Rick Beato - Steve Lukather Unfiltered: Outrageous Stories, Riffs & Surprises
Steve Luca recounts a memorable incident during a Roger Waters concert where a minor technical glitch caused a major disruption. Despite the setback, the show resumed flawlessly, highlighting the unpredictability of live performances. Luca also discusses the evolution of music production, contrasting the raw, live sound of the past with today's highly produced shows that often rely on pre-recorded tracks. He reflects on the financial realities of touring, noting the high costs involved and the misconception that artists pocket all the revenue. Luca emphasizes the importance of adaptability and learning in the music industry, sharing his own experiences of studying music theory and improvisation to enhance his skills. He also touches on the challenges of maintaining authenticity in an era where digital production dominates.
Key Points:
- Technical issues can disrupt live shows but are often resolved quickly, as seen in Roger Waters' concert.
- Modern concerts often use pre-recorded tracks, contrasting with the live sound of past performances.
- Touring is expensive, with costs for crew, equipment, and logistics often underestimated by the public.
- Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for success in the music industry.
- The music industry has shifted towards digital production, impacting how music is created and consumed.
Details:
1. 🎤 Meet Steve Luca: Behind the Scenes
- The segment introduces Mr. Steve Luca, a recurring guest on the channel, highlighting his relevance and past appearances.
- The meeting took place at the George Benson gathering in Phoenix, providing a significant backdrop that suggests the importance of the content discussed.
- Although the recording setting was described as a 'weird room', the focus remains on the valuable insights shared by Steve Luca.
2. 🎸 Live Show Surprises and Challenges
- During a concert by Roger Waters at the LA Coliseum, attended by 80,000 people, his lead vocal mic failed during the second or third song, leading to a complete halt of the show.
- The concert had a production value estimated at $100 million, emphasizing the scale and complexity of the event, which included synchronized lighting and other elements.
- The mic failure took about five minutes to resolve, during which stage crew were visibly working to fix the problem, illustrating the importance of a responsive support team.
- The audience initially reacted with confusion and concern but remained patient as the crew worked, demonstrating their loyalty and understanding.
- Once resolved, the show continued flawlessly, showcasing the resilience and professionalism of the crew and performers, who maintained high energy and engagement for the rest of the performance.
- This incident highlights the critical nature of technical reliability in live performances and the importance of having an effective contingency plan.
3. 🎶 Touring: The Highs and Lows
3.1. Touring Challenges and Realities
3.2. Artist Preparation for Technical Challenges
4. 💼 Financial Realities of the Music Industry
- Touring costs have surged by at least 30%, affecting profitability, particularly for aging artists who may not tour as extensively.
- Despite perceptions, artists like Madonna and Taylor Swift don't personally profit fully from billion-dollar tours due to high expenses such as hiring large crews and managing complex logistics.
- Costs include transportation, logistics, and staffing, with expenses for private jets and buses significantly impacting net earnings.
- These financial realities can influence artists' decisions on whether to tour and the scale of their productions.
5. 🎓 Learning from the Legends
- 58% of the channel's regular viewers are not subscribed, indicating a large potential audience that can be converted to subscribers by encouraging them to subscribe.
- Biff Baby's All Stars, a band featuring notable guitarists such as Steve Morris, Albert Lee, and Eddie Van Halen, performed impromptu shows under pseudonyms to unexpected crowded audiences.
- Performing with accomplished musicians like Albert Lee and Steve Morris required practicing major chords, showcasing the importance of preparation and adaptability in live performances.
- The informal nature of jam sessions and the lack of rehearsals highlight the importance of improvisation and spontaneity in music performances.
- The performances with these legendary musicians not only drew unexpected audiences but also offered valuable real-world learning experiences for all involved, highlighting the impact of live interaction and the exchange of skills.
- Steve Morris and Albert Lee, both renowned for their technical prowess and influence in the guitar world, brought a wealth of experience, demonstrating the significance of learning from seasoned professionals in any field.
6. 🎵 Crafting Hits: Session Work Insights
- Studying music theory, jazz improvisation, orchestration, and arrangement is crucial for aspiring musicians, providing a strong educational foundation.
- Private study with experts like Dr. Alvin Harris and Jimmy Wble is emphasized, highlighting the importance of hands-on learning to master musical skills.
- Participating in multiple music bands during high school offers practical experience and networking opportunities, as evidenced by connections with Jeff McAro and David Page.
- Transitioning from self-taught to formally educated in music, encouraged by industry professionals, underscores the value of formal education for career advancement.
- Engaging in pioneering programs like Dick Grove's Jazz improvisational school is presented as a significant step in professional education, illustrating the evolution of music learning beyond classical constraints.
- An anecdote about Joe Pass and the guitar strings showcases practical, detail-oriented learning and mentorship in music.
- The challenge of moving from playing by ear to reading music highlights the perseverance needed to develop comprehensive musical skills.
- The educational experiences and networking in bands directly influenced session work by providing essential skills and industry connections, leading to successful collaborations and hit creations.
7. 🎚️ Studio Life: Sounds and Secrets
- Musicians often created their own parts during recordings, but did not always receive writing credits. In modern times, they would likely get credit for their contributions, particularly for 'hooky' parts.
- Examples of significant contributions include parts for songs like 'Human Nature' and 'Stand Back'.
- Musicians were often given basic chord charts and had the freedom to improvise, resulting in unique riffs and melodies.
- In some cases, artists or producers were not present during recording, and musicians had significant creative input.
- Sessions involved reviewing takes and adjusting parts collaboratively, often with input from other musicians or producers.
- Musicians were expected to have good equipment and sound, but adjustments were made based on the session's needs, such as playing clean or cranking up the sound.
- Overdub sessions were common, with musicians sometimes playing directly in the control room using specific equipment like a modded blackface Deluxe.