I want to reach back to that San Francisco rowhouse, talk to that long-haired kid whose only goal was to get a real Les Paul and open for the Airplane or Moby Grape.
I want to tell him to pay attention, to enjoy the small moments as much as the large ones.
The summer tour with stadium shows and an honest-to-God tour bus, yes, but also the rotating bandmates, the county fairs and racetracks and house parties.
Look at that Les Paul now, every scratch and nick, years and years.
Marriage, divorce, children, grandchildren.
All of it here, then gone.
I liked “every scratch and nick, years and years.”
Thanks! Lots of rumination on aging lately
That’s life, there will be a few ‘almost made it’ musicians out there that will relate to this.
Great story – really resonated!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Dear Josh,
I’m married to a man who plays his 38 year old Washburn, the other woman. I get the connection, every nick and scratch. ;)
Shalom,
Rochelle
A Les Paul, no less… the stories it could tell…
Terrific. There must be many a musician entertaining similar reflections.
I still play the guitar I had as a teen. It could tell a tale or two! It’s looking a bit worn now, a bit like its owner.
Here’s mine!
Seize the day! The surface of the Les Paul may be worn, but I’ll bet the sound is still amazing :)
I’d say, keep playing as long as life’s playing!
I like the idea of the Les Paul becoming almost a record of his life, a log of all the events, the great constant, well done
Excellent, Josh. The device of having your MC speak to his younger self works well, and is neatly done. The description of his life is clear and lively, and I like the way you use the totemic Les Paul as a metaphor for his life.
If music be the food for love, play on…
https://natashamusing.com/2020/05/a-star-is-born-fridayfictioneers-fridayfotofiction/