Lets talk about Holdsworth today, read the GP interview.....

[Digital Jams]

I dont know, he seems bitter to some degree with how his life has progressed. His journey reminds me a little of another pure genius, Jaco. I read stories about Jaco bumming cab fare in NYC to meet guys like John Mc and just being jilted as hell. Plus Anton's story of sitting in with the bass god and he was just busy running across the street to buy a pint of cheap booze between sets. In the 70s Holdsworth would have to sell guitars to get airfare to europe or the usa, never had much money even though the man was regarded as one of the greatest.

IN the GP articule the best of the best just kept saying that he is from another planet, they could never sit in with da man but Holdsworth just seems like he does not care. I am guessing that though the years watching children of lesser gods become superstars and super rich has taken its toll on the master. MAybe he is a bad business man?? I just feel sorry for the guy, as a want-a-be guitarist I would kill to sit down with him for a few hours and just watch him play. Nobody can legato like this guy.

Why has he not hooked up with the likes of Stanley Clarke or a Tony Levin and created a killer fusion trio lately?? You would think there are cats out there that would DIE to play with Holdsworth

 

[Shiny_Surface]

I dont know, he seems bitter to some degree with how his life has progressed. His journey reminds me a little of another pure genius, Jaco. I read stories about Jaco bumming cab fare in NYC to meet guys like John Mc and just being jilted as hell. Plus Anton's story of sitting in with the bass god and he was just busy running across the street to buy a pint of cheap booze between sets. In the 70s Holdsworth would have to sell guitars to get airfare to europe or the usa, never had much money even though the man was regarded as one of the greatest.

IN the GP articule the best of the best just kept saying that he is from another planet, they could never sit in with da man but Holdsworth just seems like he does not care. I am guessing that though the years watching children of lesser gods become superstars and super rich has taken its toll on the master. MAybe he is a bad business man?? I just feel sorry for the guy, as a want-a-be guitarist I would kill to sit down with him for a few hours and just watch him play. Nobody can legato like this guy.

Why has he not hooked up with the likes of Stanley Clarke or a Tony Levin and created a killer fusion trio lately?? You would think there are cats out there that would DIE to play with Holdsworth

He's a musician's musician, catering to a narrower audience IMO.....

I'm sure the music business can grind down the best of them.....

 

[Gainfreak]

I dont know, he seems bitter to some degree with how his life has progressed. His journey reminds me a little of another pure genius, Jaco. I read stories about Jaco bumming cab fare in NYC to meet guys like John Mc and just being jilted as hell. Plus Anton's story of sitting in with the bass god and he was just busy running across the street to buy a pint of cheap booze between sets. In the 70s Holdsworth would have to sell guitars to get airfare to europe or the usa, never had much money even though the man was regarded as one of the greatest.

IN the GP articule the best of the best just kept saying that he is from another planet, they could never sit in with da man but Holdsworth just seems like he does not care. I am guessing that though the years watching children of lesser gods become superstars and super rich has taken its toll on the master. MAybe he is a bad business man?? I just feel sorry for the guy, as a want-a-be guitarist I would kill to sit down with him for a few hours and just watch him play. Nobody can legato like this guy.

Why has he not hooked up with the likes of Stanley Clarke or a Tony Levin and created a killer fusion trio lately?? You would think there are cats out there that would DIE to play with Holdsworth

When you decide to go down the avante garde muscial path, you are going to be eating top ramen noodles. I hate to say this but the general public as well as the normal musician could give two fucks about that type of music. He either needed to embrace that FACT or switch musical gears or play more shows to the eclectic crowds per year.

With that said, Alcoholism is Alans Biggest problem IMHO. Im pretty sure that if he freed himself of that disease, his thinking would become clear and that alone would probably get his head out of his ass.

Just my opinions!!

~R~

 

[ctoddrun]

My problem with Holdsworth, and I read that article you reference, is that as longs as I've been a guitar dork, I've BARELY heard ANY of his music.

Unless you actively seek it out, its just not there to be found. Know what I mean?

Reading all those pro's talk about how genius he is makes me want to seek him out, but even then, what would I do? Sift through fusion music waiting to be blown away by a guitar emulating a sax? Do I just pick up Metal Fatigue because it has the word "metal" on the album cover?

I guess I need a dummies guide to Holdsworth and that article didnt show me the way.

 

[PeteLaramee]

I read the article. I don't feel sorry for the guy or anything like that. If anything I feel bad for some of the guys he's hung out to dry. Gary Husband said he'd never commit to play with him again. Having said that he'll probably play on his next tour.

Don't get me wrong I think Holdsworth is a genius and in a league of his own.

 

[PeteLaramee]

With that said, Alcoholism is Alans Biggest problem IMHO. Im pretty sure that if he freed himself of that disease, his thinking would become clear and that alone would probably get his head out of his ass.

Just my opinions!!

~R~

I saw him speak at the "International Guitar Congress" here in Baltimore a few years ago. Before the speach/Q&A he was in the other room drinking.

 

[Digital Jams]

I dont know, he seems bitter to some degree with how his life has progressed. His journey reminds me a little of another pure genius, Jaco. I read stories about Jaco bumming cab fare in NYC to meet guys like John Mc and just being jilted as hell. Plus Anton's story of sitting in with the bass god and he was just busy running across the street to buy a pint of cheap booze between sets. In the 70s Holdsworth would have to sell guitars to get airfare to europe or the usa, never had much money even though the man was regarded as one of the greatest.

IN the GP articule the best of the best just kept saying that he is from another planet, they could never sit in with da man but Holdsworth just seems like he does not care. I am guessing that though the years watching children of lesser gods become superstars and super rich has taken its toll on the master. MAybe he is a bad business man?? I just feel sorry for the guy, as a want-a-be guitarist I would kill to sit down with him for a few hours and just watch him play. Nobody can legato like this guy.

Why has he not hooked up with the likes of Stanley Clarke or a Tony Levin and created a killer fusion trio lately?? You would think there are cats out there that would DIE to play with Holdsworth

When you decide to go down the avante garde muscial path, you are going to be eating top ramen noodles. I hate to say this but the general public as well as the normal musician could give two fucks about that type of music. He either needed to embrace that FACT or switch musical gears or play more shows to the eclectic crowds per year.

With that said, Alcoholism is Alans Biggest problem IMHO. Im pretty sure that if he freed himself of that disease, his thinking would become clear and that alone would probably get his head out of his ass.

Just my opinions!!

~R~

Yeah I was thinking that alcohol may be one reason for his past actions. He also comes off as someone that would be a pain in the ass to play with.

 

[Gainfreak]

With that said, Alcoholism is Alans Biggest problem IMHO. Im pretty sure that if he freed himself of that disease, his thinking would become clear and that alone would probably get his head out of his ass.

Just my opinions!!

~R~

I saw him speak at the "International Guitar Congress" here in Baltimore a few years ago. Before the speach/Q&A he was in the other room drinking.

Almost everyone who I have spoken to who Either knows Alan personally or has seen him play has said that he is a full blown Alcoholic. (not dragging his name into the mud, I just think that its sad)
With that said, If I also remember correctly, Aan has had a lot of people throughout the years try and help him with his career,Probably moreso then any other kickass guitar player of that genre, so Im not sre why he is still singing the blues lol. Then there are the stories about him selling off borrowed gear.

 

[Telephant]

Holdsworth is incredible but I find Shawn Lane easier to listen to than Holdsworth. Alan just comes from outerspace, he's even weirder than Ed.

 

[PeteLaramee]

With that said, Alcoholism is Alans Biggest problem IMHO. Im pretty sure that if he freed himself of that disease, his thinking would become clear and that alone would probably get his head out of his ass.

Just my opinions!!

~R~

I saw him speak at the "International Guitar Congress" here in Baltimore a few years ago. Before the speach/Q&A he was in the other room drinking.

Almost everyone who I have spoken to who Either knows Alan personally or has seen him play has said that he is a full blown Alcoholic. (not dragging his name into the mud, I just think that its sad)
With that said, If I also remember correctly, Aan has had a lot of people throughout the years try and help him with his career,Probably moreso then any other kickass guitar player of that genre, so Im not sre why he is still singing the blues lol. Then there are the stories about him selling off borrowed gear.

I've heard and seen the same thing. Don't get me wrong. It's not like I've never been drunk onstage. I agree about your comments about all the people who've tried to help him with his career (Eddie being the most notable). If he wants to do things his own way with 100% integrity intact I'm all for it. Just don't cry about it later.

 

[Digital Jams]

Man he sounds like a trainwreck..............too bad.

 

[MrDan666]

He should've joined Poison when CC left!

LOL

 

[Gainfreak]

He should've joined Poison when CC left!

I just pissed msyelf!!

 

[Gainfreak]

When you decide to go down the avante garde muscial path, you are going to be eating top ramen noodles

Is this why Ed D. joined the country band?

Im pretty sure Ed would be the first one to tell you yes!.... Absolutely!!

 

[Digital Jams]

When you decide to go down the avante garde muscial path, you are going to be eating top ramen noodles

Is this why Ed D. joined the country band?

Ed is just getting his 80s shred kicks under the covers of country

 

[thiswaythatway]

I dont know, he seems bitter to some degree with how his life has progressed. His journey reminds me a little of another pure genius, Jaco. I read stories about Jaco bumming cab fare in NYC to meet guys like John Mc and just being jilted as hell. Plus Anton's story of sitting in with the bass god and he was just busy running across the street to buy a pint of cheap booze between sets. In the 70s Holdsworth would have to sell guitars to get airfare to europe or the usa, never had much money even though the man was regarded as one of the greatest.

IN the GP articule the best of the best just kept saying that he is from another planet, they could never sit in with da man but Holdsworth just seems like he does not care. I am guessing that though the years watching children of lesser gods become superstars and super rich has taken its toll on the master. MAybe he is a bad business man?? I just feel sorry for the guy, as a want-a-be guitarist I would kill to sit down with him for a few hours and just watch him play. Nobody can legato like this guy.

Why has he not hooked up with the likes of Stanley Clarke or a Tony Levin and created a killer fusion trio lately?? You would think there are cats out there that would DIE to play with Holdsworth

When you decide to go down the avante garde muscial path, you are going to be eating top ramen noodles. I hate to say this but the general public as well as the normal musician could give two fucks about that type of music. He either needed to embrace that FACT or switch musical gears or play more shows to the eclectic crowds per year.

With that said, Alcoholism is Alans Biggest problem IMHO. Im pretty sure that if he freed himself of that disease, his thinking would become clear and that alone would probably get his head out of his ass.

Just my opinions!!

~R~

I tried to listen to some of Holdsworth's music and i can't sit through it. IMHO it's a bore fest. He is probably one of the most technical guitar players in the world but he doesn't make the type of music i care about.

I think i would rather have the talent to come up with catchy 3 chord songs like AC/DC and play to sold out world tours and have stinky panties thrown at me instead of playing to 50 guitar nerds on a music store clinic tour.

 

[Telephant]

I tried to listen to some of Holdsworth's music and i can't sit through it. IMHO it's a bore fest. He is probably one of the most technical guitar players in the world but he doesn't make the type of music i care about.

I think i would rather have the talent to come up with catchy 3 chord songs like AC/DC and play to sold out world tours and have sinky panties thrown at me instead of playing to 50 guitar nerds on a music store clinic tour.

Right there with you brother.

 

[mentoneman]

I tried to listen to some of Holdsworth's music and i can't sit through it. IMHO it's a bore fest. He is probably one of the most technical guitar players in the world but he doesn't make the type of music i care about.

I think i would rather have the talent to come up with catchy 3 chord songs like AC/DC and play to sold out world tours and have sinky panties thrown at me instead of playing to 50 guitar nerds on a music store clinic tour.

i marvel at his mastery as i would an olympic gymnast but you are absolutely correct. he's too good for his own good. he relates to people like nicola tesla (ie wardencliff tower--great youtube search!)...independent thinking geniuses that are so far beyond anyone no one relates to them. detached from normalcy. ergo the "why can't you folks see just how brilliant i am?" tortured soul routine.

hitting the sauce doesn't help.

 

[MARK1970]

I met Holdsworth in the late 80's. A friend at the time was opening a music store and had Holdsworth there for an attraction. It was pretty sad nobody there knew who he was. He was a very quiet and down to earth. When he shook my hand, it almost wrapped around comepletly. I had him sign my Metal Fatigue album. Too bad he did not play that day.

 

[degenaro]

When you decide to go down the avante garde muscial path, you are going to be eating top ramen noodles

Is this why Ed D. joined the country band?

Absofreakinlutely.
With my band I get ecstatic when I have 20 paying folks in atendance and sell 2 CDs.
With the Country band we sell 50+ CDs each gigs and get paid well.