Don't Quit Your Day Job: Politicians
Courting His Bass
During his prep-school days, the future presidential candidate played bass in garage-rock outfit the Electras, eventually releasing a self-titled album, in 1961. More recently, Kerry busted out his ax on the 2004 campaign trail.
What was your most memorable gig, Senator?
We played a few high-school mixers and a couple of local clubs in New Hampshire. But we didn’t make it out of the garage too many times.
Who would you most like to jam with?
John Lennon. He was a genius. Then again, I can’t complain. Rarely has someone of such little talent had the chance to play with such great artists. Probably the most fun I had playing has been with James Taylor and Bruce Springsteen: Bruce and I played together when he joined me on the campaign trail in 2004.
Have you ever trashed a hotel room?
I read a great biography of Johnny Cash this summer. The book told these stories of Cash and Luther Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis on tour in the ’50s and early ’60s painting their hotel rooms, putting the furniture in the hallways — these elaborate pranks they’d play on each other. Sorry to report we didn’t approach that level on the road in 2004.
Would you ever give up your day job for music?
There’s a reason they have that saying “Don’t quit your day job” — it was intended for weekend warriors like me. As I grow old, if I can set aside even a few minutes here and there to pick up my guitar and play I’ll be more than content.
