Vino, Vito, Vico

Having just read a short interview with the former singer of the quintessential 80's hairband White Lion (a ballad (“When the children cry”) and a cover song (“Radar Love”) does not a career make), my mind started to churn as the conversation turned to the possibility of a reunion and the roadblocks involved in making it happen. It turns out,
the major stumbling block in this ever happening is lead guitarist Vito Bratta (he of the bugged eyes and brillo pad like hair). He hasn't done anything in the music industry since the disbanding of the group.

***Holy shit, Batman, another music related post!***

Just to let you know, my mind wasn't filled with the greatness that was White Lion and that a reunion would revolutionize the current music industry. I would rather hold out for the Kriss Kross reunion than that of White Lion. Yes! No, what I was thinking about was the whereabouts of Vito. I mean, here is a guy that logged countless hours locked in a bedroom with a guitar and a metronome running through scales and modes, practicing his two-hand tapping technique and ripping through riffs so as to be able to play them in his sleep (cliché). No parties, no girls, none of the stuff that teenagers do. Guitars, music and the desire to become a rockstar is how this guy ended up being praised in every guitar magazine and heavy metal trade rag. Guys liked him because he could shred and his solos were speedy yet tasteful and melodic. Girls liked him because girls like guitar players, especially those that aren't afraid to display their sensitive side by playing a ballad. Done, mission accomplished, all that hard work has payed off.

After 1994, though, it's as if this guy became part of the witness relocation program (his name is “Vito” after all). No soundtrack work, no songwriting credits, no credited work as a studio musician. Nothing! Nada! Zippo! Harpo! Groucho! Maybe he joined Danny Spitz (ex-Anthrax) in Switzerland training to be a master watchmaker, only to give up music altogether (I wish I could make up the watchmaking thing, but it's true)?

So, what happened to that spark, that desire, to be creative and do something with the talents that we cultivate? It's like reading about the kid who wanted so desperately to be a doctor that after 8 years of post secondary schooling, he is the only landscaper in southern California with a Ph.D. And, because he is not quote unquote doing something with his talents (underachieving???) does that make him a failure? No? Maybe? Is he happy? I know that I would love to make bank by making snarky little comments and asides. Those are talents that I have spent a lifetime honing and trying to perfect. But, as I get away from this idea, is it better to know a little about a lot or a lot about a little? I guess, it depends on who you are and what you want to do. For me, I like to know a little about a lot. Broaden my horizons, experience the world, eat from the tree of knowledge (Gnosis).

Maybe Vito had it right? Focus one's energies on a singular thing (no other words are springing to mind), become really good and when that fire dies out, try something else and leave all that behind. You need to strike while the iron is hot and not to have too many irons in the fire. That may work for some but not for me. I just need to learn how to move those irons around so they all get equal heat. And, I need to learn to accept the fact that I am not going to be great at one thing (although, I have put in quite a few hours in the self pleasuring arena). I have to be okay with being slightly above average in many different things. It's going to be a slow row to hoe but I think that I can get it done. Over time. At my own pace. In due time.

Wait just a moment before our love will die
Cause I must know the reason why we say goodbye
Wait just a moment and tell me why
Cause I can show you lovin' that you won't deny

(White Lion "Wait" - 1987)
*pure lyrical genius.