February 16th, 2009
I heard of a story from a friend of how the guitarist in his band went crazy;
Mr. R (assumed name), is a man whose income depends on how regular his bands can get a spot in a local nightclub. Probably playing no more that 10 gigs a month, his income probably hits a low of less than RM400.00 monthly.
Few years ago, R got involved in with a foreign women who dumped him for unknown reasons. R went mad. Visited the mental institution regularly. Was reported mad by some close friends.
During practice sessions, his mum would call him to ask him what time he will be back home for supper. Although at a matured age of mid-50’s, he would answer politely that he will be back soon without showing any signs of irritation or disturbance (usually happens if you are in a jamming mode) with a childlike tone.
His brother was known as the ‘Jimi Hendrix’ of Malaysia. Died of drug abuse. I guess that is where he get his mentoring from. He could play nice songs; Sultan of Swings, Have You ever Seen the Rain and some golden oldies.
Recently, his involvement with another foreign women got him into even more trouble. Promising a monthly allowance of RM100.00 for his then girlfriend, R had no idea that he was being actually played by her. She then ran away and left him. That could probably the cause of why he went into serious depression recently.
A few days before Chinese New Year, the band was invited by an agent to play in a local club. Everything went well until suddenly when R accuses the drummer of the band for taking 70% of the income, leaving the remaining 30% for the rest of the band. He argued about it all night, causing tension among the bands members and the management.
A night later, he went alone into the same pub, plugged in his guitar and played. Customers left, the management called the band leader to call if off. “This is not the way to do business. You need your full band to be here to play”.
Disappointed, he went to anther pub, walked in, went onstage and plugged in his guitar to play. Afterwards, harassing customers to pay him cash for performing. He was then kicked out of the pub by some bouncers. A group of men who were furious because of his actions in harassing them beat R up.
Smashed his only guitar.
Today he remains monitored in a psychiatric ward.
Sad isn’t it?
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