I've got a rare Friday night off, so I thought I'd throw something out there to our members in different parts of the world. I've noticed something interesting over the years when it comes to tips, and I'm curious whether it's the same elsewhere. Here in Australia, tipping musicians isn't really part of the culture like it is in some other countries. But when it does happen, I've noticed a pretty consistent pattern. When I play in more affluent areas, I rarely receive tips. Yet when I'm playing in working-class, blue-collar areas, people seem far more generous. And it's not just the tips. I generally find those gigs much more enjoyable too. The crowds are more responsive, more willing to have a laugh, sing along and actually engage with you. There's something refreshingly genuine about those audiences. In the wealthier areas, I often find people a little more reserved and harder to connect with. Not always, of course, but often enough that I've noticed the pattern. You'd think people with more disposable income would be more inclined to throw a few dollars your way, but in my experience, it's frequently the opposite. And before anyone gets upset, I'm not suggesting wealthy people are all miserable tightarses. Some of them are perfectly pleasant tightarses. 😂 I'm genuinely interested in hearing what others have experienced, particularly those of you in countries where tipping musicians is much more common. Do you find working-class audiences more generous and engaged? Or has your experience been completely different? I'd love to hear how this varies around the world.

So I was driving around doing errands this last weekend and I had my iphone shuffling through some hits of the 1970's. On came The Who's “Squeeze Box” and I thought, Man, that's a fun upbeat song to add to my repertoire. When I got home I grabbed my guitar and had it worked out in just a couple of minutes. Has anybody ever had this in their set list and did it go over well?

What's a song you absolutely LOVE, but would NEVER play at a gig? Maybe it doesn't suit your voice, it's too obscure, goes on for nine minutes, has 14 chord changes before the first chorus, or you already know the audience would stare at you like you'd just started reading from the electricity bill. We all have songs we'd love to play if audiences weren't involved. What's yours, and why doesn't it make the setlist?

Hey gang! Just wanted to share a little good news from a gig last weekend. I played a new venue, a barbecue restaurant with a full bar. They normally book country solo performers, and I was the first act they’ve had who is primarily classic rock (with a little country mixed in). I thought the first set went pretty well, but when I stepped off stage for my first break, the owner/manager came rushing up to me and said he wanted to book me for more dates — without even hearing the rest of my show! Needless to say, that made me feel pretty darn good. The rest of the night just kept getting better and better. It looks like I’ll now be playing there once a month. Always nice when a new venue turns into a regular gig!

Ok guys, we are pretty good at sharing our experience and knowledge, how about sharing a bit of our performances. It might be a bit daunting, but would be great to see you in action. I have done a few Youtube videos and shorts just for fun so I will stick my head above the parapet and be first to share something. Please be kind 😂. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw3S76JI-u4