[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/176331320″ params=”color=ff5500&inverse=false&auto_play=false&show_user=true” width=”100%” height=”20″ iframe=”true” /]
When my son was four I joined a temporary rock band. It was humiliating and terrible and I was middle aged and didn’t know what to do with my arms. I wanted to quit. This is a commentary about why I didn’t quit, and why it’s important to risk failure as an example for our kids.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
I’m still wondering what you did do with your arms & how it turned from a nightmare into a success & if that can be explained I will certainly recommend your performance technique – great little piece highlighting familiar turf! … k
Hi Kristina! I don’t really know how it turned into a success. In large part, I think I just got OVER myself. And what is not fun about being in a one-night-only band with three guys who actually know how to be in a band? Also, Mike gave me an instrument–a little keyboard thing–which I didn’t actually play, but it solved the problem of what to do with my arms. I actually don’t know if I’d have survived without the keyboard. It was hard enough to nod meaningfully at the guitar players while I wasn’t singing.
As the “Mike” referenced in the piece, I want to say (1) I am sorry I unwittingly put you through such torment and (2) you rock for choosing to rock rather than exit stage left. Because you’re right, we did rock.
Moving and spare. Really well written, spoken, and produced.
Erica, this is magnificent. Social courage is the toughest courage. Most people would rather have a root canal than risk looking stupid.
Having been in a kind of experimental band that got booed and yelled at and occasionally physically attacked, I have to say that maintaining that we were cool and the naysayers were idiots was character building. We persevered and developed rabid fans. It’s all about manifesting absolute conviction.
I’m glad you rocked, but I’m not surprised. Henry should be proud.
Erica, I loved your story. It was so crisp and clean and engaging. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Great story. No surprise. All your shows are engaging, intelligent, moving, brave, and entertaining. Let’s get you broadcast on National Public Radio so that a larger audience can have the opportunity to hear your wonderful work. How do we do that? Anyone?
rock on E!
Erika- My first rumble listen. It comes as no surprise to find you walking with courage and conviction, and attending for us all to their enduring, paradoxical marriage with shared fears and hesitations. Thank you.