My 4001s Strap, and a Story of Drunken Nudity and Friendship

[ch willie]

On my 20th birthday in 1982, my bandmates bought me that leather strap, and it's seen hundreds of gigs; it was a sweet gift because my job at the record store barely covered my car payment and rent. The lead guitarist also opened up his father's well-stocked liquor cabinet. I chose a 5th of JB Scotch. 3 hours later, I was naked on West End Ave. in Nashville. The city has recovered better from the tornados than they have from my birthday dance. At some point I dressed, and we went to our hangout, the Bennigans on White Bridge Rd. The manager greeted us, and I said, "Today's my 21st birthday." He said, "You've been drinking here for two years." I laughed. On my 21st birthday, I went in with a few friends and told the manager that I'd lied the year before but that I was in fact 21 today. I showed him my ID. "Fucker," he said, but he didn't care. During that year 82-83, we played some very good gigs and were building our name and attracting a core audience. We had some connections and were ready to rock. However, I got sick, and that was that. That band was fun, and I'm still close friends with my talented co-singer Stacey and the lead guitarist Terry.

[pjmuck]

Ha! Great story. I love when gear has a special significance or meaning to it. Don't ever get rid of that strap.

[ch willie]

Ha! Great story. I love when gear has a special significance or meaning to it. Don't ever get rid of that strap.

Ha ha. I'd probably get rid of a couple of guitars before I'd let that strap go. So many memories.

[Matt R.]

Now that’s rock & roll.

[tim]

Great story!

I compulsively match a unique strap to each bass I own, but none of them carry any kind of memories.

Anyway, here's the latest, a Couch made from upholstery from a 1979 Mustang:

[ch willie]

Great story!

I compulsively match a unique strap to each bass I own, but none of them carry any kind of memories.

Anyway, here's the latest, a Couch made from upholstery from a 1979 Mustang:

1. Dog
2. Bass
3. Strap

I want all three.

[tim]

It's funny. I've never had a dog before and didn't know I was a dog person. But now my day revolves around getting her the exercise and stimulation she needs. And she's mostly beagle, so she spends the rest of the day just loafing around providing passive company.

And the rain just let up here, so we're off to the park!