Sullivan's Backstage Pass" Bruce MacKay

In this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn sits down with guitarist Bruce MacKay to talk about a lifetime in music and the realities of playing in working bands. The conversation explores what makes live performance exciting, how musicians communicate on stage without words, and why no two shows ever feel exactly the same.A major theme of the episode is McKay’s advice about balancing music and work. He explains that while he once aimed to be a full-time professional musician, he learned that money, professionalism, and getting along with bandmates all matter just as much as talent. He also says that if the people or the situation are miserable, no amount of money is worth going back on stage, and that having financial flexibility can give musicians more freedom to play the music they actually enjoy.The episode also highlights McKay’s practical approach to live performance: reading the room, adjusting songs on the fly, trading solos through eye contact, and keeping the energy up even when the crowd is quiet. Overall, the conversation is a mix of hard-earned wisdom, humor, and appreciation for local music and the people who keep it alive.