I've told the story here before: 1984.. first time I ever did the exploding guitar, while playing it, trick.. unfortunately loaded WAY too much black powder and BOOM...

Instant second degree burns on both hands.. was right before the last song - just in case something went wrong.. it did..

By solo time in the last song, I started going into shock.. I don't remember much after that except I ran into the dressing room and laid under a table in the fetal position until someone came in to check on me.. they claimed I said, "anyone headed to the ER?" but, I don't remember saying it..

We get to the ER.. I'm in FULL stage gear, makeup, the whole nine yards.. I can't begin to explain how excruciating the pain was, because, by then, it had already been close to an hour.. Nobody did anything for me, no saline, no cold wet towels etc.. there was a bathroom with the toilet in plain site of the front desk, if you left the door open..

I left the door open and was in so much pain, I stuck my hands in the toilet, in full view of the nurses at the desk.. I sat like that on the floor for TWO more hours.. Once I got to see the doctor, he said, "nobody gave you and saline or cold wet towels?"

"No"..

Apparently I was so much of a smartass that the doctor ordered a body bag.. luckily that didn't come, either..

Little did I know at the time, the TRUE excruciating pain would come the next day... twice..

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Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..