It's funny, when bands or younger musicians ask me: 'So, what

The gentle hum of the café filled the air, blending with the rhythmic tapping of rain against the window. Jack sat across from Jeeny, his coffee cup cradled in his hands, staring out at the rain-soaked streets. Jeeny, sitting opposite him, seemed lost in thought, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup.

Host: After a moment of silence, Jeeny spoke, her voice thoughtful, with a hint of curiosity.

Jeeny: “I came across a quote from Eddie Van Halen today that really made me think. He said, ‘It’s funny, when bands or younger musicians ask me: "So, what does it take to make it?" Well, first explain to me what you mean by "making it": Do you want to be a rock star or do you want music to be your livelihood?’ What do you think he’s getting at with this question? Is it about defining success in a different way?”

Jack: He looked up, a small smile crossing his face. “I think Van Halen is challenging the idea of what it means to truly succeed in music. It’s easy to look at the image of a ‘rock star’—the fame, the recognition, the glamorous lifestyle—and think that’s the ultimate goal. But Van Halen’s asking a more fundamental question: Do you want that fame, or do you want music to be a long-term career that sustains you, gives you purpose, and fulfills you in a different way? He’s pushing musicians to think about their motivations and what kind of success they’re really after.”

Jeeny: “Exactly. I think what he’s getting at is that there’s a difference between chasing fame for fame’s sake and building something sustainable. A lot of musicians dream of being rock stars, but that image of success often comes with a lot of pressures, compromises, and fleeting moments. On the other hand, if you want music to be your livelihood, you’re thinking about longevity, the ability to make a career out of your passion, and to keep creating for years to come. It’s more about sustaining your love for music and turning it into something that you can rely on, not just for fame but for a deeper fulfillment.”

Host: The rain outside had softened, leaving a quiet stillness between them. Jack shifted slightly, his fingers still resting on his coffee cup as he continued.

Jack: “Right. And I think there’s a deeper message about the balance between external validation and internal satisfaction. If your definition of ‘making it’ is about being a rock star, you might find yourself constantly chasing something external, always measuring your success by how others see you. But if your goal is to make music your livelihood, you’re thinking about how to build a career that is sustainable, whether or not you’re constantly in the spotlight. It’s about understanding what truly drives you—whether it’s the love of the craft, or the desire for fame and recognition.”

Jeeny: “Yes, and I think it also speaks to the reality of the music industry. A lot of people come in with the hope of becoming famous, but they don’t realize how much work it takes to make music a consistent career. It’s not just about the highs of playing on stage or being celebrated—it’s about the hours of practice, the long nights, the grind of making a living from your art. Van Halen is basically saying, if you’re not ready to make that commitment to the hard work behind it, then maybe the rock star dream isn’t the right goal for you.”

Host: The conversation seemed to deepen, as they both reflected on the meaning of success. Jack set his coffee cup down gently, his expression softening.

Jack: “Exactly. And I think what’s refreshing about Van Halen’s perspective is that he’s inviting musicians to define success on their own terms. If you want the rock star lifestyle, that’s fine, but it’s not necessarily sustainable or fulfilling in the long run. If you want to make music your livelihood, though, you have to be ready for a different kind of commitment. It’s about understanding what success looks like to you—not just the image, but the reality of making it work for the long haul.”

Jeeny: Her smile was small but filled with understanding. “Yes, and I think Van Halen is also encouraging musicians to think deeply about their motivations and the kind of success that will bring them true satisfaction. It’s a call to focus on the process of making music, not just the outcome. To realize that a fulfilling career doesn’t have to be built on external accolades or fame—it can be about creating and contributing to the world of music in a way that aligns with your values and your passion.”

Host: The rain had stopped, leaving a quiet calm in the café. Inside, Jack and Jeeny sat in the realization that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all idea. Eddie Van Halen’s words remind us that we need to define success for ourselves. Whether we’re chasing fame or building a sustainable career, the most important thing is to be clear about our motivation and committed to the long-term journey. True success isn’t just about the spotlight; it’s about the love for the craft and the work we put into it. It’s about creating something meaningful that lasts.