Not Just Music

I watched the Eagles Farewell Tour (I) today with my godbrother. I have not done that since... forever. We used to play in the same band many years ago, he played the drums and lead guitar, Jason the bass, Jim would alternate on drums and the sound console, Bea on the piano, Su Yin on vocals, me on keyboards. We were a close-knitted group, hung out together most of the time, definitely had fun playing together, cared deeply for each other, etc, etc

At one point, I thought my existence depended on the music practices and the tea-drinking sessions that ensued. I hated the actual performance days coz it lacked experimentation and spontaneity. And I hated the fact that there was actually an audience listening and watching every move I made.

I left the band first. Sailed on a ship (amongst other things) and didn't really return till 5 years later. In between, Jim and Bea left too. Inevitably, we are all part of each other's memories. We may have grown apart or even estranged, but there is something in our relationship that just wouldn't die - despite the passage of time, opinions or new faces.

I hadn't asked them yet, but I suspect each of them - in their heart of hearts - harbour this desire to play together again. It was not just the music. It was the bond that was nurtured by hours of insane practices, between sheets of chord charts, fired by the passion to let the music soar. It was the sound of worship.

Yup, we will probably play together again. When the time is right.