The 27 Club & Me
History, meaning, and personal reflections around rock and roll's most famed club.
Published
As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a drummer.
Early on, when I expressed that sentiment to my dad – who is a carbon copy of Frank Zappa, down to the musical genius and long curly hair – his response was, “I’m not carrying that shit around...plus, the world needs more female bass players.”
He promptly got me a bongo. I gave the instrument a few courtesy whacks and headed towards my bedroom, where I picked up the dulled-red sixties Hagstrom bass guitar that had been waiting there all along and began plucking away at the rusty strings mindlessly, sans-amplifier. Next up, I assumed, would be record deals, fame, and fortune.
The year is now 2024. I have played with bands in various dingy venues from Harlem to Bushwick and am the purveyor of a treasure trove of songs the rest of the world has not been privy to. I also work a 9-5. Fame and fortune not yet found.
To make matters worse, a few months ago, I turned 27.