson was opeing. We thought this was it. Off to the big time. Then nothing. Eventually they all went on to regular jobs etc. Around 10 years or so ago they started playing. I made a trip out to LI about 2 years ago to see them. Obviously a different band but it sounded soooo good to hear those songs,
Maybe in 10 years, when Charlie is off to college you and Dave will be sitting around and you'll feel like doing it again. None of us has to be one thing in life. We can change as many times as we want. Sometimes because we have to (layoffs etc.) or because we want to. Embrace all of it.
This was a tough one for me to read. What comes to mind is one of the best book titles ever: Michael Azerrad's Our Band Could Be Your Life. This band *was* my life. And yeah, the thing I loved, ain't gonna lie, did break my heart. But it also scratched so much into my soul. Serge, thanks for guiding or trip back into the thing that we all love so much.
I sit reading and cry some,I wonder why the tears and guess partly because of what you and that band mean…….the first time I found you guys was in Dublin supporting Steve Earle and I was hooked but would never have guessed your inner struggle……I have never understood how or why you and that band didn’t become huge……..but to me and plenty like me you did something special you touched our hearts our souls and that is rare and special in this crazy mixed up World…….I’m glad you are able to look back with pride at what you did and I look forward to your writings every week…….Life changes us all as we age but when I listen to the music and think of the gigs that I been lucky enough to hear and see well it keeps me alive inside…….maybe some day my friend you will feel like strap on that guitar and stepping on stage again,but if not just remember the joy and memories you have given to old folk like me……….Thank you for sharing Serge,be happy my friend
I’m learning that you never stop growing and evolving. I’m 56 and I’m a completely different person than I was at 46. Never mind 26, ya know? I appreciate knowing that I’m not the only one who couldn’t really figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. (I mean I wanted to be Kerouac... or Keith Richards... but they already existed... so what now, young man?)
So I work in a restaurant helping to feed rich people food I can’t afford. I scribble writings down that no one reads but me. And I’m waiting for the next evolution I guess. Life ain’t bad. I’m okay. My people are okay. So... it’s all okay.
Thanks, man. It’s good to read you again.
Oh... I’ve really really been listening to a lot of music that I used to hate (for awful snobby reasons that are stupid and petty.)
A few years ago I made a playlist of Phil Collins stuff and it’s probably my most returned to mix. He’s amazing. Even when he’s corny, he’s pretty amazing.
As always, I applaud your raw honesty. Your bird’s eye view of the highs and lows of band life give a glimpse of the emotional cost of being a musician. It takes a strong person to stick with it, but a whole other kind of strength to know when to leave. We can’t possibly be the same at 50 as we were at 20, perhaps thank the universe for that. You were in a phenomenal band, and it’s good to read that you can look back with pride. Allow your writing to help you process it all and lead further down the road on this part of your journey.
In the late 70's early 80's I used to follow this Long Island Band, The Stanton Anderson Band. Back then there were all these large LI clubs. It was the days of Twisted Sister, Zebra and Stanton Anderson. I thought of them this week beause I went to see the Marshall Tucker Band. The last time I saw Marshall Tucker was April 1980, because Stanton Anderson was opeing. We thought this was it. Off to the big time. Then nothing. Eventually they all went on to regular jobs etc. Around 10 years or so ago they started playing. I made a trip out to LI about 2 years ago to see them. Obviously a different band but it sounded soooo good to hear those songs,
Maybe in 10 years, when Charlie is off to college you and Dave will be sitting around and you'll feel like doing it again. None of us has to be one thing in life. We can change as many times as we want. Sometimes because we have to (layoffs etc.) or because we want to. Embrace all of it.
Great stuff here my friend. What a ride it must have been. You're earned the quiet time in front of that keyboard. It's where you most belong....
This was a tough one for me to read. What comes to mind is one of the best book titles ever: Michael Azerrad's Our Band Could Be Your Life. This band *was* my life. And yeah, the thing I loved, ain't gonna lie, did break my heart. But it also scratched so much into my soul. Serge, thanks for guiding or trip back into the thing that we all love so much.
I sit reading and cry some,I wonder why the tears and guess partly because of what you and that band mean…….the first time I found you guys was in Dublin supporting Steve Earle and I was hooked but would never have guessed your inner struggle……I have never understood how or why you and that band didn’t become huge……..but to me and plenty like me you did something special you touched our hearts our souls and that is rare and special in this crazy mixed up World…….I’m glad you are able to look back with pride at what you did and I look forward to your writings every week…….Life changes us all as we age but when I listen to the music and think of the gigs that I been lucky enough to hear and see well it keeps me alive inside…….maybe some day my friend you will feel like strap on that guitar and stepping on stage again,but if not just remember the joy and memories you have given to old folk like me……….Thank you for sharing Serge,be happy my friend
I’m learning that you never stop growing and evolving. I’m 56 and I’m a completely different person than I was at 46. Never mind 26, ya know? I appreciate knowing that I’m not the only one who couldn’t really figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. (I mean I wanted to be Kerouac... or Keith Richards... but they already existed... so what now, young man?)
So I work in a restaurant helping to feed rich people food I can’t afford. I scribble writings down that no one reads but me. And I’m waiting for the next evolution I guess. Life ain’t bad. I’m okay. My people are okay. So... it’s all okay.
Thanks, man. It’s good to read you again.
Oh... I’ve really really been listening to a lot of music that I used to hate (for awful snobby reasons that are stupid and petty.)
A few years ago I made a playlist of Phil Collins stuff and it’s probably my most returned to mix. He’s amazing. Even when he’s corny, he’s pretty amazing.