The start of this JBR goes back a few years but if I don't put it in the ending won't make sense, and to make more sense of it I have played bass guitar for years. No big deal, there are millions of us all over the world who do it. Fortunately for me the Good Lord is still allowing me to gig and get away with it at 73, however He is telling me these days to pick my keys carefully before I do any vocals.
Again I was in the Stadium watching the footy,( no young ladies sitting around this time ) tells you how far back this goes as West Coast were killers. My 'er indoors ' lets me go over to Bali twice a year just to gig because as she explains, her band moll days are done. When she comes on the other two occasions I
I have to pull my head in a bit and I am limited to gigs at the hotel and Bali Collection.
Diagonally to the left over the road from the Stadium there is a restaurant and there was a hell of a party going on, the tables and lounges on the right were full and the place was really kicking on. Had a look at the group and recognised the lead guitar player named Rum. He is the wildest looking man you ever saw but he is so good. How good ? When his time comes and he goes to gig in Heaven Hendrix will have to move over. Yes folks. That good.
Rum sees me, beckons me in, I have a look around and it's all blokes not a sheila in sight, not only that, they are all dancing with each other. This is definately not my scene and I want out. Too late I'm in and I'm up there. Not happy. Do a couple of numbers and Rum throws me a couple of vocal leads. Comes the break and I'm chatting with the
Muso's when this sweet smelling well dressed bloke comes over and puts his arms around me which is not very Balinese. So I am then led away and introduced to every man jack in the joint and at the same time everyone is calling this bloke Sir. Turns out that he is a boss copper on the island who worked with the AFP to put the Bali Bombers away and this particular evening was in the way of a celebration. Bit of a relief for me, I stayed on AND had a bit of a dance with them.
Two weeks ago I'm on the scooter in the back end of Kuta somewhere. If
you don't know it, there is enough room under the seat to carry a helmet, it was really hot so my helmet was under the seat. Turn a corner, every copper and his dog are pulling the traffic over and I am gone, couldn't even get away with it with the old Om Swastiastu and I am getting a right old bollocking from this bloke who is asking for a hundred thousand for no helmet and I am trying to bargain my way down to fifty thousand. Going on and on at me he wants his money. Heard laughter behind me and a copper with all sorts of embellishments
on his chest, hat and shoulders says to me. " You know you should wear your helmet, how much is he asking you for." "A Hundred thousand." says I. " I can help you out here." says he and burst out laughing. " Sing us a song and you can go." I didn't but we had a laugh and a chat finishing up with a nice Om santi santi santi Om.
Are you all sure that you want JBR5 ?