When I first heard about Les Paul dying I was not very upset, I knew he was old and I knew was not in the best of health. As I drove home with my three year old son in the backseat rocking out to Pearl Jam, I was thinking about the mark on music and the innovations the Les Paul made. I know he was not a fan of modern rock or even “Classic Rock” but if it hadn’t been for him a lot of bands would have never been. It really made me think about how under appreciated I viewed him until I saw him play live in a little club in NYC. It makes me wonder where if anywhere in my life am I doing that again.
The man not only designed and built his first guitar but wound his own pick ups. Sure there are people out there that can do that, but they don’t seem to be as good of a player as Les was! I wonder if it is just the result of being from his generation and growing up without things we now take for granted.
Perhaps I will never know but I just hope that I can leave a mark on my children’s’ life that makes them reflect in such a manner. Where they perhaps question their respective lives to make sure they are not repeating past mistakes. Maybe check in with themselves and see if they feel they are attaining the fullest out of life.
I was never one for taking advice from anyone, I always effed up and learn from my mistakes, but that night he said something that made me re-examine my goals in life, thus changing my life entirely.
I stopped using drugs all together (except smoking cigarettes)! I slowed my drinking down to the point where I have a beer about once a month and I really started to play guitar. That guitar gave me the opportunity to achieve some of the proudest moments of my life (besides the births of my two sons). The people I achieved those moments will always stay close to my heart, however little we may talk now.
I guess my point is, is that I hope to have that impact on someone I come in contact with at least once in my life and I hope that I can give that same gift to my kids.
And to all the friends, I now consider my family, that I’ve played with over the years I just want to say thank you for helping me become who I am today and know that I love you all.
