Rock Band Tour Bus Driver interview-Jerry 

This is my dad. He is every bit as wonderful as he seems here and then some. I’m so proud of him for doing this interview and so thankful to Mark for making this record for us to cherish. Love you Dad.❤

Thank You Mark for the experience. I really appreciate everyone’s kind comments. My book is titled: Tales from the Trails of a Rock n Roll Bus Driver. Cowboy Buddha Publishers… and is available on Amazon

The way he gets choked up every single time he talks about his children is so beautiful. There truly is nothing better in the world than doing all you can to put some more good, sound, caring people on this Earth.

This guy is a legend. When the bus is rolling, the band's life is in the driver's hands. This is the kind of man you want behind the wheel. Bless you, brother Jerry.

“Every saint has a past every sinner has a future “. Thanks for the story Jerry .

Jerry lived about 1/2 a mile from us and seeing this makes me realize that the Soft White videos are 100% legit. Jerry is indeed a solid guy and we still miss him since he moved. He does keep that bus spotless.

No axes to grind, no self pity, no blaming or excuses in spite of a tough start in life. He's full of grace and gratitude. This guy is an example of how you can change your life by making different decisions. More of these inspiring interviews please. Learning how to love. He hit the jackpot.

This man is so awesome! Amazing story! I was a college professor. I had an incredible microbiology student that told me I was the first person in her life who had ever said they were proud of her. Later in my office I broke down and cried. She’s an ICU nurse now and kicking ass. People all need love and encouragement. A kind word and smile go a long way.

Love this guy. I’ve been a touring musician off and on my whole adult life. Tour bus drivers are unsung heroes. People don’t realize: that bus is your only home for months on end. You sleep on it, so the driver has a lot of responsibility and often crazy drive schedules (we call it routing). Sometimes I spent 11 months a year on the road. To any drivers reading this: bless you for getting a bunch of adult children around the country just to spread some joy to folks. You’re appreciated by many.

Jerry you did it ! You broke a cycle ❤ Something we can all aspire to

Jerry was a tour bus driver He drove so goddam fast He never did win no checkered flag But he never did come in last

I have been in The guitar repair business for almost 25 years. I got the opportunity to tour as a guitar tech for doyle bramhall jr in 05 just as he was being invited to be Eric Claptons backing guitar player .I thought I got the jackpot and was going to party and live the good life. I was in my early 20’s and very naive. It literally was the most brutal and exhausting jobs I’ve ever had. The perks were very cool when we got a few moments to just sit down. The first month I don’t think I slept a restful nights sleep. It was nonstop. And the sad thing was that some of Claptons roadies were in their 60’s and have been with him since Derrick and the dominos and they ran circles around me doing ALL the heavy lifting and keeping track of things that just seemed impossible to do night after night. There was absolutely zero dugs and alcohol on anything that travels with Clapton. In fact there were AA meetings that Eric and some of the crew would attend in certain cities. I learned a lot on that tour and had the opportunity to continue but I just couldn’t mentally handle it. I’m glad I did it but don’t recommend it to anyone expecting to hang with rock stars. Sure, you met very cool people and it’s neat that I’m on a first male basis with several rock legends but you find out almost immediately that these people are no different than you or me but with much larger egos. I’m perfectly content being a small town guitar and amp tech making a decent living. Although, the one thing I really loved about that gig was literally being feet away from the performance and frequently doing sound check in the largest and most famous venues in the world. The feeling of plugging in a strat at full volume in a 50,000 seat stadium is better than any drug

“Having children is a high in itself” i couldn’t have said it better. It still surprises me how much I can relate to complete strangers. This guy is a ray of light.

Life-long drummer here. Great interview! Guys like this are the true unsung heroes of the music world. ❤

I have the nicest memory of meeting Jerry at SPAC years ago, and spending over an hour sharing stories of our families. My son was nearby and Jerry spotted me as an "elder" among all the younger fans. The next year, we found each other again there. I can fondly remember him spotting me and waving so we could catch up and chat some more. Good, good man. Great interview!

10 minutes in, captivated, one of the best interviews i've seen. Nice to see someone that faced difficulties, succeeded and was a decent human.

Sometimes the humblest folks lead the most interesting lives. I could listen to Jerry's stories for hours! Such a wonderful interview.

When he gets teary eyed every time he talks about his kids/fatherhood makes me tear up. What an awesome man! I would love for him to come back and tell more stories.

Jerry, what a lovely man you are. I am so glad to have found your interview.

As a touring musician, this is every question answered I'd ever want to ask about drivers. This is so heartfelt and heartwarming and the kind of conversation you'd never really get from "the driver." Jerry your a legend and I hope our paths cross one day I'd love to give you a hug and thank you.

As a driver of the stars, this man has had some huge experiences. What a good hearted man. Great interview.

The depth and level of understanding he has for what his mother did to him is amazing. No bitterness, just understanding. The love he has for his children is palpable. Lovely interview

This was one of the best interviews ever. So moving, honest and truly gave insight into his unique life and LOVE for his family.

I can so relate to him, my step dad was a tour driver, he was in partnership with Jerry Calhoun outta Florida, it all started with him leasing buses then into a partnership with Jerry. Such a great time in the mid 80s. Everyone thinks its all fun! No your responsibility is over whelming. My dad did security played babysitter. Had to chase band members down, keep gfs, wife's seperated, then you got the drugs. Some of my fav memories cones from the long nites, in the back of the tour bus life's low and that's when rock and rollers can be themselves. Missing family, break ups, battling demons. My step dad never did the drug part but he drank. I saw him a many of time throw a singer over his shoulders and put them in a bunk bc had to roll to next city. He left quit a few too. Then you got the fame aspect. Ego's. And time off y dad always brought road crew and band members home to using Tennessee for a few days rest. Having so much fun going to the grocery store people starring in shock. It all changed when music did in the90s. I came off the road as a makeup artist. My step dad passed in mis 2010. Thank you for this interview it took me back to good times.

I was a touring musician in my younger days. (It's a young man's sport). I spent many late nights sitting in the jump seat talking with drivers. We would share life stories, find common ground, & build friendships over the duration of a tour. The drivers work somewhat of an opposite shift from the band, sleeping by day and traveling by night. We placed our lives in their hands as we slept away 1000 miles between gigs. The bus is a small home, and the chemistry between people can make or break the experience. Listening to Jerry brought back some great memories. I would have enjoyed touring with him and this interview took me to a special place. Thank you Jerry, and thank you SWB for this interview.

I do the same job Jerry does, but I’m based in London UK ( and I drive all over Europe ). I’m female. Not that it makes life easier on the road - It doesn’t. We’re all away from home for very long periods of time and it impacts and affects us in different ways. I’ve been in the industry for 22 years. Still going strong. It’s so nice to hear the stories, and see Jerry chatting about his road experiences. Jerry is honest, no b/s here. Long may he continue! See you along the road, Brother ❤

Humility and gratefulness just pour out of this guy. The world needs more like him. Great Interview!

Definitely one of my favorite interviews in here. Such a cool, down to earth guy. I wish him nothing but the best.

What a sensitive, amazing human. More stories like this Mark, please.

Life rocked - and he rolled. A true original in a world that increasingly feels like an imitation.

I’m a mental health therapist for children and you Jerry are an inspiration. It really is difficult to break the cycle of abuse and you have done it❤❤ Thank you for sharing your story! And keep rocking 🤘🏽

One of the top interviews on this channel...Jerry is fabulous, and what a great manner he has in speaking and relating his experiences

It's interesting to hear about what led him to become a Rock Tour bus driver and while he was no angel it sounded like his work ethic really made him stand out at a very young age and set him apart . His other great accomplishment was becoming a great dad despite his own troubled childhood . He's really come full circle and Kudos for all his accomplishments !

I’m sorry for this little boy who was tortured by the people who should have cared for him. Never ever ever hit or belittle any child.

I just love this dude, his emotions are right there at the surface. A guy like that is genuine because his face would betray any lie he said. I know guys like this and they're very few and we need more like them.

Jerry, great interview as a 62 year old man, classic rock fan that has been going to concerts since i was 15. I love your story. I always wanted to join the rock and roll circus. You tales remind of growing up in the 70s in a dysfunctional family. i too join the Corps best decision i ever made. My alcohol and drug use caused me some problems but i learn i had to leave those habits behind me. My kids and wives help me to out grow that destructive part of my life! The joys of a misspent youth. Semper Fidelis brother! David

This is my favorite Soft White Underbelly interviews so far. Jerry is a person with so much understanding of human nature and compassion, with amazing life happenings and memories to talk about.

I loved every second of this one. The genuine tears for not only the sadness of life, but also the joy & bittersweet. You can feel the wisdom that comes from LIVING. Thank you for sharing his story.

This man's heart is as large as his hands. The end of his talk returns to the first part where his life's beginnings-the suffering of abuse from his mother-is reconciled and overcome by his feelings of love and forgiveness. Humility in its' greatest proportion. A sliver of light and hope in a mean world, becoming more vicious. Fantastuc interview!

I was a stagehand and roadie for many years...I am old and broken, but it was worth every second ! I miss it daily since those last days. Thank you for your testimony Jerry, I had great relations with our drivers, great guys.

As a music lover who lives for live shows, thank you Jerry, for getting the bands to their next venue safely. Life on the road is exceedingly hard and I don’t think fans understand just how rigorous a tour is on musicians, roadies and the drivers. And Jerry, you are a real mensch! What an uplifting interview! Thanks Mark for showing us something so positive!

I really enjoyed this interview. What a genuine guy. So many people seem to have an agenda, but this guy is confident and grateful for who and where he is.

Such an amazing interview with such an amazing guy. It feeds your soul to hear from a guy who came from a rough home, then made his own mistakes and traveled down a bad path, but then got on the right track and got his life together. The fact that he acknowledges the opportunities he was given along the way, and forgives people for the hurt they caused him, and has found happiness with his own family... I'll be rewatching this one. This is my favourite interview for sure.

There are times when you watch an interview like this one… and there is a direct heart to heart connection. This is one of them! Thank you and Gods Blessings.❤️🙏

Bus drivers are the true unsung heroes of rock'n'roll history. What a brilliant man. Everyday people are wonderful.

Came here for the groupie stories and stayed for the love. Jerry, you are an incredibly principled, wise man. The world is a better place because you’re part of it. Thanks for sharing your story with us. ✌️❤️

Excellent interview! I’m willing to bet my fiancée, who plays all over the country (and world) with the band may know him. I used to ride on the bus when we were on tour, now they’ve slowed down since they’ve been playing for decades so they fly. The guys in the industry like him are truly special people. They are family to us!

This was very uplifting. This guy seems so real and transparent. Best wishes to him going forward.

Thank you Jerry for sharing your story in such an authentic and heart felt way. I really admire you for your tears and am sorry for the lack of love you experienced as a kid. Every child deserves to feel love and safety at home.

Thank you for breaking the cycle. Thats the most important thing you could do in this life... much love brother

"There's nothing else in the world that matters but the music and this moment."

This man’s interview touched my heart. The way he talks about his children makes me feel so grateful for my children and to give them a better life than I had, I hope I can talk about parenting the way he does at his age when I am at that stage. He reflects on his life through the trials and troubles so eloquently. I so enjoyed this video.

One of the most important things he did was break the emotional and physical violence of future generations.

I 've ben driving a tour bus for 26 years now. I've met Jerry a few times over the years, and I'll tell you he's a great guy. He's right about the 80's. It was more about just having fun and that was reflected in the music. Now it's just about the money. You give up a lot being on the road for years, but the things we've experienced and the people we've met have been worth it for me and many of the other old guard drivers. Great interview.

If you see this Jerry it was so interesting listening to you talk about your life and your career. I appreciated your honesty and openness in expressing your emotions and how you talked about both the good and bad experiences you have had in your life. You have such a good and kind heart and it's heartwarming to hear how much you love your family. Thank tou for telling your story Jerry 💖.

Jerry you seem like such a kindhearted, sincere guy. I enjoyed this video immensely and wish you and your family the best!

I love this interview. As an avid rock concert-goer myself, Jerry is fascinating. There is nothing like watching live music. What a kind soul Jerry is. I'd love to hear more from him!

What a sweet man. I hope the scars he has from his childhood continue to heal. Awesome person.

"Van Halen was an Awesome Tour!" I love it!!!!! ❤❤❤ R.I.P. Eddie

This interview was amazing. There is nothing more aligned to the human experience than a story of redemption. Jerry has a beautiful spirit.

Jerry was a tour bus driver.

Jerry, you are truly a gentleman with an old soul. The way you carry yourself and take responsibility for your past is truly inspiring. You’ve got charisma…write a book about the lessons you’ve learned and obstacles you’ve overcome. Your family must be very proud.

He seems like such an intelligent and nice man. I love the way he talks about how he loves his children and has found forgiveness for his mother. A good man!

What a beautiful man! He was very lost at some Points in His Life, but he Always was a good Person with poor decisions. And now, look how strong He became, breaking the cycle, taking responsibility. Loved this Interview. Very inspiring.

Gotta be a part 2 with Jerry in the future. More interviews with entertainer Tour bus drivers please. He and many other drivers make the music and entertainment world go round everyday. The true unsung hero’s of the industry.

What an authentic and beautiful soul. I could listen to many more stories. Such a tender hearted man.❤

First time listener, and the whole interview blew me away....great questions and you let Jerry answer...it was perfect. I'm 60...my youth wasnt like Jerry's, but my god...his life descriptions brought tears to my eye's, and smiles along the way....Brother Jerry....thank you for sharing your heart and soul...BIG man hug to you.

Honestly, I did not want this interview to end. I rarely finish a video anymore these days but I enjoyed every minute of this one & could have listened to this guy speak for hours! What a cool dude!

my uncle was a tour bus driver and drove some serious names like Jerry, including every genre from Madonna to the Police. he's got some awesome stories just like Jerry - but i love hearing other peoples' stories because my uncle's is the only one i've heard! thank you!

Jerry is one amazing survivor. The music business has a lot of holes that can swallow you up if you’re foolish enough to jump in. I was a weekend warrior for over thirty years. I would love to read a book about Jerry and his trip through life. I hope he remains successful for the rest of his life.

Jerry, Jerry, Jerry ... Your heartfelt recounting of your childhood experiences and their integration into your working life struck a chord that resonates deep within the human spirit. Your authenticity and raw emotion not only tell a personal story but also invite us to reflect on our own journeys. Your narrative is a powerful reminder that our past, with all its complexities, shapes the unique, intricate weave of our present selves. Thank you, Mark, for the transformative window that 'Soft White Underbelly' is undertaking in revealing the raw, unfiltered realities of the human experience on this planet. Your dedication to showcasing the more, shall I say, delicate aspects of life is both courageous, deeply moving.

Seriously one of the best interviews you’ve done. He seems like a great guy who wears his heart on his sleeve.

One of the best interviews I’ve seen yet. You broke the cycle Jerry and you did so with love in your heart. You now have a sincere understanding of why your Mother abused you. Thank you Jerry for sharing your experience. Blessings to you and your family.

I was born in little Rock in 78, lived in Jacksonville my whole life. Loved hearing your story. Thanks for sharing with us brother

Love this interview. Just a working man, making those ends meet. I know it was tough to make this episode. I have a similiar past. Toxic childhood then Marine Corps, marriage, kids and then trucking. When you don't know how to be home, because you never really had one, I understand constantly wanting to be somewhere else. Thanks for this episode.❤

What a likeable man! Soft spoken and genuine, I enjoyed hearing his story.

What an incredibly genuine & interesting man. If only there were more men like him out there! Thank-you so much for interviewing such a beautiful soul; it was a real pleasure to listen to him open up & hear his life story. Please have him back again? Definitely the best interview you've yet to have. I wish him nothing but the best; it's so rare these days to come across such a diamond. God bless you Jerry ❤

This is one of the best interviews from SWU!

I was blessed to tour a little but managed a local security company doing shows for 30 years, got to meet Jerry a few times over the years, Awesome dude.

As the girlfriend of a retired 80's rock musician, I can concur. God bless you Jerry. Thank you for keeping our acts safe on the open road.

Hey Jerry! A childhood friend of your daughter here. Good memories ❤

His kids are blessed with this kind and grounded human as their father.

What a wonderful interview with a kind, sweet, fantastic soul. It elevates me to know there are such good people out there who will show they are vulnerable and teach us we are all worthy. I'm so glad he found his path and learned to love and that he has love, he deserves it.

Hands down one of my favorite interviews on this channel. A man of great intellect, strength and character, resilience, integrity, honesty….all of the things. A man rich with knowledge from life experiences both good and bad. He’s worked hard physically and emotionally, fought and scratched for everything he’s got, and he has succeeded. He put an end to the cycle. Bravo, sir! I wish you and your family the best of everything.

Jerry, I’m an Arkansas guy, that can relate to your story a lot… I came from an abusive home, and it builds up a lot of anger… Folks would never understand the Arkansas prison farms, unless they saw it first hand, and obviously you did. You grow up awful young, and experience an awful lot, that most would never believe.. you are so right, having children is a high within itself, and that totally changed me… and now grandkids, it’s amazing… my wife and I will celebrate our 44th anniversary in a few months… and all of the bad things I experienced at a very young age, actually made me who I am, and yes, Love is the answer… I’d love to share stories with you.. be safe out there my friend..

What a humble guy. God bless Jerry.

This is one of my very favorite SWU videos. Thanks Mark and Jerry

This guy should be traveling the country telling his story to young people. Jerry is the perfect example of overcoming the odds that life deals you, and recognizing the power in your personal decisions along the way.

As the wife of a long time roadie, the drivers are caring for my most precious person. Thank you for your work and for telling such a vulnerable part of your life.

One of my favourite interviews….. what a wonderful guy and a legend…thank you Jerry and thank you Mark🤟👌

Omg his last answer. What sweet man who’s a little boy wanting to be loved. Great interview

His answer to that last question was the BOMB.

He has access to, and is not afraid to show, his feelings.There's a REAL MAN!

The kindness in this man just radiates out of him. He was a joy to listen to. His children are so lucky to have him as their father.

Jerry, first of all, thank you for your service...secondly, you should be so so proud of where you are now. You genuinely seem like a kind, optimistic soul. You're truly a success story. Congratulations. You made it. I wish you all the luck in the world.

This gives me faith in humanity - the spirit is strong with this one

Best interview to date. So many things I can identify with this man. Breaking the abusive cycle is possible to save the future.

What an absolute humbling and heartwarming story. Thank you so much for sharing Jerry/Mark. I've been an avid SWU subscriber for several years and this is one that really touched my heart.

Jerry is the kind of guy you'd love to spend time with. What a story and what a job !!! Loved hearing his tale.

Great story teller. What an honest, good man. One thing I took from the story is how decent people kept having faith in him, giving him opportunities without dismissing him off the bat. He took them and turned his live around. Good job, Jerry.