And 40 years later, with a wardrobe loaded with shirts that not only button up but must have pockets to hold reading glasses, here I am, and we are; State of Mind, still having the time of our lives. Forty years later, and still with some of the best guys in the world, and with a life time of memories and adventures to share with anyone we can get to listen.

So, that was it…that one day …not the day the music died but rather the day it began; at least in the lives of five guys, and in the lives of those they have touched in some special way. Good Lord willing perhaps we will “tour” for another forty; ok, maybe twenty.

                   


                    After the final chord has sounded from my old guitar...                                                                                                                        

“Bill…”

“Huh? Whoa…Where am I?”

“You’re in Heaven, Bill”

“Heaven? …Really?...No way!”

“Way”, she replied, making eye contact for the first time.

“Say, don’t I know you from somewhere?”

“You might…as here in Heaven we are all Brothers and Sisters in the eyes of the Lord.”

“Hmmm”…I muttered, pausing to look around.

“Wow! I can’t believe this…Pearly gates….and gold everywhere…just like they said…and… Hey! Wait! Where’s that guy going with that guitar? That’s a Fender! A Solid Gold Fender Strat! …I can’t believe it.”

“Well, Bill…not only are you in heaven, but you’re in Rock and Roll Heaven, and that guy is headed off to rehearsal.”

“Rehearsal? Are you kidding me? You mean you still have to practice in heaven? I thought up here everyone could play like Jimi Hendrix or Eddie Van Halen…and with their eyes closed and their guitars behind their backs.”…That’s a bummer, still having to practice in heaven…I guess you probably still have to take showers, too”, to which there was no reply.

“Well, anyway…have you ever heard of State of Mind?” I asked.

“I believe I have, but I don’t think they will start touring for a while.
“And to be perfectly honest, we’re still not sure that one or two of your guys might not end up appearing regularly with the other band.”

“What other band”, I asked.

“You know…Old Nick and the Lost Souls.” she stated quietly.

“Never heard of ‘em”, figuring they must really suck.

I guess in the grand scheme of things it really didn’t matter when the band started touring, I was just trying to figure out what I would be doing in the mean time.

“So, the guy with the gold Fender…he’s going to rehearsal, huh? Can I watch?”

“Well Bill, you can’t really watch…because we are going to put you right in the band.”

“No way! Right in the band? This is Rock and Roll heaven and I’m going right in the band!”

“Yes Bill! And, until the rest of the guys get here and you are all ready to tour I have an eighteen carat instrument right here for you.” Smiling, she reached down and pulled something from beneath her flowing white robe and placed it in my hand.

I glanced down only to find a pair of golden woodblocks cradled between my palms. I looked up and shook my head in disbelief.

She walked off chuckling… and I to look for my Mom.



Thanks for taking the time to share this adventure!
Warm Regards…..Bill