I just watched this Cameron Crowe film for the second time (the first time in eight years).
I love it more than ever.
It feels similar to my story.
Like the protagonist, I was raised by a college professor parent. In my case, it was my father.
I was given good values and taught to love intellectual pursuits.
Like the protagonist, I fell in love with pop music and pop culture.
Like the protagonist, I’ve always been uncool.
Like the protagonist, I used journalism to get to the center of what was happening, hoping to rub on the cool people and by writing them up, become cool myself. Or if that didn’t work out, I could always use the power of the pen to cut the cool people down to size and make them feel as miserable as I did.
Like the protagonist, I had intellectual parents who were not thrilled by my fascination with pop culture, but they gave me room to go my own way. My parents always trusted me and I never let them down. I’ve always made good choices with friends. I never did drugs or anything illegal. As a seven year old kid, my parents allowed me to wander around the bush all day. At age eleven, I was running marathons and training 60 miles a week. My parents did not approve of these exertions, but they did not stop me.
In high school, I befriended the Sports Editor of the Sacramento Bee, Joe Hamelin, and he played a role in my life similar to the Lester Bangs character in this movie.
At age 19, I was covering the NFL (for KAHI/KHYL radio). I interviewed Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Tom Landry, Randy White, etc. I got up close and personal with the folks who made me scream as a sports fan.
In 1996, I started reporting on the porn industry. Once again, I got up close and personal with the folks who had made me scream as a fan.
"Love your work, baby."
I met the Editor of Hustler Erotic Video Guide, Mike —–, who became something of a Lester Bangs mentor for me. I penetrated to a core of popular culture and reported amazing stories.
Like the protagonist, I too became almost famous.
