Which, in my case, was a blur of introverted shyness, social ineptitude, and lost opportunities. Despite the current times we live in, I miss the much slower pace of life devoid of the mentality we see after 10PM these days. You thought kids had it tough when you were growing up? Consider the fast-paced lives of people today, the hardcore partiers.... I think my life would be vastly different had I discovered Dokken, Warrant, Poison, Whitesnake, etc. when they released their CDs.
You'll be happy to know I pose no threat as a shredder to more accomplished guitarists. In the 80's I was focusing on classic rock of the 70s and perhaps some SRV. Had not heard of New Wave, but dug songs like My Sharona, Hip to Be Square, Cult of Personality, Words, Fire & Ice, the classic songs that were popular on AOR.
My parents were still reeling during these years, and the only thing they requested from me was to keep a clean kitchen if I'd made a mess. In time, I gradually broke out of the mold of classic rock and discovered blues and jazz. My technique was far too sloppy for metal or shred. Besides, my thought was to play so as to allow the listener to digest what was played, not subject them to an onslaught of speed metal. TBH, it's not clear to me when people play too quickly.
These days, my partying is far more subdued and conservative. Growing older has put a kibosh on lifting loud and heavy amps, drinking until bar close, and staying out late. Like some, I value my life and really can't expect to keep up with a much younger crowd.
Shredders, metalheads and headbangers, you'll find me sitting quietly at home, sipping a beer and cuppa tea, cleaning up the kitchen and doing some stretching exercises before bed. Best wishes.
