Today, I will share BB2ME number 54: you can sing and play lead guitar simultaneously. Specifically, I will describe a challenging situation I encountered at work and how I handled it.
The greatest rock band has a lead singer and guitar player
When I think about my favorite rock and roll bands, I recognize that most of them have a lead singer and a lead guitarist. A perfect example is the greatest rock and roll band of all time, Led Zeppelin. There were four people in the band, each with a distinct role. Here, I will insert a plug-in for the movie “Becoming Led Zeppelin.” If you’re a fan, you should see this film. The documentary covers their early years and features a wealth of footage and recordings that have never been shared with the public before.
The lead singer plays guitar in some of my favorite bands.
I also noticed in some bands, the lead singer also plays guitar. Another perfect example is one of my favorite punk rock bands of all time, The Clash. The late, great Joe Strummer not only played guitar but was also the lead singer.
It is rare that the same person sings and plays lead guitar
It is rare for the same person to be both the lead singer and the lead guitarist. There are bands where this happens. A good example is Stiff Little Fingers. I talked about them a little while ago. Jake Burns is not only the lead singer. I would say he also plays lead guitar. Yes, they do have another guitarist. However, he is the lead for both.
At work I can do many things, but not at the same time.
Let me discuss my professional activities briefly. I work for management consulting and technology companies. In the office, I can serve as an emcee or a presenter. I usually never do both at the same time. I’ve been the master of ceremonies for several events and have also given many presentations.
BB2ME #54 – you must sing and play lead guitar simultaneously
Why I wrote this BB2ME
The best way to explain why I wrote this billboard is to tell a quick story from work. We were gearing up for a major event that would feature many important customers. A few days before, one of my colleagues quit. Her rapid departure was a problem. She played a crucial role in organizing this event. My boss informed me that we didn’t have additional resources to allocate to the problem, so I would be the emcee and give a presentation. That’s a lot to do and many balls to juggle, like the guy in the picture below.
How I incorporated this billboard into my life
I incorporated this billboard into my life by remembering that sometimes you must play guitar and sing at the same time. Nowadays, I continue to hone my skills as an emcee and presenter, including participating in a few podcasts last year. Because you never know when you’re going to be called on to both play guitar and sing.
What about you?
Can you be both the lead singer and lead guitar player in your life? Perhaps you can do one or the other and struggle to do both. I’ll challenge you to stretch yourself so that you’re prepared to both play and sing lead at the same time, just in case.
I am Doug Keating, and this is my letter to sons.