Sunday, October 26, 2008
In my ultra-fun, rock 'n roll life, I get a lot of photos of myself shoved in front of my face to autograph.
Though I genuinely appreciate the gesture, the whole celebrity thing still leaves me somewhat confused.
Sure, I was gaga when I finally met the Rolling Stones, Bo Diddly, Chuck Berry and other music legends. But what I wanted was to dig into their heads and catch a glimpse of their fiery, creative souls.
If an autograph accomplishes that for some people, more power to them, but it is not for me.
Part of the intrigue of signing autographs is seeing just what photograph or recording a fan wants me to sign.
Recently I signed a flyer for a concert my Amboy Dukes band performed at a teen club called the Bat Cave just outside of Chicago in 1965.
Bob Leahnert was lead singer that first year. Gary Hicks was on rhythm guitar, Dick Treat on bass, Gale Uptadale on drums. A Beatle-haired young Ted was playing lead Epiphone Casino guitar.
As the photo attests, we were some snazzy combo: collarless silver sport jackets over black turtleneck dickies, tight black pants and high-heeled Beatle boots. It all made us out to be some pretty bad hombres back in those experimental, formative years.
One recent day looking in the mirror, after a few weeks of concerts and nonstop autographing, I paused post-toothpaste spit and gazed at my face.
It appears that I am old — indeed, looking much like the 60-year-old I am.
All that BBQ and butter seems to have increased the overall, shall we say, depth of my face and neck. And yes, those are bag-like features resting beneath my eyeballs.
Though my hair is still the same color, my sideburns and facial hair are genuine old-man silver.
Now, I'm not complaining by any stretch of the imagination, and I certainly have not entered into an era of vanity or worry about my looks. In all honest review, none of that really matters one wit. In fact, it's rather graphic cause for celebrating.
I would bet that Jerry Garcia, Kurt Cobain, John Candy and John Belushi, Chris Farley, Keith Moon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, James Dean and Bon Scott would like to be growing old and spending quality time with family and friends.
Tragically, they and so many others made suicidal choices that brought their amazing lives to early ends.
The medical profession concludes that more than 70 percent of all deaths in America are preventable by making intelligent lifestyle choices regarding tobacco, alcohol, drugs, criminal activity, exposure to known poisons and chemicals, eating and drinking quality nourishment, and exercising regularly.
When I think of this, my face in the mirror, even with its crags and sags, looks more handsome by the moment.
I'm going to take more hard looks in my mirror so I can honestly monitor this exciting elderly adventure, if for no other reason than to remind myself to take good care of myself so it lasts a long, long time.
I respect my elders, especially this one.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host.
