As I write this, it's been a week since the horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon occurred. Although I don't normally discuss news events not related to music in this column, this tragedy has had such a profound effect on our country that I felt it was important to talk about it here.
One of the few positive things that has happened in the aftermath is the incredible outpouring of support shown by the people of this country — and the world — toward the victims. The music industry is one of the many sectors in which that support has been strong. Countless big-name acts, including Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Incubus, the Black Crowes, the Dixie Chicks, Neil Young, and System of a Down, to name a few, have donated money, performed benefits, or shown sensitivity by postponing or canceling events that were to occur shortly after the date of the attack.
Playing music can also help us get some relief from this new level of stress — and from the worry about future incidents. I certainly found this to be true in my case. I live just outside of New York City, where, as you can imagine, the level of concern has been quite high. The first real relief I had from all of it was when I rehearsed with my band a couple of days after the attack. The act of playing was therapeutic, and I was able to temporarily clear my mind. I recommend that you pick up your instrument and play as much as possible — it can only help.
It's tough to predict how this attack, and whatever events transpire as a result, will affect the lives of everyday musicians. Entertainment, especially music, has always been an important part of our country's fabric during times of national crisis, and this isn't likely to be an exception. However, if the economy really tanks, people might not have as much money to spend on going out, and that could potentially have an impact on the live-music scene. By the time you read this, perhaps it will be more clear how this will affect you day-to-day as a performing musician.
To help you keep up on how this crisis is impacting the music industry, please go to the news section on our Web site (www.onstagemag.com). We're putting up as much relevant information as we can gather and updating it on a daily basis. Our aim is to keep you as informed as possible.
I also want to mention that we at Onstage regret any bad feelings that may have been caused by the illustration accompanying the article “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” in the October issue. The story, about protecting your instruments while traveling, had an opening graphic featuring an airplane with instruments dropping out of it. The illustration seemed innocent and humorous when it was conceived; in light of the tragic events, however, some might view it as insensitive. Because that issue was printed well before that awful day, we were unable to change it.
Finally, let me say that although it's impossible to predict what is going to happen, I hope that by the time you read this, there will be some resolution in sight to this crisis. Maybe then we can relax and put all our energies back into making music. Be well.
