Why go solo?

For the last two years, I have been involved in a group in a some form, be it a local band or a gospel quartet. When I left Acclaim last year, I did so on good terms with the understanding that traveling every weekend (at this time) just was not feasible for me. I still talk to the guys in the group (in fact, I talked to Gaylen and Dave just today), and I still count them among my dear friends.

After I left Acclaim, I started playing with some local bands, first on keyboards and later on drums. I was still involved in music, was keeping my musical chops up, and (with maybe two or three exceptions) was in my own bed every night. I have been doing this up until now. Last week, however, I let the band I'd been playing with know that I would be leaving as a regular member. I am staying available to them should they need a fill-in at some point, but as far as routinely playing, I am retiring for now.

Now, for the first time in two years, I will be strictly a soloist. It is not an ego thing (I actually am not too thrilled about the idea of being on a stage alone) and it's not part of a "big plan" to make a name for myself. It's simply a matter of convenience. I want to be able to book myself when I can, and when I have other plans, not have to worry about whether or not it's gonna conflict with a group's schedule.

Some soloists became such after a falling-out with other group members or group owners. Some are the result of necessity after a group disbands. There are those who are seeking to make their own music outside the style of the group they're singing with and there are those who simply want a change of pace.

Me, I do it so I can be the boss, so to speak. Rather than have to adjust my schedule to the group's (and vice versa), I am choosing to let both them and myself have a little more flexibility. In the end, they'll be able to book more dates, and I'll be able to make plans with the family and book dates that are convenient for me to work.

Given the recent (and apparently uncontrollable) speculation regarding Guy Penrod's leaving the GVB and his decision to pursue a solo career, this might provide at least SOME insight as to why artists walk away from a successful career with a group.