It took me quite a few years to figure this out, but pursuing one’s hobbies or dreams outside the workplace is hugely important. It’s important to one’s health and well-being. It’s important to one’s psyche. And, yes, it’s even important to one’s individual "brand."
For me, it’s all about stand-up comedy, climbing and, now, swimming. To Deb Brown, it’s all about ice hockey. To Kelly Walton and Beth Starkin, it’s about singing and acting, respectively. And, to Michael ‘Mickey’ Cowdroy, it’s all about playing bass guitar in a rapidly-rising rock band.
By day, Mickey is a meek, mild member of Peppercom UK’s crackerjack staff. But, by night, he’s riffing along with his two band mates in what seems to be a very hot pop/rock ensemble.
Mickey tells me his group finished in the runner-up spot in a recent, nationwide competition (the winning band landed a gig as the opening act for The Police). Now, they’re about to engage in another countrywide battle of the bands.
The odds are obviously stacked against Mickey’s becoming the next Keith Richards. But, as the New York Lotto TV commercials like to remind us, "…..Hey, you never know."
In the meantime, I applaud Mickey, Deb, Kelly, Beth and the many others like them who want more from life. For me, it’s simply a case of better late then never. And, for Mickey, I say, "Rock on!"
Bravo, Steve — our 24/7 work-obsessed culture is not only creating a red-eyed, bleary and utterly exhausted and creatively drained generation heading for multiple cardiac infarctions, it’s just not a whole lot of fun. I know if I don’t finger a fretboard or two at least every two of three days, I get seriously cranky.
From your mouth to the Lord’s ear, Mr. Cody!
While Mickey plays bass guitar for the Velcros, that doesn’t mean he couldn’t or wouldn’t play lead guitar for another band.
Bill Wyman *played* bass for the Stones before he married that 19-year-old. I believe Steve was making a general reference to another British rock star.
Bill Wyman plays Bass for the Stones.