As I toured across Canada and the USA with Ernie Smith, on many occasions at the end of each gig, I was instructed to return to the hotel. I found this very upsetting, because they were usually on their way to some after-party event. I couldn’t help feeling left out.
I was often reminded that I was only an apprentice. And had to pay my dues. I took advantage of their absence to take Ernie’s guitar to my room and teach myself to play.
This went on for some time; I endured the pain and burning in my fingers as I attempted to develop my skills as a guitar player. I practiced in secret to avoid ridicule from the other band members. No one knew of my desire to become a big time, front-line guitarist.
As time went buy my secret became exposed to two members of the band, who were very instrumental in helping me developed.
On this occasion we were in Quebec City Canada, as the band was instructed to start Ernie was nowhere in sight, we were faced with a dilemma to perform without Ernie.
All eyes were now on me as I strapped on his guitar. The bass player then called some cords to a song he was going to sing. The house was filed with reggae and rasta lovers who started to scream as we played. About half way through the song I saw Ernie in the audience looking at us in amazement. As the song ended Ernie rushed to the stage and took his guitar. He wanted to know when, where, and how I had learned to play the instrument so well.
My title as apprentice was about to quickly vanish!
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