Three Decades of Harmony: Bob Vose on Fortune's Formula for Staying Together Gig Gab - The Working Musicians' Podcast

Dive into this week’s Gig Gab podcast, where Dave Hamilton and guest co-host Bob Vose tackle the highs and lows of a musician’s journey. From the golden days of Fortune’s original reign to navigating the challenging shifts brought by grunge, Bob dishes out stories of the Peanut Butter & Jelly Tour, selling out 700-seat venues, and the reality of playing “risky” songs that most bands avoid. With nods to industry greats like Boston and Queensryche, and tales of relentless rehearsal schedules, Bob reminds us that even as trends change, the secret to longevity is to “Always Be Performing.”

They explore Fortune’s evolution from originals to covers, underscoring the necessity of putting “fannies in the seats”, starting with the tried-and-true formula: one cover, two originals, repeat. Vose shares insights on preserving your voice, the chemistry of a tight-knit band, and how to keep shows fresh…all while handling uninvited guests on stage!

Whether you’re playing Foreplay/Long Time or Stairway to Heaven, the art of performing is vital, so remember: maintain your voice, rehearse responsibly, and deliver every show like it’s your last!





00:00:00 Gig Gab 430 – Monday, May 20th, 2024



May 20th: International Red Sneakers Day





00:01:06 Bob Vose from Fortune

00:02:07 From Originals to Covers



Boston, Journey, Yes, Queensryche

Big Vocals, Harmony Guitars

Pete Destefano from Fortune (band)

Entrain – Brian Allen





00:04:20 From



Mark Bistony (drummer)





00:04:46 Pushing an Odometerless Winnebago Over the Hill

00:07:56 Peanut Butter & Jelly Tour



Learning the Music Business The Hard Way

Huge in Japan!





00:10:23 Grunge Came in and ended Fortune’s Original-only reign



New Formula: One cover, two originals, repeat

Gotta Put Fannies in The Seats





00:11:11 Now in 2023, Selling out 600-700 seat venues



Bill Plor, Guitar





00:12:39 Still Playing Percussion on Frankenstein



Louis Spagnola, bass player





00:13:22 Keeping a band together for three decades



Added Chris Lester (from Sully Urna, Dark Desert Eagles)





00:16:26 Preserving Your Voice

00:17:58 Playing the “Risky” Songs That No ONe Else Attempts To Do

00:18:45 Dirty Water — with Barry Goudreaux, Sib Hashian…and Bob Vose

00:21:34 Sibby Hashian on Legends of Rock Cruise

00:24:43 Steve Baker

00:26:45 How Many Bands are You In?



Brian Maes





A small family linking many bands together



Bob is Very Proud of the Talent In His Band





00:30:45 The Chemistry of a Rehearsed Band



Carry On Wayward Son

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