Rock and Roll Wannabe

Rock and Roll Wannabe

From the tender age of 15 I have wanted to be a rock and roll superstar. Some people have actually told me I have talent. I'm not sure if they were honest with me but I accepted their opinion anyway.

It all started 39 years ago when my cousin gave me an old acoustic guitar with one string left on it. I thought that it was the best instrument in the world. My uncle laughed at me one day and I didn't get it because I was enchanted with the fact I could pluck one note. So I went around plucking note after note thinking I was a musician. OK now you're saying, "You have got to be kidding me".

Well don't laugh; I went on to champion the best band anyone ever heard. At least I thought so. I started taking lessons from a guitar player only two years older than me named Mike. Although very close in age we were much distanced in ability and talent. Mike could play, I mean he could play and he was only 17 years old at the time. Mike could read music and he had about 20 students paying him to teach them what he knew, including me.

I took lessons from Mike for about three months. We became close friends and he refused to take my money. He also counseled me to learn the bass guitar. His thinking was that I would be able to join a band much faster playing bass than playing guitar. He was exactly right. I joined a band immediately.

Of course I had to borrow equipment, but I didn't care. I was going to be a Rock and Roll Superstar. I was 17 by that time and I had it all. After the first band (I won't tell you the name lest you laugh at me) I joined my former teacher in his band. I don't even remember the name of that band but we played Allman Brothers, Edgar Winters, Southern Rock, you name it seventies rock. I was living my dream.

At 18 my folks moved out of state and I stayed behind to live with my aunt and uncle. One day I borrowed their car to pick up a bass amp. The Ampeg V4B was as big as a refrigerator. They had a small Dodge station wagon. I loaded that thing up in the back of the car, proud that I had saved all my hard earned money to buy that thing. The first time I took off the cabinet rolled back and went right through the back window. After I paid my aunt and uncle back that amp was pretty expensive indeed.

Anyway I had been in many bands when I was young. I played in bars, played original music. I played schools and I played military bases. After a few years at about age 23 all of a sudden the thrill was gone and I gave it up. I sold all my equipment and never looked back. Until about ten years ago. I got involved in church and played about 8 years there. Those were some of the most rewarding times of my rock and roll career. I mean playing for the best audience of all, the audience of One.

I am still a Rock and Roll Superstar Wannabe but now my time has past. At least I can dream. Till next time! Take good care.