My Real Memoir
At 17, I fell in love with a girl. But I also fell in love with three guys. Let me explain…
My first band, the oddly-named Luscious Naipseht, and later accidentally-named Death Ward of the Inheritance, had disintegrated. Meanwhile, Marc and I had begun writing songs and selling them to a wannabe producer. The truth was, we were more excited about songwriting than playing in cover bands. We knew who we were.
We just didn’t know we knew.
That spring we’d stayed up to hear the midnight radio premiere of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and couldn’t stop talking about it. This was what excited us, being like no one else, being groundbreakers, originals, being “the next Beatles!” But despite our aspirations, “forming a band” still meant playing school dances and doing Top 40 covers of other people’s songs.
We found a drummer, Joey, who was amazing. Other drummers went, “Bang, bang, bang.” But Joey could go, “ska-dinka-dunka-clank-clank-ba-dink-dunk-shiiiik!” He was that good!
And we had a friend, Tina, who was not only a great kisser, but could sing “White Rabbit” just like Grace Slick of the Jefferson Airplane! Then we found an organist who could play “Light My Fire” all the way through—and play bass with his left hand—without one mistake! So we formed a psychedelic band with a cool mystical name, The Diamond Mind. Things went great!
Until we had our first rehearsal.
It turned out our organist could only play “Light My Fire” to the beat of “a different drummer,” i.e. the one in his head. Great metaphor. But not so great for a band with an actual drummer who kept actual time. So the organist was out. And shortly thereafter, Tina-the-great-kisser-who-could-sing-like-Grace-Slick bailed.
So, we had no lead singer, no keyboardist, and still no bass player. Marc and I knew one, Jeph, who was an incredible musician–too incredible. Even though, at 15, he was a virtual baby, Jeph had actually played a one-nighter with the godfather of soul himself, James Brown, so he would never agree to play with us mere mortals. Right?
Amazingly, Jeph agreed to sit in with us—just until something better came along. So for the moment at least, we had a bass player, a drummer, two guitarists, and it turned out we all sang. Still, we had no sense of direction, no style. Three rehearsals in, we were about to call it quits, when I said, “Um, Marc and I wrote this song…” Just for fun, before leaving forever, we worked up an arrangement and added harmonies. It sounded amazing. And then Jeph said, “Well, I write songs too, but I’ve never played them with a group.” His song “Charlie’s Turn to Sing” became our anthem and a fan favorite.
That was when we discovered who we really were, and when we began to fall in love with us. I’m an only child, but that year I acquired three forever brothers, and to this day, when we Zoom or arrange a rare reunion, we repeatedly use the word “love.” By the start of that school year, I was so in love with my band and my three new brothers that, after raving to my pen pal Judy about them, I failed to mention that…
I’d also fallen in love with a girl.
P.S. Marc has no recollection of ever going by the nickname “Horney.”
My Real Memoir is a series. To read the next one, click here.
Cool memories, Mitch. Your penmanship is cool, too.
Not anymore, I’m afraid. ;>)
From the orchestras I played drums in at 9 and the band I played guitar in at 18, I think I get it. Guitar now, at 78, remains a difficult challenge with that aged finger joint stuff. But, at least I got to 78 with the glass half full.
Rock on, Bob!
as of age 7 o age 43
I love the band stories, when something clicks you know it! I still have the letters my now husband sent me in college…silly stuff but I can’t throw them out! Plus back then we had to write…no email let alone cell phones! I enjoy the memories 😀
Glad you enjoyed it, Martha, and that you snagged a rock star of your own!
I enjoyed this memoir of yours, Mitch. I bet all the girls were ga-ga over you guys. I love the poster!!
“Ga-ga?” Well, they didn’t exactly throw their undergarments, but we had our fans. ;>)
(Thank goodness! Lol.)
Before my hand tremor, I was in a band too and also wanted to be like The Beatles. I think everybody did. LOL! Fascinating post Mitch! I love this stuff… Made to order :0)
Yep, we both got the rock gene, it seems.
I made a CD with 16 original songs. Someday soon I’m gonna post the title song here: ‘My Tofu’
Cool!
Sounds like you guys were really creative. Love the name “Diamond Mind.” 🙂
Yeah, I was kinda proud of it. But, oh well.
Guys in bands are like war buddies afterward…there is a bond there that never leaves. I enjoyed that Mitch.
Exactly! Thanks, Max.
There were a lot of great local bands that formed after the British invasion. It not surprising someone with theatrical and musical interests like you joined in the frenzy. Your frog in the letter should be named “Stretch.”
;>)
It sounds like you, Mitch, and your friends discovered your true identities and your originality in the band. Well done!
Thank you, Hazel.
You’re welcome, Mitch!
Amusing and amazing 🤩
Amazing how your path and mine are about the same. Band formed in 64, various musicians then it geled in 67 and ended in 69. Girl singer like Slick..yep, organist was great but left to live in a commune in CA. Record deal…yep..fell through. I still keep up with 2 of my old band. 3 of us is all that is left.
Parallel paths indeed, Phil.
Pingback: Master of My Fate? | Mitch Teemley
Pingback: My First “I Love You” | Mitch Teemley
Pingback: My Rock ‘n’ Roll Rage | Mitch Teemley
Pingback: Going All the Way | Mitch Teemley