“On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero”

Immortality Practically Speaking

What’s great about music in modern times is that once something is put down to tape, recorded, then it can potentially last forever. As a point of reference, most top flight guitarists can cite Andres Segovia or Django Reinhardt songs that still feel fresh every time they come on.

Segovia and Django are buried in the ground, but go ask your Alexa to play some of their stuff, and you know what, she’ll know exactly who you’re talking about. That’s immortality.

2015–2017: Names People Know

Back in the ’90s, when Kurt Cobain checked out, it was a big deal. Tupac was murdered in Las Vegas, it was a big deal. Amy Winehouse spiraled down, it was a big deal.

RIP Chris Cornell, a true one-in-a-million talent

Meanwhile, any number of high-profile musicians were winding down their mortal coil. David Bowie. Scott Weiland. Leonard Cohen. Prince.

So far in 2017 it’s Chris Cornell that makes us stop and pause. He was in his early 50s. Too young!

What Most People Don’t Understand

The lifestyle of being a “creative artist” is like burning a candle made of thermite. There’s only so much in the tank, and it varies from person to person. Look at Mark Knopfler — he’s 50 years in and still aces. Look at Joey Jordison — one of the best modern drummers who now has health issues similar to David Silvera, and is essentially retired. Why? Look for yourself.

Dimebag Darrell was Murdered On Stage

One of my biggest heroes, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott of Pantera and Damageplan, didn’t kill himself. He didn’t drink himself to death or die of a drug overdose. He didn’t slip and fall in the shower.

A former Marine fucked up in the head from PTSD got up on stage and shot him in the head at point blank range. My hero was murdered in cold blood, doing the one thing he loved.

We should all be so lucky, right?

No Musician gets into this Business thinking it’s a normal thing to do. The 27 Club is real and a tough reality check.

They made such an impact in only 27 years, what’s my excuse now that I’m well past that?

I’m still here, that’s good enough for me.