Bill Mallonee of Vigilantes of Love, one of my favourite alt-country bands, is yet again selling his instruments to make ends meet.

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1625216...

He's been touring and making records since the early nineties, and the current economic climate seems to be hitting grassroots artists like him more than most. Have other Word readers come across any other full-time musicians in a similar position? Is the gap between rich and poor widening further in the music industry as well?

Here's one of Vigilantes of Love's finest moments - "resplendent" - a gorgeous dustbowl duet with Emmylou Harris.

First-time poster here. Go easy!