I'm usually content as long as i'm not stuck trying to teach other people how to play along with me, that become really annoying if your pressed for time.
hmm, I dunno, i've been thinking about applying for a good while now. I think i could probably get in, not positive though. I enjoy being creative and doing new things, and I dont mind playing the same songs allot, but... i guess I've always had enough flexibility to do something a bit diffrent with songs, but i feel like if I was famous and doing reg concerts it would be the same way, you would play the same shit all the time.
I've heard that some tours are better than others from friends of mine. Some people love it and keep going back for more. Getting into Tops in Blue isn't so much about the skill on your instrument so much as your ability to play the game. You have to know how to drink the Koolaid, and show that you are "an Air Force ambassador." Keep in mind, once you are on the team, the ambassador thing only goes surface deep. You will find every form of "breaking the rules" happening right in front of you.
Also, do NOT be fooled: you will have NO creative input whatsoever in Tops in Blue. You will be playing the SAME songs every night for a year. If you are looking to be creative as a musician, then TIB is NOT the gig for you. I'm not telling you to not do it. At least try out for it, as it's a free permissive TDY. Just remember, they will show you a bunch of things at the competition that are NOTHING like the real tour. Again, my one main positive from tour was meeting my wife. Everything else...
Well, there's a lot of reasons, but I'll try to keep it short. To be fair, I met my wife from it, and I don't regret that one bit. Other than that, there was way too much drama and internal inconsistency. The organization is not who they said that they were, and they were not professional. It was the first time in 13 years that I had ever been sick of playing guitar. They don't give you any creative flexibility whatsoever, and you never have time to play anything for personal enjoyment.
In my opinion, it's an organization that works well for musical performers/entertainers. The whole organization plays on the psychology of primadonna performer types. So if you are one who simply wants to show off "talent" in front of a bunch of people, and you don't care what the music is, then Tops in Blue is great. If you are an artist/musician who cares about creating original music and being a student of your craft...it is the most frustrating organization to be a part of.
Hello!! What's up!!! Great Guitar licks dude!! I hope you made the tour!! My name is Eric "Smidi" Smith AKA Smidi Beats TIB Lead Guitarist 1983. I just ran across your video and I thought that you were awesome! Best luck in all of your endeavors! Peace, SMIDI
did you make it in?
SCO43 2 years ago
I'm usually content as long as i'm not stuck trying to teach other people how to play along with me, that become really annoying if your pressed for time.
jarbafat 2 years ago
*laughs* I'm give music lessons actually. It definitely takes patience and a certain mentality. It's not for everyone.
Drawthemoral 2 years ago
hmm, I dunno, i've been thinking about applying for a good while now. I think i could probably get in, not positive though. I enjoy being creative and doing new things, and I dont mind playing the same songs allot, but... i guess I've always had enough flexibility to do something a bit diffrent with songs, but i feel like if I was famous and doing reg concerts it would be the same way, you would play the same shit all the time.
jarbafat 2 years ago
I've heard that some tours are better than others from friends of mine. Some people love it and keep going back for more. Getting into Tops in Blue isn't so much about the skill on your instrument so much as your ability to play the game. You have to know how to drink the Koolaid, and show that you are "an Air Force ambassador." Keep in mind, once you are on the team, the ambassador thing only goes surface deep. You will find every form of "breaking the rules" happening right in front of you.
Drawthemoral 2 years ago
Also, do NOT be fooled: you will have NO creative input whatsoever in Tops in Blue. You will be playing the SAME songs every night for a year. If you are looking to be creative as a musician, then TIB is NOT the gig for you. I'm not telling you to not do it. At least try out for it, as it's a free permissive TDY. Just remember, they will show you a bunch of things at the competition that are NOTHING like the real tour. Again, my one main positive from tour was meeting my wife. Everything else...
Drawthemoral 2 years ago
so why are you so glad its done? did you hate it or something? the tour i mean.
jarbafat 2 years ago
Well, there's a lot of reasons, but I'll try to keep it short. To be fair, I met my wife from it, and I don't regret that one bit. Other than that, there was way too much drama and internal inconsistency. The organization is not who they said that they were, and they were not professional. It was the first time in 13 years that I had ever been sick of playing guitar. They don't give you any creative flexibility whatsoever, and you never have time to play anything for personal enjoyment.
Drawthemoral 2 years ago
In my opinion, it's an organization that works well for musical performers/entertainers. The whole organization plays on the psychology of primadonna performer types. So if you are one who simply wants to show off "talent" in front of a bunch of people, and you don't care what the music is, then Tops in Blue is great. If you are an artist/musician who cares about creating original music and being a student of your craft...it is the most frustrating organization to be a part of.
Drawthemoral 2 years ago
lol ugh. Leave it to the AirForce to step in and suck the fun out of something i guess.
jarbafat 2 years ago
Hello!! What's up!!! Great Guitar licks dude!! I hope you made the tour!! My name is Eric "Smidi" Smith AKA Smidi Beats TIB Lead Guitarist 1983. I just ran across your video and I thought that you were awesome! Best luck in all of your endeavors! Peace, SMIDI
smidi46 4 years ago
Thanks a lot man. I did make the tour actually...but a lot has changed since '83. I'm very happy that you have good memories from Tops in Blue.
I'm very happy to be done with it.
I'd love to hear you play though! Any kindred guitarist is always a good thing.
Drawthemoral 4 years ago
good luck! maybe i'll see ya there! i'm a vocalist. ;-)
ambdj 4 years ago
I was already on the team for the 2007 tour.
I'm so glad that I'm done.
Drawthemoral 4 years ago
AMAZING BRO U are forever My Brother BLUE LOVE
RIBLETT 4 years ago
Ohhh Steve that was amazing!
It was like...you and the guitar were one. Like the music was flowing through you.
anberlincaligrl 4 years ago
Dang dude you have skills! Kinda a mellow Santana like vibe to that!
cainanuk 4 years ago
Thanks man. I really appreciate it. It's a constant quest to keep improving...
Drawthemoral 4 years ago