Last evening I had an unusual opportunity. My friend Steve, who plays bass in our church praise band, told me about a local classic rock cover band that was looking for a rhythm section. He made a phone call, got a set list, and we found ourselves driving to an audition last night.
It was a great time playing some great old tunes from bands like REO Speedwagon, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bad Company, and others. Dave is a great guitarist and the three of us were really jamming. I especially enjoyed being able to bang away on an acoustic drum kit, which is so much more fun than the little electronic kit we have at church (though that fits well in that environment). Wailing away at real cymbals was a treat.
At age almost-43, it’s nice to know that I can still play and hold my own with a group of good musicians. I have to admit that I was harboring fantasies of being the "Rock and Roll Pastor."
In the end, though, the band thing would prove to be too tough logistically. On the way home, we talked about it and Steve and I decided that coming home from a gig in Salt Lake that ends at 1:00AM on a Sunday morning would not be conducive to good preaching in the church that pays me a regular salary and expects a relatively coherent message. Even at a couple of times a month it’s just too much. If I were 20 again and had the time, well, maybe…
So, those rock star fantasies will have to go back on the shelf again. That’s fine…but it’s still fun to sit down behind a kit and rock out with some good players every once in awhile. I hope I can find that kind of outlet at some point that doesn’t wreck my schedule.
