San Diego based singer and guitarist Eric Sage has established himself as a topflight musician over the last several decades. It’s been a truly amazing career that’s seen him release a string of acclaimed solo albums of his original music, tour nationwide as a member of Ian Mitchell’s Bay City Rollers and establish several popular tribute shows; Young Guns (country rock) and Eric Sage’s Ultimate Rock Show (classic rock), as well as fronting performances in Bon Jovi and Keith Urban tributes. He’s even done a bit of acting. The early voice of Young Sprout of Green Giant commercial fame? Eric Sage. His most visible role to date? Likely as the music store salesman who famously stops Mike Myers from playing “Stairway to Heaven” in iconic film, Wayne World (1992). It’s been an amazing career. And it all began with tennis.
Sage started as a young tennis pro in Toronto, Canada and is now going full circle with his new television program and YouTube series, Tennis Like A Rockstar. “My music journey is unique,” Sage said good naturedly. “I started playing tennis at the age of five and became a highly ranked junior. After playing tennis at San Diego State University, I then turned pro and traveled the globe where I achieved a world ranking as a touring tennis professional.” A severe caraccident at the age of 23 caused a change of plans. “After 2 years of grueling physical therapy, I was not able to get back to pro level,” Sage said. “This ended 18 years of work and my career as a professional tennis player.” He soon decided to head to Los Angeles and uses his skills to teach tennis.
While in LA I landed roles in hit films like Wayne’s World and did a lot of commercials. I also went on to become the “Tennis Teacher To The Stars”. I coached many celebrities including George Clooney, and Alec Baldwin, as well as famous rock stars, NFL owners, world-ranked juniors, and adults. I also taught physically and mentally disabled children and kids of all ages. However, I always had a dream to be a professional singer, pianist, and composer.” When the experts in their respective fields told him it was too late for him to succeed in music, he decided “This is my life, and no one can tell me what I’m able to accomplish until I am done trying.” Ultimately, I spent the next twelve years teaching tennis eight hours a day while studying music five hours deep into every night. After reaching a professional level as a musician, I have been blessed to be performing ever since.”
What’s the philosophy behind Tennis Like A Rockstar? “It’s the title of my TV show and YouTube series, as well as the name of my new book, but it’s also a concept,” Sage commented. “After the car accident that ended my tennis career, it was a transformational time. While teaching, I developed the 1 Through 10 Tennis System to help my students of all levels. I then wrote a book called, Tennis Like A Rockstar. It’s not only for tennis players but is also a self-help book about going after one’s individual dreams. So, even though I was a tennis pro, now I am a professional singer and musician. I believe humans can achieve great things and master more than just one thing in a lifetime. In my case, sports and the arts. The hope is that the show and the book will inspire and motivate the viewer or reader to reach their own goals. I believe that through discipline and intelligent practice, anyone can achieve their aspirations. If I can help inspire people to their dreams, then the philosophy of Tennis Like A Rockstar is a success.
How much crossover does Sage feel there is between sports and music? “I really believe there is a lot, beginning with the dedication it takes to become a professional at either,” Sage said. “It all starts with discipline, and without that neither is possible. Another area that there are connections, is with the physical aspect of both. We all know that an athlete is very entrenched with the body. However, for me to break through as a singer it was a brilliant opera teacher who was the only instructor that said, “For you to be great, you are going to need to rework and rediscover your entire body alignment.” The reason I was able to develop a three-octave range was that he had me study the Alexander Technique (an intense body alignment discipline), 90- minute sessions of hot yoga (I studied Bikram Yoga), as well as developing a powerful diaphragm through massive running, training, and breathing drills.” Sage notes one benefit of going from sports to music. “People often ask me if I get nervous before big shows or auditions. To be able to avoid this roadblock I can draw from my years of pro tennis. All the years of training to be calm and to stay in the moment paid off. Once you have played big matches in front of large crowds in a pair of shorts, everything else feels easy!” Both sports and music involve pressure, “but that’s when we feel most alive and connected to our dreams! It would be hard to say which is my favorite, but music touches the soul in a unique way.
What does Sage enjoy most about Tennis Like A Rockstar? “I get to do two of my favorite passions: tennis and music. I love teaching and interviewing great athletes and artists. When people tell me that they watched my show and learned a lot about technique, or shot selection, or mental toughness, that is great.” He considers another aspect of the program. “However, when someone says, “You helped me see what it takes to fight through adversity and reach my dreams,” it is the most rewarding part of the show.”
Look for new episodes of Tennis Like A Rock Star soon. “I truly appreciate everyone that takes the time to watch the series, and all of the very kind comments from the viewers,” Sage said. “I feel very blessed for their support!”
