When I was 16 Ashley Morgan (my teacher at the time) put me onto a group that he had left. As they were gigging quite a bit and about to do a recording and photo-shoot he thought it would be a good experience for me
(Even though they weren’t a great band - one of the reason for Ash’s departure)
All in all it was a good expeience. Except for a few things…
Ash’s best mate Paul was playing sax for this soul group (he looked after me) and we decided that it would be best to say that I was 19 rather than 16 so that they wouldn’t try to mess me around with my fees etc.
It wasn’t difficult for me to get away with this because I’m a tall guy and played to a higher standard than my age would suggest. But there’s a great gap of knowledge between being 16 and being 19. Such as driving, sixth form, university, relationships, leaving home etc.
It wouldn’t have been that bad had the band not always been asking me questions (most likely because I was quiet and kept myself to myself).
Eventually the lies started… and there were a fair few.
The 2 most troublesome lies were:
1) Do you know Ashley? – No (he’s not my teacher and family friend)
As Ash left on less than good terms they weren’t especially kind. But this was quite funny to me as he was in a different league of playing to their band and they were obviously quite bitter about losing him.
2) What are you doing at the moment- er, Music.
Where? – University?
Which one? –Erm?? Nottingham!
Oh really?! My son goes there?? (… shit.)
I was with group for 6 months before Paul and I left - and to this day they never knew anything about me.
It did each me to think on my feet at least.
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I remember that. I can remember who they were as well. It’s better to not suffer fools in this business, life is too short. As far as I know the band you’re talking about went absolutely nowhere fast. When people like that say bad things about you just take it as a compliment. That’s what I do.
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