Westerberg's cool signature guitar...

It's a little shameless, but I can't resist calling attention to the our client First Act's newly announced Paul Westerberg Signature Model PW580 guitar. It got me to thinking... I remember in early September 1982, the Replacements were starting to get some attention in New York and they had a gig in town (maybe their first here, but not really sure). My friend Steve (see below re Flipper) dragged me and some other pals down to Danceteria to see this anarchic, who-knows-what-will-happen band that Christgau was hot on. We arrived early (it was $5, I think, to get in if you got there before 10). The night got later...and later...and later. Back then, the headliners at the NY clubs didn't go on until 2am or later. I had a little tummy ache, whined a bit, and got everyone to leave. Don't judge me too harshly, none of us really knew who they were or had ever heard the Replacements music. I'll regret it always, but it did get to see 'em a few times after that during their Bob Stinson heyday, including my favorite, a night at CBGBs when they played as Gary & the Boners.