Veteran drummer, author, and speaker Rich Redmond joins Nick to unpack what it really takes to build a decades-long career in the music industry.
From grinding it out in vans and county fairs with a young Jason Aldean, to playing stadiums and surviving the Las Vegas shooting, Rich shares how commitment, relationships, attitude, skill set, and hunger shaped his journey.
Times Highlights:
2:08 – Touring then vs. now: flip phones, privacy, and the social media era
3:43 – The slow climb: vans, fairs, colleges, and opening slots
7:20 – Growing up in Connecticut and El Paso, falling in love with drums
10:44 – Big auditions in Nashville and the cost of chasing the dream
11:30 – “Drop you in Nashville today” – how Rich would rebuild with today’s wisdom
12:19 – Why deep skill sets still come second to real relationships
13:48 – Early grind: substitute teaching, construction, side jobs, and doubt
16:46 – What separates people who make it from those who don’t
18:48 – Doc McGhee’s advice: betting on the right horse in business and music
21:38 – Playing with 29 bands, zero schedule conflicts, and career attrition
28:01 – On stage during the Las Vegas shooting and getting to safety
29:02 – Returning to the stage on SNL and choosing not to live in fear
32:01 – Crash Course for Success: Commitment, Relationships, Attitude, Skill Set, Hunger
36:49 – Happiness vs. success for results‑driven people
39:14 – Protecting your mindset, avoiding negativity, and staying busy on tour
40:37 – Weekend‑warrior touring out of Nashville and a “typical” show week
41:46 – Being the quarterback: the drummer’s responsibility on stage
43:30 – Hosting vs. guesting: when the guest takes the reins
44:42 – What Rich loves most about Middle Tennessee
47:16 – Embracing every season: from sleeping on floors to Wagyu dinners
48:27 – Wrap‑up and plans to have Rich back on The 615 Podcast
Podcast Studio: It's Your Show.Co
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