Adam Kowalczyk, Member of the Band? Options

[lynn32701]

Okay, I really hate to admit this but I never knew who Adam Kowalczyk was until recently! I know, I know. I've been a fan of LIVE since 94 and I've always known the band LIVE as Ed, Pat and the Chads. I've been to concerts, I've seen Adam up on stage (and recent shows, right up front, alongside Chad). Ed nevers "introduces" the band while performing so I just thought he was some guy that toured w/the band. I've seen his name on the CD sleeves as "the band would like to thank ...". I think V, he's listed as a band member, if I remember correct?

I FINALLY made the connection when I saw Adam's MySpace page and realized who this guitarist/singer was all these years! So my question, whether it merits a long discussion, why isn't Adam listed as a true member of the band? He tours w/the guys, he's on the albums. Is he the equivalent of the "Fifth Beatle"? Does the band have a budget and can only name "so many" band members?! Adam is a wonderful singer, performer, guitarist ... and should be recognized as a true member of the band! Just my two cents ...

[FishOutaWater]

I think the guys will always honor the 4 members of the band from the beginning by not officially adding Adam, and I think they are probably all cool with that. As far as money goes, that probably makes the most sense too because the earnings from the performances are probably derived in large part by the success of the band's early work before Adam came along. They wouldn't make as much to perform if it wasn't for the franchise that was developed by Ed, Pat, Chad and Chad. I'm guessing, but Adam probably gets some kind of fee to perform but doesn't share as an equal member. I am personally happy with the way Adam's role has fit into the band. I like that the 4 guys are still Live. The philosophical reason why they haven't added Adam is probably congruent with the same philosophical reason for why they will probably never break up and don't do material solo projects. That something that makes Live the great thing that it is. Incidentally, Ed did introduce each person on stage at the Starland Ballroom and it was pretty cool. It was especially funny when he said the other guys would tour with Chris Daughtry on vocals, then acted like he flipped out when the crowd cheered.

[Heather]

I'm not sure Adam would want to be included as an official member of the band. I think he likes being just a touring guitarist so that he can make a living but then still be free to focus on his own music and have it be completely seperate from Live's music. He also doesn't actually play or write on any of Live's albums with the exception of The Distance To Here, which I think he did some guitar work on.

[beau99]

He also doesn't actually play or write on any of Live's albums with the exception of The Distance To Here, which I think he did some guitar work on.

Adam also played guitar on some V tracks.

[Hoodstock]

This discussion has popped up here before. Live is the original four members, and in respect to the origins of the band, they remain so. Live has played with multiple people on tour throughout the years and has also recorded with others. I know Ed, Pat, Chad and Chad never laid down the keyboards on TDTH.

Although he is a great addition, does great on tour, and is related to the lead singer, he is not Live.

You can go back to the inside of the MJ cover where it says:

Live is: Edward Kowalczyk, Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, Chad Gracey. That is Live.

[Wambangalang]

The philosophical reason why they haven't added Adam is probably congruent with the same philosophical reason for why they will probably never break up and don't do material solo projects. That something that makes Live the great thing that it is.

sorry to rain on your parade

[FishOutaWater]

I have no idea what that Ed thing is that you posted, but you didn't rain on my parade. I said that they don't do any "material" solo projects. Ed hasn't started doing what Tommy Lee does, or released a major solo album, or gone on tour with Chris Daughtry.

[Wambangalang]

it was supposed to look like an album cover



This post has been edited by Wambangalang: Jun 23 2007, 7:20 am

[lynn32701]

Great input - thanks! But I totally agree ... it's the four guys, and always will be! I just wasn't aware of any past discussion and/or knowledge on Adam's involvement (other than touring) with the band!