“Are you a cool guy on the road, or are you a jerk, prima donna or diva? I’ve toured with all of them, and if you're not cool to hang out with, if you bring a lot of drama and baggage with you, it won’t last long.” 
Fran Strine - Filmmaker & Director of the Award-winning Documentary HIRED GUN

 
Fran Strine first picked up a camera 25 years ago, and hasn’t put one down since.
He started out as a freelance photographer for Metal Edge Magazine in 1989 where he developed his unique style and eye for capturing live performances and intimate recording sessions. Over the years, Fran has worked and toured with many bands including; Staind, Nickelback, Shinedown and Seether.
Fran is also a filmmaker - he he has directed and produced two live DVDs for country music legend Dolly Parton, and recently shot the promotional material for her current Pure and Simple tour.
At the time of this recording, Fran and his team are busy gearing up for the first theatrical release of his documentary film Hired Gun.
In Fran's own words, Hired Gun is about the musicians whose DNA is all over the music and tours we love, without us knowing their faces or names. 
It's a music documentary with passion and talent at it's core, digging deep and ripping the curtain off the rails to expose what it really takes (and what it's like) to tour and record with the legends.
So who exactly are these "hired guns"?
Well, we're talking about some of the best musicians in the world, including; 

Jason Hook (Five Finger Death Punch)
Liberty DeVitto (Billy Joel)
Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp)
Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy Osbourne)
Phil X (Bon Jovi)
Justin Derrico & Mark Schulman (P!ink)
Ray Parker Jr. (Ghostbusters)
Jason Newstead (Metallica)
Steve Lukather (Michael Jackson & Toto)
Glen Sobel & Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper)
Paul Bushnell (Katy Perry)
Jay Graydon (Steely Dan)
Chris Johnson (Rhianna)

​...and many more who are also featured in the film.
These "hired guns" have truly mastered their craft. They have performed on the greatest stages, and in high intensity recording sessions, yet rarely receive credit for their work.
Forget what you think you know about the music industry and the bands you love. Hired Gun is a first hand account, from the people with the best seats in house. Now, not only do you have the chance to listen to them perform, but you also get to see them and hear them tell their story in their own words. 
You don’t want to miss this.
It will come as no surprise, but in addtion to being a huge fan of so many of the bands and musicians featured in the film, I was drawn to the film for the lessons and examples about team play that these artists can share with us.
There are very few people on this planet who understand collaboration better than the "hired gun", and so as soon as I became aware of the film, I knew I had to talk to Fran to find out a little more about what really makes these guys and girls tick.
You’re going to love this conversation - so let’s find out what being an ultimate team player means in the world of rock’n’roll! 
Time to Raise It Up!
Dan
 

 
WANT TO SUPPPORT THE PODCAST?
The best way is to tell your friends or share us online!
And please leave a review on iTunes, it really would help us spread the #teamfirst message.
You can also follow us on social media and join the conversation. We are on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the handle @barnraiserspod.

 
Links:

Hired Gun: Out of the Shadows, Into the Spotlight In Movie Theaters | Fathom Events — HURRY, GET YOUR TICK