I've never told anyone this story before. But now, after 53 years, I think it is time for the truth to come out. So here it is, told the very night of one of the most significant Anniversaries in the history of pop culture.
I was in Liverpool during summer of
'61 just wandering about the many pubs. This shaggy-haired very young guy
stopped me on the street and said "Hey mate, you play the traps?"
"A little" I replied
modestly.
"Name's Paul," he said. "If
you're telling the truth, the other lads and I could use you, as our regular
drummer is sick."
He pulled me into a dank rehearsal
hall, and I sat at the kit while he and the other two "lads" tuned up.
"You know 'Twist and Shout'?" Paul
asked. I hit the snare and the high hat and away we went. I could tell these
guys had real talent--plus all three had the same haircuts.
When we were finished I was covered
in sweat and they were all smiling.
"You passed the audition. Play
with us tonight and if you're that good we'll fire our drummer and put you in
the band."
"Sorry, I have dinner
plans," I said. I realized as I left I'd forgotten to ask the name of
their group.
Fifty years ago tonight, I watched
the Ed Sullivan Show and found out something very unexpected. That's right,
that Liverpool band with the funny haircuts I'd tried out for, passed an audition for, and then blew off? They weren't The Beatles.
I don't know who the hell they were.
Never found out.
Good times, though. Good times.
No comments:
Post a Comment