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- John Hardin, a 59-year-old resident of Florida, began his drumming journey at the age of 14.
- His mother supported this passion as it kept him engaged and out of trouble during his teenage years.
- He takes pride in seeing his sons follow their interests rather than getting into mischief.
This narrative is based on an interview with John Hardin and has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
From Baseball to Drumming: A Life-Changing Moment
As a young boy, I was often seen as a baseball prodigy; my life revolved around the sport. However, everything changed when I was 11 years old. One afternoon while watching “The Brady Bunch,” I was tossing a baseball when my brother entered with an album in hand. Curious about its contents, he dropped it into my lap—it was a Kiss album.
This moment marked the end of my baseball obsession. The hard rock music captivated me like nothing else had before; from that day forward, music became my primary focus and passion.
A Clash of Aspirations: My Mother’s Wishes vs. My Dreams
My mother struggled to comprehend this sudden shift in her son’s interests. As a traditional Southern woman with little knowledge about music culture, she found it difficult to accept that her son wanted to pursue rock stardom instead of following her hopes for him to join the military.
I vividly recall turning 13 when she expressed pride in having a son who could serve his country. I firmly told her that joining the armed forces wasn’t on my agenda; instead, I aspired to be a rock star—a dream she couldn’t fully grasp but chose not to hinder.
Initially, she gifted me with a toy drum set which quickly fell apart after just one month due to heavy use. Next came a junior drum set that I tried hard not to damage too much over time. Eventually, using parts from friends’ discarded instruments allowed me to assemble my own makeshift kit—imperfect but functional enough for practice.
The most memorable gift came on my 14th birthday when Mom surprised me with an actual professional drum set—a gesture that brought tears of joy as it represented everything I’d ever wanted in life.
Drumming: My Constant Companion
My days were consumed by drumming; aside from basic necessities like eating and sleeping or attending school, all I did was play drums relentlessly at home—so loud that neighbors could hear me miles away! Self-taught through sheer determination and countless hours spent practicing alone made every beat feel rewarding.
A turning point arrived when Mom started dating someone involved in semi-professional music circles who needed reliable musicians for their band since they struggled finding drummers who stayed out of trouble or off drugs. He asked if I’d learn some classic rock songs so we could perform together—and thus began my first experience earning money through drumming!
I received $35 for playing just one afternoon gig—a thrilling introduction into what would become many paid performances over four years across various bands both big and small!
Music as My Guiding Light
I managed never falling prey either drugs or crime because all-consuming goal remained clear: becoming an accomplished drummer! Even during bar gigs where underage drinking might tempt others around me—I simply didn’t care about alcohol—I only cared about perfecting each performance!
A Mother’s Assurance Through Music
A friend once visited our home while Mom sipped coffee nearby listening intently as I practiced drums incessantly.
“Doesn’t this drive you crazy?” asked her friend.
Mom replied confidently: “As long as John plays those drums loudly enough for everyone else outside can hear him—I know exactly where he is.”
