Then
You struggled on a daily basis for success.

Now
You still struggle on a daily basis for success.

Then
You kept on going every time you got rejected or turned down. Music was the be all or end all.

Now
You have a back-up plan in case music doesn’t work out as a career.

Then
You got your name out by playing live.

Now
You get your name out by releasing great music and letting social media spread the word.

Then
The people that started the band, are not always the same people in the band when the band actually makes it. Twisted Sister went through many incarnations before the classic line up was formed. Metallica had a different bassist and a different guitarist when they started off. Motley Crue had a different vocalist. Bon Jovi didn’t have Richie Sambora at the start. Whitesnake had various line ups before they found mainstream success. Journey had a different vocalist before Steve Perry. Def Leppard didn’t have Phil Collen at the beginning. Iron Maiden had a different line up. KISS have gone through many versions before success and during success.

Now
You expect that the band will remain the same. People are unable to adapt to changes.

Then
Music was a tough business.

Now
Music is still a tough business.

Then
The fans had the power but they didn’t know it.

Now
The fans have the power and they know it.

Then
Bands sold records in the millions.

Now
Bands don’t sell anymore, but play to larger audiences.

Then
In the Eighties, image came first, music second.

Now
If the music is not great, no one cares how you look.

Then
Success was gauged on how many records bands sold.

Now
Success is still gauged by the Recording Industry on how many records are sold, however it is not a true indication of a bands reach.