Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp: Worth It?

[GuardiansGuitar]

Full-disclosure: I currently do social-networking posts for the camp, and I have been engaged with the brandâand founder David Fishofâfor 15 or so years.

 

There is tons of credible feedback from campers that the experience "changed their lives." I've been there and seen it.

 

That said, would YOU ever consider attending?

 

If not, why not?

 

Besides the cost of attending a camp, what's the main reason you would blow off an opportunity to sign up?

 

It's much the same for musical "retreats" with famous guitarists, bassists, drummers, and so on. Do you feel any of these initiatives are enjoyable and/or could make you a better player?

 

I'm not asking any of you fab people to do my research homework for meâtrust me, I fixate on why companies rock like demons or struggle to succeed far more than is healthyâbut I am always interested in how Rock Camp and destination-style workshop retreats are perceived by the musician community.

 

Thanks tons for weighing in!

 

Cheers,

Mike

 

 

[CEB]

I wouldn't but I'm not the target market for that sort of thing. I wouldn't pay money for the chance to practice a craft that I am paid to perform. But there was a day I would have liked to do a baseball fantasy camp just to see what it's like to try to hit a pitch from someone like Nolan Ryan..... As long as they don't throw high and inside.

[picker]

If I were a frustrated musician who spent his life practicing law or medicine or Wall Street thievery, with a lot of regrets about it, and more money than sense, sure, I would drop a bundle to jam with rock stars.

 

Since I am an impoverished old fart who spent his life working day jobs for small bucks so I could play in bands that never achieved "The Dream", I'll just have to live without that experience.

[Winston Psmith]

I've considered attending the "Three Of A Perfect Pair" (Adrian Belew - Tony Levin - Pat Mastelotto, all of King Crimson) camp for a few seasons now, but $$$ and timing haven't been with me. Would it be worth the $$$ to practice King Crimson Music with the Musicians who've helped to produce and perform it? To me, it might well be, I can't speak for anyone else.

 

The idea of a general Rock-and-Roll Fantasy Camp has less appeal for me, but that's just a difference in taste, not a real measure of value. I can easily imagine someone reading this post and asking themselves why anyone would want to spend a weekend playing King Crimson tunes, when they could spend a weekend with Tommy Lee, Roger Daltrey or Ace Frehley instead?