Well, I have to say that I have met a lot of musicians who are the proverbial "big fish in the small pond" types who were miserable back-biting, passive-aggressive, two-faced ego-maniacs... to the point where I started avoiding socializing with musicians in general. It also made me scrutinize myself (can you go blind doing that?) to see whether I was like that too. So some good came out of it, I suppose.

I also know a lot of warm, supportive, open-minded types who just like to play and revel in the comradery and give-and-take of a band situation. Those are the kind I like playing with, although I can get along with the other type alright too. Just don't let `em get to you. It's as simple as that.

I have also met a few bigger name talents that I really respect as musicians. Some were great folks and some were dickheads. There's always a good mix at all levels.

There are always compromises to make when dealing with others (sometimes you get the b'ar an' sometimes the b'ar gets yew), but remember to laugh and have fun with it and you can't go wrong. Mean people live in a mean world of their own making and they're stuck with themselves. You can walk away. Word gets around anyway...