My Friend Darin and I learned how to play our instruments together. First Darin brought home a snare drum, then later a full drum kit. A few months later,I received a Harmony electric guitar and a small Sears Silvertone amp. Together we "played instruments" as we called it. It was like a game really. Over time, we began to play live music with my Aunt and Uncles Country and Western band on their breaks, and then eventually, we began playing our own shows with Steve Suits and Curt Heathcoat.
In late 1975, Darin was asked to play in another band. They were older and a few of them when to Bradley University. They were in another league musically and frankly, I was not good enough to compete. So, with my tail between my legs, I began to look for other guys to play with.
I met Eric Hill and Art Stafford in February of 1976 on a band trip to Florida. We were room mates and decided that we would start our own band. We practiced at my parents house and would meet before and after practice in my Orange Room to listen to records and make plans. In the fall, we knew we wanted to perform at the Limestone Variety Show. My band had won in 1974 but we didn't participate in 1975 which I regretted. I think that was the year we rebelled against such antics. Stupid!! I realized that I did NOT want to miss out again even though we did play TONS of after school parties and school dances in 1975.
But in 1976, it was a different group! Eric, Art and myself hadn't found a fourth member yet, so I asked Brenda Platt from School to play piano with us and sing harmony. I'm glad she said yes because she was very talented. The week of auditions found me in the hospital and I was worried we would miss our opportunity to play but Mr Wassell made sure we got on the show without even trying out!!! Guess he figured we would add some entertainment value to the show.
My grandmother had made me a silk coat with tails that year and it was my pride and joy. Bright Lime green with a pink lining. My mom found green and pink suede stacks that matched perfectly. With my 1967 Rickenbacker guitar and Mashall amplifier, I really looked great!!!! WE sounded great too.....playing Take It Easy by the Eagles and Baby Blue by Badfinger. The second night we were asked to play an extra song and we closed with I Saw Her Standing There by the Beatles. The feeling was similar to what I experienced a couple years before on that stage. All your friends and classmates watching, singing, dancing and clapping to your band. The feeling was overwhelming. Even Darin was watching from the Jazz band pit!!!
After all the high fives and hugs we all went outside to participate in the Homecoming bonfire! It was a bitter sweet experience because my girlfriend at the time was working and was supposed to come to the show and then meet me at the bonfire. She never made it. My heart was broken. Little did I know that the real heartbreak was to come less than a year later.
I turned out the light in the Orange room and waited for tomorrow.
My Silk jacket with eye shadow
Our set list from 1976
What was the real heartbreak a year later?