PORTLAND, Maine — What keeps a band going for decade after decade? What enables band members to brush off the slights and arguments, the friction and envy, the fights over money and schedules and billing, and the hundred other things that cause most musical groups to implode?
Adam Gardner, who lives in the Greater Portland area, has a few thoughts on the subject, and they're worth listening to because he was present at the creation of Guster.
The nucleus of the group—three guys who are still together, still writing songs and performing around the country—was formed 33 years ago when they were freshmen in their first days at Tufts University.
So why has Guster lasted?
"Well, I think first and foremost we like each other," he says of his bandmates. "At this point it's like familial love—we're like brothers."
The ongoing support of Guster’s exceptionally enthusiastic fans is also crucial. Bands that stop selling tickets don’t stick around for long. Guster is lucky that its fans not only keep coming to shows, they also embrace its new music, which keeps the band from turning into a nostalgia act.
"Every time we go to write music we have more to say and more to do, and we like what we’re creating," Gardner said. "We just released a new record in May that we’re very proud of."
One of the highlights of the year for the band comes every August in Portland when it holds its annual Guster On The Ocean festival. Guster will play three shows in Portland on three consecutive nights: Aug. 9, 10, and 11. The first show will be at the State Theatre and the next two at Thompson's Point. Each concert will have a different twist, starting with the Friday show and its theme of Costumes, Karaoke & Covers.
"This whole weekend is about the Guster community coming together," Gardner said with a smile. "It’s almost like a destination wedding. So Friday night is kind of the rehearsal dinner, and Saturday and Sunday are the main events."