Navigating the Enigmatic World of Difficult Musicians: Traits, Challenges, and Insights

Working in the music industry is often a thrilling and rewarding experience. However, it is not without its challenges, especially when collaborating with musicians who can prove to be difficult to work with. This article explores some of the troubling traits and behaviors that can make musical teamwork a stressful endeavor. From excessive criticism to refusal to accept recordings, we delve into the characteristics of some of the most challenging musicians in the industry.

1. The Egotistical and Insecure Musician

One of the first and most prevalent traits of a difficult musician is their apparent lack of self-criticism. Musicians who believe they never make a mistake or play out of tune often criticize others harshly while ignoring their own flaws. This creates an environment where everyone else must accommodate their inconsistencies. This behavior can also stem from a deeper insecurity, as it may be a way for them to deflect any criticisms.

My friend, who performed a chamber music concert with some top-tier musicians, shared a valuable observation. He noted that the finest musicians were the ones who were the most critical of their own playing. For example, instead of blaming someone else for playing out of tune, they would often say, 'Oh, I’m sorry! I played that out of tune!' This attitude fosters mutual growth and efficiency in rehearsals. By focusing on self-criticism, these musicians create a more collaborative and productive atmosphere.

Another significant challenge arises when musicians refuse to record or listen to recordings of rehearsals. Recording sessions can provide valuable insights into performance dynamics and help identify areas for improvement. Refusal to engage with this process can lead to wasted time and subpar performances. There's something about hearing a recording in a passive state that can highlight issues that are harder to spot while performing live.

2. Demanding but Self-Critical: Barbra Streisand

Barbra Streisand is known for being a demanding performer. However, what sets her apart from the others mentioned is her willingness to critique her own performance. She is as hard on herself as she is on others, which can create a challenging but ultimately rewarding dynamic. Self-criticism can lead to continuous improvement and a higher level of performance. Her strict standards can drive her team to excel, despite the initial stress of working with her.

3. Renowned but Difficult: Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker, one of the most renowned drummers in the history of rock, earned a fearsome reputation for his difficult personality. Despite his incredible talent, his general repellent behavior often alienated his colleagues. He was prone to physical outbursts and was known for his volatile temper. His perfectionist nature and rigid standards made it challenging for others to work with him. However, his immense talent cannot be denied, which only adds to the complexity of his character as a musician and collaborator.

4. Perfectionism and Obsession: Donald Fagin and Walter Becker

Donald Fagin and Walter Becker, the visionary members of Steely Dan, were known for their obsession with perfection. This relentless pursuit of excellence often resulted in long and meticulous recording sessions. While their commitment to quality was admirable, it could also be a source of stress for other band members. Their meticulous approach to songwriting and recording demanded nothing short of perfection, which could be overwhelming for those around them.

5. The Over-Played Musician

Another factor that can contribute to a musician's difficulty to work with is their excessive focus on their own technique. Overplaying can detract from the overall ensemble and collaboration. Musicians who are too self-absorbed with their own performance and technique may neglect the importance of ears and listening. This can result in a dissonant and disjointed performance, hindering the overall musicality of the group.

6. Notable Difficulties

Charlie Parker: An incredibly talented saxophonist, Parker's life was marred by substance abuse. Despite his immense talent, his need for constant drug intake often led to erratic behavior, missed gigs, and financial issues. This ultimately made it challenging for his contemporaries to work with him. Captain Beefheart: This enigmatic figure subjected his band to extreme mental torture. At times, band members even experienced nervous breakdowns due to his irrational demands. His behavior included physically throwing his drummer down the stairs, which is a disturbing and inexcusable action. Van Morrison: Known for being cranky and dismissive, Morrison's sense of self-importance often made it challenging for others to work with him. He believed that he was the most talented person in any room, which created a difficult working environment for everyone. Paul Simon: Paul Simon's opinion of others is often unflattering. He has issues with his former songwriting partner, two previous wives, and even Los Lobos, who are known for being easy-going. These conflicts have led to notable confrontations, including police interventions.

These examples highlight the challenges and nuances of working with difficult musicians. While some may have exceptional talent, their behavior and attitudes can make professional collaboration a daunting task. Understanding these traits and the importance of self-criticism and collaboration can help in managing these challenging situations effectively.