A Glorious Life in a Band in the Mid 80s: A Nostalgic Look

Looking back, what a glorious time to be part of a rock band in the mid-1980s! Back then, the world was a different place, and so was the music scene. Many of us who were there fondly recall those days filled with incredible experiences that nourished both our passion for music and our lives.

Uniquely Valuable Experiences

All I can say is that I'm really glad the Internet wasn't around back then. Seriously, it was a blast. The hardest I've ever worked was for what added up to minimum wage when all the receipts were tallied, but we didn't care. We packed up our gear, played five nights straight, drove five hundred miles to do it all over again. I have several road warrior stories that, if I dared, would only make it to Quora under the anonymous profile. Crazy, isn't it?!

Performing for More Than Just a Few

It's incredible to think that we could play to more than 20 people these days, especially in bars. It's so challenging to attract actual audiences, not to mention finding venues that support live music. But back then, we were making some money, and the drummers even got laid. That's a rephrasing, but you get the point. Music had such a unique allure in the 80s that folks were more than willing to gather and celebrate with a live band.

Retro Fun and Fashion

At least from my experience in a rock band, it was great. The music was fun and not highly technical to play. No need for laptops, click tracks, or sequencers. The fashion was bright and vibrant, with wild audacious hair styles that were a revelation. Back then, it was all about the energy and the vibe, which is what made the music so special.

Theatrical and Profitable Venues

The venues were plentiful and usually profitable, even if you were just playing for 'the door' fee. You could easily play 4, 5, sometimes 6 nights a week. It was very theatrical. MTV was at its heyday, and the artistic and show designs often carried over into the live performances with lights, stage props, and fog machines. Drum kits were enormous, along with guitar amps and PA speakers. It was a full-bodied sensory experience.

The Music on the Charts

The music we played was on the charts at the time, and it was fresh, popular, and what most everybody was 'in' to at the moment. Even if we played some songs from the 70s, they weren't considered 'old.' The girls... oh my. They were the best, and we had a ball just being part of it all.

In retrospect, the 80s were an era of incredible live music experiences, hardly if at all possible today. If you were a rock star back then, you were living the dream. Music meant so much to people, and the atmosphere in the clubs was electric. It's a time I look back on with fond nostalgia and wonder at how kindred spirits gathered to sing, dance, and remember that music can bring joy, community, and memories to be cherished.

Keywords: 1980s music, live rock band, nostalgic experiences