Randy P
Funny thing about the music we grew up on. For more than a few years now, when I hear certain older songs I'm reminded of different times in my life. It might be a girl, an old friend or band mate, a city, a concert or a gig. Most of those memories are of the fond variety and some can make me a bit melancholy. Other than a photograph, I can't think of anything else that can evoke a memory like that.
It's really hard to overcome the "past", but it is a part of growing up. Many of us, think that some of these experiences are bigger and better than what you are doing now, or seeing, and thus, it makes the perspective of things get slanted in one direction, and very little "today" can stand up.
Historically, in any of the arts, you know that is not true. There is a "snapshot" and a "photograph" of it and we call it "history" and sometimes we even teach it in school. What you know and can play was learned through/by all this "history" that helped compile it. You are basically saying that you have no ability to add/create to that history, and I think you are incorrect there.
You have, as much ability as anyone else, and seeing things in a different perspective is the difference. When your sights, are "out there" and "elsewhere", it is impossible, EVEN IN TIME, to accept and understand the grand beauty and statement of "NOW" ... in any art.
A photograph, is a FROZEN MOMENT IN TIME, and nothing else. To say that it is more important than any other moment in that person's life, or history, is distorting the whole perspective of that person, or art. Likewise, we are distorting our own abilities and perceptions so that we can not possibly be as good, or better, than what was there before.
I would rather see you in your band, and appreciate the care and playing involved, than try and pay to go see a Roger, or Paul, or Pete. Who the **** are you kidding?