So for those of our readers who actually pay attention to such things, you may have noticed I upgraded my little profile that appears at the bottom of this article. The new picture was taken this weekend at my band's very first gig — a Halloween party.

That's right, the Rockologist now has his own band. And for the record no, we are not a goth-metal band. The black cape and long hair are because I came dressed as V from the movie V For Vendetta (it's a Halloween party, right?). But I had to ditch the mask because I couldn't breathe wearing it. Eventually I also ditched the wig when the hair kept getting in my eyes, and I remembered just why I cut my own long hair all those years ago.

Anyway, the secret is out. Like most music writers, your Rockologist is essentially a frustrated rock star who moonlights in his own band. I first got bit by the rock star bug when I was about thirteen, and I formed a band with some of my buddies from the neighborhood. I played the drums back then. But when my bandmates found a better drummer than me (because in truth, I did basically suck at the drums), I was soon promoted to lead singer.

I always was kind of the loudmouth of the group, and they probably figured I was the only guy with the cajones to go out there and make an ass out of myself by pretending to be Mick Jagger and fronting the band. Of course, they were absolutely right.

We called ourselves Furnace and were together for about two years. We played things like the community summer street festival, talent shows, and dances at the local YMCA. Basically, we played for just about anyone who would put up with the racket we made. The most I think we were ever paid was about $25. split five ways. Hell, the truth is we loved playing so much we probably would have paid them.

So remember that drummer who was so much better than me? Huey was also my best friend back then, and in truth probably one of the best friends I've ever had. But after the band broke up, we eventually drifted apart for about 35 years for the reasons childhood friends often do. With me it was to pursue a career in the music business, and with Huey it was the usual marriage and kids deal.

Anyway, imagine my surprise when this past summer, Huey calls me out of the blue. The circumstances weren't the best — he was calling to invite me to attend a memorial service for his Mom (who always liked me a lot). But it was still great to hear from him. It was the first time we had talked in something like fifteen years.